Sometimes it seems like we’re carrying our entire beauty arsenal in our handbags. That’s a lot of poundage. Instead of schlepping around all those unnecessary “necessities,” consider thoughtfully curating your makeup pouch. Which essentials do you need for touch-ups? What megastar products can you rely on in case of an emergency (of the beauty variety)? Which items can take you from day into night?
The key is to pick out your absolute must-haves, along with a few compact, multitasking products. We suggest starting with these eight on-the-go beauty products that’ll keep you looking fresh-faced and beautiful, no matter where your day takes you.
Beauty On-the-Go: The Only 8 Products You Need in Your Bag
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Stick Foundation
Foundation wears off throughout the day. That's why a stick foundation like Hourglass' Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick is the perfect companion for your beauty bag. It doesn't take up much space, nor does it require any brushes. You can reapply it to areas that need some touch-ups throughout the day and blend it out to the coverage level you want, from sheer to full. It can also be used instead of concealer.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, $46 at Sephora
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Blotting Papers
Rather than endlessly powdering your face, consider blotting it. This way, you remove oil instead of packing on more product. Too Cool For School's Dinoplatz Dear Brachiosaurus Blotting Paper will keep your makeup looking flawless. Best of all, the oil-blotting papers come in a small case with a reusable puff and a mirror, which, as you know, always comes in handy.
Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Dear Brachiosaurus Blotting Paper, $8 at Sephora
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Lip Balm
Lip balm is one item you never want to be caught without. Drunk Elephant's Lippe uses a blend of avocado, mongongo, cranberry and marula oils to deeply moisturize, hydrate, plump, soften and protect your lips. Due to the wideness of the applicator, you only need one sweep to cover your pout. Use it on any area that calls for some TLC, in a pinch.
Drunk Elephant Lippe, $18 at Sephora
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Lip Liner
Lip liner isn't just for lining your lips. The right one can be used in lieu of lipstick or even as a blush. Hourglass' Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner is long-lasting yet still creamy enough to double as either. Best of all, it comes with a soft lip brush on the opposite end. Also, it takes up practically zero room, so you can stock up on multiple colors for your bag.
Hourglass Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner, $30 at Sephora
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Eyeshadow Pen
On a similar note, Trish McEvoy's 24-Hour Eyeshadow & Eyeliner takes up virtually no room, doesn't require any brushes and can be blended in with your fingers or applied directly for a more intense look. Plus, once it sets, it won't budge. To take your daytime look into night, choose a deeper color so you can define your crease or apply to your lash line in place of eyeliner.
Trish McEvoy 24-Hour Eyeshadow & Eyeliner, $33 at Nordstrom
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Facial Spray
For a little wake-me-up throughout the day, spritz on some facial mist like Omorovicza's Queen of Hungary Mist, which comes in a small, travel-friendly bottle. Its neroli and rose scent, inspired by the first-ever perfume (created for Queen Elizabeth of Hungary in the 14th century), is deeply refreshing, both for you and your makeup. It's perfect for the office, home and airplane alike.
Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist, $30 at Sephora
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Rollerball Perfume
Don't let your essence fade. Purchase rollerball versions of your favorite perfumes so you can re-apply easily and discreetly. An excellent choice is Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb, which is described as a "floral explosion" that can "awaken your deepest senses" with notes of sambac jasmine, centifolia rose, cattleya orchid and ballerina freesia bloom on a base of patchouli.
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Rollerball, $30 at Sephora
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Multitasking Brush
It's possible to avoid brushes altogether, but if you're going to carry one with you, make it Charlotte Tilbury's Powder & Sculpt Brush. A true multitasker, this tapered brush can be used to apply powder, blush, bronzer and highlighter with ease, resulting in a clean finish.
Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Brush, $49 at Nordstrom
