Am I the only one who finds herself binge-watching YouTube videos of my favorite celebrities’ “what’s in my bag”? Do you know exactly what is in your makeup bag or the usual makeup bag must-haves? Your makeup bag needs to be big enough to fit in most of your day-to-day things without a hustle while still containing all the essentials you need.

How often do you clean it out? I found it quite easy to stuff in makeup that I did not necessarily need, and had you asked me before what was in the bottom of my bag I would cringe (someone please send the Clean House Team over).

The beauty industry is bursting with new products every single day which makes it overwhelming when it comes to deciding what it is that should be kept and what should be tossed out. A good makeup bag should enable you to comfortably transition from a daytime look to an evening look. It should always have your back on every occasion. These 7 must-haves for your makeup bag are the basics you would not want to be caught dead without.

7 Makeup Bag Must-haves

1. Moisturizer and makeup remover

There’s nothing as sad as trying to get that glammed look over dry skin. It feels like trying to paint over a cracked floor. A good moisturizer should lock in moisture and not feel greasy or too heavy which will, in turn, lead to breakouts. Look for “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” moisturizers as these do not clog your pores. It is also a plus if it contains SPF in it as this will ensure your skin is protected throughout.

It is time to give your skin time to breathe after looking glam all day. Nothing beats the feeling of getting home super tired and having your handy makeup remover near you for those days that you do not feel like hopping in the shower. A good makeup remover should be packed with minerals and vitamins and help with color correction. They come in different sizes so pick the one that suits your makeup bag best.

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2. Foundation and concealer

Foundation serves as good coverage and picking the perfect one out is crucial, and an important part of your makeup bag must-haves. You need to consider the type of coverage you want whether it is full, medium, or sheer/natural. You also need to consider your skin type and undertones. If you are new to foundations I would suggest running to your nearest MAC, Sephora, or department store and having a makeup artist help you pick one out. You can also use online foundation-finding tools such as Foundation Matrix, Foundation, or Sephora’s Color IQ.

Concealers also come in a variety of shades and the general rule of thumb is to go one shade lighter than your skin. Liquid concealers are great for dry skin while creamy and stick work wonders on oily to normal skin when it comes to minimizing darker areas. Green color-correcting concealers work best when masking red spots while yellow hides bruises well. If you have a browner complexion use orange or peach-colored concealer.

3. Mascara

Mascara has its own natural way of pulling your eye look together. It is the key to opening your eyes and is the one thing I would never leave the house without. That’s why it’s part of my makeup bag must-haves. They come in different formulas which thicken, curl and lengthen your lashes. Black is fine for most of us but if you have light-colored lashes opt for a brown shade for a natural look.

4. Eyelash Curler

Nothing takes me from a classy soft daytime look to a fierce dramatic nighttime look faster than an eyelash curler does. Within seconds, my lashes pop, giving my eyes this beautiful frame. There are three types of eyelash curlers you should know about.

Crimp Eyelash Curler: This is a classic design. You place it on your lashes, close it then pull it along the length of your lashes creating a dramatic sweep.
Precision Eyelash Curler: It uses the same technique as a crimp curler but it’s a tad narrower which enables it to fit all the way to the base of your lashes giving you that extra oomph

For these first two, always use them before applying your mascara otherwise you risk ripping your lashes out.

Heated Eyelash Curler: This works best when it comes to stubborn lashes. It lets you curl without crimping. You can use this one after applying your mascara. A little tip; if you can’t get a heated eyelash curler, warm it up with your hairdryer for a few seconds.

5. Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow should be first in line for any makeup bag must-haves. Our eyes speak volumes and eye makeup is not complete without a touch or pop of color on our lids. Whether you are going for a nude, sparkly, or smokey look, your handy eye shadow may be what you need to wake your entire face up. My daily go-to palette is neutrals. Think colors like gold, rose gold, mink, or taupe. I also like eyeshadows that give a glossy effect adding instant dimension.

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6. Brows are essential

Looking to up your brow game when stepping out? Having a brow product is important if you want them to stand out. There are different products to try from pencils, powders, mascara, wax, and gels to pomades. Pick the best one depending on your needs. Always use a light hand and slowly build up the intensity to avoid the drawn-on look. Avoid sharp edges and dramatic fades which more often than not can be too much for real life. Is it the first time filling your brows? Follow the shape of your natural brows.

7. Lipstick and gloss

Let’s complete up our makeup bag must-haves by adding in the last product; gloss, stick, or both. Polished lips can stand on their own as attention grabbers or help finish up a makeup look. Creamy and moisturizing lipsticks look great when first applied but will need to be constantly reapplied whereas long-wearing lipsticks stay colorful throughout the day but may be difficult to take off at night. Darker reds, burgundies, and browns look beautiful on darker skin while brownish pinks, soft pinks, light red, and beige lipsticks are the best accents for lighter skin. But hey, if you are feeling that light blue shade that matches your eyeliner, by all means, let your creativity run wild.

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I know I said seven but let’s break the rules a little. I would also throw in some perfume, primer, and a few brushes (because nails matter). What would you add to our list of 7 makeup bag must-haves? Share in the comments below.