Us girls (read : hoarders) always have the need to be completely prepared while on the go and our purse is almost always up to the brim with all the nonsense and absolute rubbish we stash in it everyday. From old receipts and wrappers of sweets to safety pins and spare sunnies, we lug our handy handbags everywhere; too lazy to clean it out every week and when we eventually do, too afraid that we’ll regret taking anything out. So let’s get back to the basic and here’s the lowdown on the essentials to keep and what to chuck!
- Hand Sanitizer & Tissues
This one is a must. From being a quick antiseptic for minor cuts and scraps to being a life saver to clean public toilet seats (no more hovering!), hand sanitizer is a must have to keep yourself clean and healthy. Tissues are useful while you retouch or remove make up or just to keep you hygienic on the go.
- Safety Pin
To save yourself humiliation, keep these handy pins within reach to have a quick fix to wardrobe malfunctions and seam rips. They’ll also be helpful if a belt or show buckle gives way and you don’t have time for a change.
- Mini First Aid Kit
When I say mini, I mean it. You don’t need an ambulance in your purse but be sure to carry what you often need such as medications if you frequently suffer from migraine attacks or band aids if you’re a klutz. Tampons and pads should also be in your little kit!
- Phone Charger/ Portable Battery
If you’re constantly on your phone (you are), you’ll need this pretty often and here’s nothing more frustrating or panic inducing than rushing home with a low battery to charge your phone before it dies. So stay connected on the go and invest in a portable battery – it’ll be handy on your road trips too!
- Change (For A Rainy Day)
You should always have at least 20 bucks on you. If you’re a smart cookie who often rely on cards to avoid the risk of being mugged, stash this cash somewhere unimaginable within your purse but do make sure to have it on you – you never know when you need cash for an emergency (remember : Murphy’s Law!)
- Basic Make Up
Again, when I say basic, I mean it. I’m pretty sure I can reach into my purse right now and take out 5 different shades of red lip colors in 5 different textures not including, of course, my weird hoard of chap sticks and lip balm. Ladies, not having the perfect lip shade or a chap stick on you is not the apocalypse! Restrain yourself and only carry around a compact, your fav versatile lip color, a mini eye pencil, a comb, mini perfume and oil blotters/moisturizers (depending on your skin type) around. We look great as it is and quick retouches for that after work drink should not require you to break your back lugging your entire make up collection around.
- Mints
We never know when we’ll be kissed. Also, it’s common courtesy not to remind your acquaintances that you had garlic break at lunch.
- Scarf/Sunglasses/Umbrella
Your skin is beautiful and keep one of these in your bag all the time so you have no excuse to not protect it. Also, apply sunscreen before you leave the house like your mum tells you to. You’re a grown woman but your skin needn’t be the one telling everyone you meet!
- Pen & Business Cards
Contacts are everywhere and every opportunity is golden. You never know when a casual meeting turns professional so always be equipped to impress!
- Water
It’s important to keep yourself hydrated and it’s even more important to keep yourself reminded that water is better than every other liquid on this planet so you should resist the temptation to try every new soda in the market. Make it a habit and you’ll be avoiding sugary drinks in no time; feeling and looking a lot healthier too!
- Pair of Flip Flops/Comfortable Shoes
If you’re always in teetering heels, consider changing before your commute home or after a long day of work. Being in heels 24/7 can have an undesirable effect on your posture and cause you a lot of pain and damage your calf muscles in the long run. So keep your feet happy and switch your heels for comfort whenever possible!
So keep it simple with these essentials and beat the temptation to hoard unnecessary stuff in your purse and give your shoulders a break!
