You can only fit so many beauty products in a clutch or evening bag. Since you can’t bring your whole arsenal of cosmetics to a party, these essentials will help you maximize touch-ups in minimal time — and never hold up the bathroom line again!
1. Concealer
A little concealer under your eyes instantly wakes up the face and only takes seconds to apply. Pat concealer under eyes and onto any type of blemish. Kathleen Finlay, specialist for Cle De Peau at Neiman Marcus in Chicago, favors Cle De Peau Beaute Concealer ($70) in “almond” to brighten and correct.
2. Thermal Spring Water
You may not think you need to add thermal water to your regimen, but beauty pros swear by its hydrating and freshening abilities — and better yet, it comes travel-sized. “I pack the Avene Thermal Spring Water ($19) on every airplane trip to freshen up when I land,” says Kathy Hurst, esthetician at EGEA Spa. “Even men love it to throw in their golf bag to refresh on the course.” The ultra-lightweight mist sets makeup and prevents foundation from looking cakey. Angie Giannikopoulos, salon manager at Teddie Kossof Salon, also loves this product for hydrating, healing and soothing skin.
3. Lipstick
Lipstick is slim enough to fit in even your smallest handbag and instantly brightens your face. Carla Makowski, makeup artist at Andreas Hogue Salon, recommends Mirabella Colour Vinyl lipsticks ($26). The color lasts for hours, the shades are beautiful with amazing shine, and they’re paraben- and gluten-free.
4. Gloss
You can’t have lipstick without gloss. Add a dab to the center of your bottom lip to make your pout look fuller. Hurst recommends HydroPeptide Perfecting Gloss ($38). The gloss is a lip-enhancing treatment that uses volumizing peptides to instantly add volume and definition while providing long-lasting hydration. With six color options, there is a perfect shade for everyone.
5. Hairbrush/Mirror Compact
Every woman would love to have a mirror and brush in their purse, but there’s never enough room. This pocket-sized hairbrush and mirror by Body Benefits ($3) folds into one compact and fits in any handbag.
6. Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a must-have for fine hair types or simply anyone looking to freshen up their locks. Giannikopoulos calls Rene Furterer Naturia ($15, travel size) the best dry shampoo on the market. The product volumizes while cutting any oil in the hair, and a little goes a long way.
7. Blotting Papers
If you’re the one with the shiny forehead in photos, blotting papers like these from tarte ($10) will become your new best friend. A package of papers is slim and will fit in your handbag or even your pocket. Dab a single paper on your nose, forehead and chin to eliminate shine and reduce oil.
8. Brow Gel
Your eyebrows are one of your most important facial features since they frame your face. Brow gel like this one from Anastasia Beverly Hills ($22) sets brows while making them look fuller and more defined. Brush the wand through your brows to tame unruly hairs and fill in any sparse sections.
9. Volumizing Product
As any party or occasion goes on, hair starts to flatten and lose volume. The right product can revitalize hair. Brenda Bonomo, stylist at Pascal Pour Elle, finds that a quick sprinkle of Label. M Resurrection Style Dust ($25) at the roots instantly adds volume and lift like you just walked out of the salon. “It has a weightless hold and is a New York Fashion Week must. It literally revives your style,” says Bonomo. Just massage at the roots.
10. Bobby Pins and a Hairband
’Nough said!
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