What Products Live In Team Sassy’s Makeup Bags?

It’s time for us to unpack our pouches and reveal where we look for makeup inspiration!

As much as we’d like to believe we always look polished and put-together, the Hong Kong humidity and packed schedules can make it a difficult task. As a team of individual and independent women, our product choices and beauty routines vary quite a bit. We’re often running between meetings and events, which is where multi-tasking products come in handy. So here’s a look at the go-to items in our makeup bags.

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Name & Title: Caroline Jones, Managing Editor
What three items can’t you live without in your makeup bag, and why?

1. Mac Lip Pencil in Spice. I’ve been using this product since I was about 17 and still use it almost every day (sorry to be such a creature of habit!). I find it’s the perfect shade to wear on its own with some lip balm during the day, or as a base for a bolder lip at night.
2. Nars The Mutiple in Orgasm. This is a cult product for a reason! I love the subtle flush of colour and shimmer it brings. I mainly use it on my cheekbones, but sometimes also use it on my eyes and lips if it’s the only product I have in my bag.
3. Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eye Palette in The Golden Goddess. This is a brilliant day to night (or anything in between), product. The numbered colour coding makes it really user-friendly. The glittery “pop” part of the palette is great for nights out. I have several of these eye palettes because I use them so much, but The Golden Goddess is my number one.

How long do you take to do your makeup?
On a weekday morning, I usually spend around five to 10 minutes doing my makeup, so that I feel presentable heading into work. But I tend to keep things pretty minimal. I’d say for a night out it takes me around 10 to 15 minutes to do my makeup, because I use a fuller-coverage foundation and make a bit more of an effort with my eyeshadow.
Where do you go for makeup inspiration?
I am a big Charlotte Tilbury and Hourglass fan so I love their Instagram feeds, especially their videos on Instagram stories. It’s always good to see how the pros do it, even though I can never properly copy it myself. For inspiration on new products, I always browse the Cult Beauty site and of course, Sephora!

Name & Title: Annie Simpson, Editor
What three items can’t you live without in your makeup bag, and why?
If I had to choose just three, I’d have to go with:

1. Benefit Gimme Brow (I wear shade 3). I never feel put-together without paying a little attention to my brows and this product is quick and easy to use, giving a little colour and keeping hairs in place all day long.
2. MAC Studio Finish concealer in NW20. This is an essential that I always have on hand. I don’t tend to use a full coverage foundation, and normally just stick to using a tinted moisturiser, so this helps to cover up any blemishes and brighten under eyes.
3. Hourglass Illume Sheer Color Trio in Sunset. A friend used this on me before a night out once and found myself in Causeway Bay the very next day picking up one for myself – it’s just that good. The blush shade works on multiple skin tones and helps to perk up a tired face, while the easy to use highlight adds a subtle shimmer to cheekbones. It’s three products in one so is totally worth the price tag!

If I was allowed a fourth, I would also definitely sneak in a mascara too, but these are the products I need to feel presentable without having to worry too much.

How long do you take to do your makeup?
In the mornings for a standard day, I get ready pretty quickly (extra sleep always wins!), so I can be ready in about 10 to 15 minutes. My makeup is always pretty natural and I’m no pro at a smokey eye or contouring, but for a night out I’ll spend a little longer on my look. For an easy-to-use eye palette that will make any eye colour pop, I love Charlotte Tilbury’s Luxury Eye Palette in La Dolce Vita.
Where do you go for makeup inspiration?
As I’m not a huge beauty junkie, I’m a little useless at keeping up to date with the latest trends and products, so my inspiration always comes from my friends. Although I keep things simple, I’m always in awe of those can pull off a bold lip or a colourful eye on any occasion. Working with a team of women, there’s often a fair amount of beauty chat, and always a makeup bag on hand to rummage through if you’re in need of anything before an event after work! It’s often through trying products my friends swear by that I’ve found some of the ones I love the most.

