Lately my Glossier pink bubble wrap pouch is hoarding my favorite lip products and according to my recent Twitter poll, it has been requested to share what’s in my makeup pouch.
When I made the switch from wearing a crossbody bag to a classic tote for work, the real estate in my LV Neverfull nearly tripled—so much so that I struggled coming up with what to fill it with. And in case you’re wondering, I comfortably fit my small agenda, a card case, coin purse, checkbook and of course my Glossier pink pouch.
These are the two key factors that help me determine what qualifies as good on-the-go makeup products: Portability and utility.
Before you buy that must-have product or before you decide whether it’s worth it to take it in your purse, tote or suitcase, ask yourself this: Can you fit it in your purse or makeup pouch? Is the product bulky in size or compact? Can your product double as something else? Can you use it for day and night? Will it go with your what you’re wearing?
I always ask myself these questions and this process never fails me. I’ve saved myself hundreds of dollars just by simply assessing whether this product could really fit into my lifestyle.
Maybe you don’t always have time to do your makeup before work but don’t mind adding a coat of mascara in the car, or perhaps you travel frequently but you can’t seem to confine your makeup stash to just the essentials. “But what if you need that product?” you say. Girl, what if you don’t?
I heavily rely on the best moisturizing lip balms during the cold winter months. Usually insufferable chapped lips hit me in January when it’s really really cold but I’ve been sick this week and I find myself frequently reaching for some to keep my lips nice and soft.
I’m a tough critic when it comes to lip balms. First and foremost, they need to be moisturizing for a solid few hours (at least), they need to feel good on my lips (I hate that sticky, smothering feeling), and it’d be nice if they eliminate lip lines. Bonus points if I can get that Victoria’s Secret model pout. Hey a girl can dream right?!
What it does: This brightening face mask revives dullness, uneven texture and skintone. It has a concentrated blend of 50 percent crushed citrus fruits that promises to reveal radiant skin in just one use. Yes, you read that right… real bits of fruit in this mask!
How to apply: Gently massage the formula onto cleansed skin using circular motions. Let sit for 10 minutes, remove with warm water.
What it felt like: I felt a constant tingling sensation so 10 minutes of this on my face felt like an eternity for some reason. That being said, I could definitely feel the brightening face mask working.
What I did while I masked: Got into the Halloween spirit, lighting pumpkin candles and watching Hocus Pocus. I love the fall season!
The results: This is what happens when you combine beauty and fruit—smells amazing and the results are amazing. I started using this back when I was traveling quite a bit and with drastic weather change from state to state wreaking havoc on my skin, I was very impressed by how noticeably clearer my skin looked. I’ve learned its best to remove the mask in the shower—using a washcloth just doesn’t cut it. The price point is certainly steep but if you’re on the hunt to fade dark spots or improve the clarity of your skin, this could be worth every penny.
This is one of many masks I have tested and reviewed on the blog. Catch up on more mask reviews here.
As temperatures start to drop and iced coffees are swapped for piping hot cafecitos, the seasonal switch can also be applied to makeup. Shelve the summery reds and dusty pinks to make way for deep burgundys and velvety rich plums. My favorite newbies this season come from MAC’s brand new Liptensity collection – (L to R) Burnt Violet, Hellebore and Dionysus. The creamy formula has just the right amount of pigment and shine, allowing for buildable color (it can be as “hello, I’m here!” as you want). For day to day, I’m swapping my summer gloss for my old faithful standby, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Passion, which is the best balance of subtle color and balmy moisture I’ve found.
—Kait Clark
ICYMI: My friend and fellow beauty product junkie, Kait Clark, is a guest blogger on PoP!