“In the Bag” features in magazines and on blogs are my absolute favorite. I think it’s a combination of a couple of things. One, we’re all a bit nosy and for some reason it’s intriguing to see what other normal people carry around on a daily basis. Two, who doesn’t love a good makeup or beauty recommendation? I’m a product junkie (or a “marketer’s dream come true” as my dad once described me). Yes, I love good packaging and creative branding, but most importantly, I love a good product. And when I find a good product the first thing that comes to my mind is to share it with everyone I know. That’s where this blog comes in handy 
I think we all deserve to know when a product just works the way it should.
I’ve mastered the art of doing my makeup in no more than 5 minutes. I think it’s because I stick to just a handful of products. Easy peasy.
Although there aren’t many, these are my tried and true makeup favorites:
1. Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow. I’ve been using these shadows for years and, for the price, nothing else seems to compare. The quality is great, the colors in each quad are stunning, and they work just as well, if not better, than any designer creme shadow. Trust me, I’ve compared. (find it)
2. NARS Cordura Eyeshadow. This is my go-to duo of shadows. It’s what I wear if I decide wearing makeup is necessary on any given ordinary day. A little of the light gold as a base and to “dress” things up a little, the darker mocha color is used as an accent. They’re just easy shades that work with basic outfits. (find it)
3. Chanel 19 Enigma. My initial thought when I bought this shadow was “mehhh, a bit pricey”. But this was the first shadow where I could literally feel a difference as I applied it. The richness of the colors really shined through, the way the shadow fell off the brush and across my eyelids was definitely more noticeable than any other powder shadow I’ve ever used. The colors just pop and the minerals in them add a nice subtle twinkle. (find it)
4. Chanel Glossimer 227 (Pleasing). I’m not going to lie, I’ve gone the greater part of my 20s just wearing Vaseline and chapstick on my lips. I never considered myself a “color on the lips” kind of gal. Although I’ve experimented with color, I just felt most comfortable without. I recently decided I perhaps should act like a lady and should add a touch of something, so I tried this lip gloss. Which, by the way, my sister has been wearing since she was 2 years old. Kidding. But she’s been wearing Chanel Glossimer for as long as I can remember. It literally feels like a really nice chapstick. (Not so sure how Chanel would feel about that statement!) But it’s in no way sticky and it’s as smooth as can be. But it adds the perfect touch of glossy color. This is my most highly recommended makeup product. If I had to pick just one item to wear for the rest of my life, it would be this. (find it)
5. C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine. When C.O. Bigelow’s Boston location closed a year or so ago, my first thought was, “How will I get my mentha?!” Then I quickly discovered I could just order it online. Crisis averted. But this is my basic gloss, for everyday wear. Especially raw and windy winter days. It keeps your lips coated nicely to prevent chapping, but adds a strong layer of non-sticky gloss. It looks and feels dazzling. (find it)
6. MAC Format Frost Blush. I don’t wear concealer or coverup so the only way I add a touch of unified color to my face is with this blush. A couple or few quick sweeps with a big brush and that’s all you need for a glowing face. (find it)
7. NARS Liquid Eyeliner (Shake Down). I don’t wear eyeliner too much, but when I do, typically for an evening out, I like to have fun with it. My go-to “fun” eyeliner is a liquid. The consistency of the liner gives you optimum control over the weight of the line and the colors are quite vibrant. (find it)
8. Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara (10). Saving the best for last. Have you ever purchased a cosmetic and thought to yourself “I always want this in my life?”. I mean, that’s dramatic. But that’s how I feel about this mascara. Ever since high school I’d worn Jet Black by Clinique mostly because my eyes are so sensitive due to allergies. It served its purpose but it never blew me away. Recently, while purchasing a refill, I walked by the Chanel counter and started talking to their makeup artist. I told her I was looking for a mascara but had sensitive eyes etc. Long story short, she told me she too had really sensitive eyes and always wears the Chanel’s Inimitable Intense. Yes, I’m the idiot who believes anything any salesperson tells me. But I bought the mascara and I’m happy to report it knocks my socks off. The consistency, the richness, the brush, everything. It takes your lashes to an entirely different level. I’m the first to admit that I don’t have much to offer in the eyelash department and just wearing this the past couple months makes me feel like I can bat my lashes proudly (find it)
I’ve shared what’s in my bag… so what’s in yours? What are you favorite, tried and true cosmetics? The products you absolutely can’t live without or the ones you most proudly share with friends?
