The average makeup wearer might consider my makeup collection as pretty extensive. Whilst I agree, it is still (IMO) highly curated. Only the best stays in my stash! I mean it’s my job to try out new products so I can report back to you on what I believe is worth your money, as well as cater to all different skin tones and types in my pro kit.
When it comes to my personal makeup bag however, it is a lot more streamlined. Day to day, like many of us, I like quick and easy makeup. Often using multi-purpose products that require minimal effort. Swipe on, blend with fingers and go kind of makeup.
Of course, I love nothing more than trying out new products and I go through phases of having favourite items on rotation. Although I often find myself reaching for the same products on the daily when I don’t have the time to experiment. Sometimes you find products that you know just WORK right?
Here I have rounded up 10 of my most reached for products that live in my personal makeup bag. I have many favourites…but I’m being brutal here! I have either repurchased these many times in the past or would be first to repurchase if (god forbid) I lost my makeup bag!
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NARS | Radiant Creamy Concealer
No1 – A Great Concealer
Concealer is a hero product for me, I wear it every day without fail. My concealer of choice for years has been the Nars radiant creamy concealer. If you’ve been here a while, you’ll probably already know that by now as it features in almost every one of my videos. It’s creamy and full coverage yet melts into the skin seamlessly for a hydrated, natural looking finish.
No2 – Clear Brow Gel
Even on no makeup days I usually like to set my brows in place. A clear brow gel with a strong hold that doesn’t leave a white film does it for me. Your brows are staying all day with the Benefit 24 Hour brow setter.
BENEFIT | 24 Hour Brow Setter
KEEVYN AUCOIN | Lash Curler
No3 – Lash Curler
Not technically a makeup product but I can’t do my makeup without a lash curler. The Kevyn Aucoin one in particular is the best for really lifting the lashes and opening up the eyes for all eye shapes. It gives you lifted lashes for a natural look or enhances your mascara.
No4 – Mascara
I think I’m on my 4th tube of the Lancôme Lash Idole mascara. A wand on a mascara is one of the biggest selling points for me. It has a curved silicone wand that coats even the smallest of lashes to offer length and separation. You can opt for a very natural barely coated lash or build it up without it ever going clumpy.
LANCOME | Lash Idole Mascara
DIOR | Lip Glow
No5 – Tinted Lip Balm
For day to day I like a lip product that gives me a flush of colour and that is hydrating without being sticky. A ‘your lips but better’ feel if you will. It’s rare for me to get through a full lip product so if I do you know I love it. I’m almost out of my Dior lip glow in shade ‘burgundy’ but I believe it’s a limited edition shade…typical! Luckily it comes in an array of shades depending on your preference, so I’ll be picking up another when I’m all out.
No6 – Nude Lip Liner
I often like to cheat my lip shape for a fuller look with a nude lip liner. My favourite is the Charlotte Tilbury Iconic Nude. I love how it is a highly pigmented, waxy formula with great staying power. It’s a cool toned nude which defines and almost acts as a lip contour on light-medium skin tones. Foxy brown or Pillowtalk intense are equally lovely options for deeper skin tones.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY | Lip Cheat Iconic Nude
YSL | Nu Tint Lip & Cheek Balm
No7 – Cream Blusher
I find the quickest way to add some life into the face is by adding a touch of blush to mimic that natural flush of colour. Whilst liquid/cream blushes are available in an array of finishes I usually look for one that delivers a dewy radiant finish that I can trust will layer with makeup well and last all day. I can’t get enough of the YSL Nu Tint Lip & Cheek balm in shade ‘Nu Chills’. It is buildable, blendable, and doesn’t lift my makeup underneath. Bonus points its skincare infused and can be used on lips too – we love a multipurpose product!
No 8 – Cream Bronzer
A cream bronzer is such an easy way to fake a sun-kissed healthy glow and add some definition to the face. I particularly love the Nudestix nudies matte in shade ‘bondi belle’. They’re available in an array of bronzer and blush shades, are high pigmented and easily blendable in a stick form. I usually pick up the product with a brush or use my fingers to blend. For on-the-go application it comes with a built-in brush on the end for ease. If I don’t have any eyeshadow to hand, I often swipe some across my eyelids too to add some depth!
NUDESTIX | Nudies Matte
CHANEL | Essentials Baume
No9 – Cream Highlight
We’re all about the glow over here and I’ve found a new staple in the Chanel essential baume. It comes in a few shades but the shade ‘transparent’ is my favourite. As it is clear it is suitable for all skin tones and gives that ‘just applied skincare’ look. I like to tap some onto the top of my cheekbones and high points of my face with my finger and could also be used over the lips for a dewy look or eyelids for a wet eye look.
No10 – A Compact Powder
The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Powder was a game changer for me. Although it has its purpose, I don’t feel the need to bake on the daily and I can’t deal with the mess of a loose powder. However, I do always like to set my makeup/under eyes from creasing. I am never without this powder and always carry one in my bag as it is compact, has a mirror and is so finely milled that it doesn’t cake up if reapplied throughout the day.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY | Airbrush Flawless Powder