You know those women who always seem to have it together? Well, you could be one of them. All it takes is a little careful planning and a solid checklist of things to throw into your bag before you leave the house. Wallet, phone and keys? Check. Now here are 13 other essentials that will keep you charged, fresh-faced, hydrated and prepared for whatever the day may bring.
13 Purse Essentials Every Totally Prepared Woman Carries in Her Bag
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Published Jun 26, 2017
Warby Parker
1. A PAIR OF CLASSIC SHADES
Round is in, but if a completely circular shape intimidates you, cheat with a slight oval. And you can’t go wrong with polarized lenses to protect your eyes.
Warby Parker ($95)
3. NO-SWEAT WATER BOTTLE
Remember: Every time you drink from a plastic bottle, you’re personally strangling a baby seal. (Not really, but opt for a reusable vessel, OK?) This one has shatter-resistant glass and a bamboo lid. Plus, for every bottle purchased, Soma donates to Charity: water.
Soma ($30)
Ode Natural Beauty
4. MULTIPURPOSE MOISTURIZER
This natural moisturizer is a triple threat. That’s because it goes straight from the farm to the jar—with ingredients including olive and jojoba oils, beeswax and vitamin E—and works equally well on dry hands, chapped lips or even your hair (see ya later, flyaways).
Ode Olive Oil Body Balm ($18)
Mophie
5. PHONE CHARGER
Sixty percent more battery time sounds good, especially if your Instagram Stories obsession is sucking the life out of your phone. This battery booster slides onto your phone and keeps it fully charged all day long.
Mophie ($60)
6. REUSABLE BAG
Avoid many a “Doh!” moment at the grocery store when you realize you left your shopping bags on the kitchen counter. Just throw one of these fold-up totes into your purse and never leave home without it.
Baggu ($10)
7. SUNSCREEN POWDER
This incredible brush-on mineral sunscreen packs a serious punch (SPF 30) and comes in five shades. A few simple brush strokes over your makeup and you’re powdered (buh-bye, oils) and protected.
Colorescience ($57)
8. BUSINESS CARDS
Analog, yes. But despite all the technology we have, you don’t want to be caught empty-handed when you bump into that design director at power Pilates you’ve been trying to track down. In this city, you just never know when or where you might make a beneficial connection.
Tata Harper
9. AROMATHERAPY
The 101 is creeping. Or maybe you’re obsessing over romance and finance. Whatever the stressor, a deep inhale of this roll-on calming jojoba-and-citrus essential oil as you rub it into your palms will unfurrow your brow.
10. BREATH FRESHENER
Back-to-back business meetings or those Maui onion chips you had with lunch—you never know when you might need a refresher, and it might not always be practical to duck into the bathroom for a quick brush. To the rescue: a mint (to freshen your mouth right away) and a peppermint-parsley gel cap (to keep your breath sweet long-term).
Eatwhatever ($10 for three packs)
11. HYDRATING MIST
This weather has the potential to make even Kate Middleton look like a hot mess (it’s that bad, y’all). Be proactive with a hydrating mist, like this facial spray from Mario Badescu that’s packed with aloe, herbs and rosewater. Not only does it provide an instant boost of hydration for your face, but it doubles as a hair pick-me-up throughout the day.
ULTA
12. BLOTTING PAPERS
If your skin isn’t parched, it’s oily from the heat and humidity. Blotting papers to the rescue. A few dabs and you go from greasy to glam. The Not So Slick oil-absorbing blotting papers from Tarte will keep your face looking matte all day and are packed with anti-inflammatory green tea.
Tarte ($10)
Twenty20
13. DOLLAR BILLS
Everywhere, and we mean everywhere, in Dallas utilizes valet services to park your car (whether they are necessary or not could be the subject of an entirely separate article). Nothing is more awkward than hopping into your car and realizing you don’t have any money for a tip.
Additional reporting by Hannah Lowentheil and Dana Dickey
