What's in my Make-up Bag as a university student whose days are always packed? Take a look at the products that made me go from retouching every 30 minutes to not even looking at the powder room twice.
Sections
12
Primer
Foundation
Concealer
Eyeshadow
Mascara
Contour and Bronzer
Primer
The "glue" for your look. This creates a smooth canvas by blurring pores and ensuring your makeup stays put from morning coffee to evening plans.
My pores, tiny bumps, and the texture of my skin were basically non-existent after this. No other primer could ever make my make-up as smooth as this one does. Chef's kiss.
e.l.f.'s Best Face Primers for Makeup
Foundation
Your skin’s best friend for evening out skin tone. Whether it’s a sheer tint or full coverage, this provides the uniform base for the rest of your products.
Staying true to its name, this pressed powder indeed does blur and even out the complexion of my skin.
blk cosmetics daydream soft blur powder foundation
Concealer
The ultimate secret weapon. Use this to brighten under-eyes or spot-treat any blemishes that the foundation didn't quite cover.
I can go up to 12 hours with this concealer slash corrector and still end the day with my face smooth and even. One of its advantages are the sheer, medium, and full coverage options. Perfect for everyone!
Instant Age Rewind® Eraser Multi-Use Concealer
Hot take: Yes, it is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for! And I mean PAY for! Bonus points for being so small, you could fit it in a pencil case. Wink wink.
NARS Under Eye Concealer Makeup
Eyeshadow
The creative playground. From neutral mattes for depth to shimmery metallics for drama, these pigments define and enhance the shape of your eyes.
The palette that I use everyday for university, and believe me, it never disappoints! Those eyes are going to be killer.
City Mini Palette: Master NYC Moments
The palette that I use for casual events, everyday make-up, or get-ups outside of university. This is the real “no make-up make-up look” and I swear by it.
blk eye palette
Mascara
The finishing touch for eyes. It darkens, lengthens, and thickens lashes to make your eyes look wider and more expressive.
This mascara is my holy-grail when practicing new make-up looks or getting ready for short yet meaningful occasions.
NOTE: This is the WASHABLE Sky High Mascara.
lash sensational sky high washable mascara
The tubing mascara of my dreams and probably yours as well! Never smears, never smudges, but when you want it off, it comes off with ease.
MILANI Highly Rated Lash Extensions Mascara
I'll tell you a secret: I once went to university at 9 AM with my freshly curled lashes, went home at 3 PM, accidentally fell asleep until the morning, and when I looked at myself in the mirror, the lash was still LASHING.
NOTE: I did not wear mascara that day.
REVLON Eyelash Curler
Contour and Bronzer
The architects of the face. Bronzer adds a sun-kissed warmth, while contour mimics shadows to define your cheekbones and jawline.
The perfect sculpting cosmetic if you want to enhance that “chiseled-by-the-gods” look of yours!
Charlotte Tilbury Contour Makeup: Liquid, Bronzer & Exclusive Kits
Blush
The "instant awake" step. A pop of color on the apples of the cheeks brings a healthy, youthful flush back to the skin.
Just like the Soft Blur Powder, this blush works wonders on textured skin as it does on the smoother type. It is also formulated to last all day regardless of activities.
blk cosmetics soft blur powder blush
I layer this blush with the blk soft blur powder blush and this, being liquid, helps the powder to blend better and grip the face even more. It can be used on its own and still have great results but that is my tip for making it last all-day.
e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush
Lip Products
The mood-setters. This category covers everything from hydrating balms and subtle glosses to bold, long-wear matte lipsticks.
Hands down the best lip balm there is! This product is perfect for every occasion, whether it's winter or your lips just need a bit more love, Burt's Bees is your best friend!
Burt's Bees Coconut & Pear Lip Balm
As a girl who loves eating, it is a no-no for me when a lip product transfers, builds up in the center, or does not stay. Gladly, I found the Maybelline Super Stay to keep me company from bite-sized snacks up to “cravings satisfied” meals.
Super Stay Matte Ink® Liquid Lipstick
This lip gloss makes me look like I cleaned a greasy pan with my lips. That is how shiny, glossy, and juicy my lips look with this and it's an understatement.
e.l.f. Lip Gloss, Lip Oil and Lip Stain
My secret to hydrated but still glam lips? This is it! Issy’s Velvet Lip Bullet applies as smoothly as butter and leaves you feeling moisturized and looking fabulous.
ISSY Lip Bullet True Velvet
Setting Spray
The final seal. A quick mist locks everything in place, prevents melting, and can provide either a dewy glow or a matte finish.
I don't know about anyone but my make-up stayed intact for 16 HOURS even after I had a class presentation, 30-minute walk, dinner, and went to a club all because of this setting spray.
Lasting Makeup Setting Spray | NYX Professional Makeup
Make-up Brushes and Beauty Blenders
The building blocks. These are the essential tools that blend harsh lines into seamless transitions, ensuring your products look like skin, not makeup.
This set is the true definition of affordable but of quality. Its bristles are soft and don't feel irritating to the skin, the material is sturdy, and it comes with basically every brush you'll ever need.
Makeup Brushes - DUAIU Shop
These sponges make blending easier, does not absorb much product (even liquids), and it very gentle on the face.
Makeup Sponges | RealTechniques.com
Another holy grail! These puffs work like silicon puffs so you don't have to worry about the puff absorbing more product than your face.
Miracle 2-In-1 Powder Puff | RealTechniques.com
Eyebrow Products
My game changer for a polished and seamless university look! Definitely worth every cent.
Eyebrow Gels: Order The Best Brow Gels at Anastasia Beverly Hills
The Mid-day Save
For a student walking around in campus, this is hands-down the best sunscreen stick for re-application over makeup. A busy day essential!
BEAUTY OF JOSEON Matte Sun Stick : Mugwort + Camelia 18g
Since I've mentioned a “30-minute walk” all the time around university, it is no surprise that the scorching hot sun contributes to sweat and oils. This blotting paper helps with absorbing that and maintaining the matte and flawless look of your make...