The minimalist makeup bag: 9 products for everyday

This is the makeup bag we'd hand a friend who wants to look like themselves, only more awake. Nine products, about five minutes, and nothing that needs a mirror the size of a window.

None of it is complicated, and most of it goes on with your fingers. That's on purpose.

What's in the bag

1. 

   1

   Base

   ILIA

   1. Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

   The one splurge. Sheer coverage that evens out redness and still looks like skin, with SPF 40 as a bonus. Still wear real sunscreen underneath.

   Skip it if you want to cover breakouts. This is too sheer for that.

   Best for: No-makeup makeupCheck price on Amazon
2. 

   2

   Concealer

   Maybelline

   2. Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer

   Under the eyes and on any red spots, in a thin layer. Tap it in with a finger.

   Best for: Under-eye circlesCheck price on Amazon
3. 

   3

   The one tool

   Real Techniques

   3. Miracle Complexion Sponge

   Damp, it presses base in so it looks like skin instead of sitting on top. Optional, but it makes inexpensive base look better.

   Best for: Natural-looking baseCheck price on Amazon
4. 

   4

   Blush

   e.l.f. Cosmetics

   4. Camo Liquid Blush

   One dot per cheek, blended up with your fingers. It's the step that makes the biggest difference for the least effort.

   Best for: Long-wearing colorCheck price on Amazon
5. 

   5

   Bronzer

   e.l.f. Cosmetics

   5. Putty Bronzer

   A light sweep where the sun would hit: top of the forehead, cheekbones, bridge of the nose. Hard to overdo.

   Best for: Bronzer beginnersCheck price on Amazon
6. 

   6

   Brows

   e.l.f. Cosmetics

   6. Brow Lift

   Brush brows up and out. Groomed brows make a bare face look finished.

   Best for: Fluffy, laminated-looking browsCheck price on Amazon
7. 

   7

   Mascara

   Maybelline

   7. Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

   One coat for daytime. Long, separated lashes, and it comes off easily at night.

   Best for: Length over volumeCheck price on Amazon
8. 

   8

   Lips

   Burt's Bees

   8. Tinted Lip Balm

   A sheer tint you can put on in the car without a mirror. Reapply when you remember.

   Best for: Mirror-free lipsCheck price on Amazon
9. 

   9

   Setting spray

   Milani

   9. Make It Last Setting Spray

   Two sprays at the end so everything stays put through the afternoon. Skip it on short days.

   Best for: Long days and humid weatherCheck price on Amazon

The five-minute order

1. Skin tint, pressed in with the damp sponge or your fingers.
2. Concealer only where you need it.
3. Blush and bronzer while the base is still slightly tacky, so they blend in instead of sitting on top.
4. Brows, then mascara.
5. Lip balm, setting spray, out the door.

What we left out on purpose

Eyeshadow, mostly. A neutral palette is lovely, but on a weekday you rarely need it, and a tap of the cream blush on the lids does the job in a pinch.

We also left out primer and powder. Under a sheer base with a setting spray on top, neither adds much, and both add a step. If your skin gets very oily by noon, a little powder through the middle of your face is the first thing to add back.