BEAUTY SCHOOL: MAKEOVER YOUR MAKEUP BAG

STYLE GUIDE

Cleaning Out Your Makeup Bag

What's lurking at the bottom of your makeup bag? If you have absolutely no idea, it's time to sit down, dig in and take stock of what can stay, what must go and what you need to refresh your spring beauty look. Read on for StyleList's tips for updating your beauty bag, plus must-have spring products that are makeup bag-friendly in size. --Melissa Goldberg
Frank Rothe, Getty Images
Customized Compact
The first step? Out with the old. Makeup artist Trish McEvoy advises, "Keep your staples, but replace seasonal colors with fresh ideas." Get an all-in-one color update with this handy compact -- it includes eyeshadows, blush, lipstick and applicators. Shades are customizable and refillable, so you can update for summer, too. Mary Kay Compact. $18 (makeup additional), www.marykay.com
The Essential Mascara
"Mascara need to be replenished every three months," says McEvoy. "The formula is exposed to air, dries out, and will give you clumpy lashes." Bourjois' thickening mascara slips easily into makeup bags or attaches onto essentials like your phone. Bourjois Mini Volume Glamour Ultra Black Mascara. $8, www.sephora.com
Sexy, Sheer Shadow
"Only hold onto makeup that you're actively using -- it's not meant to be stored for long periods of time," says McEvoy. Replace that eyeshadow you bought last summer with these sheer shades made of micro-refined minerals. A built-in brush and sifter keeps otherwise messy loose powder neat. TIP: Wash applicators and brushes with baby shampoo every two weeks for optimal cleanliness. L'Oréal Bare Naturale Eyeshadow. $10, www.drugstore.com
Go-Anywhere Gloss
If you've worn the same lip color for years, update it for spring. Infused with micro-specks of glitter, these nude glosses can be slicked over deeper color for a dressed-up look. It's recommended you toss lip gloss tubes after a year, as pigments can separate and change consistency. Bobbi Brown Glitter Lip Glosses. $19 each, www.bobbibrown.com
Spring's Best Multitasker
It's Makeup Bag 101: one product in place of two saves room and hassle. Not only does this click-pen smell like cherries, it also leaves a delicious hint of sheer rouge on both your cheeks and lips. Vitamins A, C and E moisturize skin while pomegranate extract provides anti-oxidant benefits. Stila Cherry Crush. $24, exclusively at www.sephora.com
Lip Balm Alert
Because lip balms are exposed to bacteria more than any other beauty item, you should buy a fresh one every season. This Banana Boat stick has a level 30 SPF, plus vitamin E and aloe vera for intense moisture. Banana Boat Aloe Vera with Vitamin E Sunscreen Lip Balm. $2, www.drugstore.com
The Designer Pick
It's not too early to add a touch of bronze to your face. This chic compact designed by makeup artist Gucci Westman is the perfect for an on-the-go glow. Sweep the sun-kissed bronze shade on your lid and crease, then apply the pearl shade to your brow bone for gleam. Lancôme L.U.C.I Eyes Light Color in Motion Eye Shadow Duo. $45, www.lancome-usa.com
Hot to Blot
If your bag is bursting at the seams, it's time to downsize your products. Leave your clunky powder compact at home and matte oily t-zones with blotting paper instead. You'll save space and eliminate dreaded powder cake-up. Boscia's version calms skin with green tea. Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens. $10, www.boscia.net
Frame Your Face
If you're obsessed with neat brows, Milani's new kit is a must for your makeup bag. It comes with a tweezer, filler brush, sponge brush, light and dark powders, highlighter and a mirror into one space-savvy compact. The deep shade doubles as a smoky chocolate liner if you're truly short on room. Milani Brow Fix Brow Powder Kit. $5.99, www.cvs.com