I had every intention of doing a nail art post today, but as most of you know hurricane sandy is making a mess of the North East, and as I live in New York City, lighting is not at it’s best today for photos. As a matter of fact, I’m hoping I can get this post up before the power goes out.

A few days ago a lovely friend requested that I do a “what’s in my bag” post, so here it comes. The Products that make the cut…well SOME of them. I realize that if I list them all in one post you guys are going to be SO bored, so for part one I will only list the things I literally use every day. I will make another post this week with the things you need for a night out.

These are all my exact favorite brands and colors but you can change them to suit your coloring and your budget, this also serves as a list of what types of products I think are best to have on hand on a daily basis.

When it comes to foundation I tend to switch around from time to time. Sometimes I use just tinted moisturizer, sometimes a full coverage cream, sometimes a liquid. But my holy grail foundation that I can not be without is Make Up Forever HD invisible cover foundation in #115.

It looks so natural, so perfect, and wears really comfortably. And it stays all day. Totally my “Holy Grail” foundation.

Nothing adds a little flair to your face like a winged eye. Every woman should have a black liquid or gel liner that she is familiar and comfortable with. Mine is Stila Stay All Day waterproof liquid liner in “Jet Black”. It is a liner pen, which I find is the easiest when applying it to yourself. If you can draw a line on paper, you can draw one on your eye with this liner.

This one also pulls double duty because it is great for tight-lining too. Just a little touch in the base of your lashes for a polished, natural look that won’t transfer to your lower water line.

Even with a perfect winged liner, you will look pretty jacked up without some mascara. I want you all to raise your right hand and repeat after me…”I will never, under any circumstances, for any reason, ever, even when faced with death, wear a bold eye look without mascara, especially if I have fair colored eyelashes. This is my oath” I’m of the belief that there are no real hard and fast rules in the world of makeup, but unless you are a genius makeup artist you probably will not pull off a bold eye without mascara.

Mascara is one of those things that I find is actually better from the drugstore brands. In my opinion you can not get any better than Maybelline “The Falsies” Waterproof Mascara in “Black Drama” It really does make your lashes look fake…that sounds weird but I mean that in a good way. And it is such a good price you can buy five of them and leave them everywhere so you never have to break that oath you took. Win-win.

Liquid liner is good, but for your waterline you need a good pencil. You should have one good dark brown or black pencil, and one light colored pencil in a flesh tone, or a champagne color. My two picks are both Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on eye liner in “Perversion” (Black) and “Mignight Cowboy” (a pearly cream color)

…and while searching for a link to midnight cowboy I think they may have discontinued it NOOOOOOOO! Why would you ruin my life like this UD? I will have to scour e-bay and report back to you on what I find. Man that is a bummer.

For blush and bronzer I swear I am not trying to be stereotypical. I really do use Nars “Org**m” Blush and Benefit “Hula” Bronzer every day. I often get annoyed at how many bloggers recommend those. It like really guys, are there no other blushes and bronzers on the market?? So I understand if you want to cyber punch me right now, but I didn’t want to lie to you either.

They both really are good products. But basically what you need is a nice glowy blush that compliments your skin and a MATTE bronzer. Shimmer bronzer has it’s place in the world but it is so much safer to go matte.

Last but not least (Because I am on borrowed time here, I think we’re the only people in the city with electricity I swear) a comfortable sheer, pink gloss. C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint in “Magenta Mint” is my absolute favorite. I have a thing for minty glosses and this one has just the right amount of shine and pink so it fits the bill.

You can get it at Bath and Body works or online here. Super cheap too!

I’ll be back later in the week, if I don’t wash away, with the Must have products for a night out.

Stay dry everyone!