What’s In My Everyday Makeup Bag?
BY JENNY JUNG
As a beauty editor, I’m always testing the latest launches but these are my ride-or-dies that survive every rotation.
28 APR - 2025
A peek inside my (chaotic) makeup bag: the desert island staples I can’t live without.
As a beauty editor, I’m constantly cycling through new products to stay ahead of the trends which means my makeup station often looks like a bomb site. But every week, without fail, I notice the same staples making their way back into my makeup bag. These are the products I reach for without thinking. Let’s dive in.
The Flat Lay Co Drawstring Flat Lay Makeup Bag
It’s not the first time I’ve mentioned this product but it has to be said again. The genius design from The Flat Lay Co. is a game-changer. It opens out completely flat so nothing gets lost, and when you’re done, you can pull on the strings to close it right up. It’s the only way my beauty setup stays even remotely organised. Functional and cute? Say less.
The Flat Lay Co., Drawstring Flat Lay Makeup Bag, $57 NZD.
Fenty Skin Fat Water
Fenty Skin, Fat Water Milky Toner, $52 NZD.
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer
This is what happens when skincare and makeup have a baby. Creamy, hydrating and fail-proof. The Triclone concealer blends like a dream and wears beautifully. I even started rationing mine as I got to the end because I didn’t want to run out! But good news: Haus Labs is launching in New Zealand and Australia on May 1st, so mark your calendar!
Haus Labs, Triclone Skin Tech Concealer, $60 NZD.
The Saem Perfection Tip Concealer Brightener
The Saem, Perfection Tip Concealer Brightener, $12.90 NZD.
NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder
I used to convert every customer to this powder back when I worked at Mecca! If you know me, you know it’s my forever fave. I've been using it since I was 15, and it still hasn’t been dethroned. It blurs and sets your base while keeping that glow — I repurchase it religiously.
It’s so finely milled and picks up such a small amount of product that it only absorbs shine without any detectable buildup. You can top up ten times per day, and you wouldn’t even be able to notice the layers of powder. If you’ve been struggling to find the right pressed powder formula because others are too pigmented, cakey or creasy, try this one!
NARS, Light Reflecting Pressed Powder, $79 NZD.
Huda Beauty Blush Filter Strawberry Cream
I’m officially a liquid blush girl — and that’s saying a lot coming from a die-hard cream blush fan. This formula melts into the skin, blends effortlessly, and gives that juicy flush that looks like you, just better. The shade Strawberry Cream is the perfect medium neutral pink — not too warm, not too cool. I’ve got my eye on Cotton Candy next, a gorgeous coral pink that’s right up my alley.
Huda Beauty, Blush Filter, $44 NZD.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Iconic Nude
Charlotte Tilbury, Lip Cheat Lip Pencil, Iconic Nude, $50 NZD.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick Very Victoria
Again, ditch Pillow Talk for this shade from the same Matte Revolution Lipstick range. Very Victoria is a sexy medium-tone nude that actually works for a wide range of skin tones. Not too pink, not too brown — just effortlessly cool. Criminally underrated.
https://www.mecca.com/en-nz/charlotte-tilbury/matte-revolution-very-victoria-I-074394/
Charlotte Tilbury, Matte Revolution Lipstick, Very Victoria, $66 NZD.
Huda Beauty UUU-Baby Faux Filler Gloss
This gloss is it. The perfect sheer pink that brightens any lip combo or looks stunning on its own. It’s glossy without the stick, and the kind of product that instantly makes your lips look fresher and fuller. Don’t be surprised if people start accusing you of getting lip fillers when you use this gloss.
Huda Beauty, Faux Filler Gloss, UUU-Baby, $40 NZD.
MCoBeauty XtendBrow Pencil
MCoBeauty, XtendBrow Pencil, $14.93 NZD.
Benefit Fluff Up Brow Wax
Benefit, Fluff Up Brow Wax, $51 NZD.
These are the products that stuck around long after the trends faded. The ones I find myself reaching for time and time again, even as my makeup station goes through its regular overhaul.
Let us know your everyday staples on our instagram @chattychums!
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