What should be in your makeup bag

With thousands of products to choose from, setting up a makeup bag can be quite challenging even for the makeup connoisseurs.

What works best, how much does it cost, do you really need it, are some of the questions you will need to ask yourself before you start splurging.

To make it less overwhelming, certain products will automatically earn a place in the makeup bag worth every penny.

So, whether you’re packing your travel makeup where space is limited or you want a streamlined bad to put in your purse for touch ups throughout the day or as part of your every day makeup routine, here are our recommendations:

• A base

Foundation in your skin tone is a must to create a radiant, flawless coverage. Factor in different seasons due to the weather and have a range of foundations.

Identify problems you want to conceal and go for high coverage cream concealers for instance or a BB cream that is subtle and light wear.

• Lipstick

The right shade of red can lighten up a bad day. Find a statement shade that complements your skin tone and one that can be worn day or night.

You want one that has Shea butter and vitamin E so it can deliver a rich creamy formulation that doesn’t dry out your lips. And speaking of dry lips, that is a big no!

If lipstick is too bold for you opt for a tinted lip balm that has butters and oils that moisturize your lips as well.

• Concealer

This is a must have especially if you have acne scars, dark eye circles or any kind of discoloration. Depending on how much you want to cover up, you have the option of full coverage or sheer application.

The most important but is to find a shade that is closest to your foundation so it can blend naturally into your skin.

You want to avoid anything luminous if you have spots as it will draw attention to what you should be covering. You should be thinking along the lines of a concentrated, shine free, matte blemish concealer pencil.

• Mascara

For your eyes to look done without much work, a mascara will do that effortlessly. Even if you decide to skip eyeshadow and eye liner altogether, your eyes will still look refreshed and done.

Depending on the outcome you want to achieve, you can go for a black mascara that packs more impact. It will add layers, lengthen and volumize your eyes leaving them well defined and fluttery.

A medium brown or clear mascara has minimal effect lightly coating your lashes while straightening them.

• Face powder

Makeup can look cakey especially on a hot and the hours get longer. To control the shine and build up sweat, a face powder will come in handy.

Your best option is a translucent powder that will help control the oil on your face without having to do too much.

• Setting spray

If you want your makeup to stay fresh all day, you must invest in a setting spray or powder. They come in different formulations so you may want to choose a radiant or matte finish depending on your skin type.

You want to have a mattifying powder if you have an oily T-zone then finish off with a spritz of a setting spray to keep it all in place throughout the day.

• Makeup remover

It is always a good idea to have some makeup remover because mistakes happen and you can ask the pros about it. Whether you want to completely erase or correct, Q-tips and makeup removers will save the day.

And when it’s time to remove the makeup, a gentle cleanser should get the job done.