The female equivalent of toolboxes, makeup bags are overflowing with potions and lotions that get us one step closer to beauty perfection. What’s in your bag?

You’re a DRUGSTORE DIVA if…

You are never far from your trusted Maybelline Great Lash Mascara and consider yourself a savvy consumer for forgoing the pricy Lancôme line in favor of products by the infinitely more affordable parent company, L’Oréal.

Lose It: Given your inability to pass up a bargain, we fear that even prior to the airport scare your makeup bag was actually a Ziploc. Toss the baggie and replace it with a clear makeup bag for easy access to all things Revlon. Sephora’s signature bag is a steal at only $4.

Love It: Get past the junior-high memories and embrace the crisp tingle with wonder cleanser Noxzema for a seriously deep clean. Pores practically disappear. Oil of Olay Touch of Sun moisturizer packs a double punch with sunless tanner and SPF 15.

You’re a COSMETIC COUGAR if…

If you are a woman of a certain age looking to rope in a man of a much younger vintage, we imagine your makeup bag is overflowing with anti-aging and anti-wrinkle creams and lotions—necessary potions to help lure the local surf boys to your lair.

Lose It: Rid yourself of heavy foundations, which draw attention to even the most minor crease or laugh line. Many powder-based foundations are often too cake-y and look unnatural. Instead, try Vincent Longo Water Canvas Creme-to-Powder Foundation.

Love It: With her new line, Youthful Essence, daytime television’s favorite cougar, Susan Lucci, provides the tools for brightening your look (www.youthfulessence.com). For the lips, avoid dark reds or wine colors; instead select nudes and neutrals. Add a tube of classic Estée Lauder Futurist lipstick (in Sultry Blush) to your bag. ($25, Nordstrom)

You’re a LUXE LACQUER if…

The same logos spotted on runways, sunglasses and handbags show up in your makeup bag. A label whore through and through, you would not dream of shopping at the drugstore.

Lose It: Fashion brands do not necessarily create great beauty products (case in point: the ill-fated Gucci line of cosmetics). Focus on the science behind the brands and chose luxurious logos from the beauty realm such as La Mer, Darphin and Guerlain.

Love It: The skin-care line by relative newcomer Jo Malone provides rich moisturizers with modern twists. Our favorite product is the Crisp Camphor Cleansing Cream; think of it as Noxzema for the Neiman Marcus set. ($35, Neiman Marcus)

You’re a NIGHT OWL if…

Five o’clock usually finds you in the office bathroom applying a full face for the night ahead. You opt for jet-black mascara, dark red lipstick and more shimmer and shine than a Vegas showgirl.

Lose It: Ease up on the shimmer, which can quickly look sweaty after a few cocktails. Choose bronzers instead for a look that is sun-kissed rather than over-glittered.

Love It: Multipurpose Tarte Cheek Stain does double duty as a practically permanent blush and a lip stain. Select a hue that is close to the color of your face, and apply directly to the apples of your cheeks.
{written by Natalie Bow}