10 Affordable Makeup Bag Must-Haves 

Watching YouTube makeup tutorials can be overwhelming. Beauty gurus have hundreds of lipsticks, highlighters, and mascaras. So for those who are just starting out, I’m here to tell you what you really need to start your own collection of makeup products. Once you grow more comfortable with your craft, of course, you can splurge on that high-end highlighter. But since makeup and its application is a big investment, my advice is to start where you’re most comfortable. Here are the 10 GoodGirlGoneFab’s Makeup Bag Must-Haves.

(All of the products will drug store/affordable items that won’t break your debit card in half.)

1. Moisturizer: Always start your day with a clean hydrated face. Whether you have oily, dry or combination skin, this is a key on having a flawless face at the end of your routine. Affordable Pick: Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Moisturizer comes in many formulas for all skin types for under $12.

2. Primer: This is also a key step that beauty gurus will tell you that you need and it’s true. Primer helps makeup last all day and protects your skin as well. Affordable Pick: E.L.F Cosmetics Poreless Face Primer really helps with the appearance of pores and shine of the face. It’s a nice light-weight formula and it’s $6.

3. Foundation: Foundation is one of the most expensive makeup products, but it’s also one of the icons of makeup. It creates a clean, blank, even canvas and perfects the skin. Affordable Pick: Maybelline’s Fit Me! Foundation is an affordable staple in the makeup world because it has a great shade range and has two formulas, the Matte + Poreless Foundation (for normal to oily skin) or the Dewy + Smooth Foundation (for normal to dry skin). It’s only $7.99 so it’s for sure one I would grab after reading this list.

4. Concealer (For Highlighting & Contouring): Concealer is pretty much a thicker version of foundation that is used to cover blemishes, color correct, highlight or contour. Typically concealers have a very wide shade range but to highlight you need a shade 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone. To contour, you need a shade 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone. The lighter the concealer, the more dramatic the highlight, same goes for the contour. Affordable Pick: L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer is one of the best concealers, affordable to high-end. It is a thick and creamy formula that comes in almost 30 shades, including correction shades for less than $5 each. BONUS: You can also use your highlighting concealer for shaping your brows and as an eye shadow primer.

5. Face Powder: It’s hard to find a good setting powder for a low price that won’t give you flashback (ghost face when you take pictures with flash). Affordable Pick: Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder. It technically isn’t a setting powder but it can be used as one to set your under-eye concealer or your foundation. It’s the same price as the Fit Me! Foundations at, $7.99 and has 8 shades to choose from.

6. Brow Pencil: I would for sure suggest a micro brow pencil when it comes to having natural, defined brows. It has a precise finish that won’t have your brows too bulky and harsh. Affordable Pick:  NYX Micro Brow Pencil because it is half of the price of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, but gives you the exact same results. It’s $9.99 and has 8 shades.

7. Mascara: There are so many different types of mascara on the market and they all do different things. My favorite type of mascaras are ones that give great volume while still adding length. Affordable Pick: Maybelline The Colossal Big Shot Mascara was a mascara that I wasn’t in love with at first but after using it a few more times, it’s a mascara that I grab for my everyday looks. It’s $8 and a good choice for a reliable, well-made mascara that will make your eyes pop.

8. Highlighter: You can glow like a goddess on a budget, trust me. Some of my favorite highlighters are ones that are under 10 bucks. Affordable Pick: The E.L.F Baked Highlighter is only $4 and gives a nice shimmer/glow on the face. I use it mostly for the tip of my nose but it can be applied to the cheek bones and brow bone as well.

9. Setting Spray: Once you’ve completed your look you’ll want to make sure it lasts all day. There are sprays for keeping your look matte or dewy, the choice is up to you. Affordable Pick: NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray or the NYX Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray. They are both the best affordable options, being priced at $7.99, giving your look the finishing touches it needs.

10. Makeup Remover: When the day is over, please don’t go to sleep with your makeup on. The good news here is that there’s really not a need to splurge on high-end products that take off makeup in my opinion. Affordable Pick: Garnier’s SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water & Waterproof Makeup Remover is the best at removing makeup without the hassle out running out of wipes. You can use this cleanser with cotton balls or pads to get rid of the day’s makeup while cleaning your skin for only $9.

 

** All numbered product photos are from the Ulta.com site.