Basically, Essential

I have a rule for my makeup bag: if I stop reaching for it, it goes. No guilt, no "but it was expensive."

Two brands have survived the rule.

Merit. This is most of my face. The blush balm in Beverly Hills is the one I reach for first. The complexion stick in Oak goes under my eyes, and it brightens and adds a bit of light, which on a tired morning is the whole job. For my eyes I use the brow in 1980 and the solo shadow in Vendetta. It is a small range, so there is not much to think about, which is the selling point.

Chanel. Mascara and the mascara primer. I use them together. I get compliments all the time on my lashes - don’t skip the primer because it makes a noticeable difference.

The blush balm and the complexion stick are the two things that always go in my carry-on. I split my time between the US and the UK, so everything has been on a plane. TIP: if you can only bring two things, bring the ones that do double duty. The blush balm can be used as a blush and a lip color and has a dewy look. The complexion stick is great for concealing and brightening the under eye for a more awake look after a long flight.

Things I use that did not make this list are not bad. They just did not make the cut for today.