7 Day-to-Night Essentials for Your Makeup Bag

The Daily Muse

I'll admit, I'm an absolute beauty product junkie. I have more shades of eye shadow than I care to count, at least 20 different lipsticks, and an entire cabinet dedicated to solely to hair products. I've tried everything from heated eyelash curlers (which, for the record, I detest) to the Clarisonic face brush (an amazing exfoliator) and am always looking for the latest and greatest.

But while I love building my ever-growing collection of all things beauty, I cull it down to the bare essentials when it comes to my everyday makeup bag. (Who wants to schlep around 10 pounds of products in her purse?) Here are my picks for your day-to-day must-haves: seven products that will fit into a clutch or small makeup bag and provide everything you need to touch up during the day and before the evening's events.


1. Mac Haute & Naughty Lash

This mascara is a true black that geniusly comes with two different brushes. One (pink top) is for a natural look and the other (purple glitzy top) adds a dose of glam to your lashes-perfect for at-work fixes and adding a little drama after hours.

2. smashbox Eyeshadow Trio in Focal Point + a Double-Ended Brush

These two tools will allow you to create a defined or smoky eye on top of virtually any other eye makeup you're already wearing. Use the fluffy part to add a light shimmery shadow all over your lid, brow bone, and inner corner. Switch to the tapered end and the dark shadow to add a definition to your upper and lower lash line.

3. Tarte Eyelash Curler

There's nothing more transformative than curling (or re-curling) your eyelashes. I've tried several other ones, and nothing works better than this gold gem. It also comes with replacement rubber, which will make your curler feel like new.

4. Baby Powder

Perhaps your "day two" hair is looking a little more like day three, or maybe you just want to freshen or volumize your locks. In either case, dusting a little baby powder on your roots will absorb oil and add volume (not to mention a fresh scent) to your mane. Just be sure your shake it out, especially if your hair is dark-don't want it looking gray!

5. YSL Touche Éclat

This tried-and-true little brush, which acts as both a highlighter and concealer, instantly freshens up your face. Use on your brow bones, inner eye corner, cupid's bow (the dip in your upper lip), cheekbones, and chin to instantly awaken your face. Keep this in your makeup bag, and there's no need to carry bulky foundation or foundation brushes. Score!

6. Mini Argan Oil, 0.5 oz

Face oil is perfect for refreshing a tired face, especially if you're on your way out to dinner or a drink. Dabbing a tiny bit on your cheeks, around the eye area, your cupids bow, and your chin (right over or under your Touche Éclat) will keep you looking dewy and rested. In addition, it removes any eyeliner or shadow that may have contributed to under-eye "raccoon circles" during the day. Just add a drop to your index finger and swipe the affected area-voilà!

7. Chanel Lipgloss in No. 119

I've used this shade for various occasions-the office, weddings, a night out-and not only does it complement my fair complexion, but it's totally versatile. Countless friends of all different skin tones have borrowed it and looked equally polished. It's a little pricey for a lipgloss, but I promise-it's worth every penny.

Tell us! What are the go-to items in your makeup bag?

This article was originally published on The Daily Muse. For more on looking fabulous all day long, check out:
Is Your Foundation Helping or Hurting?
Saving Face: 4 Simple Beauty Tips for the Exhausted & Overworked
From All Work to All Play: Your 5-Minute Makeover

About the Author: Lindsay Mueller's passion is making people feel beautiful. Her blog, that je ne sais quoi integrates her love of beauty, fashion and lingerie, and explores what it means to have "that certain something." She holds a degree in journalism and psychology from New York University and has had the opportunity to wear several different hats in New York's fashion and beauty world, including working for ELLE Magazine, RealBeauty.com and ELLEDECOR.com. She lives in Brooklyn with her beloved kitty and loves a good glass of wine. Follow Lindsay's irreverent adventures on Twitter at @linmuemuse.