10 Makeup bag essentials

By: Natasha Archary

If, like me, you struggle to keep up with the makeup trends on Instagram and the thousands of makeup products that go into “a look”, then this post is for you. Whether you’re a newbie on the makeup front or not, there are a few essential items that every girl should have in her makeup bag. Now, do note I did not say these are the only makeup products you will need, the essentials for a makeup kit is a post all its own. These are the essentials you need in your makeup bag, the mobile life-changing grab and go bag that you should never leave home without.

The list includes:

1) Primer

A good primer gives you a smooth surface to work with, whether you have flawless, pore free skin or not, a primer helps your makeup last longer so it’s a good investment.

2) Foundation

One should never underestimate the power a weightless, good quality foundation can give a woman. Make sure you are colour matched by the in-store beauty experts so your foundation doesn’t look ashy or wrong on you.

3) Matte powder

Powder sets your foundation in place. Spend some time searching for a powder that doesn’t cake your make-up (causes cracks in your foundation) and apply lightly by dusting over your face.

4) Highlighter

We love a good glow and a highlighter that illuminates your cheekbones is an essential makeup item.

5) Concealer

As the name suggests, a concealer is perfect to conceal small flaws and pigment marks. This usually goes on before the foundation but it can be used to “airbrush” your under-eye area once your foundation is applied.

6) Brow gel

We all know how important brows are to us…Obsessed over brows and a good brow gel is a vital component in your makeup bag.

7) Brushes and applicators

I suggest a beauty blender over a foundation brush. It’s not as messy as a brush and it can act as a concealer applicator as well as foundation. It’s cheaper than a set of brushes, is easier to clean and can be found in every makeup supply aisle.

8) Mascara

This is non negotiable. Every woman should have a preferred brand of mascara by the time she is twenty. Mascara is usually the first makeup product that many women whet their makeup appetite with.

9) Eye-liner

A good gel liner is what you want. Yes the pencil eye-liner has been popular for years but there are some really good gel liners that come in a tiny bottle. A good eye liner should dry matte and not budge all day or until you’re ready to remove with makeup remover.

10) Lipstick

A matte lip isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It’s a good look, does not smear and, unlike a gloss lipstick, you don’t need to re-apply. Depending on what you prefer, choose a neutral or bold lip colour which will be your foundation colour. This is the only colour you need in your makeup bag. So it’s the colour that works for you, the brand you love and the finish that suits you.

Shopping for makeup doesn’t have to be intimidating, it can be quite fun. You just need to have a basic understanding of what you’re looking for and have some background on the brands so you know that you’re getting value for your money.

Share with us what your makeup bag essentials are using #KayaOnline

Written by: Natasha

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