Beauty Bag Staples

As I was hanging out with some of my girlfriends up in Omaha, we got into a discussion of our favorite beauty products. One of my friends remarked on how she felt like she hasn't updated her makeup routine since high school and just never knew what to buy now that we are in our late twenties! Finding quality makeup products is always a challenge, especially with the plethora of goods out there. So today I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite beauty buys that I buy over and over! Many of these I found through makeup reviews in magazines, word of mouth, or subscribing to Ipsy - a monthly bag full of makeup and beauty products.

Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil - $21

This has been a staple of my makeup bag since high school and one that has been a solid investment throughout the years. The Anastasia pencil is the perfect tool to fill in your brows and give them a bit more definition - something I need and use every day. It is a high quality product that doesn't smear throughout the day and has good staying power. I made the mistake of buying a mechanical pencil style rather than the old school style. I ran out of the pencil too quickly - original pencil style should last 3-4 months!

Style Tip: Choose a color one shade lighter than your hair.
Shop It: Sephora, Ulta, Amazon

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner - $22

The Stila waterproof eye liner is the best marker-style eye liner out there. I wear it nearly everyday and the felt tip makes it a breeze to apply quickly in the morning. By the end of the day, it looks exactly as I put it on in the morning - no smudging, no gaps in color. It's a simple tool and well worth the higher price point. It usually lasts me 3-4 months.

Style Tip: Use the felt tip to create a dramatic cat-eye for nights out!
Buy It: Sephora, Ulta, Amazon

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara - $24

I was introduced to this product during KCFW at an Ulta event. After trying this product for the first time, I fell in love. The wand looks like a normal mascara wand, but there's something in the formula that makes your eyelashes look long and thick - nearly to the point of looking like falsies. I love how feminine and glam my eyes look with this mascara and it's become a favorite tool in my bag!

Style Tip: This mascara does take a little more effort to remove, so be gentle with your eyelashes.
Buy It: Ulta, Sephora

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - $20

Urban Decay's eyeshadow primer is a must for anyone who enjoys wearing eyeshadow on a fairly regular basis. The creamy base glides onto your eyelids and helps your shadow grip as you apply it. I bought this after suffering too many days from those awful eyeshadow creases that often occur on more oily skin. It's something I always use if I am putting on eyeshadow and it sets in perfectly for a full day of wearing!

Style Tip: Use your finger to gently glide this on your eyelid, in the corners, and just underneath.
Buy It: Sephora

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Fuchsia Flash - $7.49

There's nothing better than a fun, punchy bright pink lip to jazz up your outfit. It's girly and slightly reminiscent of Lisa Frank, but in all the good ways. This lipstick has a vivid hot fuchsia pink color and is creamy to go on. It stays well, even with drinking and eating. It's low price point too is a great plus and it's so easy to pick up at your local drugstore!

Style Tip: Wear this into the fall with dark greens and jewel tones.
Buy It: Ulta, Walgreens, CVS

Laura Mercier Paint Wash Lip Color in Vermillion Red - $28

Before the wedding, I was searching fairly seriously for a new long-lasting matte red lip color. I did a lot of research and eventually just went in for some help at the nearest Sephora. I was introduced to the Laura Mercier line of lip color and was immediately drawn to this bright vermillion red. The orangey-red color pops on my pale skin and is a fun hue for these warmer months. It is creamy and comes out almost like a gloss, but dries matte. It holds up well to drinking, but has to be reapplied after eating. I keep this baby with me all the time just in case I'm in the mood for a bit more color!

Style Tip: Once you put this on, blotch it with a kleenex to help it be more matte. It also stays longer that way!
Buy It: Sephora

Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes - $8.99

I've never been one to enjoy washing my face with liquid face wash when not in the shower. I hate getting my hair and front of my shirt all wet. No bueno. I tried out these face wipes about a year ago and have never gone back. They help take off the makeup quickly and without any weird residue or smell. The gentle cloths leave my face feeling cool and fresh. I've also never had any issue with too much oil or too much dryness as a result of using the product. The low price point is great and I've made sure to stick with the original Neutrogena formula. I tried a knock-off version of these and my eyes burned! It's definitely worth the extra dollar to get the brand name.

Style Tip: If they start to dry out, just add a tablespoon or two of water to rehydrate the cloths!
Buy It: Ulta, Walgreens, CVS

These are just a few of my favorite products and ones I highly recommend! Do you have any that you love? Share with me in the comments!