Beauty Must-Haves for your Handbag

Your tote needn’t be a township in itself. Put together a checklist of beauty must-carrys… with a little help from the experts.

Skin potions

Face spritzer: A handy, refreshing pick-me-up for a quick skin rejuvenation call. These facial mists not only pack a healthy punch of energy to help you get through your day, but also come loaded with antioxidants to give your skin that instant splash of freshness.

Face wipes: Dr Aparna Santhanam, consultant dermatologist, Hindustan Unilever, says, “Keep either a packet of wet or dry face wipes.Wet wipes are great for removing traces of grime and dust before reapplying make-up or skin-care products.”

Hand sanitiser: Carrying one will not make you look like a person suffering from OCD. It’s a smart way to remain clean and keep germs and infections at bay.

Sunscreen: Opt for a matte-finish sunscreen with SPF 15 and dual blockers to re-apply every four hours, when you’re outdoors.

Moisturiser: Dr Santhanam recommends a tinted moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and also add a natural glow to your face.

Tip: Dr Santhanam recommends getting a small pouch to dump all your beauty essentials in. “This way, it’s better organised, easy to find and can also be shifted from one bag to the other when you change your bags.” Pocket-sized products seal the deal.

Makeup on the go

Compact: Compact powders keep your skin shine-free. They’re purse-friendly and you won’t have to worry about them spilling. The best part is they come with mirrors, so touch-ups are easy while on the move. It’s not about vanity, but about looking presentable.You wouldn’t want to be caught dead with something stuck between your teeth or ghastly lipstick stains on your teeth, right?

Kohl and mascara:Clint Fernandes, Lakmé make-up expert, says, “Kohl is to make-up what jeans are to fashion. It will never go out of demand. It adds instant drama to your look.” And when in doubt, add mascara. Nothing works like fluttering eyelashes, and long ones at that.

Lip balm/lip gloss and lip pencil: Lip balms and lip glosses work like magic to perk up your look. A lip pencil is best for use in a moving vehicle, as chances of smudging are minimised and even if it smudges, it can be corrected easily.

Mane control

Small hair brush: For occasional tidying up and keeping hair in place.

Serum: A handbag must-have, a serum will cut the frizz and give your hair a sleek, glossy shine and feel.

Hair accessories: Bobby pins and black rubber bands will come in handy if you have impromptu social or work commitments.