Packing A Perfect Quick Makeup Bag: 8 Essentials To Include

Quick makeup bag
Photo: Annie Spratt on Unsplash

We are all attracted to so many products, yet we finish not using many of them.

A quick makeup bag is a great idea for women who prefer quick and easy makeup. You will be surprised how many products you can throw out from your makeup bag, ones that you have bought but don’t actually use.

If you are one of those women who have bought a bunch of makeup just because some Youtube influencer told you so, then you also know how much you have really used it. Instead of buying many different items, it is better to create a minimalistic makeup bag containing fever but quality products.

So, if you don’t want to spend on products that are just collecting the dust, follow along.

4 Tips For A Quick Makeup Bag

#1 Think: Less but Better

Aiming for a collection of less but better products is the key to creating a quick makeup bag. This will force you to really think about products you use daily and ones you don’t – you just tend to buy them and keep them for special occasions.

Instead of buying 5 cheap products and not being satisfied with them, think about purchasing one, but good. So, rather than having 3 foundations that make your face look cakey, opt for a good-quality CC or BB cream.

You will see – buying one good product and using it all the way is much better than having 3 mascaras that are half empty.

#2 Categorize Your Makeup Items

Even if you think – “I need them all,” after some time, you will realize that you don’t actually use all those five foundations or mascaras.

Make a list of products you use every day, put them on paper, and create a chart. After every use of that particular product, put a mark. This is one of the simplest yet great ways to find out what you really need in your makeup bag.

#3 Duo Makeup Products are Great

Duo and multi-use products are great for a minimalistic makeup bag. If you are looking for more space in your bag with better products, then make sure to search for those multi-functional products.

Creamy formulas can be used as blush, bronzer, eyeshadow, and even lipstick. Also, consider eyebrow pencils that have a spoolie on one side.

Find a palette that can work on your eyes, but face as well. Use shades as blush and bronzer.

#4 Skin Care Is Priority

The secret of a perfect makeup routine is to take care of your skin first. Even though you aim for a minimalistic makeup bag, make sure there is space for all your skincare products.

Brushes, concealers, and foundations can suddenly become useless if your skin is not in a proper condition and not moisturized.

8 Absolute Essentials For A Quick Makeup Bag

Quick makeup bag
Photo: Element5 Digital on Unsplash

To create your quick makeup bag, you will need essential products. You don’t need half as much as you actually think you do!

1. Foundation, BB, or CC Cream

Liquid and creamy formulas of foundation will surely hide all the imperfections. However, for something more daily-friendly, pick BB or CC cream. They will make your face look fresh while providing medium coverage and even some glow.

Buy only from the brands you trust and something that you are sure will match your skin type and skin tone. Maybelline Fit me foundation is worth the hype – it is an excellent oil-free formula. If you are looking for a good quality CC cream, opt for the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC cream.

2. Eyeshadows

If you can find a perfect palette that has all shades you like, then you won! However, you can also have a few basic shades of creamy eyeshadows, like Mac Paint Pots.

Stay within neutral tones when picking eyeshadows for your quick makeup bag. You can use them as a blush and highlighter as well. This Lorac PRO Palette has excellent reviews, and even Vogue mentions it as worth trying.

3. Concealer

While some women use foundation daily, others simply go for concealers to hide blemishes and redness. You don’t need a brush for concealer. Just tap it with your fingers on the places you think it is necessary.

Many women say that Maybelline Instant Age Rewind changed their life. It is excellent for dark circles and for your wallet – it is really cheap, yet a very good makeup product. For full coverage, go for Dermablend Quick Fix Concealer.

4. Eyebrow Pencil – Brow Gel

Lightly groomed but filled-in brows will provide you with such a fresh look. Seek for a pencil that has a spoolie at one side – that is how you will have two-in-one and more space in your makeup bag.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil will give your brows an upgrade, while Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow definer will define them completely.

5. SPF Face Lotion

Everyone should wear an SPF face lotion, even in winter. The sun rays can cause severe damage to the skin, regardless of the season.

Use SPF after your daily skincare routine as the last step before makeup. That is how it will be the most effective, even after putting on makeup.

EltaMD UV Clear Facial sunscreen is great for acne-prone and sensitive skin. It is based on a mineral zinc oxide formula that offers full protection. Neutrogena Clear Face is suitable for oily skin and is a budget-friendly option.

6. Mascara

Mascara should be one of the last steps in your makeup routine. It is one of the products that make you look awake and refreshed. You shouldn’t overdo it. Just a few light coats will do such good work.

Some women prefer colored mascaras, but for the really eye-catching, full impact look, pick black. L’oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise promises no flaking, smudging, and clumping. Just the intense length and massive volume. Essence Lash Princess mascara is a budget-friendly option that is gluten and cruelty-free.

7. Blush and Bronzer

Blush will give you a fresh, healthy look, while bronzer contours your face. Both of these products might not be necessary, but they can be part of your quick daily makeup looks.

We recommend a cream or liquid formulas that are easy to apply with fingers. You can also use both bronzer and blush as eyeshadows.

E.l.f. Monochromatic Multi-Stick is creamy and lightweight. The blush can be found in various shades of peach and pink tones.

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola bronzer is buildable and perfect for everyday makeup.

8. Lipstick or Lip Balm

Photo: Instagram/@eugenio_luti_photographer

What helps pull your look together is a bit of lip balm or a bolder lipstick on your lips. However, try not to buy too many lipsticks that are almost the same shade.

Instead, pick ones with long-lasting colors, neutral, and the ones that suit your skin tone. Creamy and rich formulas that can last all day long are the ones you should aim for.

L’oreal Color Riche Lipstick offers such a superior range of shades. You can choose from red to nude. On the other hand, if you are more of a lip gloss lady, choose Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink. They guarantee long-lasting shades that are not drying the lips.


We have all been tricked into buying many products that we end up not using. With aggressive marketing and influencers representing products that will “surely work,” you have probably caught yourself buying many different makeup products that you end up not using at all.

The quick makeup bag is an excellent solution that you should have handy. So, declutter your boxes and determine to go for quality versus quantity. Your looks will just get better.

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