What's In My Makeup Bag

a refresh —

At the beginning of the year I refreshed both my skincare and makeup, so I thought I'd share what I'm currently using and loving. Skincare post coming soon! I spent hours watching tutorials from professionals, reading reviews and ultimately implemented some incredible new products into my routine.

First, I wanted to share some notes on my makeup bag (in color Ecru), which actually comes in a set of two. I put my brushes in the smaller bag and my makeup essentials in the larger one. It's been with me for the last five years or so and still looks perfect ― definitely an investment I feel good about.

I also wanted to note my no crease tortoise hair clips. I use them daily to keep my hair out of the way while applying skincare and makeup — a chic, elevated find under $13. They clip perfectly on the inside pocket of the bag too! I also use this claw clip religiously. I've had it for two years and while its an investment, I believe it's worth every penny. My hair stays put and I love the chic, low profile of the silhouette compared to others I've had.

makeup staples

skin type: combination

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen — this product was recommended to me by a medical esthetician. I wish I had started wearing a daily sunscreen earlier in life! It has SPF 40 which is key for anti-aging, and the formula acts as a primer, helping makeup look even and smooth

e.l.f. beauty blender — love the price point, neutral color and the versatile size

Bare Minerals Under Eye Brightener — have used this powder under my eyes since high school. Instantly gives eyes a fresh, rested look. I use this brush to apply

NARS Radiant Cream Concealer — just started using this concealer and so far, so good! I've found less is more with this product. Build as needed. I use my damp beauty blender to work it into the skin or my concealer brush for more targeted application

Conceal & Define Foundation — if you can find this foundation in stock, you'll be thrilled with the smooth finish it gives. I've found you don't need very much, so I start with a small amount and build as needed. I also love that it doesn't feel sticky once it dries down. I use my damp beauty blender first, then follow up with this brush to blend around my hairline and down my neck. Another life-long favorite foundation by Estée Lauder. A higher price point, but a solid choice.

Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick — if I'm running out the door for a walk or just need some light coverage, I love this stick for quick edits where I need it most. I quickly set it with my powder and lightly add some bronzer

ILIA Soft Focus Finishing Powder — I've used this one by ILIA for the last year or so. It blurs my pores and makes my foundation even more seamless and smooth. I also just tried this one by Charlotte Tilbury and I understand why there's so much hype around it! Both give a soft, smooth, blurred finish. I put my setting powder over my concealer/foundation before my bronzer and blush steps. When I'm finished applying all my makeup, I'll touch up wherever necessary

Bare Minerals Warmth All-Over Face Bronzer — another favorite since high school, a little goes a long way. I use this to give a soft contour around my face and near my cheekbones

NARS Blush — apply to my cheeks and anywhere else the sun naturally would kiss my skin

ILIA Daylite Highlighting Powder — I'll tap a little highlight on my brow and cheek bones, the tip of my nose, also the inner corner of my eye and cupid's bow

Brow Wiz® Ultra-Slim Precision Brow Pencil — have used this pencil for almost a decade. Recently bought this one in a pinch and found its very comparable at a lower price point! I first lightly fill in my brows and then go in with gel

e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel — I've used more expensive brow products before, but this $5 one is better than any I've tried

eyelash curler — I slightly warm up the eyelash curler with my blowout tool and let my lashes set before applying mascara. Just be sure to test the heat on your hand first. You don't want it too hot!

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara — have been using this one for the past few years. Also love this one from Too Faced and enjoyed it for most of my twenties!

lip moisture — use Vaseline every day on my lips. The most underrated, versatile beauty product in my opinion!

my makeup collection —