The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (2024)

If your makeup bag is overflowing and you fancy streamlining your beauty routine, then listen up because we've asked Good Housekeeping's beauty team to reveal the makeup essentials that every woman really needs.

"Since the beauty industry's always bursting with innovation and newness, a carefully curated capsule makeup bag ensures you'll be able to create an everyday beauty look with room for weekend and evening twists," they tell us.

To make shopping for makeup a little less overwhelming, we asked our beauty team to share their ultimate recommendations – the products that have earned a place in their makeup bags and are truly worth every penny.

Here are the 10 must-haves that you should have in your makeup bag...

WE EARN A COMMISSION FOR PRODUCTS PURCHASED THROUGH SOME LINKS IN THIS ARTICLE

A sheer base

      To create the appearance of fresh, radiant skin, you need a sheer foundation. “Just because these are light on texture doesn’t mean they compromise on how even and flawless they leave your skin," says Senior Beauty Editor Alice Manning.

      "Easy to apply and a dream to blend (some days I don’t even use a mirror), they allow my skin to still show through for an everyday ‘no-make-up make-up’ look."

      And, if you need an extra dose of coverage, then simply add in concealer. "On those bad skin days when I need more coverage, I apply a light layer of concealer to problematic areas,” adds Alice.

      Here are the beauty team's favourite base products...

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (1)

      John Lewis & Partners Clarins Skin Illusion Foundation SPF 15, 118.5 Chocolate

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (2)

      Lookfantastic Lumene Invisible Illumination Instant Glow Beauty Serum

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (3)

      Lookfantastic Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation

      Now 20% Off

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (4)

      John Lewis & Partners Estée Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup, SPF30

      A hero concealer

      A hard-working concealer is essential if you want to create a natural-looking but even complexion.

      "I swear by pairing my ultra-light foundation with a heavy-duty, cream concealer like NARS' Soft Matte Complete Concealer," says Beauty Assistant Medina Azaldin. "Apply only where needed with a brush, blend and lightly tap with fingertips so it really melts into the skin,”

      If you suffer from dryness or worry about product settling into fine lines, then try a hydrating liquid concealer, such as No.7’s HydraLuminous Dark Circle Concealer. Our Beauty Director Eve Cameron is a fan, as the formula works for more than just combatting dark circles.

      Here are the beauty team's favourite concealers...

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (5)

      Cult Beauty NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (6)

      Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (7)

      Lookfantastic Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Concealer

      Now 20% Off

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (8)

      No7 HydraLuminous Dark Circle Concealer, £10 (RRP £14)

      Boots

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      A rosy blusher

      Want to liven up your complexion in an instant? Then you need a pop of pink blusher on the apples of your cheeks.

      “Pink blush is a universal skin freshener,” says Senior Beauty Editor Alexandra Friend. “I have a range, from soft and dusky to brighter blue-based tones that give a brisk, healthy-looking flush. They’re the fastest route to a perkier look.”

      Here are the beauty team's favourite blushers...

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (9)

      Lookfantastic Stila Convertible Colour Dual Lip and Cheek Cream

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (11)

      Amazon Max Factor Crème Puff Blusher

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (12)

      Rosie for Autograph Starstruck Lip & Cheek Colour, £15

      Marks & Spencer

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      A trusty mascara

      We all know that black mascara is key for opening up your eyes. “Something I would never leave the house without wearing, glossy black lashes make everything better,” agrees Senior Beauty Editor Alice.

      “I personally love ultra-black shades, and apply lots of light layers with a lash comb handy in case of clogs or clumps. You can really wiggle these mascara wands into the roots for fluttery, defined eyes.

      "Don’t forget to get really close (carefully!) to your inner lashes to coat even the smallest of hairs,” she adds.

      Here are the beauty team's favourite mascaras...

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (13)

      Glossier Lash Slick

      £14

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (14)

      Nordstrom SHISEIDO Controlled Chaos MascaraInk

      £19.98

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (15)

      Lookfantastic Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (16)

      Amazon Maybelline Mascara Snapscara, Very Black

      An instant eyeshadow

      Eyeshadow really doesn’t have to be complicated, Senior Beauty Editor Alexandra Friend tells us.

      “My daily eyeshadow go-tos are flattering neutrals (think rose gold, gold, taupe or mink) that can be wiped over the lid with a finger, and have a slightly glossy or two-tone effect for instant dimension. No contouring required.”

      Here are the beauty team's favourite eyeshadows...

