Top 10 Beauty Essentials for Your Clutch
Moment of Truth: I'm the girl that packs an entire suitcase for an overnight stay. On my last weekend getaway, I brought six pairs of heels, eight dinner dresses (not to be confused with flirty summer day dresses), five bathing suits with their matching cover-ups, and enough hair tools to open my own salon. Sure, you can call me the queen of over-packing, but at least I've got my essentials … and then some.
Related: 10 Things to Steal From Your Boyfriend
So you can imagine how hard it is for me to pack an evening bag. A clutch is certainly not designed to hold a lot. And let's be honest, an overstuffed glitter clutch isn't cute on anyone. But with a romantic dinner date coming up, I had to solve my over-packing problem pronto. Scroll down to check out my after 8 p.m. purse must-haves.
Related: Editors' Embarrassing Beauty Items
When you're in the mood to dance, you don't want to deal with a clunky purse, so choose a slim envelope bag with a chain so you have the option of holding it like a clutch or wearing it over your shoulder as you make a b-line for the dance floor. As for your makeup, dancing is one of the few times when you can go heavy on the glitter. Bring some all-over shimmer and a glitzy lip gloss in bright red or pink. Dancing under the strobe lights can leave you slightly sweaty, so bring some oil blotting papers to keep you fresh-faced. And when your favorite guilty pleasure song comes on, you don't want to be stuck on the sidelines because your feet are killing you. Pack some extra heel inserts so you can dance well past last call.
The Essentials:
Foot Petal Heel Inserts, $6.95
Sephora Collection Glossy Gloss, $10
It might be tempting to bring a ton of stuff on a first date, but you don't want to deal with toting around a ginormous bag, so stick to a compact black purse with gold or silver detailing. Other than breath mints, you only need a few key products for a dinner date. Typically perfume isn't clutch-friendly, but roll-on fragrances are slim and perfect for stashing in your tiny purse. You want to focus more on the convo than reapplying makeup, so bring a lip stain that will stay put from drinks to dessert. Last but not least, don't forget the floss. You don't want to be stuck in the bathroom trying to get that glob of spinach out of your teeth with a business card. Ew.
The Essentials:
Pixi Lip Stain, $18
Coach Poppy Roll-On Perfume, $22
Oral-B Floss, $3.99
A neon pink wristlet will hold a few important beauty products, so it's the perfect accessory when you're heading to a wine bar for a fun but laid-back evening with a group of girlfriends. If you're meeting up with friends right after work, your hair might be looking a little tired, so bring a mini hairbrush. A blush that comes in a handy stick form is fantastic because it's super portable. Avoid lipstick smudges on your wine glass, and bring a long-lasting lip color in a nude or soft pink.
The Essentials:
Josie Maran Mini Color Stick, $14
Stila Long Wear Lip Color, $20
For even more occasions, like how to pack for a rock concert or a baseball game, click here.
Now it's your turn: What's the MVP (most valuable product) in your after 8 p.m. purse?
More on BeautyRiot.com:
