Must-Haves in My Bag

I’m the kind of person who finds a few go-to products and sticks with them until they’re scraped clean—and lately, these are the ones I keep reaching for. Whether I’m doing a soft everyday look or going full glam, these products have earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag.

FOUNDATION

Milk HYDRO Grip Gel Tint: If you’ve ever used their grip primer, you already know—it doesn’t play when it comes to long-wear. I was honestly shocked they hadn’t made a foundation before this. I first saw it on TikTok from Mikayla Nogueira (who else?), and while she warned it was super dewy, that wasn’t the case for me. I’ve got dry skin, and I live in Colorado where hydration is basically nonexistent—so it actually looked really natural and skin-like. Medium, buildable coverage, super lightweight, and just feels good on the face. $36

Patrick Ta Hydra-Lux Luminous Skin Perfecting Foundation: This one’s a splurge, but wow. It’s giving clean-girl glow with real coverage. I’d put it up there with my all-time fave, Armani Luminous Silk. It evens everything out while still looking like your skin. I’ve been wearing it nonstop for months now. $58

CONCEALER

For blemishes: NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer (the pot). Yes, Mikayla influenced me again - but she swears by this and now I do too. Especially for blemishes, spots, redness, etc. Her tip? Use a concealer brush before you even apply skincare, and let it sit for 5+ minutes so it sets. Game changer. It doesn’t budge when you start layering other products on top.

For under eyes: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is still the one I come back to. My under eyes are dry and love to crease, so I stay away from anything too matte or thick. This one’s been a staple.

BLUSH

Rhode Pocket Blush in Burnt Teddy: I’m obsessed. This deep red/burgundy cream blush looks good on literally every skin tone. Whether I’ve got a fresh spray tan or I’m ghostly pale, it gives the prettiest flush. I don’t apply it straight from the stick—brush application is way better with cream or gel formulas like this.

BRONZER

Right now I’m layering two bronzers—a cream and a powder—depending on the look I’m going for.

• Cream: Makeup by Mario Skin Enhancer. This one’s been in rotation for years. It gives the most natural warmth, blends like a dream, and melts right in.

• Powder: OG fave—Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer. You can grab it at Target, Walgreens, wherever. Smells like vacation and blends like butter (literally). Affordable and still one of the best.

BROWS

NYX has been killing the brow game for me lately.

• Snatch & Lift Brow Pen: It’s like a tiny liquid eyeliner for your brows. Super precise, great for filling in sparse spots, and gives you that natural, hair-stroke look.

• Fluff & Fill Brow Gel: If I’m rushing or just want a quick brow, this one’s perfect. I love that it adds color and some fibers to help fill in the gaps—not just a clear gel swipe-and-go.

I’ll update this as I find more faves, but right now these are the products I keep reaching for. If you’ve got dry skin, live in a dry climate, or just want makeup that feels like skin—these are solid picks. Need help finding what products are best for you? Let's chat!

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