Having a makeup bag is very important these days. It can be an essential part of your day-to-day life. Of course, you don’t have to use it every single day. It would be beneficial to keep at least a few products on hand just in case you may need them. This simple list is a few products that you should have in a basic makeup bag.

1. Beauty Blender

One item I always have in my makeup arsenal would be a beauty blender. If you don’t particularly like beauty blenders you can sub for a makeup sponge. Beauty blenders come in various shapes and sizes but most of them are egg or oblong-shaped. These tools are used to apply products to the skin for an effortlessly flawless finish. This has become one of my ALL time favorite makeup items.

Quick Tip: Typically you should sanitize all your beauty tools. (That’s a bit much for personal use) When it’s time to wash my blenders and brushes I use my facial cleanser instead of soap and water. This is mainly because they come equipped with anti-bacterial ingredients. This will help with blemishes and breakouts by using the same facial products on my skin and makeup tools.

2. Foundation

For those days when you love your natural skin but want to hide those minor blemishes be sure to keep a tube of foundation on hand! Normally I go without makeup because it tends to irritate my skin. It triggers my acne hormones and that leads to BLEMISHES. For those superstar days without the lengthy makeup process, this foundation is my favorite and I love it!

This foundation from L’oreal is a light foundation with a healthy glowing finish. It always gives me a boost when I feel like my skin is dull or dry looking. With light to medium coverage and quick application, this foundation lasts up to 24 hours. It hides those pesky imperfections and leaves your skin with a smooth, clear complexion.

3. Eyebrow Gel & Brush

One thing that enhances your beauty without any other makeup definitely has to be your eyebrows! I cannot stress this enough. I always have to have some form of eyebrow tool in my makeup bag at all times. When you think of eyebrows many people assume that you use an “Eyebrow pencil”.

Now, before I began using brow cream/gel I used an eyebrow pencil. This brow gel made things a lot easier and this product is good for multiple uses with great results.

Quick Tip: When using an eyebrow pencil rub a brow brush along the pencil edge. When you have enough pigment brush the tint across your eyebrow hairs.

4. Mascara

With the latest trends in false eyelashes, we tend to do away with mascara. Well, the lash wearers typically do. I personally don’t wear false eyelashes. For this reason, I keep a tube of mascara in my makeup bag. For the days when you need a quick pick-me-up, a little mascara, and perfectly drawn eyebrows will do the trick! This voluminous Butterfly Mascara by L’Oréal is one of my absolute FAVORITES! It gives off the look of having false eyelashes without the hassle that comes with applying them.

Quick Tip: If you are running low on mascara and don’t have time to head to the store remove the brush from the tube. Add a little water to the inside of the tube. Push the brush in a downward and upward motion repeating until satisfied with the consistency.

5. Skin Color Corrector

When you want clear skin but your skin routine doesn’t allow it concealer will. Skin color correctors are great at hiding minor or major blemishes on the skin. They allow for more uniform and toned skin when used properly.

Quick Tip: This should NOT be used as an all-over face product. Be sure to only apply the concealer over your blemishes and dark areas. If misused your complete look may not agree with your skin tone.

6. Eyelashes & Lash glue

Looking for a dramatic effect for the evening? Going for something subtle and sexy? Eyelashes are one item you need to keep in your makeup bag. Okay, we know most times they aren’t for everyday wear. This may be possible depending on the specific type of lash you purchase. Be sure to pay close attention to lash names, sizes, and brands. That will be extremely helpful when deciding which lash you want to wear for a particular look.

Quick Tip: If you struggle with regular lashes and adhesive try using magnetic eyelashes with magnetic strips for easier application.

7. Lipstick & Lip gloss

One staple item every girl or guy should have on hand is lip oil or chapstick. It is a great way to moisturize your lips and keep them healthy. During those long winter months when the weather is not so nice this product is perfect. I prefer to use lip oil instead of chapstick because it glides along the lip easier and doesn’t feel sticky.

8. Setting Spray

Setting spray is the ultimate nightcap for your early morning or mid-day slay! This product is best used to finish your complete makeup look and prevent fading and smudging. The setting spray is applied by spritzing the mist over your face. This process is known to keep your makeup application moist for several hours. It also allows you more freedom to touch up those areas that you may not have blended in completely.

9. Tweezers

Another makeup must-have would be a pair of tweezers. This is one item that you CAN NOT go without! They can be used for many things but the main purpose is for the removal of hair. These tools work great for shaping eyebrows, removing ingrown hairs, and assisting in the application of false eyelashes. These Revlon tweezers are my FAVORITE pair of tweezers. (Not all tweezers are made the same) They have very sharp blades at the ends which grab the hairs and easily remove them for a flawless brow.

Quick Tip: When using tweezers, grab the hairs using the pointed edge for a longer-lasting effect.