Name & Title: Tania Shroff, Editor
What three items can’t you live without in your makeup bag, and why? 

1. Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Pillow Talk Lipstick – it’s an instant pick-me-up.
2. Hourglass Ambient® Lighting Powder – the tiniest touch goes a long way.
3. Lucas’ Papaw ­- this trusted tube has carried me through mozzie bites, chapped lips and even fajita-pan burns!

How long do you take to do your makeup?
In the morning, my  makeup can take anywhere from two to 10 minutes – I often leave my daily look quite simple. If I’m going for a night out and indulging in the fun a little more, I can happily add another 10 minutes on top of that, especially if I’m trying to attempt a smokey eye.
Where do you go for makeup inspiration?
I don’t actively seek out makeup inspiration, but I am constantly in awe of the bright colours and bold shades girls in the office rock on a casual Tuesday. I don’t think I’d even worn a dark shade of lipstick before working here! Makeup (like anything reflecting personal style) is all about what makes you feel confident and comfortable, so it can be fun to mix it up and get playful with the process.

Name & Title: Daisy Dudley, Art Director
What three items can’t you live without in your makeup bag, and why?
I normally carry with me a mascara, concealer and blush. With these three items I feel like I can touch up my makeup on the go and feel pretty put-together.

1. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eraser Concealer or Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer – I like that both of these come with a built-in sponge tip for easy application
2. H&M mascara
3. Glossier Cloud Paint cream blush in Dusk

If I could sneak in a fourth product I would recommend Kiehls Butterstick lip treatment because it has SPF25, but doesn’t have the waxy taste of some other SPF lip balms.

How long do you take to do your makeup?
I’m quite low maintenance with my makeup routine and probably spend less than five minutes doing it in the morning. I used to try and touch up my makeup after lunch, but have fallen out of the habit. In the evening I might spend a few more minutes on highlighter or liquid liner, but I’m still pretty quick.
Where do you go for makeup inspiration?
I get most of my makeup inspiration from the team in the Sassy office. I know it’s a cliché but we do spend many a lunch break comparing tips and new products we’ve tried. I also follow beauty and nail Instagram accounts like @byrdiebeauty, @violette_fr and nails artist @betina_goldstein. Her nail art designs are often really minimal but still stunning.

Name & Title: Surmayee Tetarbe, Partnerships Manager
What three items can’t you live without in your makeup bag, and why? 

1. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – This makes literally any eyeshadow (regardless of cost) look way more vibrant, and used on its own it can mattify my oily lids and make it look like I’ve got a good base on, even if it’s just my naked lid!
2. Benefit Roller Lash– This is my current favourite mascara currently. A coat of mascara can make your eyes pop, without any other supporting products, and immediately make you look more awake.
3. A powerful red or maroon lipstick – I love Temper by Urban Decay, Diva by MAC or Stunna Lip Paint by Fenty Beauty. A bold lipstick lets you get away with minimal makeup on days when you’re running out of the house with no time to spare. It also easily takes a look from day to night, or just gives me a bit of extra confidence right before I walk into an event.

How long do you take to do your makeup?
Makeup is super fun for me, so I like to take my time doing it. On an average day, I’ll spend 15 minutes swiping on my favourite eyeshadow combo and a black cat eye (you can never go wrong with a good flick!), and mattifying my face to survive the HK weather. When I’m getting ready for a night out, I make way more of an effort, so will blast my playlist of choice and spend 30 to 40 minutes putting my whole look together. It’s time I get to spend up close and personal with myself without any other distractions, so it’s quite a ritual for me to do before I go out, and I leave my house putting my best face forward. I always make sure to seal everything in with Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray, which makes my makeup last through thick and thin!
Where do you go for makeup inspiration?
I like to be very bold in my makeup, so I definitely look to Rihanna and the Fenty Beauty team as inspo, as well as the founder of Urban Decay, Wendy Zomnir. I love everything the two of them are doing with breaking the mould and making bold makeup an everyday look, not just for special occasions. I also have watched beauty bloggers like Leesha and Rachel for years, so I also look to them when I need a hit of inspiration.

