The 10 makeup essentials every woman needs in her beauty bag (2024)

If your makeup bag is overflowing and you fancy streamlining your beauty routine, then listen up because we've asked Good Housekeeping's beauty team to reveal the makeup essentials that every woman really needs.

"Since the beauty industry's always bursting with innovation and newness, a carefully curated capsule makeup bag ensures you'll be able to create an everyday beauty look with room for weekend and evening twists," they tell us.

To make shopping for makeup a little less overwhelming, we asked our beauty team to share their ultimate recommendations – the products that have earned a place in their makeup bags and are truly worth every penny.

Here are the 10 must-haves that you should have in your makeup bag...

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A sheer base

To create the appearance of fresh, radiant skin, you need a sheer foundation. “Just because these are light on texture doesn’t mean they compromise on how even and flawless they leave your skin," says Senior Beauty Editor Alice Manning.

"Easy to apply and a dream to blend (some days I don’t even use a mirror), they allow my skin to still show through for an everyday ‘no-make-up make-up’ look."

And, if you need an extra dose of coverage, then simply add in concealer. "On those bad skin days when I need more coverage, I apply a light layer of concealer to problematic areas,” adds Alice.

Here are the beauty team's favourite base products...

A hero concealer

A hard-working concealer is essential if you want to create a natural-looking but even complexion.

"I swear by pairing my ultra-light foundation with a heavy-duty, cream concealer like NARS' Soft Matte Complete Concealer," says Beauty Assistant Medina Azaldin. "Apply only where needed with a brush, blend and lightly tap with fingertips so it really melts into the skin,”

If you suffer from dryness or worry about product settling into fine lines, then try a hydrating liquid concealer, such as No.7’s HydraLuminous Dark Circle Concealer. Our Beauty Director Eve Cameron is a fan, as the formula works for more than just combatting dark circles.

Here are the beauty team's favourite concealers...

A rosy blusher

Want to liven up your complexion in an instant? Then you need a pop of pink blusher on the apples of your cheeks.

“Pink blush is a universal skin freshener,” says Senior Beauty Editor Alexandra Friend. “I have a range, from soft and dusky to brighter blue-based tones that give a brisk, healthy-looking flush. They’re the fastest route to a perkier look.”

Here are the beauty team's favourite blushers...

A trusty mascara

We all know that black mascara is key for opening up your eyes. “Something I would never leave the house without wearing, glossy black lashes make everything better,” agrees Senior Beauty Editor Alice.

“I personally love ultra-black shades, and apply lots of light layers with a lash comb handy in case of clogs or clumps. You can really wiggle these mascara wands into the roots for fluttery, defined eyes.

"Don’t forget to get really close (carefully!) to your inner lashes to coat even the smallest of hairs,” she adds.

Here are the beauty team's favourite mascaras...

An instant eyeshadow

Eyeshadow really doesn’t have to be complicated, Senior Beauty Editor Alexandra Friend tells us.

“My daily eyeshadow go-tos are flattering neutrals (think rose gold, gold, taupe or mink) that can be wiped over the lid with a finger, and have a slightly glossy or two-tone effect for instant dimension. No contouring required.”

Here are the beauty team's favourite eyeshadows...

An easy brow gel

If you’ve only got a few minutes to spare in the morning, remember that groomed brows can help frame your face.

“Tinted brow gels are a lifesaver if you’re short on time. Just brush through the hair upwards and you’re good to go!” says Beauty Assistant Medina.

“If the look calls for more polished, ‘done’ brows, I can’t recommend Benefit’s eyebrow products enough. The trick is to only fill in where necessary and do it with a light hand for brows that delicately complement your features.”

Here are the beauty team's favourite eyebrow gels...

A statement lipstick

A flattering statement lipstick is a great investment for day or night. “I genuinely believe that a scarlet pout can instantly brighten up your complexion and lift your spirits," Beauty Assistant Medina tells us.

"There’s a statement shade for everyone; it’s all about finding the one that not only makes you look your best, but also makes you feel comfortable and confident.”

“Apply straight from a bullet and blend out with your fingers, so the edges are soft rather than harsh. It looks more lived-in and modern that way. You should also prime with a lip liner and blot if you want longer staying power,” she adds.

Here are the beauty team's favourite statement lipsticks...

Barely-there powder

If powder is something you've always avoided, for fear it could dry out your skin or make your complexion look cakey, then it's time for a rethink. For Senior Beauty Editor Alexandra, it's all about using powders strategically...

“Powder has come a long way – it’s now much easier than ever to find one that doesn’t cake or feel drying," she says.

"I use them mindfully though, to cut shine where it can look unsightly (above the brow, down the sides of my nose, over my chin) but leaving some glow elsewhere.”

Here are the beauty team's favourite face powders...

A glow-giver

An extra dose of luminosity can work wonders for your complexion. “Whether you want a subtle shimmer, a healthy sheen or a full-on, glamorous glow, these add instant radiance to leave you looking youthful and well-rested,” says Senior Beauty Editor Alice.

"There are multiple ways to apply them – under your chosen base as a primer, mixed in with your foundation or face cream or dabbed onto all raised points, such as the brow and cheek bones, as a finishing touch.”

Here are the beauty team's favourite glow-giving products...

A facial mist

There’s no easier way to refresh your makeup than with a good spritz of facial mist, so it's well worth adding one to your beauty bag for a midday pick-me-up.

Beauty Director Eve Cameron highly rates the industry-favourite Caudalie Beauty Elixir. “It refreshes, hydrates, has a lovely botanical feel good natural scent that uplifts,” she tells us.

Here are the beauty team's favourite facial mists...