What’s in my Makeup Bag

If you’ve been a blog reader for any length of time, you’ve probably stumbled across the ol’ “What’s in Your Purse?” meme. I always find things like that interesting — probably because I’m nosy like that — but I think it gives you an interesting glimpse into someone else’s life and daily routine.

So, along those same lines, I present to you a meme of sorts that I just made up called “What’s in Your Makeup Bag?”

I thought it might be fun to gather the beauty products I use everyday and give you a quick rundown.

As you’ll see, my daily makeup routine is not extensive. I pretty much hit the basics and no more. Some of these products I’ve written about before — they’re tried and true. Others I’m mentioning for the first time. So, without further ado, I present the contents of my makeup bag:

1. Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals Foundation ($46): This is the most expensive item in my collection — my one beauty splurge. Liquid mineral foundations are very hard to come by (the ones at the drugstore are not true mineral formulas, and they also contain many synthetic ingredients). I was initially hesitant to switch over to mineral makeup because I loved the coverage that conventional liquid foundations offered.

When I discovered Liquid Minerals, however, I fell in love. The coverage is fantastic and it feels like I have nothing on my skin. This was confirmed a few weeks ago after I had run out of the Liquid Minerals and was waiting for my new order to arrive. I switched back to my old liquid foundation (a well-known, higher-end brand) and couldn’t stand the feel on my face. If felt like paste. I couldn’t imagine life without this one.

2. Physician’s Formula Summer Eclipse Bronzing & Shimmery Face Powder ($12): In the last five years, I’ve sought to limit the amount of sun damage to my face. So, even in the midst of summer, my face can look very pale. This bronzer does a good job of adding color. I like Physician’s Forumla overall, but I would caution you NOT to look at it as an all-natural, mineral product. While the bronzer does include mica, the ingredient list begins with talc — and includes a variety of synthetic ingredients.

3. Rimmel Blush in Santa Rose: This blush is a fantastic bargain buy. Again, not all-natural, but the color is really flattering and it costs a mere $3.

4. EcoTools Blush Brush: I love this big, fluffy brush. The bristles are synthetic fiber, but you would never know it. It feels so soft on the skin. This brush (and the next one) are part of an EcoTools Brush Set that is another super deal. Five brushes for $11. If you’re looking for a reasonably-priced Christmas present, this tool set would be ideal.

5. EcoTools Eyeliner Brush and L’Oreal HIP Bright Duos: I used to have a problem with my eyeliner smearing all over my face. I would always apply it carefully in the morning and then, by noon, I would look like a racoon. It drove me crazy. That’s when I began to use eyeshadow to line my eyes. But the trick to using eyeshadow is to have the proper tools. This angled eyeliner brush provides great control — it allows me to draw the cleanest, most natural-looking line.

A lot of eyeshadow forumlas out there are not concentrated enough to provide a nice dark line. That’s why I use a L’Oreal HIP eye color in black or brown. The pigments are a little more intense, allowing the final look to be more similar to an eyeliner, as opposed to a soft shadow.

6. Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Highlighter ($21) : When I first got this product as part of a beauty box I had bought, I had no idea what to do with it.

But, after a little research and experimentation I discovered it to be ideal for highlighting the browbone. I also use a little bit on the inside corners of my eyes for a more “alert” look. The product description says you can even use it on your lips to extend the wear of your lip color and prevent feathering — although I’ve never tried that.

7. LashBlast Mascara: I recently reviewed the new lashblastlength (the yellow tube pictured above). I wasn’t completely sold on it, because while it provides length, it doesn’t add volume. However, I’ve continued to use the lashblastlength and found it to be a good choice on days when I’m not putting on a lot of makeup. It defines my lashes, without making them look really made up. It’s a very natural look.

But, typically, I resort back to my orange tube of LashBlast. If I’m doing my standard routine, that’s still my favorite.

8. Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer ($5): I’ve ditched all my lipsticks and glosses in favor of this one. It’s all natural, I’m not ingesting a bunch of chemicals, and it makes my lips feel great. It does take a little trial and error to find the right color for you. Don’t give up! It took me one or two shades before I finally settled on Nutmeg. The good news is that Burt’s Lip Shimmer is reasonably priced enough for you to try a few.

And that’s it. My makeup routine in a nutshell.

What’s in your makeup bag? Let us know in the comments or, if you need blog fodder, feel free to play along. Just leave a comment so we can be sure to visit you!