Inside my makeup bag

Summer makeup, especially in NYC where the temperature changes drastically from the subway to the street to the office, is a challenge. I carry my makeup bag in my purse with all of my essentials pretty much everyday in the summertime. I tend to wear much less makeup when the weather gets hot, but like to be able to touch up whatever I have on throughout the day. After about six steamy summers in NYC, I’d like to think I have fine-tuned my daily makeup routine.  Every year something gets added or subtracted from the bag, a new product trumps an old one, but for the most part the types of products stay the same. Both me and my mom love a colorful makeup bag, and I’ve recently been toting my makeup essentials around in this liberty-print Jack Wills bag (below). So here are my favorite products that I’m using right now. I’ve whittled it down to the least number of items possible. From left to right: Natura Bisse Diamond Mist (Part toner, part revitalizing mist, I use this spray after I wash my face and before I put my moisturizer on in the morning, and then throughout the day if I want to refresh my makeup or need a little hydrating pick me up. I love the way this mist smells and the dewy look it gives your skin after you use it. I also feel like using it on a daily basis has changed the texture of my skin). Clinique Sun SPF 50 Face Cream (Clinique makes great sunscreen, period. I use this if I’m going to be walking around the city all day and on the weekends if I’m at the beach. It’s light and oil-free enough that you can wear makeup over it and it won’t make your face look slick). Benefit They’re Real! Mascara (The latest mascara from Benefit, this is a no-turning back product. Great for the hot weather because it doesn’t smudge or dry out, and it really works in terms of lengthening and volumizing). Anastasia Brow Gel in clear (I’ve been using the Anastasia brow gels ever since Giorgio Armani discontinued theirs a few years ago and it’s been a great substitute. This gel really keeps brows in place and the tinted versions are really natural. There’s nothing better than a pair of polished eyebrows. If I could use only one product on my face it would be this one!) Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain in Rouge 0.27 (I recently had my makeup done by Barney’s in-house makeup artist, Jason Ascher and he used this stain on my cheeks and lips. The color of this stain is one of those universal hues that looks good on everyone and gives you that “pinched cheek” look that is so fresh. Also a great summer product because it doesn’t melt off your face like a powder blush). Dior Addict Lip Glow (A friend of mine recommended this glorified lip balm to me a few months ago and ever since I bought it I can’t leave home without it. The color it gives your lips is different on everyone, but it’s super natural and basically just a better version of your bare lips). Guerlain Four Seasons Bronzer (Despite all of its glowing reviews, I’ve resisted the Guerlain bronzer for years due to sticker shock–seventy-five dollars for a bronzer? You’ve got to be kidding me. Not kidding. This bronzer is worth every penny. It’s matte (not a sparkle to be found) and it gives you that healthy glow that doesn’t look fake and bake for a second). Giorgio Armani Smooth Silk Eye Pencil in #3 Blue (I like using this pencil on the inner top and bottom rims of my eyes during the day. At night, I’ll draw a more defined line on my top lids for a little more drama. I never would have thought to use a colored eye liner during the day, but this blue is ever so subtle and really just brings out my natural eye color). So, that’s what I’m carrying around in my makeup bag as of late. How about you? What are your tried and true summer beauty products?