What’s in my bag?
Out of the closet and into my handbag. I wanted to share with you guys some of the essentials that I have in my purse. The last couple weeks we talked about closet essentials and I got to thinking about how our handbags are kind of like mini closets we can take with us everywhere we go. We’re basically taking things we love so much in our closets out with us into the world in our cars, our shopping carts and slinging it over our shoulders. So, it's only right that I share what I tote around in my own personal “mini closet.”
1. The Lip
The most important thing after my wallet and keys is some sort of lip product. I am a lipstick fiend and chapstick addict so there’s always more than one of these in my purse. For my lip prep and hydration my two favorite products are the Clarins Lip Comfort Oil and the Dior Addict Lip Reviving Balm. When my lips are in dire need of hydration I love this Clarins oil that delivers the moisture I need. For an everyday lip balm I love this Dior balm because it gives me the slightest tint and goes great under my other favorite lip product: Yash matte lipstick from MAC. Now I know I’ve mentioned this product before but it's only because it is the best nude lipstick out there and I’ve tried a lot, trust me. In addition to these lippies I always keep a nude lip liner as well.
I also always keep a fragrance on me. Usually a roller or a travel size to freshen up throughout the day. Also, I neve know how long I’m going to be out or who I’m going to see so it’s nice to have one on hand just in case. Right now I have the travel size Jo Malone perfume in the English Pear and Freesia Cologne. It's a light scent, it's so fresh and isn’t at all overpowering. I have other Jo Malone scents in my perfume collection but this one is great for my bag because it's tiny, I only need a few sprays and it lasts for a looong time. Did I mention I loved the scent?
Even before the pandemic I always kept a small Purell hand sanitizer with me at all times. Our hands literally touch so many different surfaces every day and it's actually really gross so it's a must. Using way more lately, and you know why, my hands are always dry but not if I have my hand cream from Necessaire. This hand cream is fast-absorbing, and has peptides and multivitamins for optimum skin health. It also acts as double protection because it protects your skin from germs on contact. As for my SPF I’ve been using the Kate Somervile UncompliKated SPF Makeup Setting Spray SPF 50. I like this product and keep it on hand because it’s easy to use. I can spray it over my makeup or use it alone, either way it gives me maximum SPF coverage and very convenient. It also fits perfectly in my handbag and is so cute to hold (ha).
When it comes to eyeliner I only need it for lining my bottom lid. It makes me look more put together and my eyes brighter somehow. I’m a girl who doesn’t spend hardly any time on makeup, It’s just the basics for me and that includes eyeliner. My absolute favorite eyeliner that I use at home and that I love so much I keep an additional one in my bag is the NARS High - Pigment Longwear Eyeliner. I cannot vouch for a product more than I do this one. I have used so many eyeliners that claim to be long-wearing and aren’t, but this one right here literally lasts me all day and has the deepest black pigmentation. It glides on so smoothly and dries in this matte-like finish and doesn’t transfer or melt below that lid line. I do own a few other colors of this liner but the black pencil stays in my bag.
5. The Mask
Probably the most important thing in my bag is the mask. We all have had those moments where we’re in the car and about to leave the driveway and then, “oh shit, I forgot my mask.” Back in the house we go to search for a clean and cute mask that goes with today’s outfit. So, just to be safe I always keep a plain black mask that will match any outfit in my purse. The Nordstrom 6-Pack Adult Pleated Cotton Face Masks are the perfect remedy to the whole I-forgot-my-mask issue. And with the extras I keep a couple in my car and my other purses just in case. There you have it, five essentials I keep in my bag and that we should all keep in our bags. There’s a lot more junk in mine but these are the basics. Until next time!
- The Closet Correspondent
Photography: Kailyn Chadwick
Photography Feature Image: Jan Kaseter