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Only the perfect dress-up is not everything for a woman when going out. Moreover, perfect and well-balanced makeup is also mandatory that fits you. But for working women, it’s tough to get ready with makeup at home. That’s why they carry a makeup bag for a day-long touch-up. But what do they have in their bag?
If you are one of them and want to know what you must keep in your makeup bag, then this article is for you. Here we have mentioned the 12 must-have items in your makeup bag.
The 12 Must-Have Items In Your Makeup Bag
It’s time to know about the items that you should put in your makeup bag.
1. Moisturizer
A perfect Moisturizer lotion locks water inside the skin. For dry skin, such a lotion is mandatory to retain skin humidity. Applying makeup on dehydrated skin is Like the color spread on a cracked road.

For both dry and oily skin, moisturizer is crucial in winter. Whenever the temperature falls suddenly, oily skin may turn dry or cracked. In this regard, you should choose a Water-Based Moisturizer. Moreover, In a winter country, moisturizer is a must for all.
Can’t understand which moisturizer is best for you? Read our dedicated article on –
- The best moisturizers for dry skin
- The best moisturizers for oily skin
Apply moisturizer after washing your face when the skin is wet. Dry your face after putting on the moisturizer and apply the following makeup essentials.
2. Primer
Before you apply your makeup, a perfect base is important. It helps to control oil production and turns the skin’s surface smooth and almost poreless. So when you apply makeup, it refines your skin texture and provides a natural glow. Overall, for a perfect makeup finishing, Primer is crucial.
There are different types of primers on the market. Some are spray types, some are cream, and some are powder types. But choosing the best one regarding the skin type is a must. Moreover, before you buy a primer, always follow some basic tips-
- For oily skin, you will need a sweat-proof primer that will produce less moisture and control the oil of the skin.
- For dry skin, you will need a primer that will hydrate your skin first and then make a base layer to apply makeup. In this regard, you may check our recommendation article about the best primer for dry skin.
After washing your face with water and applying moisturizer, you can use a primer for dry skin. But for oily skin, apply it just after washing the face.
3. Makeup Setting Spray
Want to keep your makeup looking vivid and fresh throughout the day? Well, then you need to lock it. Although a base primer helps to set the makeup properly, a Makeup Setting Spray is essential to make it more long-lasting. It helps to prevent your makeup from being smudged, creased, or faded quickly.

Moreover, the makeup finishing spray is a relief for a day-long fresh look if you have dry skin, even after using a primer. There are dedicated makeup setting sprays for dry skin in the market. You may choose the best one among them.
Categorically, makeup setting spray is highly recommended for dry skin and oily skin. Here, you may look at our selection of the best makeup setting spray for oily skin.
When to use it? Spray the finishing spray all over your skin surface at last after applying all makeup items.
4. Concealer
Going outside?
Daylong work pressure?

When everyone has a stressful life, dark circles under the eyes and stress marks on the face are common in this modern time. Besides, as per skin-age- season, a person would have blemishes, dark spots, acne, and other imperfection on the face. To make them almost disappear and fade, a Concealer is a blessing.
Among different types of concealer, for dry skin, choose the liquid one (check the article on “Best Concealer for Dry Skin“). And for oily skin, choose the cream and sticky type (check the article on “Best Concealer for Oily Skin“). Moreover, to hide the puffiness, dark concealers are best.
Before you put on the foundation, apply concealer to hide dark circles and other skin scars.
5. Loose Setting Powder
Don’t confuse between using the Loose Setting Powder and setting spray. Initially, both seem the same in purpose but not precisely in effect. Where setting spray is just to lock your makeup for a day-long lasting, there loose setting powder is used after applying the foundation to set it properly and make the surface more smooth.
Moreover, loose setting powder is best for oily skin for matte finish makeup. So, if you have oily face skin, go for it. And if you have dehydrated skin, you may use personalized and dedicated loose powder for dry skin.
6. Foundation
There is nothing meaningful when it is baseless. Foundation is the base of the perfect makeup look. It turns a large blank and smooth canvas to apply makeup. So, it’s not all about the makeup. Instead, it is the base. Without using it, none of the additional makeup items is going to work.

It covers the blemishes, hides the spots, improves the skin tone, and blurs all types of imperfections. There are different types of foundations.
- Liquid Foundation: Most popular type. Works on both oily and dry skin.
- Serum Foundation: Standard variation of liquid foundation.
- Cream Foundation: Best for dry skin.
- Powder Foundation: Best for oily skin.
- Water-Based Foundation: Best for acne-prone oily skin.
To know more detail about the best foundation for your skin type, check our article on
- The 10 best foundations for oily skin
- The 10 best foundations for dry skin
7. Eye Shadow
Do you believe the eyes are the centre of your beauty? And here, to add more beauty to your eyes, there are some Eye Shadows with different color palettes. It adds extra depth to make your eyes appear larger. So, you can quickly grab the attention of others nearby.

