10 Handbag Essentials To Help You Get Through Summer!
Summer is the stepmother in all our lives, and I doubt there’s anything we despise more than the heat in this part of the world. I don’t know about you, but it’s definitely a struggle for me to step out of the comfort of my home to go anywhere at all — be it work or a fun day with the girls.
Since that is pretty impractical (or so I’ve been told), what you can do is make yourself summer proof no matter where you go. It’s pretty simple, really. All you need to do is carry the right products in your go-to handbag and the heat won’t bother you as much. Here are 10 things that you absolutely need to get through the dreadful Mumbai heat with a smile on your face. Say hello to good moods during summer, girls!
Clinique High Impact Black Mascara (Rs 2,032)
1. Mascara
As much as you like wearing those gorgeous cat eyes, the weather might be a little too hot for you to wear excess liner and kohl. If you’re going to be out from morning to night, you’d rather carry a mascara to help instantly open up your eyes. The wide eye look is surely one you might need if you have a long day in store. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference mascara can make to your overall appearance.
The Body Shop Lip Balm (Rs 265)
2. Lip balm
Whether or not you’ve got oily skin, the humid weather is going to make you feel super sticky. You know how they say it is extremely important to wear moisturiser after a shower because your skin requires it. The same logic applies to your lips. Make sure to carry a lip balm to keep your lips well moisturised. If you’re not too big on makeup, carry a lip balm at all times to avoid dry and chapped lips. And if you’re a lipstick addict like me, you already know that lipstick looks horrible on chapped lips.
3. Deodorant
It is HOT and there’s no doubt that you’re bound to sweat like crazy! And no, you don’t want to be one of those who stinks on a summer day, do you? So carry a deodorant of your choice at all times. Ensure that it is light enough to take you through the day. You’ll be surprised at how good your day can be if you’re smelling good.
L’oreal Mat Magique Powder (Rs 319)
4. Compact
I cannot emphasise enough on giving your skin some room to breathe, which means you can’t be wearing heavy base makeup daily. Say goodbye to your favourite foundation for a while. Instead, shift to following this regime: Wear an moisturiser with high SPF along with a primer of your choice. Post this, use some concealer to cover your acne and dark circles, but make sure you avoid caking your face up. Try a powdered compact so as to get even-looking skin. And with that, you’re photo-ready!
Glassic Arrant Sunnies (Rs 1,999)
5. Sunglasses
Summer or not, if you’re stepping out in the sun, you NEED a chic pair of sunnies. Talking from experience, I always ensure sporting a pair of sunglasses. Glares are an absolute must in the handbag. If you’re used to wearing spectacles all day, the best thing is to get your sunnies numbered. Else put on those contact lenses and then wear your sunnies.
6. Hair Ties
One of the many struggles women relate to is owning too many scrunchies but having none in times of need. And I don’t need to tell you how annoying it is when you have to resort to tiny clips to tackle those desperate times (and tresses). You don’t even mind conversing with that girl you hate to ask if she’s got an extra rubber band. Carrying your own hair tie is a lot simpler, just so you won’t have to desperately go looking for it when the need arises. Pick them up in every colour, and keep them in your make-up pouch because no matter what your hairstyle is, when summer hits you, you NEED these guys!
Faces Matte Lip Crayon in Smokin’ Hot (Rs 679)
7. Matte Lipstick
It is time to bid goodbye to glossy lipsticks this summer. Unless you want your lipstick all over your already-greasy face. I’d suggest you skip the heavy eye make-up and opt for nude eyes and try a gorgeous lip shade. That’s all! Pick a hue of your choice, and I’d say don’t be shy to wear bold colours during the day. Here are some everyday lipsticks that you could try out for a new summer fave. Tip: Liquid lipsticks are all the rage right now. Not only are they extremely long-lasting, I think they’re super chic too.
Dettol Hand Sanitizer (Rs 200)
8. Hand Sanitiser
Always carry a small bottle of sanitiser to maintain some level of hygiene. You might not get to wash your hands with soap as often. So make sure you keep one of these in your bag at all times. Remember, washing your hands with soap is a lot more hygienic than using a hand sanitiser. So only use a sanitiser as a substitute when you don’t quite have a choice.
Calvin Klein Eternity Now (Rs 3,950)
9. Perfume
It is extremely important to wear a perfume that doesn’t completely overpower your natural fragrance but compliments you. Find a perfume that isn’t too strong for your taste. Personally, I love subtle perfumes so I tend to use fragrances for men. It is really easy to get a headache during the summer so make sure you’re wearing a perfume that suits you.
Johnson’s Baby Wet Wipes (Rs 65)
10. Wet wipes
Let’s be real, you’re not going to wash your face with a face wash after putting make-up on. While you definitely need to wash your face through the day to clean the dirt accumulated in your pores, carrying a face wash will make no sense if you’re not going to use it. Instead, just carry wet wipes that suit your skin type. Lightly dab it over your face when you have make-up on. Wet wipes absorb the excess oil from your face, leaving you looking fresh. If you’re using wipes, make sure you only gently dab them and not rub it on your skin. In case you’re out of wet wipes, dab a tissue paper lightly on your face; it also helps absorb the oil.
