Beauty

These are the Essentials for an On-The-Go Makeup Kit

By Tara Thompson Rasmus

As annoying as it is to see my makeup disappear as the day goes on, I have to admit that “super-long-wearing” makeup usually doesn’t appeal to me. On one hand, I’m a little suspicious of the chemicals that the product contains to essentially stain the skin (they can’t be that healthy, can they?)—but besides for concerns about potential toxicity, I find many long-wearing products to be cakey, drying, or simply unflattering. So, what’s a girl to do when she needs to look good all day without applying layers of super-strength spackle? Easy: it’s all about the on-the-go makeup kit.

I promise that there are many days that I run out of the house with nary a lipstick on me (I am a crazed new mom, after all), but on days when I need to look put-together, nothing makes me feel more confident than knowing that I have teeny versions of everything I need to maintain my look throughout the day. I rarely re-do my entire face, but knowing that I have concealer to cover the wayward pimple and brow gel in case any hairs go astray makes me feel like a Girl Scout: prepared for anything. And hey—the fact that these travel-sized products are adorably miniature is just icing on the cake!

Radiant Creamy Concealer by NARS

I don’t know what it is about the hour between 3 and 4 pm, but it always seems to be when my fatigue starts to really show on my face. I was giddy to see that this creamy and illuminating concealer comes in a tiny form so that my inevitable dark circles can be erased on the go.

Too Faced White Chocolate Chip Eye Shadow Collection

I love that this palette has shades that work for every scenario, from everyday to an interview to dinner out (tip: use the shimmery black as eyeliner).

Mini Deluxe Charcoal Antibacterial Brush Set by Sephora

For application on the go, a petite set of makeup brushes is key. I love that these cuties are infused with naturally antibacterial charcoal—because let’s face it, none of us are as good about washing our makeup brushes as we should be.

The Spy Who Loved Me Palette by Charlotte Tilbury

I love this simple and streamlined palette for eyes, lips and cheeks—if you can only grab one cosmetic on your way out the door, this lovely compact is it.

Travel Size TANtalizer Highlighter & Matte Bronzer Duo by Lorac

For bronzer fans, this petite matte powder will counteract middy pallor.

Tinted Lip Gloss from Stowaway

Stowaway’s entire business plan is centered around “right-size cosmetics,” or makeup that’s small enough to be used up before it expires. A beautiful side effect of this is that the petite primpers are perfect to stash in your pocket or makeup bag.

Mini Brow-Volumizing Gel

If I need a three-second pick-me-up, a swipe with a tinted brow gel is just the ticket. This gel contains microfibers that actually fill your brows as it tints them—a total brow makeover in a tube!