Do you have a beauty on the go bag? Like most women, I carry a few extra things in my purse: an extra pair of earrings, lipstick, lip gloss, a compact mirror, and hand sanitizer to name a few. Life experience has taught me that you never know when these things will come in handy. However, it wasn’t until I read Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style & Success– Online and Off by Michelle Phan that I reevaluated what I thought packing a handbag meant. In her book, Phan writes about a beauty to-go bag, something I never considered before. The more I read, the more I loved the concept and started putting one together. I’ve also realized it’s harder than it seems, but so much fun. If you’ve thought about doing this, but struggling to pick out the items you want to include, keep reading to learn about some of my beauty favorites.
10 Items You Need In Your Beauty To-Go Bag
- Compact Mirror
- Power foundation/ Foundation Stick
- A Pair Of Earrings
- Chapstick
- Lip gloss / Lipstick
- 2 Neutrogena Single Makeup Remover Wipes
- Eyeliner
- Hand Lotion
- An Extra Face Mask
- A Srunchie
A Compact Mirror: I love compact mirrors because it makes it so much easier to double-check your makeup after applying it on the go and gives you the chance to quickly check if a touchup is needed without trying to find a restroom. I realize you could use your phone camera if necessary, but speaking from personal experience of almost dropping it one too many times, a compact mirror is so much better. During my time in school, I loved the cute compacts with a mini brush attached because it was solving two issues at once, two birds one stone as they say. The compact mirror I currently use is part of my powder foundation from Bare Minerals, and I love being able to quickly pull that out of my handbag if necessary, though it is a little hard to open, so if it’s an option while buying your contact mirror, I suggest checking out the ease of opening the product before making a decision.
Power Foundation: When I first started using makeup, my mom would help me apply the liquid version, but eventually I wanted to learn on my own so she helped me pick out a powder foundation. I would apply the powder foundation on my way to school every morning and while fun, it was a challenge. Nevertheless, I’ve after that, I know I will always be a fan of powder foundation. If you get a powder foundation, then you can skip adding a compact mirror to your beauty go bag because the foundation compact will most likely have one.
If a powder foundation doesn’t work for you and you want to include a foundation option in your bag, a foundation stick is an option and great for travel. When I went on a family road trip a few years ago, my foundation stick was the first thing I packed, though I did have some trouble learning to blend it at the time. If you haven’t tried either type of foundation before, practice with it a few times to see what works best for you to add to your beauty to-go bag.
A Pair Of Earrings: Have you ever run out of the house without putting in your earrings or put them on only to lose one at some point throughout the day? I have. These days I like to carry an extra pair in my bag so I can put them in easily if I forgot to do so before I left the house. I like to add a pair that fits my style or goes with everything so I chose a pair of mid-size hoops that are silver, though black is a great option too.
Chapstick: I rarely wear more than tinted lipgloss for my everyday looks especially since we’re wearing masks most of the time, still I try to be really intentional about caring for my lips. I’m always losing my chapstick so I have two or three in my purse, but I’m happy adding a simple product that at times gives a slight shine to my lips.
Lip Gloss Lipstick: I wore lip gloss for years when I first got into makeup and though I’m better at applying lipstick these days, it’s still one of my favorite products to wear, especially the Gloss Bomb by Fenty Beauty. Since we’re wearing masks these days, I don’t wear anything besides chapstick these days, but if I going to take the mask off I’ll wear lip gloss or lipstick depending on the occasion. I chose the Fenty gloss bomb because it’s small, not thin, but small and easy to hold.
If you’d prefer lipstick to lipgloss then I had to recommend the BH Cosmetics Cashmere Cream Comfort Lipsticks. This product is semi-matter and pigmented with a small applicator for easy easy use. I have a few colors so I always carat one, especially for a special occasion.
Related: BH Cosmetics Cashmere Comfort Cream Lipstick Review
2 X Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes: The Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes are one of my favorite products, they work so well, except with mascara in my opinion. I usually use two to three to make sure my skin is clear, before starting my nighttime skin care routine. So why should you put these in your beauty bag? Well, like I said they work so well and if you mess up your makeup during a touch up you can quickly wipe the area clean and start again. You can find a 20 count package of these wipes at Ulta Beauty for 8.99, there’s even a fragrance free version for the same price. Some say it’s not work the price because they original package is a 25 count for 6,99, but I disagree because it’s individually packaged.
Eyeliner: Eyeliner, my favorite of all the makeup products. If you’ve been reading almost any of my makeup posts, you know how much I love eyeliner. It’s the first makeup product after foundation that I learned to apply, but also learned that not every type is the same accessibility wise. I love using the retractable eyeliner from Wet n Wild because I don’t need a lot of pressure to get a pigmented line. A retractable eyeliner gives me more control and is perfect for on the go because it’s so quick and easy since I don’t have to sharpen it. You can find this particular liner at Ulta for 3 dollars.
Hand Lotion: I used to be horrible at lotioning my hands throughout the day. I chose to include this item specifically in the beauty to go bag because I try to take better care of my hands since daily life can be rough on them. The current health crisis and the increase of frequency in washing our hands and using hand sanitizer is even more reason to give your hands a little more care by lotioning them often. I love using the travel hand lotions from bath & body works, but there are several options that will fit in a bag comfortably.
An Extra Face Mask: When I do venture outside the safety of my house, I always carry at least one extra face mask. In the past few months, I have dropped a face mask, or absentmindedly put it down, when I realize this there is no way I’m putting it back on my face. Whether you decide to wear the blue face masks or rock one that matches your outfit, having an extra or two with you is always a good idea, you never know what can happen throughout the day.
Scrunchie: Do you wear your hair out when you leave the house then wish you had a scrunchie at some point during the day? I have. It’s a good idea to have one with you, you never know when it will come in handy for your hair or part of a fashion hack.
Packing a beauty-on-the bag is tricky as you decide what you can and can’t leave out, but packing a new handbag without forgetting any of your essentials is even more difficult. When I had a new handbag, I couldn’t wait to pair it with a favorite outfit, that is until I realized I forgot an item I really wish I hadn’t. Sound familiar? If so, signup below to get access to my New Handbag Survival Checklist and stop forgetting items when you pack your handbag. Rock your new outfit and handbag without worrying you left something behind. I hope you enjoy putting your beauty-to-go- bag together as much as I did with mine.
~ Kimberly