Name & Title: Mansha Channa, Partnerships Manager
What three items can’t you live without in your makeup bag, and why?

1.  Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple cream – Don’t let the name fool you, this is the ultimate saviour for chapped lips, locking in moisture and keeping your pout hydrated for hours.
2.  Two Faced Better than Sex mascara – This is an instant pick-me-up for my face no matter how tired I feel. It makes my eyes look bigger and brighter adding some flutter 😉
3. Huda Beauty ‘Bombshell’ liquid matte lipstick – this nude pink is perfect for work and for adding the perfect amount of colour to the face.

How long do you take to do your makeup?
My makeup routine takes about 10 minutes every day which includes applying a good SPF, light foundation, some mascara (and eyeliner if I am not running late) and finishing off with some tinted lip balm. I have had my eyebrows microbladed which saves me a couple of minutes as they don’t need filling in. My evening makeup takes approximately 25 minutes, including some eyeshadow and contouring.
Where do you go for makeup inspiration?
I love watching Huda Beauty’s make up tips and tricks on IGTV. I also am a huge fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s quick IG tutorials, I have learnt so much by watching and experimenting on myself – practice makes perfect!

Name & Title: Elle Noble, Partnerships Manager
What three items can’t you live without in your makeup bag, and why?

1. If I had to choose 3 items only to get me through the day, my first essential would be a foundation, I use Dior Capture Totale. It comes with quite a hefty price tag but, after trying so many foundations, I found this one really offers the most natural and even coverage and instantly makes my face look fresher!
2. A good fix of mascara always makes me feel more awake, I’m currently using Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes.
3. And lastly, I love Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact (I’m using the bronze), to add a little glow!

How long do you take to do your makeup?
I often work out in the day, so try to keep my makeup pretty simple as I’m either too hot from a morning workout or there are limited spots in front of the mirror at the gym! So my daytime makeup routine takes around 10 minutes. For a night out, it could take anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes – I guess it depends if I’m feeling daring enough to try out some new styles (usually inspired by my colleague Surmayee’s super cool eyeshadow style that week!)  
Where do you go for makeup inspiration?
I hate to say it but it’s mostly my younger sister who is always pushing me to try out new techniques or products, and points me in the right direction if I’m in need of any inspo or YouTube tutorials! The Sassy team is also constantly sharing recommendations for new products to try, and everyone on the team has such unique style too, which means it’s really fun to learn new tips and try out something different.

Name & Title: Abegaile Legaspi, Editorial Intern
What three items can’t you live without in your makeup bag, and why?
As a beauty junkie, this is an insanely difficult question. But if I (really) have to choose, it’d be:

1. Etude House Drawing Eyebrow in #4 – This is perfect for mimicking hairlike strokes creating a natural, full-brow look. I naturally have thick brows with some sparse areas, so this product is perfect for filling in those bits.
2. Loreal Lash Paradise in Blackest Black – I’m not naturally gifted with thick and luscious eyelashes so mascara is crucial to my makeup routine. Just two coats of this product and my lashes curl up ready to say “hello world”.
3. Rimmel London Maxi Blush in Rendezvous – For about six months I’ve been into the “drunk blush look” and now I can’t seem to leave the house without it. This shade can look quite intense but it’s actually very buildable, creating the perfect effect.

How long do you take to do your makeup?
On an everyday basis, I tend to go for a more natural look just so I look put-together and presentable for school or work, which usually takes me 15 to 20 minutes. If I’m going to a special event or night out, I spend around half an hour. My go-to for eyeshadows is Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette.
Where do you go for makeup inspiration?
As a morena myself, I look for celebrities and makeup gurus that also have tanned skin and specialise in natural makeup (like Hollywood Beauties, Zendaya and Amandla Stenberg and Nadine Lustre, a celebrity from The Philippines).