Only Five Makeup Products You Need

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For the handful of lip glosses, sticks, balms and stains you've been hoarding inside your makeup bag, celebrity makeup artist Alexis Vogel suggests a single product that'll give you long-lasting color instantly.

The fix: "You can't go out without a little lip color, so I'd recommend a stain," says Vogel. "You don't need to use lip liner with a stain, and you can enhance the shape of your lips." Opt for one with a gloss to it (like the Stay Pout Liquid Lip Stain or Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Gloss Stain) that will stay on all day so you won't have to reapply it." The genius of a product like this is you can also use it on your cheeks.

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If mascara were the only product you were wearing on your face, you'd still look far more put-together than without it. "You have to have mascara, no buts about it," says Mills. "If nothing else, mascara is the go-to product." No argument there.

The fix: Look for a multitasking one that defines and elongates lashes, like Covergirl Bombshell Volume Mascara. Even better, use the wand to smudge at your lash line for a more dramatic, eyeliner look.

Bonus tip: "To get the most mileage out of your mascara, do your bottom lashes first. That way, you won't get product residue above your top eyelid as you go to apply your bottom lashes after your top," says Vogel.

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Whether or not you wear a full face of makeup regularly, you'll want a finishing face powder for touch-ups. Powder can be used in place of foundation to keep oil and shine at bay all day. It can refresh your whole look, especially if it's tinted, because it will add color to your face and even it out. Plus, in a pinch, it can be used as a dry shampoo.

The fix: "Having powder is huge," says Mills. "Everybody needs this." Mills' favorite? The new Smashbox Telephoto Face Brush is a powder brush that has the powder formula inside the handle for on-the-go application.

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The last item you should never be without? A good, old-fashioned lip balm. But not just for the lip-hydrating reasons you might be thinking. Not only will it quench parched lips, it can be used to hydrate ragged cuticles, prevent high heel chafing and even control flyaway hair. Simply rub a dab between your fingers and smooth it over any hairs that aren't behaving, or use a tiny bit to tame your brows.

Look for a potted version like RMS Beauty Lip & Skin Balm or the cult-classic Smith's Rosebud Salve -- since you'll be smoothing it on so many places, this format will make it easy to apply with your fingers.

Whether it's an overnight bag or the moving box marked "kitchen utensils," my over-packing problem is one that no amount of duct tape (or therapy) can fix. This everything-but-the-kitchen-sink mentality overflows into my beauty habits as well. It doesn't matter if I'm going for a natural, no-makeup, makeup look or full glam; my handbag still ends up crammed full of just about every product I own. To ward off the early stages of Poshitis (also known as heavy handbag syndrome), I took my problem to the experts to find out how to touch up my look on the go without getting weighed down.

We talked to an expert panel of award-winning celebrity makeup artists and cosmetic company execs, who shared with us the only five (gasp) makeup products you need to carry with you-- ever.

The Only 5 Makeup Items You Should Have in Your Purse -- Ever

The essential products you need to lighten your load and still have your best makeup day

Color for Lips and Cheeks

A Does-Everything Mascara

Mattifying Powder

A Multi-Purpose Balm

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