Why I Stopped Bringing My Expensive Makeup Out..and My Current Beauty Kit

I used to bring my favorite makeup with me.

Not the backups. Not the “just in case” products.

The good ones.

The ones that made me feel put together in seconds. The ones I reached for without thinking.

Until one day at Shakey’s… when my MAC lipstick fell, hit the table, cracked, and rolled.

Couldn’t save it. It rolled all over the place!

And just like that, it was over.

No saving it. No fixing it. Just… gone.

I remember staring at it for a second longer than necessary, like I could undo what just happened if I looked hard enough.

But that moment?

That was the beginning of a new rule.

No more premium priced makeup when going out. Period.

I don’t bring my best makeup out anymore, but I bring the ones that are reliable, replaceable, and multipurpose.

What’s inside my current kit?

First are my face products - BYS Blur Cushion and my favorite Minimalist cream blush. I’ve written about this a few times. Just search Minimalist blush on my search bar, so you can find them.

Next are my lip products:

BYS Lip Mousse (just type this also on my search bar to know about my experience)
Minimalist lipstick in 08
The Body Shop Avocado lip balm
BYS Peptide Lip Tint

Finally, my tools:

My Aranaz mirror which I’ve had forever as it’s a gift from my sister that came in a set.
Mouth wash
A small candy powder puff in a case for my blush (don’t want makeup all over my other things)
Makeup remover cotton tips. Break it and the makeup remover inside seeps into one of the tips. It’s a great way to touch up cracked/cakey makeup.

My Miniso pouch. I don’t use expensive pouches for my beauty kit as I replace them from time to time. Read more about my pouch philosophy in my archive. Just type makeup kit or makeup pouch on the search bar

This is my current pouch. I feel it’s very summery. Reminds me of beautiful summer sunsets in Manila. Last year during summer, I was out driving with my son from the mall and saw the skies in this exact gradient. It was so beautiful amidst the trees adorned with fairy lights. So, every time I take out my pouch, I’m reminded of that beautiful memory.

What happened at Shakey’s was the moment I realized… my going-out kit needed to change. And I’m almost thankful that happened to a MAC lipstick. Imagine if it had been a Dior??!

Some things are meant to be enjoyed at home.

And some things are meant to survive being thrown into a bag.

---

'Til my next post,

Stay soft. Stay strong. Stay Glowing.

LET'S GLOW.

With elegance and quiet fire,

Lady E

Exhibitor and speaker at the Philippine Book Festival 2026

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