Makeup Bag Do-Over: Or How Not to Carry 17 Lipsticks on Your Back

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:33AM

A few days ago, I celebrated my birthday. And this year, I was the hugely spoilt recipient of my Handbag of Dreams. Obviously, the first thing I wanted to do was toss in my essentials and take H.O.D. out to play. In went my keys and purse, my sunglasses and their case, and that was when the horror set in.

Now, Primpers, I’m not so much a makeup bag kinda gal. I’m more a “chuck the essentials into your tote and go” sort of person. i.e., disorganised. And what was suddenly clear, when assessing the remaining contents of my old bag, was that I’ve been carrying enough cosmetics on my back recently to open my own shop. Like a rather glamorous turtle with a lip gloss fetish. (On seeing this pic, I rather fear Nicole may have the same problem. Imagine what she’s fitting in that!)

It was clearly time to take action, as I couldn’t submit H.O.D. to such grueling weight-bearing activity. I’m a little embarrassed to share that I fished out two powders, two blushes (one cream, one powder), a blush brush, a comb, a myriad of bobby pins, 10 hair elastics, one pack of oil blotting sheets, five vials of eye drops, an eyeliner and (here comes the embarrassing part) 17 separate lip products. This astounding figure combined lipstick (nude, red, pink, coral), gloss, balms, stains and a tinted cream in a pot. I am the first to admit that even for a beauty journalist, a lipstick addict, or someone with an Angelina-sized pout, this is too much. And it got me thinking: what would be the ideal, H.O.D.-worthy, appropriately sized kit that can take you anywhere, without needing your chiro on speed-dial?

Step one: I selected a small, sweet little makeup pouch and vowed not to let a single product that didn’t fit in said pouch into H.O.D.

Step two: I assembled my go-anywhere beauty arsenal.

Step three: I took it out on the road to see how I fared with just the essentials (you’ll be relieved to know that it’s totally survivable).

Step four: I prepared to share my kit with you, Primpers. Although I’m sure the majority of you are much more sensible than me when it comes to your makeup carrying habits, perhaps there’s a few out there who may need some assistance in downsizing your beauty life.

WHAT MADE THE CUT

A powder compact
Chanel Poudre Universelle Compact, $88, 1300 CHANEL. So, yes, probably any great compact would do, but I love the shades (I wear Clair), the streamlined shape and the huge mirror inside, which is big enough to apply your makeup in the back of a cab. Plus the great shine-stopping formula, of course.

A double duty cream colour
Becca Lip & Cheek Crème in Rosebud, $46, Becca Australia. The pretty pink hue works perfectly for lips and cheeks, and the formula can go under or on top of all other makeup, so it’s perfect for touch-ups on the go. It’s also totally matte, so won’t add any extra shine to your face, and the tiny little case takes up virtually no room.

A nude lippy
Burberry Beauty Lip Cover in Tulip Pink, $49, David Jones. A lip-toned lipstick is an on-the-run essential. It’ll make you look groomed in an instant, and you needn’t use a mirror to reapply. This option is a lovely hue, lasts well, has a velvety finish and the packaging is to die.

A bright lip colour
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Cherry Tart, $21.95, from pharmacies. If you haven’t tried this brilliant balm-slash-gloss-like lipstick yet, put it on your to-do list. This toffee-apple shade is punchy enough to make an impact, yet sheer enough so it doesn’t wear you. Just the thing for adding a splash of colour to take you from desk to dinner.

A balm
Burt’s Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm, $6.95, from pharmacies. Completely natural, and with no added flavours or fragrances, this clever stick will soothe and moisten dry lips in an instant. It makes a great lipstick base, too. Apply, blot, then slick on the colour for a smooth look. Also good for smoothing ragged cuticles when you haven’t had a mani.

A hair tool
Lady Jayne Pocket Comb, $4.69 for two, 1800 651 146. This itty-bitty groomer is great for smoothing fringes and fixing ratty ends. It was a toss up between this and a Mason Pearson Pocket Nylon & Bristle Brush, $99.95, 03 8587 4650, but size (and price) won out. If your hair is more unruly, or you prefer a smooth look (I favour tousles), go a brush.

And there you have it, Primpers. No eye makeup – I make sure I get that done at home now – and realistically, if you’re using quality products, you shouldn’t need to reapply. Yes, there are still three, well, perhaps four if you count Becca, lip products, but that’s a big decrease from 17, and let’s face it: lips are the things that really require retouching when you’re out and about. I’m happy, my face is happy, and H.O.D is happy, too. So it’s win, win … win.

But do spill: how many lip products or beauty buys have you caught yourself carrying around on a daily basis?

And what are your current handbag essentials?

Maybe we can make a master list, so we’ll all be streamlined yet stylish in future.

Until next week,

Emily x

Posted by: Emily Taylor

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Tags: becca australia, burts bees, chanel, featured, handbag, handbag essentials, lady jayne, makeup products, nicole richie, revlon