As a beauty editor, I’m constantly testing out new products. And because I’m constantly testing out new products, I’ve become very picky (and extremely pragmatic) about what stays in my daily rotation. From a non-greasy hand cream that won’t get all over your keyboard to the Japanese eye drops that clear up redness in seconds, the eight picks below are always in my bag—no matter what.
I'm a Beauty Editor and These Are the 8 Things I Always Have in My Bag
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Published Jul 21, 2022
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1. Monika Blunder Blunder Cover
This creamy coverup can just as easily be used as a full-coverage concealer as it can be sheered out to a lightweight foundation using a brush or your fingertips. It has a velvety texture for easy blending, and it leaves behind a luminous finish that doesn’t look flat or cakey as it wears. That said, I’d recommend this to people with dry or mature skin (or to those who prefer a dewier finish).
2. Lake & Skye 11 11 Eau De Parfum Purse Spray
I’ve been wearing this perfume for years now and never get tired of the clean, amber scent. It’s the fragrance equivalent of wrapping yourself up in a freshly laundered towel that’s still warm from the dryer. I keep a full-sized bottle at home and a travel-sized spray with me in case I need a mid-day refresh (which happens often during the summer months).
3. Goopgenes Clean Nourishing Lip Balm
I’ve tried hundreds of lip balms throughout the years, but this one from Goop remains one of my all-time favorites. It has a superb glide to it without ever feeling too slick on your lips, making it the ideal balm for layering under or over any lipstick. I also like that it doesn’t have any overpowering scent or taste to it. I’ll admit that 20 bucks is a lot to spend on a lip balm, but I also haven’t found another one I enjoy using quite as much, so I guess I’ll just keep an eye out for the occasional sales to stock up.
4. Glossier Ultralip In “portrait”
Clearly I have a type when it comes to lip products, because this pick—much like the aforementioned Goop balm—is also quite buttery. The key difference is the Glossier Ultralip also packs a ton of pigment and shine. Of the nine shades, I’m most partial to “Portrait,” which the brand describes as a “cherry blossom pink,” though it reads a bit more coral on me. Regardless of the color, you can be sure that your lips will stay juicy and hydrated when you’re wearing this.
5. Rohto Cool Relief Eye Drops
You know that tingly burst you get from using a minty mouthwash? These drops give you that exact sensation, but in your eyes, which feels much more pleasant than it sounds. In addition to jolting you right awake, they clear up any redness and itchiness immediately.
6. Colorgram Milk Bling Shadow 2 Set
Speaking of eyes, since the start of the year I’ve been wearing some strategic glitter along my lower waterline to get that shiny twinkle K-pop stars are known for. I’ve found the effect to be much more flattering than darker shadows, which only seem to emphasize my increasingly visible undereye circles. And unlike most glitter eyeshadows and eyeliners I’ve tried, this one doesn’t get all over your face; it stays put exactly where you place it.
7. Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer
The bar has been set pretty high for hand sanitizers since the start of the pandemic, but Touchland delivers on all fronts. The formula features 70 percent USP grade ethyl alcohol to kill up to 99 percent of most common germs and bacteria, as well as aloe vera to keep your hands from drying out—even after repeated use. The aromatic scents and fun packaging are a nice bonus.
8. Olive & June Hand Serum
Finally, a lightweight hand cream (er, serum) you can use throughout the day without leaving a greasy film all over your keyboard, phone or steering wheel. The fast-absorbing formula has hyaluronic acid and cactus flower in it to keep your hands soft and hydrated, and the pump dispenser ensures you get just the right amount every time.
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