Take a tour around the world of cosmetics bags to discover the reasons behind owning this portable treasure.
Why We Need Cosmetics Bags

Raise your hands... whose makeup is all perfectly stored, arranged according to type and color, and instantly accessible at all times? Now let us be realistic, whose is crammed into every drawer, purse and other hiding place available?

If you fall into the latter group, it's time to go shopping for a new cosmetic bag. Cosmetics bags are not simply just a fashion piece, you see - they also keep your makeup clean and tidy and help make sure that you can find what you need, when you need it. The following list are some of the best choices in the market.

Bags or Boxes?

Buying a cosmetics bag isn't just a matter of hitting the mall and picking out the first thing you find. First of all, take a look at your current makeup assortment. Empty out your purses, ransack your bathroom and spread everything out where you can see it.

What do you have? Is it a mountain or a molehill? Are you a "lipgloss and blush" kind of girl, or do you like to go for the full works - foundation, powders, liner, mascara and all? Are you a beauty junkie, always desperate to to get your hands on the latest colors and products, or do you like to stick to what you know?

Your own personal makeup style is the biggest clue as to what kind of storage you'll need. While a simple cosmetics bag will suffice if your preference is for the bare-faced look; but if your makeup takes up more room than your food and clothes, you may need to think about a vanity case or other, larger storage device.

While bags tend to the most portable - you can cram them into an overnight bag or sling them in your suitcase - a makeup case will generally have more room, and allow you to organize your cosmetics more effectively. A clear plastic box will also mean that you can see exactly what is in your case at a glance: there's nothing worse than having to empty out an entire cosmetics bag just to find that elusive lipstick - especially when you're running late.

Finding Cute Cosmetics Bags

When it comes to choosing your cosmetic bag, you'll be pleased to know that you'll be spoiled for choice. Most makeup manufacturers make cosmetics bags as well as cosmetics themselves, and all of the major drug stores and supermarkets carry them too. Of course, if you're really stuck, there's always eBay!

Benefit's Luscious Lana bag has become something of a cult amongst beauty aficionados, while Sephora's metro train case is designed for function rather than style. It holds all your makeup in specially designed compartments, so you'll never be stuck rummaging through a seemingly bottomless makeup bag again!

Sephora's pink terry cosmetic carrier is also a pretty cute option.

Budget Beauty Bags

You can really choose to pay as much or as little as you like for your cosmetic bags. While a Louis Vuitton bag will probably set you back a couple of hundred dollars, Target's natural beauty bag is just $17.99, and some old kitchen Tupperware will do the job just as well, without looking quite so pretty.