These are the two key factors that help me determine what qualifies as good on-the-go makeup products: Portability and utility.
Before you buy that must-have product or before you decide whether it’s worth it to take it in your purse, tote or suitcase, ask yourself this: Can you fit it in your purse or makeup pouch? Is the product bulky in size or compact? Can your product double as something else? Can you use it for day and night? Will it go with your what you’re wearing?
I always ask myself these questions and this process never fails me. I’ve saved myself hundreds of dollars just by simply assessing whether this product could really fit into my lifestyle.
Maybe you don’t always have time to do your makeup before work but don’t mind adding a coat of mascara in the car, or perhaps you travel frequently but you can’t seem to confine your makeup stash to just the essentials. “But what if you need that product?” you say. Girl, what if you don’t?
Trust me, I’ve been there. If any of those situations sound familiar then you should bookmark this post. There’s no question I’m a huge beauty product junkie but I’ve learned how to separate the lust list from the essentials.I love a 15-shade eyeshadow palette just as every other girl, but when it comes to toting around the essentials, these are the best on-the-go makeup products I keep in my trusty Glossier pink pouch for work and travel.
Let me start with my newest obsession— I don’t think I’ve come across a priming moisturizer as smooth and soft as this formula—First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer is everything and more. This oil-free moisturizer smoothes the way for makeup while blurring pores. And if I’m feeling rushed, I can wear it alone and still feel good about my complexion. It’s fast absorbing, which is a must for girls on the go.
Speaking of primers, I know I can always count on my NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. If eyeshadow is your thing, then primer is a must and this one is extra special—it’s fortified with deep-sea extract so it dries on contact. I use this prior to applying Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Amethyst (a soft mauve). When I’m too tired to do my makeup in the morning before work or if I want to put on a fresh eye look later in the day, I always reach for creamy eye shadow sticks because they’re easy to use, you can blend with your finger and they’re perfectly portable.
Glossier No. 1 Pencil was my on-the-go makeup product throughout the holiday party circuit and has even made its way into my daily makeup pouch. Unfortunately, this was included in a limited edition box so this isn’t available anymore. Regardless, a trusty eyeliner is a must if you don’t carry eyeshadow. Any smudge stick will instantly make your eyes pop. I really like this one by Clinique that will hug your lash line for a fuller eye look.
It’s no secret, I’m a firm believer that every woman should have multiple tubes of mascara for every occasion. But in those moments when you can’t really pack all 5… or 15 (who’s counting?), I would go with Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara. Truth be told it has become my daily go-to and aside from the obvious notice in length and volume, I love that it’s easy to remove at night. So if you’re traveling with a pack of makeup remover wipes, you’ll save yourself several minutes before bed.
You’ve heard me rave about Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in a previous post but I am still very much obsessed. This one in Ethereal Glow complements my fair skin and gives me a natural finish. I also love how compact this blush is, which makes it easy for packing.
Here’s what I love about Stila All Over Shimmer Duo—at first glance, it looks like a pretty half pink, half beige powder for on-the-go highlighting and contouring. But this compact also doubles as eye shadow, cheek color or a little bit of shimmer on your décolleté, making it a must-have if you need something that will take you from day to night.
I love lipstick—don’t get me wrong. But trying to decide on the right lipstick color can be time consuming. You can never go wrong with a flushed lip and I’ve found that in this tinted lip treatment.
Do you have the best on-the-go makeup products you like to keep with you at all times? Let me know in the comments!
My favorite brow product (that also saves me a LOT of time getting ready!) is my Skone Cosmetics Brow Wand.