11 Make Up Bag Essentials

I've heard it said that "A woman should carry a bag big enough to fit all her secrets".  Well, I'm about to let all my secrets out of my bag... my make up bag.  I love cosmetics and all things beauty.  I have drawers and drawers full, but there are a standard 11 items that come with me where ever I go.  Simply can't leave home without them.

Let's Talk about the 11 items I always carry in my make up bag.

1. GARNIER SKIN RENEW

Jen from Classy Cosmetics first introduced me to this magic wand when she was doing our make up for a shoot.  It's a roll on concealer that gives you an even base for your foundation.  I love how it instantly corrects the appearance of dark circles and brightens the skin around your eyes.  Plus it has a cooling sensation that is incredibly soothing on that delicate skin under your eyes.

2. FRANKIE ROSE MATTE PERFECT FOUNDATION

My other Make Up Artist Jen (I tend to collect Jen's) from Through the Make Up Mirror used this foundation on me a couple months ago and I was so impressed with the coverage and finish.  It instantly covered my problem spots, breakouts and blemishes, evened out my skin tones and I really love that you can build it up for full coverage. It's hydrating, lightweight, and breathable.  I usually use a full coverage foundation and powder foundation for added coverage, but I can just use this alone without even a translucent powder and feel great about my skin.

3. FRANKIE ROSE POWDER FOUNDATION

I love wearing the liquid foundation on it's own, but when I'm running out the door for morning school drop off or need an afternoon touch up before Lennie gets home from work I use the Powder Foundation.  It's quick, easy and long lasting and when I'm shooting I like to finish off the liquid for extra coverage.  The less photoshopping the better right?!

4. BENEFIT ROLLER LASH MASCARA

I have tried A-LOT of mascaras in my day.  The one thing I just couldn't find was one that didn't get dry and flakey by mid day.  You know how you look in the mirror at the end of the day and notice all the mascara flakes under your eyes and wonder why no one said anything???  This is more of a gel formula and stays put all day long.  The brush never clumps and using a rolling motion to apply allows the lashes to curl without using those crazy clampy things.

5. FRANKIE ROSE LIPSTICK: OOH LA LA

You guys!!!  If you buy one thing, buy this lipstick!  I was worried it would be too pale for me, but it's amazing!  It goes with every single lipliner I own.  It's a total chameleon.  I usually wear lip gloss because I'm not a fan of how dry my lips get with lipstick, but I don't have that problem with the Frankie Rose Lipstick.  Kennedy tries to steal it all the time, the little stinker.  She had it all over her face at dinner last night and I almost leapt across the restaurant to grab if from her before she used the entire tube.

6. COASTAL SCENTS MAKE UP BRUSHES

If you ask any Make Up Artist they will tell you that the most important thing about applying make up is the brushes you use.  They make all the difference and this is a great set if you are on a budget.  I have THIS 22 piece set and it has everything I could ever need for under $30.  I've had them for almost 2 years and they are still as good as new.

7. MAKE UP BRUSH SHAMPOO

The reason why my make up brushes have stayed in such great shape for so long is how I have cared for them.  I'm not perfect, I don't wash them every week, but I try to wash them as often as I can.  Regular hair shampoo doesn't have the correct PH balance for your face and has extra stuff you don't want on your skin everyday.  Brush shampoo is specially formulated to use on your face so you won't get crazy breakouts and your brushes are properly conditioned.

8. BRUSH EGG

This little gadget my look a little strange, but it is the best thing to happen to your make up brushes since... well I don't know.  It's just awesome.  You put a little shampoo on it, swirl your brushes over the little grooves and "bristles" and they are clean in no time.  It has cut my cleaning time in half!  They are under $3 so there really is no excuse not to own one.

9. SALLY HANSEN AIRBRUSH LEGS

You can't forget to give your legs a little love now that Spring is around the corner.  Jen (the one from Classy Cosmetics) saved the day when Jen (the Elevate one) and I were shooting for a bathing suit company last May.  We had been planning the Elevate Conference for weeks and probably hadn't seen daylight is as long so this stuff really lived up to it's name.  We rubbed it on and it looked like a high end spray tan in just minutes.  And without the nasty smell that comes with them.

10. EOS HAND LOTION

Everyone loves those cute little EOS Lip balm balls... well everyone besides Carmex loving girls like me.  You know what I am in love with from EOS though???  Their hand lotion!  They win the award for cutes packaging for sure.  It's simple, but unique.  I like that it has a slim profile so it fits in my jean pocket or side zipper pouch of my purse easily.  It's super moisturizing without being greasy and the moisture lasts.  When you have a bunch of little sticky kiddos running around all the hand washing involved can be so drying, this is an answer to my dry, cracked skin prayers.

11. ICEBREAKERS COOL BLASTS

I grabbed these at the grocery store the other day and couldn't figure out what was going one when I started chewing on it.  It wasn't stretchy like gum, but it was chewy, not crunchy like a mint.  I'm not a gum chewer and I feel like the power of hard mints is just too overwhelming.  These are like the love child of a mint and chewing gum.  I have to fight my kids for them too.  They are yummy!

There you have it!  Everything in my bag, my faves, my must haves, my loves!

(photo: Joanna Miriam | Make Up: Through the Make Up Mirror)

What about you, what do you have in your make up bag that you just can't live without?

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