If you are like most people, your make-up bag probably consists of various old favorite items, along with a couple of new things you may have added recently. It might be time, though, to up-date and refresh your make-up bag contents with basics that are in tune with the look you now want to present.
You may not be aware that make-up also has a ‘best-before’ date and the products you have on hand may need to be thrown out. If your products are out of date, they may not be doing their job anymore, especially if they are creams or lotions. It is also wise to throw out any products that may smell or look funny as they probably have deteriorated past using.
Here are the basics that should be included as part of your make-up bag essentials:
Foundation: Foundation make-up is designed to even out your skin tone and cover up blemishes or irregularities in your skin. Your foundation should be perfectly matched to your skin tone and is the base for all the rest of your make-up. Include a cream or liquid foundation in your make-up kit.
Blush: You should include at least a couple of different blushes in your make-up bag. One should be a more neutral, cream blush for day wear, while the other could be a more vibrant shade for evenings.
Concealer: Where foundation is not enough, you should include at least one concealer in your make-up kit. A green-based concealer will help neutralize redness in your skin, while a light reflective one with help reduce dark under-eye circles.
Sponge Applicator: It is better to use a wedge-shaped sponge applicator to apply your face make-up because it will give you’re a better, more even finish than just using your fingers would. You need to keep them clean, however, washing them in mild soapy water—and they should be thrown away after one week’s use.
Blush Brush: If you use a blush powder, a brush soft, fat brush will give your cheeks a more natural look. You can also use this brush to sweep powder over the rest of your face. Just be sure to tap away the excess blush before using the face powder.
Powder: It is a good idea to include powder in your make-up routine. A light, translucent powder will prevent your foundation from streaking or running.
Tinted Moisturizer: This will help keep your skin moisturized and can replace foundation when the weather is hot or when skin is dry or dull.
Eye Shadow: If you use a palette of eye shadows, your make-up bag will remain uncluttered with many little eye shadow containers. Also, with a palette of colors you will have color options to work with.
Mascara: Mascara is necessary to provide the finishing touch to your eyes. You probably should include two mascaras in your make-up bag—black and brown.
Eyeliner: To really define your eyes, eyeliner is key. The color of your eyeliner really depends on the colors you choose in your eye shadow palette.
Lip Balm: Lip balm can serve a couple of purposes. It can soothe your chapped lips. It can be used to smooth unruly eyebrows, or it can give a bit of sheen to your cheeks.
Lip Gloss: You should include a couple of your favorite shades of lip gloss in your make-up kit to give versatility and flexibility to your look.
Lipstick: Lipstick, of course, adds color to your lips, much more than lip gloss does. As well, it has more staying power than lip gloss.
Eye Shadow Brush: An eye shadow brush that has a blunt tip and is soft and full will help blend your eye shadow when you apply it. Natural fiber brushes are best.
Other Equipment: You may also want to include a brow-liner suitable to your coloration to help create those perfectly arched eyebrows. A thin lip pencil may also be a good idea to help prevent lipstick from bleeding. Tissues are also useful for blotting away excess make-up or oils from your face.
With a fully stocked and up-to-date make-up kit, you are sure to look your best at all times. Pay attention to the ‘best-before’ dates on your make-up and replace your products as necessary.
