How to build your makeup bag without breaking the bank

Every girl has should have a makeup bag.  I don't care if all you have in there is tinted moisturizer, mascara and chapstick--you need one!  Having all of your getting-ready-for-the-day necessities in one spot in the morning is a crucial timesaver, and you can always just zip it up and take it with you on-the-go.  I am going to give you a basic guide to what you should have in your bag and a bunch of other fun extras.

First and foremost: makeup is an investment.  The more into it you are, the more money you'll spend--that's a given.  I, however, realize that not every girl wants to be a makeup artist.  So for those of you who don't want to spend rent money on makeup, here's a cheat sheet on what to buy and where:

Things to consider investing in:

• BRUSHES!  This is crucial.  A good brush (properly washed and taken care of) can last for years.  Higher quality brushes last longer than drugstore brushes.  If you're just starting out, I suggest buying a brush kit.  I do not recommend going to MAC and buying every brush they have if you aren't considering makeup as a career.  Not only is this expensive, but it's a waste of time! A somewhat low cost kit can get you started off right.  Something with a foundation brush, a blush brush, a powder brush, a bronzer brush, a concealer brush, an eyeliner brush, a tapered dome-shaped brush, a fluffy dome brush, and two sizes of a flat eyeshadow brush (ideally, a smaller and medium sized).  If you've been working on your bag for years (like me), going to the MAC counter every once in a while is NBD and ideal for building a more professional collection.  
• Eyelash curlers: If you don't curl your eyelashes because they're naturally curled, I hate you (just kidding).  But seriously, you're lucky.  A good, professional level eyelash curler can last for ages and work better than one from the drugstore.
• Tweezers: A good pair of tweezers can stretch out the time between waxing or threading.  
• Eyeshadow & eyeshadow palettes: This one falls into both categories--drugstore brands DO have great quality eyeshadows.  They're pigmented and can last for hours.  Same goes for department store brands!  I suggest investing in a good eyeshadow palette, such as Urban Decay Naked or Naked 2.  While they are somewhat on the pricey side, they are completely worth it!  Either palette has a great range of neutral shades.  There are a ton of other brands that also have great quality and color range.  The best thing to do if you're just starting out here is to shop around.  Find a palette that works for you (and ask the pros at ULTA or Sephora!)
• Tinted moisturizer: I know this one sounds crazy, but you just cannot get the same quality from drugstore tinted moisturizers as you can from department store ones.  Also a great idea if you're not that into makeup!
• Primer: Good primer will prolong the look of your foundation, eyeshadow, and pretty much everything else.  Drugstores have yet to come out with really great eyeshadow or foundation primers.  
• Concealer: This one's up to you.  I prefer a department store brand rather than a drugstore brand. You can just get better colors that match your skin tone that are more pigmented and will last longer. 
• Bronzer:  You really just can't beat MAC's SkinFinish in Gold Deposit.  Again, up to you!
• Lip stuff: By lip stuff, I mean lipstick.  While some drugstores do have great colors, you really can't find the same selection in the CoverGirl section as you can at MAC.

Things to consider cutting coupons for:

• Foundation (liquid & powder):  Drug store brands have some of the best foundations out there.  You don't need to spend $20+ on a bottle of foundation!  Since most people use foundation everyday, it's almost a given that you're going to go through it faster than any other product you use.  Unless you opt for a tinted moisturizer, shop around at the drug store for a good foundation.  
• Mascara:  Same thing as foundation--most people use this everyday.  Don't blow $20 on a tube of mascara ever! Even if you plan on using it for "special occasions."  Odds are you're only going to use that tube of mascara like, three times during a six month span.  After those six months, you should really throw it away since bacteria and other gross stuff can hide out in the tube.  Do you want that stuff on your eye?!  Didn't think so.  Spend some quality time at Target, CVS or ULTA and find a cheap mascara that works for you.  
• Eyeshadow:  Like I said, this can fall into either category.  I suggest splurging on palettes and getting individual shadows or crazy colors at the drugstore.  
• Eyeliner: Pretty much anything you use on your eyes should be replaced every six months or so. And you'll probably go through eyeliner just as fast as you go through foundation or mascara. Plus there are a TON of great liquid and pencil eyeliners at the drugstore!
• Blush: Again, this can go either way.  It's up to you.  Drugstores do, however, have great colors and quality blush!
• Lip stuff: By lip stuff, I mainly mean lip gloss--chances are you'll also use this more than lipstick. Unless you have a MAC Lipglass collection going, stick to drugstore brands.

Places to buy:

• Department stores: MAC, Sephora (Laura Mercier, Chanel, Benefit, Too Faced, Urban Decay, Nars, Smashbox, Dior, Tarte, Clinique, etc.), ULTA (All of the above and much more), Macy's, Nordstrom
• Drugstore: ULTA! (has a ton of drugstore quality brands and a bunch of others you've probably never heard of AND department store brands!!! YAY), CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target

UP NEXT: What's in MY makeup bag! =)