8 Essentials You Should Always Keep in Your Purse
When you’re walking into the room purse first, your basic phone, wallet, and keys just won’t cut it. There’s a few things every girl should always keep in her purse before she hits the streets.
My purse essentials get you through long days into even longer nights. Plus, they’re super affordable, so you’ve just gotta grab them.
Everyday Purse Must-Haves
1. Lotion
Getting ashy when you’re out is the worst. Not only is dry skin uncomfortable, but it can be unsightly, especially during those cheers boomerangs. And if you’re wearing open toed shoes… forget it.
Having a little hand or foot cream in your bag can save the day for you (and those around you). You can find really affordable travel-sized lotion at Walmart, Target, or Bath & Body if you’re feeling fancy, so it’s worth investing in one for each of your main purses, so you don’t have to remember to switch it over.
2. Body Spray
If you’re planning to spend the whole day away from home, it doesn’t matter how much deodorant, body oil, and spray you put on before you leave the house — chances are it’s not gonna last you all day.
Bring a little something for a midday refresh. It doesn’t have to be your most expensive fragrance, but it should do the trick.
3. Lip Care
Pucker up, sis! Those UV rays don’t just affect your skin, they also lead to dry and cracked skin. Here’s the catch: if you’re not moisturizing your lips properly, that gloss and balm can actually dry them out even more.
So, while you’re at home, create a lip care routine with exfoliation and a good humectant like shea butter, beeswax, or petroleum jelly. Then when you’re out, use your lip balm first, then gloss it up after.
4. A Lil Cash
Now, I know we live in a technology-based world, and a lot of places are even going completely cashless. But in some instances, cash will rule everything around you.
Whether you want to tip the bathroom attendant at the club, give a dollar to someone in need, or just want to monitor your spending for the night, having a few dollars on hand is a good idea.
5. Tampon (or Other Feminine Hygiene Product)
Have you ever needed a tampon, and asked everyone around you for one, just to be met with a string of “I’m sorrys?” Or vice versa, has anyone ever asked you for a feminine product, and you came up short? Either way you flip it, it’s a bad spot to be in.
But it’s going to be hard to remember to pack a tampon every time you leave the house, especially when TOM’s not in town.
Here’s my best period hack:
Whenever I re-up on my feminine products, I try to sprinkle one or two in each of my purses (like the period fairy). Since I’ve started doing this, I’ve found I’m never caught without one – for myself or someone else. Plus, if you run out of your at-home stash, you’ll still have your purse ‘pons in a pinch.
6. Hand Sanitizer
Bathrooms without soap, dirty door handles, a never-ending pandemic… it’s a jungle out there. Keep it cute and clean with some hand sanitizer.
City Essentials for Your Bag
If you’ve got extra space in your bag, you might find it helpful to pack these purse essentials.
7. Fan
Thanks to global warming, it doesn’t matter where you are – outside is HOT. The girls are loving hand-held fans for their extra-cooling abilities. Personally, I carry a clack/manual fan because they block the sun to keep your makeup from melting off.
8. Portable Charger
I don’t know about y’all, but my phone be dying, okay! If you’re going to be out all day, it’s a good idea to bring along a wall charger or a portable device. Just be sure to keep it charged.
Honorable mentions:
A safety pin – For wardrobe malfunctions & quick fixes, of course!
Hair tie – You gotta have something to get that hair off your neck and out of your face.
Water – I cannot stress this enough, but if you’re not carrying your own water, you never know when your next sip will be. Be in control of your hydration.
Let’s face it: small bags are in. If you can’t fit it all in your purse, choose your top 3 essentials (the things you keep getting caught without), and keep it pushing. Or pass this blog along to your friend, so the whole crew stays ready — and you don’t have to get ready.