My On-the-Go Makeup Bag

I am a big fan of purses. Big fan. I rotate through about four or five at a time. First, I have my work bag, a green Madewell tote that has proved pretty resilient. Second, is my day-to-day purse. Well, actually, there’s about three of those. Plus there’s my Louis Vuitton Neverfull for when I need to bring a bunch of stuff with me at once…. 

Anyway, my point is that I bounce around from bag to bag relatively frequently. These frequent swaps meant that I’d often forget some item in another bag. Lip balm when my lips are super chapped? In the other bag. Concealer for a suddenly unsightly zit? In the other bag. I could go on, but you get the point.

My Solution

Last Christmas, I received this awesome Lululemon makeup bag from a friend. I love the bag because it’s pretty big and holds a ton of stuff at once. That being said, it’s not a daily carry makeup bag. However, it came with a clear little zip up pouch inside, which is a perfectly manageable size. 

Alternatively, though, this pouch is absolutely perfect as a mini-makeup bag that can easily be moved from purse to purse. Not only is it super handy to be able to see everything inside, but it’s also small enough that it fits in most bags and can be squished down if needed.

Ideally, one would use the clear pouch for liquids at airport security (the pouch is described as an “airport-ready” to hold 3 oz liquids). 

Now, it’s not a fool proof system. I do forget it from time to time. But, by keeping everything in one spot, it has made switching from a work bag to a weekend bag and then back again less of an ordeal. 

What’s Inside

My on-the-go favorites don’t change too often. New additions are usually samples I get from Sephora or the like, since the small sizes are really ideal. Keeping it simple is the name of the game here. 

Lucas Papaw Ointment Tube

This is an all-purpose ointment that pretty much solves any ailment you can think of – burns, chafing, bug bites, etc. I keep it in my bag as my go-to lip balm. It quickly takes care of chapped lips and also works great on top of lipstick, I’ve found. Basically, you just need this in your life.

Milk Makeup Cooling Water Mini

Milk is quickly becoming one of my favorite brands. The brand prides themselves on being eco-friendly and cruelty-free, on top of focusing on innovative products with high quality ingredients. I am a big fan of their Milk Mini sticks generally, and the Cooling Water Mini is no exception. The stick is an easy-to-apply, light-weight “gel” that works great on puffy skin under the eye or anywhere your skin just needs a bit more moisture.

I put gel in quotes because that is what the stick is described as on Sephora, but I think it feels more like a super light balm. It isn’t stick and I haven’t had an issue layering it on top of makeup even.

The Cooling Water Mini features caffeine, evidently meant to support “micro-circulation,” which may be so, but I just really love the gentle chill and immediate moisture it provides. 

For more info on this product, click the MILK link below:

milkmakeup.com

Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid

This color corrector may look a little odd because of its green color, but it’s really great. The green reduces the appearance of redness, making it a quick fix for any imperfections. It is part of a whole line of color correctors, which you can read more about on Sephora here.

This liquid corrector is pretty light weight and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. The applicator it comes with is fairly precise, which makes using it while you’re out easy enough.

I would recommend having a mirror handy (such as in a foundation compact, discussed below) just so you can make sure you blend it in all the way!

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer

I got a sample of this foundation-concealer mix from Sephora and immediately fell in love. I wouldn’t use it for regular foundation, but it works great for covering acne or any other imperfections. The formula is a little on the heavier side, which makes it last longer, I believe. This concealer dries pretty quickly with a matte finish, so you don’t have to add powder on top unless you want to. Less is more with this stuff, so my sample tube has lasted for months!

My Favorite Foundation  

This is a pretty basic item, but it has been one of my most-used. I like to stick one of my older foundations – you know, when you can start to see a lot of the bottom of the tray – for a couple reasons. First, I don’t use much while I’m out. Touch ups only require a tiny bit. Second, if it gets beat up (which mine always do), it’s not a big deal.

I currently am using the Sephora Collection Matte Perfection Powder Foundation, which I like, but stick with whatever you’re comfortable with! Whichever you pick, though, I recommend using one with a mirror, that way you have one with you without having to carry a separate compact. 

L’Occitane Almond Delicious Hand & Nail Cream

L’Occitane’s hand creams are moisturizing without being greasy. They all have lovely scents – even the natural and mild Shea Butter scent – that are far from overpowering. What’s more, the tubes tend to last a long time so, for $12 a tube, you can justify picking up a couple at a time. Or, pro tip, stock up next holiday season – they always seem to go on sale in sets around Christmas! (Or on sale after the holidays).

P.S. The Almond Delicious scent is my absolute favorite. Check it out here.

My On-the-Go Makeup Favorites -- Clinique Concealer + Foundation, L'Occitane Hand Cream, Urban Decay Naked Concealer, Lucas Papaw Ointment, Milk Cooling Water, Sephora Foundation

What are your on-the-go essentials?