Beauty Box 5

We’ve all seen the magazine articles where various women (typically celebrities) have been asked to dump out their purse or makeup bag and let adoring fans and magazine readers alike into their personal makeup psyche. What I haven’t seen before however is one of these articles where they asked a stylist or some sort…hair, makeup, clothing, etc. to play this game. That being said, I thought I’d let you in on what I carry around on a daily basis…which I’m sure is rather similar to what you keep in that bag of yours. I am also going to ask a few of my stylist friends to do the same here in the next few months so keep your eyes open for some great products you might just have to try!

So…I actually carry two “makeup” bags…one for my actual makeup and another for everything else that won’t fit in the one with all my makeup. ;)

Bag #1: Makeup

I have to admit that when it comes to makeup, my addiction is lip gloss…the funny part is that despite carrying 8 lip products around at all times…I rarely every re-touch my lips during the day. Gloss for me is about first impressions and a girl always looks more put together if her lips are on…not to mention that people statistically pay more attention to what you’re saying if you lips have a bit of color or shine. Here are the glosses I can’t live without:

1. Urban Decay’s Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss in “Max.” This a great high-gloss nude that smells like a yummy pastry of some sort. I wear it ALL the time and it stays put better than any other gloss in my collection.

2 & 3. “Tangerine Tango Opal” and “Tangerine Tago Glaze” from the Sephora+Pantone Universe Color of the Year Lipgloss Set. These are the two lightest/sheerest shades from this collection. While I think they look amazing, I wish they would have just a little more staying power. Either way, they are great for mixing with other glosses to get that perfect orange-ish shade.

4. Benecos Natural Lipgloss in “Rose.” (This one I’m testing for Beauty Box 5…and it’s AWESOME!) I have to say I adore this line. The gloss is just one of a few products I’m testing from this full line of German-based cosmetics and the color (a soft, sheer, opalescent light pink) and staying power are just fabulous.

5 & 6. Mirabella’s New Color Luxe Lip Gloss in “Blaze” & their soon-to-be discontinued Outshine in “Illusion.” “Blaze” is a great sheer red with a ton of sparkle that is wonderful for accenting a darker lip color or wearing alone for a sort of red-stained look. ”Illusion” is relatively similar to my Benecos gloss but has a rather peach tint instead.

7. Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in “Leslie.” This is relatively the same color as two of my other glosses (“Illusion” and “Rose”) BUT, it has a slightly golden tint. It also tingles a bit and smells like sugar cookies.

8. An old cherry ChapStick with no label left. Everyone should carry a lip balm…enough said. :)

What else do I carry in this little bag of goodness? Well, my goal is to have everything I need to get ready for a day at work without having to lug the weight of full-size products from place to place…which is why I LOVE samples!!!

1. Elf’s Eyebrow Kit in “Light.” For the price, this is a great portable set for brows. It is $3, comes in a variety of colors, contains both wax and power AND a pretty useful little double-ended brow brush.

2. Bosica’s Green Tea Blotting Linens. These have been a replacement for my Urban Decay De-slick Mattifying Powder (which broke in my bag) and they’re a total life-saver for when I get a little oily down here in the Texas heat!

3. Clinique’s Advanced Concealer in #01, “Matte Light.” I honestly bought this concealer to get the gift at Clinique a while back and I am totally impressed! A little tiny bit goes a very long way, the finish is beautifully matte and it works for under eyes, amazingly well on blemishes and it can double (when applied sparingly) as foundation when you’re in a bind.

4. My Travalo atomizer full of Bvlgari’s “Red Tea” eau de parfum. You never know when you’ll need a little freshening up and my Travalo goes every where I do! Unfortunately, my Bvlgari fragrance has been discontinued so I’m savoring every last bit of what’s in this puppy! :(

5. Estee Lauder’s All Day Natural Cheek Color #20, “Mocha Rose.” (Which is unfortunately discontinued.) This is a little sample that comes with it’s own brush that I probably got in another gift quite some time ago. The applicator is a great size for both cheeks and eyes (I use it for a touch of color on my lids when I have no eyeshadow…typically over my Clinique concealer.) and the shade of pink is great to brighten up dull-looking skin.

6. Mascara…which I’m out of right now. I typically carry a sample-size of some sort so I’m not makeup-bag-loyal to any specific brand when it comes to my lashes.

7. Supergoop! SPF 30+ Everyday Face & Body Lotion. (The sample size from my Beauty Box 5!) After all, I never leave home without a little protection! (and hydration!)

Bag #2

1. 3 black pony-tail bands.

2. 4 bobbypins

3. Hello Kitty Kid-sized chopsticks. (I <3 Hello Kitty AND sushi!)

4. Coffee-flavored dental floss.

5. Emergen-C in 1,000 MG Super Orange.

6. InstaClears Pre-moistened Lens Towellette

7. A pen….because it is mightier than the sword. ;)

8. My pocket knife.

9. Allergy medicine.

10. Headache medicine.

11. Tweezers

12. Pssssst! Instant Dry Shampoo. I was actually introduced to this product by Beauty Box 5 and it is a complete life-saver! It always seems like my hair gets oily late in the day and it’s so nice to be able to freshen up my locks on the go!

Well then, I think that covers it. What’s in your bag that you can’t live without? I’d love to hear from you!

Peace, Love & Samples!

Felicity