Well first of all, 'makeup bag' in this case is just a convenient term to define the container of my stockpile of makeup.  Two large deep bathroom vanity drawers, with little stacked organizers actually house my inventory...BUT don't get the wrong impression. I am a picky purveyor of quality, performance makeup. 

It may surprise you...

Also, as far as my main makeup style goes, it may surprise you to know that  I am far from diva material ...actually, most days, I love that highly sought after natural beauty chic.  You know... that style where most people think you are a natural beauty with a casual, not trying too hard approach; fresh radiant skin, pretty eyes, a fresh looking mouth...think Gisele Bündchen, Jennifer Anniston...Ya, that's the one.  Truth be known, that 'look' takes a lot of meticulous attention to detail, knowing your face and coloring well, application strategy and yes, for most, some makeup. 

I have always liked the jingle by Maybelline "...maybe she's born with it, maybe its Maybelline..." because it underscores a philosophy shared by many, including pro makeup artists, you should  see the beauty of the person, not the makeup (that's the sign post of makeup well done).

I don't have a lot of Maybelline these days with the exception of their Great Lash Waterproof Mascara and Clear Mascara for lashes and brows.  Anyway, here is a list of my large but carefully chosen makeup items.  By the way, I don't wear it all at once, different modes have different line ups and combinations...Hey, this is the art of makeup.

Regardless of what is on my makeup bag list, on these linked pages you will find helpful tips on what to look for in a particular makeup item to achieve you own style goals, understand the function of some of the range in formats ( i.e. powder blush vs. cream blush) as well as well as some great reviews.

In My Makeup Bag...

• Sue Devitt 70% C Weed Gel Foundations - in two shades to have a perfect skin tone match any time of the year

• Sue Devitt Triple C Weed Loose Powder

• Bobbi Brown Essentials Foundation Stick

• MAC Studio Concealer Pot

• MAC Studio Tint SPF 15

• Smashbox Photo Finish  Foundation Primer with UVA/UVBSPF 15

• Smashbox Photo Op Eye Brightener

• Benefit Dr. Feelgood Complexion Balm

• Lancome Flash Bronzer to tint  skin moisturizer

BLUSH

• Bobbi Brown Cream Blush Sticks (8 colors ranging from pale pink and coral to earthy pink browns and goldenb browns)

• MAC Blush Creme-LadyBlush

• MAC Powder Taupe

• NARS The Multiple; "Antibes", "Maui", "Portifino"

• NARS Powder Blush "Outlaw"

• Tarte Cheek Stain "Blushing Bride"; "Dollface"

BRONZER

• Tarte Sunburst Beaded Bronzing Lotion

• Lancome Flash Bronzer

• Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder Compact

Eye Makeup:

EYE SHADOW

• MAC Eye Shadows; too many to list here

• MAC Shadestick

• Shiseido Hydro Powder (Cream To Powder eye shadow)

• CARGO Powder Shadow

• NARS Duo Powder Shadow

• Prescriptives Moonbeam Reflective Eye Color

EYE LINER

• MAC Fluidline Eye-Liner Gel 

• MAC Pencil Eye Kohl

• MAC Technakohl Eye Liner

• Marcelle Waterproof Eye Liner

• Lise Watier Pencil

• L'Oreal Smoker

MASCARA

• Lancome Definicils PRO Mascara (curved brush)

• Lancome Definicils Mascara

• Smashbox Mascara

• Smashbox Layer Lash Primer 

• Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

• Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara

Lip Stuff:

LIP PENCIL

• variety of mid market brands in pinks and reds

• MAC Lip Pencils Spice; Oak used most

LIPSTICK

• MAC Lip Sticks in Matte, Satins and Frosts

• Clinique Red

• Revlon

LIP GLOSS

• Lancome Juicy Tubes

• Smashbox Lip Gloss

• Prescriptives Lip Shine

LIP PLUMPER

• Fusion Beauty Lip Fusion

Makeup Brushes & Tools

TOOLS & BRUSHES

• MAC Angled Eye Liner, Medium Eye Shadow

• Bobbi Brown Set-Powder, Blush, Blender Eye, Smudge Eye, Angled Eye, Fine Liner, Concealer, Foundation, Lip, Touch Up Eye, Cream Shadow, Brow Filler, lash & brow

• eye lash curler

• wedge shaped sponges

• tooth brush

• mascara spool

Not necessarily in my makeup case but incredibly important to your overall appearance is a bright healthy smile (can you imagine gorgeous Gwyneth or Beyonce with dull, or worse yellow, teeth!).  Take the time to get on a regimen of teeth whitening...this alone can make a dramatic difference.  There all types of systems to choose from depending on your sense of convenience and budget; Crest White Strips, Go Smile and  Dr. Katz  are all different but effective systems to consider.

END OF MAKEUP BAG