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Alanna Martine Kilkeary / Her Campus
NCSU | Style > Beauty

Save Space & Money: 3 Makeup Must-Haves

Kendra Heiser Student Contributor, North Carolina State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at NCSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Reduce the products in your makeup bags while saving money by using multi-use products!

I recently bought the cutest mini purse (emphasis on the word mini). It barely fits my phone, let alone my makeup. If you want to touch up your look but are already out and don’t have a lot of space in your bag, these are the three products I would recommend having with you. They take up minimal space but can be used in multiple ways.

Brown Liner Makeup Pencil

A recently discovered trend on TikTok has shown me that a brown liner pencil could eliminate the need for 5 products in a makeup bag. It is the one product I would recommend to have in your purse or pocket at all times. It’s small, light-weight, and effective for a natural/minimalistic look. Try it out these 5 ways:

  • Lip Liner: Although an obvious use, a brown liner can enhance a makeup look by defining the lips and creating an illusion for fuller lips that look natural.
  • Eyeliner: A brown eyeliner wing can be a more subtle and natural everyday look compared to a black eyeliner wing.
  • Eyebrow pencil: Using a brown makeup pencil on your eyebrows depends on the color of your eyebrows already. I wouldn’t recommend using a brown liner unless your eyebrows are brown and match the shade of the pencil you will use.
  • Freckle pen: Lightly dotting a brown liner on your cheekbones and bridge of your nose can give your face a natural and sun-kissed freckles look.
  • Contour: A brown liner is best for contouring the nose, but it’s a personal preference if you want to use it for your cheekbones or other areas.

I use makeup for forever- limitless brown shade, but there are less expensive options out there. 

Cream Blush

A cream blush can be used on more than just the cheek! Use a cream blush on your lips as lipstick and on the eyes for a pink, glowy eyeshadow look. 

Rhode has small pocket blushes that take up minimal space in your purse, but you can find dupes like the Too Cheeky blush by Ulta

Shimmer Eyeshadow

A shimmery eyeshadow is so pretty on the eyes, but it can also be used as a highlight to brighten your features where you want. I use highlight under the arch of my eyebrows, on the bridge of my nose, the inner corners of my eyes, and above my cheekbones.

The Julep Eyeshadow Stick is small and effective. There are multiple colors to choose from, but the pearl shimmer shade is my favorite.

Kendra is a senior studying marketing with a minor in English at NC State. She was born and raised outside of D.C. in Alexandria, Virginia. She is passionate about women's health and mental health issues. She enjoys fashion, concerts, sports, music, movies, and good books. She particularly loves playing volleyball and is the captain for her intramural team at NCSU. Additionally, Kendra loves to travel and meet new people, and enjoyed her spring ‘24 semester studying abroad in Spain. She is now a Pack Abroad Ambassador, a part time nanny, and a volunteer for the University Theatre Costume Shop. Kendra currently works as an intern for Targeted Victory on the corporate team, marketing for fortune 500 companies. She previously had an internship working for Sothebys International Real Estate and loved her experience there.