If I Lost My Entire Makeup Bag, This Is Exactly What I’d Rebuy

I was thinking about this the other day, if I lost my entire makeup bag and had to start over during the Sephora sale (use code SPRINGSALE), what would actually make it back in. Not the “fun to try” products, or the ones I convince myself I need, but the things I’d immediately miss. After 15+ years as a beauty editor, it’s surprisingly not that many.

It’s the dry shampoo I rely on more than I’d like to admit, the one eyeshadow palette that replaced everything else in my drawer, and the self-tanner I keep coming back to because it just works (there’s a reason it’s still considered an OG).

The sale started today and here’s what you need to know—

• Rouge (20% off): April 10–April 20

• VIB (15% off): April 14–April 20

• Insider (10% off): April 14–April 20

Neutral Eyeshadow Palette: I’ve been on the hunt for a good neutral palette and when I ran across this one and saw that I could grab it from the sale, I knew I needed it. I reached for “the neutrals” color scheme.

Editors Note: This has a mix of mainly mattes, and it really does it all.

Liquid Highlighter: I actually use this as an eyeshadow. It’s not my favorite as a face highlighter, but on the eyes, it’s perfection. I wear it daily for a sheer wash of light that feels more like a veil of shimmer than full-on sparkle. It layers beautifully with other shadows and somehow doesn’t crease (even in Texas heat. I have it in the shades Enlighten and Exhilarate).

Editors Note: I use the pad of my fingers or a brush to blend. It’s so easy to use, promise.

Dior Liquid Liner: I finally purchased this liner after leaving it in my cart for so long. It has a precise tip and is waterproof.

Editors Note: Get the brown, it’s dark and rich but not quite as bold at the black.

Under Eye Corrector: I’ve repurchased this twice. I use it every day under my eyes and love the brightening factors. It acts as caffeine under your eyes when you need it. I wear shade light-medium peach.

Editors Note: This really works! I’m a huge fan.

One/Size Brightening Powder: I feel like I try powders all the time. And usually, I hate them because I don’t want my skin to look cakey or too dry. This gives a skin-like finish and is ideal if you still want a little glow but not the shine.

Editors Note: I use this brush to apply and love that it’s a smaller tapered brush to get under eyes or around the nose.

Longwear Eye Liner: A MUA used this on me for my waterline and I ordered it straight from her chair. I love that it’s creamy (for easy application) and smudge-proof. I want to try the shade “rich cocoa”.

Editors Note: If you like the VB formula…this is better. Trust me. If you get anything get this, ha.

MPH Foundation: That same MUA used this on me and I really thing of this as a better version of Armani Luminous Silk. It’s a true true foundation though, so you are getting coverage. It’s not dewy, but it’s not matte either. It’s honestly incredible for a night out or a day where you need full glam.

Editors Note: I also just bought her makeup brush that goes with it. I’ll report back after I play around with it for a bit.

Powder Melt Setting Spray: Another repurchase. The mister is 10/10 and does not leave your face feeling wet. Can be used for both a primer and a setting spray. Plus, it gives you that melted glow.

Editors Note: My MUA said to use this after powder for the best results. So do all your makeup, set with the powder, then go in with this spray to lock in your makeup.

Crown Affair Dry Shampoo: I’ve tried every dry shampoo under the sun and this is the only one I continue to repurchase. It doesn’t irritate my scalp and it really does give me volume.

Editors Note: I apply at night and then wait to brush out in the morning!

Dry Texture & Volume Spray: I’ve talked about this texture spray many times and am stocking up during the sale. It gives volume, increases shine, and is a heat protectant all in one.

Editors Note: I love this more than Oribe.. sorry not sorry.

ROZ Styling Cream: This styling cream is a part of my weekly rotation when it comes to slick back buns. It has a light-medium hold and a semi-matte finish (so it doesn’t make your hair greasy) .

Editors Note: The smell of this is so nice! Not overpowering at all and very fresh/earthy. I would actually wear a perfume if they made one.

Kerastase Hair Oil: This hair oil is so good for frizz control. I try to use it in my hair a couple of times a week for a shiny finish. You can apply it to wet or dry hair.

Editors Note: I bought the smallest size to start with (I try a lot of hair products and wanted to make sure this was worth it) and it’s lasted me so long. You only need a pea size amount. I will even use on day two hair and it doesn’t weigh me down.

St Tropez Tanning Mousse: This is truly THE BEST self-tanner. It comes out in a mousse and is easy to apply. I use the mitt and then use the brush to blend (with no product on it) around my wrists and feet.

Editors Note: It’s nice because you can leave it on for an hour to get a light shade, two hours for medium, and three hours for dark.

Beach Perfume: This perfume is my obvious choice for summer. Yes, it reminds me of high school, but I love the smell of citrus and sunscreen.

Editors Note: No notes, just good perfume.

F5 Brush: This brush is actually ideal for small contouring or shading. I like the sloped edge to help make contouring a little bit easier.

Editors Note: I’ve tried a lot of his brushes and they are all really good and unique.

F4 Dual-Ended Brush: A dual-ended brush that features two different applicators to easily build and blend foundation and creams. I lost this and immediately replaced it.

Editors Note: This is what I use to apply The Color Stick. I prefer the fluffy side but either works.

Haus Labs Foundation Brush: I use this dual-ended brush daily for foundation. You can use cream or powder formulas to sculpt, blend, and define.

Editors Note: Also would like to try more from this line, very impressed with the few things I have used.

Kabuki Brush: So I had this brush in college, lost it and repurchased when they launched it again. I have yet to find anything that compares to this powder brush for setting cream. Worth every penny.

Editors Note: I use for blush or highlight because the size is perfect for the cheeks.