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (17)

      Selfridges Trinny London EYE2EYE

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (18)

      NET-A-PORTER.COM RMS Beauty Swift Shadow

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (19)

      Amazon Kiko Milano Smart Colour Eyeshadow

      An easy brow gel

      If you’ve only got a few minutes to spare in the morning, remember that groomed brows can help frame your face.

      “Tinted brow gels are a lifesaver if you’re short on time. Just brush through the hair upwards and you’re good to go!” says Beauty Assistant Medina.

      “If the look calls for more polished, ‘done’ brows, I can’t recommend Benefit’s eyebrow products enough. The trick is to only fill in where necessary and do it with a light hand for brows that delicately complement your features.”

      Here are the beauty team's favourite eyebrow gels...

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (21)

      Cult Beauty Milk Makeup Kush Fiber Brow Gel

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (22)

      Lookfantastic Benefit Ka-Brow!

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (23)

      Amazon L'Oreal Paris Unbelieva Brow Long Lasting Brow Gel

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (24)

      Feelunique Shavata Day-Long Brow Tint

      Now 30% Off

      A statement lipstick

      A flattering statement lipstick is a great investment for day or night. “I genuinely believe that a scarlet pout can instantly brighten up your complexion and lift your spirits," Beauty Assistant Medina tells us.

      "There’s a statement shade for everyone; it’s all about finding the one that not only makes you look your best, but also makes you feel comfortable and confident.”

      “Apply straight from a bullet and blend out with your fingers, so the edges are soft rather than harsh. It looks more lived-in and modern that way. You should also prime with a lip liner and blot if you want longer staying power,” she adds.

      Here are the beauty team's favourite statement lipsticks...

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (25)

      Selfridges MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (26)

      Lookfantastic bareMinerals BAREPRO Longwear Lipstick in Saffron

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (27)

      Tom Ford Satin Matte Lip Colour in Fame, £40

      Selfridges

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      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (28)

      Ohii True Matte Lip in Hero, £14

      Urban Outfitters

      BUY NOW

      Barely-there powder

      If powder is something you've always avoided, for fear it could dry out your skin or make your complexion look cakey, then it's time for a rethink. For Senior Beauty Editor Alexandra, it's all about using powders strategically...

      “Powder has come a long way – it’s now much easier than ever to find one that doesn’t cake or feel drying," she says.

      "I use them mindfully though, to cut shine where it can look unsightly (above the brow, down the sides of my nose, over my chin) but leaving some glow elsewhere.”

      Here are the beauty team's favourite face powders...

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (29)

      Lookfantastic Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Ultra Smooth Pressed powder

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (30)

      John Lewis & Partners Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder, Translucent

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (31)

      Amazon Rimmel London Stay Matte Light Coverage Pressed Powder, Transparent,

      Now 22% Off

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (32)

      John Lewis & Partners Buy Dior Diorskin Nude Air Powder

      A glow-giver

      An extra dose of luminosity can work wonders for your complexion. “Whether you want a subtle shimmer, a healthy sheen or a full-on, glamorous glow, these add instant radiance to leave you looking youthful and well-rested,” says Senior Beauty Editor Alice.

      "There are multiple ways to apply them under your chosen base as a primer, mixed in with your foundation or face cream or dabbed onto all raised points, such as the brow and cheek bones, as a finishing touch.”

      Here are the beauty team's favourite glow-giving products...

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (33)

      Chanel Baume Essentiel

      £33

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (34)

      BECCA Skin Love Glow Glaze Stick, £24

      Cult Beauty

      BUY NOW

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (35)

      Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (36)

      John Lewis Sisley Stylo Lumière Concealer, 4 Golden Beige

      A facial mist

      There’s no easier way to refresh your makeup than with a good spritz of facial mist, so it's well worth adding one to your beauty bag for a midday pick-me-up.

      Beauty Director Eve Cameron highly rates the industry-favourite Caudalie Beauty Elixir. “It refreshes, hydrates, has a lovely botanical feel good natural scent that uplifts,” she tells us.

      Here are the beauty team's favourite facial mists...

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (37)

      Cult Beauty Cover FX Dewy Finish Setting Spray

      Now 35% Off

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (38)

      Selfridges Caudalie Beauty Elixir

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (39)

      Lookfantastic Avène Thermal Water

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (40)

      John Lewis & Partners Fresh Vitamin Nectar Antioxidant Glow Water Skin Nutrition Face Mist

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (41)

      The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (2024)

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