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Every woman owns more makeup than she can even remember buying. Over the years we accumulate dozens of shades and formulations of eyeshadows and eyeliners, bronzers and blushes, experiment with different colors in our mascara and buy lipsticks and glosses to match every mood and outfit. But when it comes right down to it, our daily makeup routine includes only a tiny fraction of these items, and our essential makeup bag should reflect that.

Although there may be special occasions where we alter our look, for the most part, every woman has determined what is essential for putting on that quick face and it's nearly universal. We want to bring out eyes, accent lips and hide imperfections. Is a foundation always necessary? No, but a good concealer is. In most cases we will have already put our makeup on before leaving the house but in an emergency might need to dab it on after we arrive at work or other destination. Ideally, an essential makeup bag contains the most important elements of our makeup routine but takes up little space and can be easily carried along, even in a small handbag.

Briefly, the essential makeup bag contains the following:

*Concealer - to touch up any blemishes or help to diminish circles under the eyes

*Eyeliner or brown/deep neutral eyeshadow which can be used as both shadow and liner in a pinch - if using for liner, pack a good eyeliner brush suitable to the job

*Mascara - the best way to make your eyes pop and be noticeable is to frame them with long, luxurious lashes

*Lipstick - a neutral shade will go anywhere but you may be partial to deeper shades. Keep it in the peach or coral tones and it will serve you better than a deep red.

*Finishing powder - to give your face a slightly more "finished" look and to dab on oily areas.

If you simply can't go without your foundation, choose a small compact of powder foundation. You can also add a blush or bronzer for a little color and sculpting but don't add too many items. If you let yourself add a favorite item even just once a week, in no time at all, your bag will be straining at the seams and the discerning eye will tell you that you haven't used half of those items since you added them to the bag.

Keep it simple and you will have what you need for quick touch-ups or making up in a hurry by keeping to the essentials in your makeup bag.

Learn more about this author, A. Jacobina Poulsen.
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