I get to test out make-up for a living. There are the 11 beauty products I'd repurchase immediately if I lost my make-up bag
Working for a magazine, I'm lucky that I get to try a whole range of make-up products, from new launches to cult classics.
It means I've developed strong opinions about what's really worth having; I've got an entire drawer stocked with make-up products at home, but only a small selection makes it into the make-up bag that I throw in my handbag every day.
Ahead, I've emptied out said make-up kit (it's the Space NK Medium Travel Bag, FYI) to pick out the absolute essentials I'd have to repurchase if, God forbid, I'd ever lose it…
Kulfi Badi Lash Mascara
This black mascara from Kulfi Beauty is the newest addition to my everyday make-up routine. The tubing formula is water-, smudge- and sweat-proof, while the brush separates and lifts each lash. Plus, it's easy to remove with warm water and a (reusable) cotton pad.
£26 Shop
L'Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara (Brown)
I know what you're thinking: why do you need two mascaras? Well, this one is brown. And it's by far my favourite drugstore mascara. It has a clever multi-level bristle brush that allows you to separate and coat every lash from root to tip and delivers a lengthening effect.
£12.99 Shop
Nyx Control Freak Eyebrow Gel
There's no need to spend ridiculous money on a clear brow gel. This one from Nyx does the job perfectly; it's non-sticky, keeps my brows in place all day and doesn't flake.
£7.99 Shop
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (Vanilla)
I've repurchased more tubes of this product than I can remember because I just haven't found a concealer that offers the same full coverage (one dot and the spot is gone) and staying power (it really lasts all day).
£28 Shop
Merit Beauty Bronze Balm (Clay)
This bronzing stick from Merit is one of the easiest bronzers I've ever used. It has a sheer, buildable cream formula that's impossible to mess up; just swipe it across your cheekbones, jawline and forehead and blend.
£26 Shop
Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm (Soft Strawberry)
I don't like to pick favourites when it comes to blusher, but this new creamy, balm-like blush from Summer Fridays in the shade Soft Strawberry might just be my favourite one yet. It's very pigmented but blendable, melts into the skin and gives it a glowy, natural-looking flush.
£27 Shop
Giorgio Armani Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow (67 Sparkle)
Definitely a splurge, but this sparkly eye tint from Giorgio Armani is the only eyeshadow I wear. It's super easy to apply – just swipe its applicator across your eyelid, once or twice; it doesn't need blending – and doesn't smudge.
£32 Shop
Sephora Collection Waterproof 12h Retractable Eyeliner Pencil (Matte Brown)
I can't vouch for its staying power on the eyelid, but this matte brown retractable pencil from Sephora is my go-to for tightlining (i.e. applying eyeliner to the inside of my upper lash line to make my lashes appear fuller).
£12.99 Shop
Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment (Crème Brûlée)
I've tried countless tinted lip balms but I always go back to this one from Ole Henriksen. It's super hydrating, glossy and the Crème Brûlèe shade gives my lips that perfect wash of colour.
£17 Shop
IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Brush
I actually wouldn't have to repurchase this dual-ended brush if I'd lost my make-up bag because I have a spare one at home; that's how much I love it. I use the smaller, denser end to blend in my concealer, and the large, fluffy end to blend in my bronzer and blush.
£39 Shop
Color Wow Cult Favorite Firm + Flexible Hairspray
I always keep a travel size of my favourite hairspray in my make-up bag. It's lightweight yet manages to tame my flyaways, smells really good and leaves a pretty shine. I spray it onto a brush and comb it through my hair.
£12.50 Shop
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