The Everyday Makeup Bag

They say you can find pretty much anything in a woman’s handbag.

Well, I wouldn’t say that I carry everything in mine, although that’s not for the lack of trying. One of my friends though, absolutely does have everything in her bag. I mean, she is a mom, so that might explain her superpower of having a very rich inventory that all magically fits into an average-sized, “everyday” handbag. Traveling with her is the best.

Need makeup wipes? She’s got them.

Rubbing alcohol? She’s got it.

Stain removing pen? Yup. Got that too.

Just the other day I had an awful attack of bad back pain and didn’t have any lidocaine patches or nerve pain medication with me.

“You want some ibuprofen?” She asked while digging through her handbag.

“No, thanks, that won’t help. I’ll take some heroin though, you got any?” I said jokingly. She chuckled while still digging through her handbag, then looked up at me with a curious smile.

“Oh God, please do not answer that!” I said.

Everyone burst out laughing because she’s just known to have e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g under the Sun in that little bag of hers.

I now try to minimize the amount of stuff I carry in my bag- ever since my physical therapist picked it up to move it to another chair during one of my visits. She actually asked me if I bring an overnight bag everywhere I go. Then proceeded to tell me that I shouldn’t carry a shoulder handbag that weighs more 5% of my body weight.

Well, being the control freak that I am, I do like to be prepared for every possible scenario, so I have been known to carry way too much stuff in my bag. Do I really need to carry three hand creams and two different dry shampoos with me at all times? Um, no. I have been making an effort to streamline my everyday makeup bag though, or, as I call it my “handbag makeup bag.” My regular What’s In My Makeup Bag feature isn’t going away, as that includes all products in my current rotation, not just the ones I carry with me.

It’s hard to imagine that it all fits in my little cosmetic pouch (similar right here), but most of it does. With the exception of one of my favorite powders, Chanel’s Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder, which I keep in the side pocket of my handbag. It works lovely with dry skin, while still keeping the oily parts under control. The compact has a mirror which, of course always comes in handy as well.

That, however, still doesn’t stop me from carrying a mirror in my everyday makeup bag that I keep in my handbag. I love this one from lilah b. Despite the Chanel powder compact being separated by a brush holder, the mirror still gets a little dirty with product residue. It can be quite annoying, having to clean the compact mirror when you need to use it in a pinch. The retractable bronzer brush from lilah b. is also perfect for keeping in your everyday makeup bag. It’s compact, soft and works great with cheek products. Last from the lilah b. bunch is their Aglow Face Mist. It sets and refreshes makeup and it’s a good little midday pick-me-up for the skin on those makeup-free days, too (as is the travel size Strobe Cream in Pinklite).

My all-time favorite mascara, Diorshow Iconic Overcurl never leaves my everyday makeup bag. I wouldn’t say that it’s great at layering once it has dried- which is true for pretty much all mascaras- so I don’t exactly re-apply it throughout the day. But I don’t always wear makeup and having it with me means that I can easily do a simple look. This mascara always makes my lashes look amazing. It gives length, volume, and an amazing curl that doesn’t require a lash curler. There’s no flakes or smudging throughout the day, either.

Chanel’s Rouge Coco Baume is one of my most-loved lip care products. It isn’t sticky or thick, just smooth, hydrating with a natural, glossy finish. Patchology’s Lip Service is another favorite, with a gloss-to-balm formula which is incredibly nourishing. If I am wearing lipstick, I also always throw whatever shade I’m using in my bag. Pillow Talk Lipstick and Lip Cheat Lip Liner are permanent residents though. I’m boring like that, and this shade just works for me for any occasion.

Drinking a lot of tea during the day, Tarte’s Pearly Girl Teeth Whitening pen is my best friend. It’s vegan, easy to use, gives amazing results and most importantly it doesn’t irritate my teeth or gums. I’ve used a lot of teeth-whitening products and along with Smile Brilliant, this is definitely my favorite. Perfect little tool/product to keep in your bag if you drink a lot of tea or coffee.

Other than a tin of Altoids in my car and sugar-free gum in my handbag I also keep the Pocketmist Listerine breath mist in my makeup bag. Just another good way to get a minty-fresh breath when you’re on the go, after a long flight or whenever chewing gum isn’t appropriate.

Concealer and base-wise I find that Glossier’s Stretch Concealer, Perfecting Skin Tint and YSL Touche Eclat All-Over Brightening Pen are all very easy to work with. You can easily blend them all just using your fingers, so there’s no need for any additional tools.

You also never know when you’re going to need a clear invisibobble hair tie, a bobby pin or a good old safety pin, so I keep a few of those as well.

And this pretty much sums it up for my most-loved and trusted everyday, handbag beauty bits.