No matter how small your purse is, there are just some items you can’t live without when you leave the house. For me, that includes sunglasses, lip gloss and a makeup mirror. But every woman has her own checklist, especially when it comes to beauty products. That’s why we’ve gathered a few of our favorites that are both compact and cool.
[cheeky girl]
Pur Cheek Stain
If there’s one thing you want to keep on, it’s your blush. That rosy glow brightens the entire face, and Pur has a product perfect for on-the-go. The blush tint-and-brush duo comes in pretty colors and stays on better than a powder (it’s an oil-based ‘stain’). Just dab on the color dispensed from one end and blend upward with the brush at the other.
Ulta, $26
[sos smooth]
Sephora Mini Crystal Nail File
There is no substitute for a nail file, and when your nail cracks or breaks, it’s code red. That’s when Sephora’s handy, durable crystal mini file is indispensible. It’s small and comes in a sleek case that keeps the file safe and clean.
Sephora, $10
[a pop of peony]
Elizabeth and James Solid Perfume Compact
Handy and subtle, solid perfume compacts are perfect for the purse, where they can be reached and used unobtrusively when the urge strikes you. This one, peony-scented, is a blend of musk, peony and lily of the valley. The pretty gold and white case is a little heavy, but the sweet scent is worth the extra weight.
Sephora, $48
[soft lips]
Jane Iredale LipDrink Lip Balm
Especially with the cooler days upon us, keeping the lips soft and supple can be a challenge. Jane Iredale’s lip balm is among the best we’ve tried, with avocado oil and carrot seed oil. It’s also SPF 15 and comes in four shades, plus colorless.
Soft Surroundings, $15
[wayward wisps]
Sephora Strays Away Mini Tweezers
These tweezers come in a set of four and are so tiny you can pack one in every purse, even the evening bags. Adorable in their bright colors, they will come in handy when you notice that stray eyebrow hair or—oh no—a facial hair you never saw until that dinner with an important client.
Sephora, $10
Photo: Bill Barrett