Let’s be real—my bag is less of a purse, and more of a survival kit!! As a 47-year-old working makeup artist and mom of 3 teenagers, I carry a little bit of everything: mainly beauty must-haves, snack emergencies, and random treasures I forgot were even in there sometimes. But everything does have its purpose! So let’s dive into What’s In My Handbag!
What’s In My Handbag
The vessel: The Melie Bianco Brigitte Satchel, $128. I bought this one last year, and they’re still selling this style that went very viral in 2024, because it’s just so beautiful and fits perfectly and comfortably under the arm. I carry around a lot of junk for a woman who is past the diaper stage with her kids – ha ha!! Anyone else?
I have always found this an interesting topic of “what’s in my bag” when it comes to other artists and celebrities I follow, because you can find out a lot about a gal by what she wants to carry close with her every day! I didn’t include my iPhone and my car keys because those are obvious contents, right?
What’s In My Handbag? Daily Essentials
Well, here’s the highlight reel of the things I deem worthy of carting around with me daily:
- Patrick Ta Major Skin Creme Foundation + Finishing Powder duo, $52 – Am I having a hot-flash moment?? Yes, I’m starting to get them frequently – hello perimenopause – so it feels like something always needs “setting” or “fixing” on my skin. I carry shade Light 2, along with these Amazon triangle powder puffs, $5, to apply with.
- Snacks + Gum – For me or the teenager who swears they weren’t hungry five minutes ago. I love the Archer grass-fed beef sticks because protein is more filling/healthier than candy bars!
- Grin Flossy Picks, $3 – I’m kind of a nut about worrying if there is something stuck in my teeth, so I carry these handy things around because I love the mint flavor and the ease of using a pick as opposed to traditional floss.
• Lipliners + Lipsticks galore – Just in case, you know. I’ve got two shades of liner, a red one and a go with everything nude, “hush hush henna,” $22. Then this Pixi HydraLip treat, $8, colorless lip balm because ALL of my family asks me for lip balm and I’ve got 3 boys (including the hubby). Of course my lipcolors I keep in my bag are forever changing, but right now I’m carrying “Yummy Gummy” lip balm, “Hot Toddy” cream plumping gloss, and the do it all matte lip stain in shade “nude water” that I can also use as a quick natural blush stain!
• Kate Spade Lena Bilfold wallet, on sale $58 – I love this wallet so much. It’s got just enough slots for your cards, an easy change purse, and a spot for your bills. And it’s so well-made. Also on mega sale right now, so grab one if your current wallet is looking sad!
Often Overlooked Essentials
- Reading glasses + Sunglasses. Peepers, $32, and Amazon, $12 – I don’t go anywhere without a pair of each of these! I love that the Peepers readers always come with a soft case. It makes such a big difference when storing them in my purse.
- Zeiss Lens Wipes, $17 – I wear a lot of makeup and get it smudged all over my reading and sunglasses, AND my phone, so these are a necessity to always have on hand!
- Octobuddy for my iPhone, $15 –This might seem a little “extra” for most, but as a content creator, I need to be able to attach my phone anywhere I can in a moment’s notice, and the Ocotobuddy allows me to stick my phone up just about anywhere and record!
- The Beauty Secrets nail file, $4 – I can’t stand raggedy nails, and I’m very picky about my nail files. They need to be coarse and sturdy – this is my favorite brand. I also have them all over my house, should a nail start snagging things!
• A chunky pair of small gold hoops, $35 – I store a traditional gold hoop in my bag just in case I forget. I don’t like bare holes in my ears! The chunky but smaller size works for whatever outfit I have on.
I will still carry this satchel bag again this year, but I do like to treat myself to a practical new bag each fall and winter. So it’s time for me to do that!
Here are a few that I am contemplating this fall. So many chic shapes and colors! // From left to right >> Kate Spade Gray Dumpling Bag, $109 / JW PEI Lucia Classic Green bag, $119 / Amazon Apryl Small shoulder black bag, $35 / Melie Bianco cream bag like mine, $128 / Melie Bianco tulip red bag, $108 / JW PEI Hanna olive green tote bag, $118
The rest of my details: My gold and (faux) emerald panther ring from Amazon, $12, isn’t she so cute and fierce?? // Shein floral puff sleeve top, $13, similar blue floral puff sleeve Tuckernuck, $120, blue + yellow printed top, $99 // My faux tan from the Jergens mousse in light bronze, $13 // similar olive paperbag shorts, $88.
Why do I carry so much stuff in my bag? Because life after 40 demands preparedness with style. You never know when you’ll need to feed a hangry child or survive a PTA meeting looking polished. Speaking of polished, did you catch my Sophisticated Makeup Look Every Mature Woman Should Try Once post OR 5 Ways To Shake Up Your Beauty Routine this Fall? Be sure to check them both out so you can grab some new makeup ideas for fall, officially coming September 22nd. I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse of What’s In My Handbag!
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