Raise your hand if you’ve broken a zipper on your makeup bag trying to stuff it with every last product. Raise your other hand if you’ve had to upgrade to a roomier bag to fit all of your essentials. Now, nod your head if your “makeup bag” is actually just your entire purse, because things are that out of control.
The truth is, you don’t need to carry a ridiculously full makeup kit to work just for basic freshening up. Here, we’ve put together the five — yes, just five! — magical, multipurpose products that check every box on your office makeup kit list.
[ Next: How to Master Your Office Makeup Look ]
Here's what your office makeup kit really needs
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A Multitasking Cream
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè, $28 at Embryolisse
Known as a 24-hour miracle cream, you will find this French pharmacy buy in the bag of every jet-setting supermodel. This is a 3-in-1 lotion that acts as a primer, moisturizer and makeup remover. It is ideal for treating dryness thanks to aloe vera and shea butter.
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An All-Around Makeup Stick
Bite Beauty The Multistick, $24 at Bite Beauty
For the days that leave you questioning your entire work-life balance, try The Multistick by Bite Beauty. It works on eyes, lips and cheeks and looks like a regular lipstick, but the breathable formula blends on top of other products seamlessly.
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A Defining Brow Pencil
Maybelline Eye Studio Brow Precise Shaping Pencil, $6.99 at Target
If you've been ignoring your eyebrows, you're not fully utilizing what could be your best feature: the power brow. Retouching your brows is one of those makeup secrets that instantly makes you look sharper and more put together — consider it the new haircut of the facial features. It's not enough to sort it out before you leave for work; make sure you carry an eyebrow pencil with you at all times.
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A Moisturizing Facial Mist
Mad Hippie Hydrating Nutrient Mist, $19.99 at Mad Hippie
This hydrating, refreshing mist works for all skin types and will not just improve hydration levels, but also help your skin deal with stress — necessary for any work situation. With vitamin C and green tea, it helps even out discoloration and perk up tired eyes.
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A Glowy Highlighter Stick
Maybelline Facestudio Master Strobing Stick Illuminating Highlighter, $9.99 at Maybelline
The one product that will take your look from work to post-work, a highlighter is a work makeup kit staple. This drugstore version is creamy in texture, oh-so glowy without looking juvenile, and comes in a variety of colors for different skin tones and seasons.
