How do you set up a makeup bag?

I've been wanting to do this post for a while. I filmed a video on it to show you it in more detail. For you aspiring or working makeup artists out there, often times you'll find yourself needing a set bag or an essentials touch up bag when you're going on a shoot. This is usually in the form of a shoulder bag or small case. It's impossible to lug your large traincase for all situations. For example, if you're working on a tv set, you'll need to leave the traincase and majority of the makeup in the dressing room, but bring a small bag of touch up cosmetics with you on set.

A popular set bag is the Rap Bag which retails for $65 and up. As you can see, it has many external pockets which makes for grabbing products quickly and easily.

I didn't want to shell out this much for a tote, so I decided to get creative. I scoured craft stores and drug store for a dupe. Sorry about the blurry picture, my pics were on the boyfriend's computer and the internet was down. You can see it better in the video.

Shot of me with my set bag once again :) AKA the booty shot, lol.

Check out my video for a thorough look in my set bag:

You can make your own set bag! This is actually a scrapbooking bag. I added a luggage strap and voila, throw it over your shoulder and you got yourself a set bag. If has just as many external pockets and even has a place for brushes. This bag was only$20 from the wal-mart scrapbooking aisle and works just as well. You can find similar ones at Michael's, Target, or any scrapbooking aisle in a store.

Inside, I would pack items that you would need to touch up makeup out on a shoot.

Here are items I suggest to pack:

-disposable mascara wands, lipgloss wands, spatulas, makeup sponges, makeup rounds, q-tips

-wet wipes

-small foundation palette

-basic eyeshadow palette

-small blush palette

-small lipstick palette

-makeup remover pads and MAC cleansing tips

-bobby pins, safety pins, binder clips, tape

-travel size can of hair spray

-comb

-brush

-mini mirror

-oil blotting sheets

-invisible oil control blotting powder

-small set of basic makeup brushes

-small pair of nail scissors

-bug spray and sunscreen (outdoor shoots)

-pencil sharpener

-lash glue

-tissues

-paper towels

-clear lipgloss

-hand sanitizer

-business cards

-pen

-tylenol, allergy medicine, eye drops

-also include any specific cosmetic products you may need for touch up (i.e. if you're traveling on shoot with a specific model)

It always helps to be prepared. You save yourself a lot of stress later on and the photographers and models will love you for it. These items have definitely come in handy when i've gone on an off location shoot. Hope this helps! Ciao bellas!

Hi Bellas

Truth be told, this isn’t my actual makeup bag. This is the bag I keep in my purse which I supposed is also called your makeup bag? Anyway, this is the bag I use in my purse and as I switch out purses, I just grab this bag and toss it in. It’s a way for me to keep everything I need in one spot so that my purse is never a mess (I will say my purse is truly NEVER a mess).  These may not be items I use every single day, but they’re those things you don’t realize you need until you REALLY need it.

Here’s what I always have on hand. From a few essential makeup products like concealer and blush for a quick touch up in an emergency to a few drugstore favorites. This is how to pack the most reliable makeup bag for your purse so you’re prepared for (just about) anything.

What To Keep In Your Bag At All Time

1. Hand Sanitizer – I’m not a big germ freak AT ALL, but sometimes you just never know when you need to clean up your hands. This comes in handy most when I’m traveling. I actually DESPISE this one in my bag. It smells awful, and I just can’t wait for it to be done so I can buy a new one with a different scent. But regardless, there’s always a hand sanitizer on me.
2. Nail File – There’s nothing worse to me than breaking a nail and not being able to fix it right away. This is probably one of the most used items in this bag.
3. Make-Up – There are just a few makeup essentials I have on hand. They’re basically the products I would only need in a hurry if I had to look decent in a pinch. They include my Mary Kay concealer to cover up under eye circles and blemishes. Also, mixed with a little moisturizer the concealer could be used as a tinted moisturizer.  My it Cosmetics Cream blush to easily apply with fingers, brow pencil, and not pictured, tiny mascara. I always have several lip glosses and lipsticks on hand at all times. They seem to always find their way into this bag and also my Hobo wallet.
4. Perfume – I like to have a perfume to easily grab and this little travel one is the perfect size. I also use these roller balls in my toiletry bag when I travel which is a great option that doesn’t take up space.
5. Gum – Enough said.
6. Drugs – I use this little pill container to keep a few things on hand like Alka-Seltzer (the hangover cure you guys) Advil and Claritin D.
7. Mary Kay Sheets – These are great to blot excess oil off your skin. Great for long sweaty days. I remember being at an event with an editor friend and learning this amazing trick.  The photographer went to take her photo, but before she did, she handed us these oil blot sheets because it was one humid day. It was a game changer, we instantly looked like we hadn’t been sweating our butts off all night.
8. Moisturizer – Anytime I stay at a W hotel I grab every single travel moisturizer I can find. It’s one of my favorites. I also sometimes have this L’Occitane one on hand in Cherry Blossom scent. But because of its price point, I rarely ever have one unless it’s a gift.  Hint hint, if you need to buy me something, buy me all the L’Occitane Cherry Blossom products there ever were.
9. The Other Shit – You know, tampons, hair ties, bobby pins. The things you should probably have on you no matter what. If you don’t, then head to your bathroom stat and add them to your makeup bag to avoid future emergencies.

I keep all of these things in my initial Burberry makeup bag that I received as a sweet gift during my London visit. They must know I LOVE navy and gold. The moment I got home I tossed my old purse makeup bag (I mean, is there an official term for this thing?) and swapped it out with this one. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it when I take it out after a meal to freshen up. And it holds quite a bit! I love that it’s nylon as well, it looks just as new as the day I got it.

I’d love to know, what do you always keep on hand in case of emergencies?

Photos by Sydney Bruton Photography