If you’re anything like us, makeup application is rarely limited to a well-stocked beauty drawer in a well-lit bathroom. From stoplights to airport restrooms and dimly lit (likely dirty) restaurant mirrors, we’re touching up, building on, or—let’s face it—starting from scratch with our makeup more days than we aren’t. For the girl who’s always on the go, lugging around a full makeup bag is not an option. That’s why we’ve rounded up the Top 10 on-the-go makeup products to give you a minimalistic look, a refresh, or just some color on your cheeks. From stick blushes and bronzers to a one-stop-shop palette and the CC cream that does pretty much everything, the products on this list are the perfect size for tossing in your purse or a carry-on. Our top picks are easy to use and multi-use for the multi-tasker. Let your blush double as a lip color and your mascara lengthen and thicken. Taking your look from day-to-night has never been easier than it is with the 10 products below! Opening image: @CTilburyMakeup
Did you enjoy our 10 Best On-The-Go Beauty Essentials? Just wait till you see our 10 Best TSA-Approved Toiletry Bags!
March 25, 2019
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner
LOVED FOR: Easily glides on, stays all day, and wipes right off at night.
COMPLETE THE LOOK: One of those makeup-goes-on-in-the-car days? A swipe of liner, a coat of mascara, and a poppy red lip create a clean, effortless look.
Lorac The Royal Treatment Primer and Mascara
LOVED FOR: This unique dual formula strengthens and primes lashes before boosting them with volume.
FROM THE EXPERTS: This mascara is clinically proven to give you twice the thickness and over 7x the volume!
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look Eyeshadow & Face Palette
USERS SAID: "Perfect purse size! Such a saver for overnights, rushed mornings, etc. You can create a full look with this palette, in a rush.. without much effort. It’s great to spice up a day look for a night look- just smoke out the darker shades and you're ready for an unexpected night out!"
LOVED FOR: Universally flattering shades that boast major pigment, are easily blendable, and in oh so creamy formulas!
stila Convertible Color Dual Lip and Cheek Cream
BEST FOR: A natural "just been kissed" blush
WHERE TO WEAR: Post plane, morning coffee runs, and after beach dinner and drinks
trèStiQue Brow Pencil
BEST FOR: Cindy Crawford level brows
LOVED FOR: So many brow gels are stiff or sticky, but this one sets hairs in place for a soft, natural look.
Nudestix Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze
LOVED FOR: The Sunkissed shade gives you just that, a natural bronzed glow!
COMPLETE THE LOOK: Master the no makeup, makeup look by blending this blush/bronzer into your cheekbones, swiping on a coat of mascara, and dabbing on some tinted lip balm.
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better™ CC+™ Cream with SPF 50+
LOVED FOR: This CC cream is packed with anti-aging ingredients that fight fine lines and wrinkles, all while giving you a flawless complexion and protecting from the sun's harmful rays.
FUN FACT: This CC Cream was a 2018 Reader's Choice Allure Beauty Winner!
Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray
BEST FOR: An afternoon pick me up
USERS SAID: "This really is HANDS DOWN the best setting spray I've ever tried!!!! It's so refreshing, leaves your skin looking so dewy and makes your makeup stay on until you wash it off."
Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème to Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick
LOVED FOR: A cream-to-powder means crease-free but hydrating.
HELPFUL TIP: Build color and avoid fallout by rolling this stick across your hand and then applying to lids with the smudger.
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick
LOVED FOR: So lightweight you'll forget you're wearing anything
BEST FOR: New to the contour game? This super blendable stick makes it easy to create a natural look.
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