[Chels]
Oooh, goodie! These are my favorite posts! I may have to try that mascara, as I have very dry and sensitive eyes too. My favorite “secret” product will either make you laugh or gag. After reading other blogs, I discovered that a popular $40 makeup primer is pretty much the exact same formula as Monistat Anti-Chafing Gel. The dimethicone in both products helps all your makeup go on smoother and adhere longer, but the Anti-Chafing gel costs only 8 bucks!
LOVE the Mentha Lip Shine! I swear by anything Benefit Cosmetics makes, Dior mascara, and Fresh Lip Sugar- it’s better than La Mer!
I’m super nosy so I love these posts!
My tried and true obsessions are:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
Makeup Forever HD Concealer
MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Naturals
NARS Orgasm Blush
MAC Paint Pots
CoverGirl Shimmering Sands Trio
CoverGirl Lashblast Mascara
Kiehls Lip Balm Tubes
And.
My favorite thing EVER. Korres Lip Butter (Jasmine is amazzzzzing!!)
I can’t live w/o my Neutrogena spf 50 face moisturizer! Oh, and my Bare Essentials loose mineral powder.
I used to use the CO Bigelow lip balms too – they were so minty. I was really sad when they closed too. Never even thought of ordering it online. Genius!
. There are some amazing products out there!
I have been a Trish McEvoy girl for the past few years. Most of my everyday make up is theirs except for mascara (which is from Whole Foods… the name escapes me – something mineral) and a few “fun” shadows from Bare Essentials. I’m actually trying to switch to more natural make up. Plan on posting about that tomorrow
I don’t so much as carry this in my bag, but I’ve been obsessed with this product for 5 years now. It’s called Bag Balm and it’s made in Vermont. Traditionally it’s used on animals crapped, dry skin, but I use it on my lips instead of chapstick. It’s amazing. I also slather it on my hands in the winter to avoid chapped skin. It’s weird to use a product on your lips that farmers use on cow utters, but who’s judging?! http://www.bagbalm.com/
I’m a big fan of the revlon creme shadows too! I have several of them.
i love my l’oreal true match foundation – mascara on the other hand – i cant find one that doesn’t clump!!!!! HELP!
since moving to LA, i’ve completely stopped wearing make-up. i think the dry air makes me want to avoid everything on my skin! but i do love those revlon quads, and i really want to try that menta lip gloss!
Agreed, I love gawking into those clear purses some women carry – yet I’d never carry one! I really do not have too many faves in cosmetics now, for foundation I like Olay Definity currently and Bare Essentials blush. But I’m always trying new products which probably isn’t a great thing.
Love this post! My everyday must-haves are: Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and concealer, Dior shadow (obsessed with the Incognito colors), Dior Extase mascara, Dior neutral color lipstick or lip gloss (yes, I like Dior a lot) and Bobbi Brown cream concealer. And I always keep some Smith’s rosebud salve or plain petroleum jelly around for my lips!
I don’t know what I’d do without softlips.
I’m totally going to take your product suggestions because I make all my consumer decisions based on word of mouth. Thanks!
Chels-remember when you gave me a gift card to mac like 8 years ago? Well, I still have that makeup in my makeup bag!! Haha, I have added to it since then though! I am also a person who never considers wearing any lip color, but I might have to give that Chanel lip gloss a try!
Chanel Glossimer is my favorite thing in my makeup bag and the only lip gloss that I have completely loved through and through (and I’ve tried A LOT). Other must haves: NARS blush in “Orgasm,” Dior Runway Lash, and for going out at night, “Urban Cowboy Rides Again” by Urban Decay- a little fun sparkle. Ah, and how could I not include “Boing!” by Benefit? It’s been a lifesaver when I needed a little coverage for blemishes!
Fun post! LOVE posts like this!
Fun post – and it totally makes me want to add “visit Chanel counter” to my list of errands for the weekend! I love all the products by Fresh – they smell so good! And Fresh was originally a local company – not sure if they still are, but their store on Newbury is the BEST!
Great post Chels –
I get really dark circles under my eyes – and I cannot live without Bobbi Brown corrector. On days when I get ready in a rush and forget to apply it – everyone comments that i look ‘tired’
I’m also a vaseline on the lips kind of girl, but I think I need to try the Chanel Glossimer!!