one of my favorite things to do is find out what others are using, eating, watching, following, etc. i LOVE to get a virtual peek into people’s bags (makeup bags, diaper bags, work bags, target shopping bags, etc.). i’m kind of a snoop. today i wanted to share with you what’s in my makeup bag, since i’ve switched out a few products in the last couple months and have some that i’ve been using for YEARS.
first, a little background on my makeup philosophy. while i love to wear makeup, i’m not one of those “takes an hour to get ready” kind of gals. i don’t spend hours on youtube watching makeup tutorials; while i’m SO impressed with those that have that ability, i would much rather spend my time scrolling pinterest looking for outfit or home inspo. and to be honest, i rarely have that kind of time anyways, since i’m trying to keep two small humans alive. but i digress …
anyways, i’m all for makeup that doesn’t break the bank [i’ve always bought the naked palettes on sale and you’ll rarely catch me just browsing at sephora], but am willing to pay a little more to get better quality. that might just be a sign of me maturing, right? 🙂 you’ll notice that throughout my makeup picks (carries over into my style philosophy, too. high/low wins out.)
first let’s start with the type of makeup bag i’m using. i was introduced to the oliver thomas brand by my SIL, and am pretty obsessed. i even bought one of their bigger bags for a hospital-baby-bag-turned-overnight-bag, and love the quilting, the fun designs, and the fact that the insides can be cleaned. SO important when it comes to any bag, but especially a makeup bag. i have this one in the tomato red, which makes it easier to find in the depths of whatever other bag is housing it. or in logan’s toys, when she takes it from my bathroom and runs off with it.
here’s what is in the bag:
mascara: i always take a multi-layered approach to mascara, since if there was ONE thing i would take with me to a deserted island, it would be mascara. well, two to four of them, since i use a couple. i always start with this one and follow up with this one. then, since i wear contacts, i finish off with one or two waterproof types. by using the non-waterproof ones underneath, the waterproof layers act almost like falsies and just come right off when i use this balm and shower in the evening. it seems like a lot, but my lashes are my makeup non-negotiable, so you can find multiple tubes of mascara in my makeup bag.
eyeliner: depending on the day, i use both liquid and a pencil. i also like to take a thin, angled brush and sweep some dark grey/black eyeshadow over the line to make it look a little more natural. you know, if a thin black line on your eyelid was natural.
eyeshadow: i’m an eyeshadow girl, you guys. ever since my mom handed me that little estee lauder compact with inconspicuous brown eyeshadow (“to compliment my blue eyes, not compete!”) i’ve been hooked. now, one would think i’d be able to master the smoky eye; but alas, i cannot. i do love a good palette, though, and my current favorite is this one from beautycounter. it goes on so smooth, and i find the colors SUPER easy to blend, which is a must for me, because i can’t be spending time fussing with an eye that got too dark. trust me — if you are an eyeshadow kinda girl, this beautycounter palette is for you. i’ve said it once and i’ll say it again: i did not expect a beauty brand that offers safer beauty to actually work, and i am CONSISTENTLY surprised at how effective the products are. thankful i don’t have to compromise safety for efficacy.
lip products: seriously, i can’t live without my carmex. i have some in my car, my coats, my work bag, my diaper bag … and of course my makeup bag. i find it’s the only thing that works to keep my lips somewhat moist (i know, i hate that word too) during the cold minnesota winters. it used to be the only lip product i wore, until i was introduced to beautycounter and glossier and now i have lipglosses and lip sticks in all of my bags too. including my makeup bag. my current obsession is the rosewood lip trio, which is a nice mauve-y color without being, you know, like your grandma’s lip color of choice. also on sale! #winning. i also love the glossier balm.com, but you guys already knew that.
blush/bronzer/highlighter: i technically use this contouring palette, but i’m not sure what i’m doing constitutes as contouring. that being said, i’ve used it for years now and it’s worked well! the pink is a pretty pink without being garish, and i find that the bronzer gives enough definition to my face without being over the top.
there you have it! i’m always open to trying to new products, so if there are any makeup brands you recommend, drop them in a comment below or comment on my latest insta.
