Are you a fan of “What’s In My Handbag” videos? In most of them, celebs or influencers are shown to be carrying too much in their bags. We all know that they don’t actually need, or will ever use, everything they’re lugging around – yet they like stuffing their handbags despite this.
That said, there are some items that we ALWAYS need to have with us in our bags, because you occasionally encounter sticky situations and wish you had the necessary tools to handle them. So, in case you’re clueless about this, we’ve compiled a list of things you should always keep in your bag.
Touch-up Makeup
You should always have some makeup at hand for touch-ups, because you never know what you might encounter. Whatever the situation, face it with a full mug of glam. If you don’t use makeup, keep your skincare travel kit at hand in case you need to freshen up.
Chewing Gum/Breath Mint
Chewing gum is a necessity. Please don’t ask someone else for it; bring your own. Breath mints are also a must. Because you never know who you’ll run into, particularly after treating yourself to a lunch of garlic-infused food.
Medications & Pads
Naturally, these will depend on your specific situation, but it’s always a good idea to keep a few painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications in your bag just in case. For us, we always carry a strip of Panadol in our bags that always comes in handy. You can also carry some band-aids with you.
As for women, it’s usually a good idea to keep an extra tampon or pad on hand if you menstruate in case your hormones start acting up. Plus, being the one who can always respond “yes” when asked if anyone has a tampon is also wonderful.
Water Bottle
Although you can always buy a bottle of water anywhere, it’s always a good idea to carry your own water bottle. Plus, you save money. It’s important to stay hydrated at all times, given that the weather these days is totes dehydrating. Big or small, it doesn’t matter. Just as long you carry one.
Power Bank
Nothing is worse than feeling lost when your phone dies when you’re out and about. Since we’re constantly using our phones, it only makes sense to keep a power bank in your bag at all times. Without a power outlet, a power bank can keep your phone’s battery charged, ensuring that you never miss a chance for a selfie or a call from your mother. Be sure to charge your power bank the night before and only use it when you notice your phone’s battery is almost out of juice.
Tissues
You don’t have to stuff a huge box or a whole roll of tissue in your bag. Tissues are now available in smaller and convenient packages. Even if you don’t have allergies, having a small supply of tissues on hand might be helpful in case of spills, sudden colds, or when eating with your hands. You can also keep wet tissues that work like a sanitiser.
Mini Vaseline Tub
Petroleum jelly, also known as Vaseline, is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes that have been through several purification processes to remove irritants. The end result is a product that can be used on all skin types and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Vaseline has multiple functions in a single tiny container that fits into most bags. You can use it as a lip balm, blister prevention salve, makeup remover, and even a moisturiser.
Hand Sanitiser & Masks
Covid aside, just think about all the germs you might come into contact with throughout a day, whether they are on a phone screen, a restroom doorknob or a public transport vehicle’s railing. Hand sanitiser isn’t a substitute for washing your hands, but when you can’t immediately access a sink, it’s an excellent backup. Masks are also essential these days. Right after Covid hit, nobody goes anywhere without a mask. Although some places allow you to roam freely without a mask, some places don’t, especially crowded ones. So, always keep a couple of masks in your bag.
Business Card
This one is a must for anyone who owns a business. Business cards are an essential item because you never know who you’ll meet on a given day. You can carry the entire box or just a few cards in your purse. Believe us – we’ve been there.
Headphones Or Earphones
We all understand how flat life can be without music, which is why earbuds are necessary. Whether you use them to listen to music or not, just keep them in your bag cause you never know when you’ll need them. Aside from listening to music, headphones work great as a social buffer, especially when you don’t feel like engaging in conversation with a stranger.
Pepper Spray & Keys
It’s always a good idea to keep pepper spray in your bag, especially when you often travel alone. Pepper spray is so important, because the world is full of filthy creeps, and you never know which one of them you’ll have to face. For your own safety, purchase pepper spray (or make your own) and always carry it with you. If pepper spray is too much for you, just make sure your keys are tucked between your fingers while you are alone so you may use them as a weapon if necessary.
Cash
We know that everything can be done with online and QR code payment these days, but it’s always good to keep some cash in your bag. Although everything is digitalised, there are still some places that go by cash payment. Keep a minimum of RM50 in your bag. You’ll be glad you did when you’re suddenly in an emergency.
