Back in the pre-COVID days of flipping through stacks of Us Weekly while getting a pedicure (unfortunately the magazine stacks have since disappeared in the salon), I was always drawn to the “what’s in my bag” recurring spread. This feature highlights a celebrity and dives into what they carry in their purse on a daily basis. In stark contrast to the publication’s dramatic covers used to entice FOMO-based subscriptions, I was instead attracted to the pragmatic purse secrets considered “filler.” My version of FOMO was only worrying that there was something essential my bag might be missing.
Today’s post is a mini twist on “what’s in my bag” that I like to call my “little luxuries kit.” It’s a very small pouch filled with elevated essentials that fits anywhere - from my work bag, to a fanny pack, to a small clutch. The contents are staples I might need in a pinch, with some being intentionally more luxurious than the everyday alternative. Assembling a kit like this is not only great for you, but very easily gift-able. And a bonus is that your friend will think of you appreciatively anytime they’re in a pinch.
The pouch I use is by Delfonics Quitterie in Japan and is both affordable and durable. It’s a size small which is 5.5 inches x 4.5 inches. Unfortunately, the small is currently sold out in most places, so I’ve linked the medium. Mine is 3 years old and shows almost no wear and tear. It always looks chic.
The core, less exciting contents of my kit include:
A silk hair tie - for my ladies, I think we can all agree that being without a hair tie on a bad hair day can bring about slight internal hysteria
Floss - to save you from going to the restroom, smiling in the mirror, and wondering just how long that piece of spinach has been there
Eyedrops - I added these after having the experience of getting something in my eye and not having an easy way to flush it out
A sunglass wipe - I keep these in my car and and in every bag I own. Why is it so difficult to keep sunglasses clean?
And the little luxuries are:
Hand sanitizer - I love Byredo’s Rose of No Man’s Land Rinse-Free Hand Cleanser - it’s definitely much pricier than typical hand sanitizer, so I like to save it for more emergency occasions where it feels like an especially nice treat. It comes in other scents, including Bal d’Afrique and Blanche
Lip balm - my two favorites are Kosas Clear Hyaluronic Lip Balm and Image-Skincare Ormedic pH Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex
Sometimes I’ll swap in one of these items as well:
Tinted lip balm - Tata Harper’s new Lip Creme in the color blase is a nice soft shade and is nourishing
Concealer - if my skin is acting up and I need to cover a breakout, I’m sure to include this
Mascara - a travel-sized option of Ilia’s Limitless Last Mascara is great
Highlighter - RMS beauty’s Magic Luminizer is a favorite
Make it your own, but make it something dependable that you look forward to opening.
May you never be without your little luxuries.
x jz
Images | 1 | @b.g.mckay, styled by me | 2 | Saks | 3 | Sephora | 4 | Image-Skincare | 5 | Tata Harper | 6 | Iris & Romeo | 7 | Ilia | 8 | Violet Grey | 9 | Budget Girl
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