You can easily get so many brands of eyeshadow, but it is not so easy to get a perfect palette. To make your purchase easy, we have a list of the 20 best eyeshadow palettes that will complement your eyes’ lid color.
8. Makeup Brush Set
Applying makeup cream and powder on your face using your hand? It’s not hygienic for your face. Rather it may cause skin irritation so far because there are so many bacteria in the hands. In this case, Makeup Brushes are a relief.

There are so many types of makeup brushes you may have. We recommend getting a set of brushes. You should have a blush brush, an eye shadow brush, a powder brush, a powder brush, and a brow/lash groomer. Try not to use one brush for all applications.
Moreover, always check before buying a set. The bristles should move in one direction when applying makeup and also should stay firm when you pull on. In this regard, to make your selection easier, we have shortlisted 10 best makeup brush sets.
9. Blusher
If you imagine a makeup look, it is incomplete without blush. Want a rosy pinkish cheek or a perfect complexion for a healthy-looking face? A suitable Blusher regarding your skin tone will help you.

For lighter skin, a fade blush is great. Moreover, women with fair complexions should apply blush in pinkish or coral hues. For darker skin, blush in wine or burgundy tone works well.
What types of blushers should you apply? It would be the best to go for a blush as per your skin type. A blush for dry skin should be the cream type to turn your face skin more smooth. And powder types are good for oily skin blush.
10. Lipstick/Lip Gloss
Perfectly polished lips give completeness to your makeup. Here, Lipstick is to turn your lips more vivid and colorful and gives a texture to your lips. And Lip Gloss is to shine your lips. However, a colored lip gloss can work for coloring and shining both.

Always choose your Lipstick as per your skin tone. If your skin tone is light, then brownish pink, light red, and baby pink are the best for you. But if you have dark skin, dark red, brown burgundies are a better choice for you.
There is a variety not only in colors, but also in types. Try to have long-lasting Lipstick for a day-long makeup look. Moreover, creamy and moisturizing lipsticks are so good for having shiny lips for party time.
11. Mascara
Isn’t eyeliner enough? Then why Mascara? Well, for the eye makeup, after applying eye shadow, one uses eyeliner that actually defines the eye shape, not the lashes. So to lengthen and enhance the eyelashes, mascara is a must essential.
Now, the looks of your lashes depend on the types of mascara and how you use it. You should use the thinner one with a more delicate brush for natural-looking eyelashes. And for appearing lashes bigger and bolder when applied with thicker mascaras with wide and fat brushes.
Try to purchase a waterproof mascara for a day-long sharp and deep look.
12. Eyeliner
To define the shape of the eyes, a perfect Eyeliner is drawn upon the eyelashes. So for everyday makeup, an eyeliner adds detail to the eyes, which grabs the attention of others.

There are so many types of eyeliner on the market. All are not the same and not even in the use process-
Want a deep dramatic outline for your eyes? Liquid eyeliner is a good option. But apply it after eyeshadow and before mascara. And draw the line only over your upper eyelashes. Moreover, if you want to use Powder eyeliner along with the liquid liner, use it on the lower lashes. Another is Gel eyeliner, similar to liquids that you may use on both upper and lower lashes but only a thin line.
What is best for every day? Neutral eyeliner shades of black, grey, and brown are best for daily makeup. This eyeliner is basic and easy for day-long touch-ups anywhere and whenever going out.
FAQs
1. Can I use lip balm instead of Lipstick?
Lip balm and Lipstick both are different. So using lip balm instead of Lipstick is not a good decision. Because where lip balm moisturizes your lips having no color, Lipstick is a beauty product to make your lips colorful. Moreover, you may have a look at our best lip balms list for your lip care.
2. Is primer essential for oily skin?
Undoubtedly yes, but obviously a sweat-proof one that makes skin poreless and smooth and controls the oil production on the face. Moreover, a primer is always a must in a cold season, both for dry and oily skin.
3. What are the best makeup items for teenagers?
For a school-going teenager, natural-looking makeup is best. In this case, a Moisturizer, Medium-Coverage Foundation, Natural Colored Blush, Full-Coverage Concealer, Brow Mascara, and Sheer Lipstick are good to go.
4. Should I keep the perfume in my makeup bag?
Why not? You can keep a small travel-size deodorant or perfume in your makeup bag. For a day-long freshness, a good fragrance is mandatory. Moreover, with a sweating body smelling bad, you can’t concentrate on your job. So, keeping a perfume in the makeup bag is a good decision.
5. How do I remove my makeup?
Once you have put on long-lasting makeup, it’s time to remove the makeup at night or after coming back home. In this regard, you may use makeup remover wipes. Rinse your face with water and use the wipes. Another process is making a cleanser using soap and water. Apply it and rub with fingers to all the edges of the face. Finally, wipe with a soft cotton pad.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article will help you to get a complete idea of what you should carry in your makeup bag. Always choose a product thoughtfully. And to make your choice easier and more useful, we have different recommended product categories. Always read the product manuals and check that your product is clinically proven. What are you waiting for? Go and get the 12 must-have items in your makeup bag.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
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