Looking for makeup kit essentials that suit your everyday routine? Start with the makeup you like wearing, then choose your tools and somewhere to keep them.
From neutral shadows to a pink divided case, there’s plenty of inspiration here.
You can keep things simple or give yourself more options. These pictures are ideas, not a shopping checklist, so you don’t need every product shown. There are a couple of toiletry and beauty gift ideas mixed in too.
Makeup basics and storage ideas worth saving
the everyday lineup
We’re starting off with a whole kit laid out against pale blue. From concealer and mascara to brushes and makeup remover, there’s plenty here to help you write your own makeup kit essentials list.
I like how the brushes sit together along the bottom. Try grouping your own tools beside your makeup while you plan what goes in your bag.
a clear zip pouch
Don’t want your beauty products disappearing into a dark bag? This clear zip pouch is a lovely storage idea.
The contents include hand lotion and a hair mask, so it’s a toiletry setup rather than a makeup kit.
Read also: 16+ Smart Travel Capsule Makeup Bag List Hacks
Try a similar pouch for your makeup if you like seeing the contents before you unzip it.
a pink-arrow product guide
How cute is this little product map? Pink arrows connect skincare, brow gel, face products and lip products, with an eyelash curler near the middle.
If you’re planning your own routine, try writing down your favorite products by category. The pink blush compact is my favorite little detail here.
six black-handled brushes
If you are looking for brush inspo, this one is for you. The six black-handled brushes range from a large fluffy head to a small angled one.
Choose shapes for the products you actually use. I’d start with a face brush and a smaller eye brush.
options for each makeup category
There’s so much to choose from here! Primer, foundation, concealer and bronzer sit on the left, with blush, mascara, lip gloss and fixing spray on the right.
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Pick a category you want to explore, then narrow it down to a product you’d like to try.
nine neutral shadows
This shadow palette may just be one of my favorites here. I love the pale beige shades beside the deeper browns and muted rosy colors.
If those are the colors you reach for, a small palette like this is a lovely starting point for your eye makeup.
pink and burgundy sponges
How pretty are these marbled sponges? The burgundy-and-pink swirls are adorable next to the solid burgundy and peach.
The peach sponge has a rounded body and a pointed top. Choose the shape you prefer for your own kit.
a labeled working kit
If you love organization, there’s a lot to look at here. Little pots fill the left side, upright tubes sit in the lid pockets and labeled palettes line up on the right.
Try labeling your own compartments by product type. Labels for powder, skincare and bronzer would make a good place to start.
a tinted moisturizer option
Don’t want to start with a foundation? A tinted moisturizer is another option to explore.
This photo puts a black NARS tinted moisturizer tube front and center, with other tubes and a pump bottle behind it.
Check the shade and product details before choosing yours so you can look for the finish you prefer.
a small everyday edit
Want a simple starting point for your everyday bag? An eyelash curler, mascara, silver-colored compact, concealer and two lip products make up this little group.
I love the pink tube beside the tiny lip-care jar. Try laying out your daily favorites like this before packing them.
lip colors standing upright
I love all the pink, coral and red ends in this holder. Standing the pencils and tubes upright puts their colors right where you can see them.
Try a small cup for your own lip pencils.
a finishing spray
Here’s an optional finishing step to consider. The black bottle is labeled makeup setting spray, with its cap placed beside it.
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If you want to add a spray, choose one that suits your preferences and follow its directions.
blush in stick form
The blush fans have plenty to choose from here! I love the mix of rosy pink, coral and deeper brown shades across these flat-topped and rounded formats.
If you prefer a stick to a compact, start with a shade you’re excited to wear.
drawers and divided holders
Want to keep your makeup on display instead of in a bag? This collage has little drawers, divided cups and taller organizers to choose from.
The clear three-drawer stack is a favorite. I’d pair something like that with a separate brush holder to keep long handles out of the drawers.
a lighter makeup lineup
If you like a simpler makeup look, this board gives you another starting point. It groups concealer, blush, highlighter, mascara and brow gel alongside skincare and lip gloss, without showing a separate foundation category.
There are fragrance bottles here too, but those are extras rather than makeup. I especially like the little pink blush options in the middle.
bronzer compacts and sticks
This is another category where you can choose your favorite format. Round bronzer compacts sit beside brown-toned sticks, all against a pale patterned background.
I’d choose a compact or a stick to try first. You can also skip bronzer if it isn’t part of the look you want.
pink handles and gold details
How cute is this eyelash curler? The pale pink handles and gold-colored frame are such a pretty pairing.
If a curler belongs in your routine, this is a fun little style detail to borrow.
little drawstring gift bags
These little gift bags are so pretty. White drawstring bows sit above gold-colored details and round pieces with pink lip graphics.
This is a packaging idea rather than a clear view of makeup essentials. Try a similar white-and-gold presentation for a small beauty gift.
a pink divided makeup case
I am obsessed with this pink case. The divided center holds compacts and tubes, while the fold-out panels keep brushes and slim pencils in separate slots.
The large mirror in the lid is another lovely detail. Try grouping your own products by type if you want a similar setup.
loose powders and compacts
Last but definitely not least, we have a whole board of powder options. There are loose powders in jars, pressed powders in compacts and puffs beside the blue and purple cases.
If powder is part of your routine, pick the format you like applying.
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily