The Ultimate Guide to Your Capsule Make Up Bag

Does your make up bag weigh the same as carry-on luggage? Are you tired of having to bring ten different shades of lipstick with you for every occasion? Well we have a solution for you. No this is not a JML ad, it’s Lorna’s guide to managing your makeup bag (I should trademark that).

My make up bag takes up most of the room in my bag everyday, and honestly I find it very hard to reduce it down in size and volume. But moving around a lot in my job means it cannot be weighty or packed in any form. I needed to streamline the make up approach and focus on the things I really need throughout the day. So how do we go about this clean out?

The Bag Itself

I used to opt for thick plastic based make up bags so I could wipe them clean, but they take up a lot of space. So I’ve chosen a floppy fabric one which can be squeezed and compacted down to fit in my bag, like the one in the picture above from Penneys that only costs €5. 

Coverage

If you apply your foundation before you leave the house, it’s not necessary to bring the bottle with you. I bring a good foundation based powder for touch ups that also top up the coverage if I’m having a bad skin day. Estee Lauder Double Wear Powder Foundation is great for this.

Travel Size

Travel or sample size products are not just for your holidays; they make for great make up bag products too to take on the go. It’s almost like making a smaller, efficient second make up kit to keep with you all day. Look out for travel kits too, like Urban Decay who make a super one.

Lipstick dilemma

I have such an addiction to lipstick I love having a selection on me. But, it’s so not necessary. I’ve started to just bring two: one natural and one stronger colour in case a fabulous occasion arises for the evening time. One lip liner in a soft colour that works with both lipsticks is another space saver.

Brushes

The full kit is not for your bag. Try and keep a double ended brush in your bag that you normally find with eye palettes. The new Clarins Essentials eye palette has a great brush in it, that I reckon can be used for a concealer brush too. Also, Real Techniques make a really good mini brush set that’s perfect for hand bags.

So, it’s not about packing your entire inventory, just a few simple changes can make your bag a lot lighter.

Want some tips on how to create the perfect capsule wardrobe, for your clothes? Head on over to Beaut.ie where we have a step by step guide.