The past few weeks have felt like a blur—equal parts exhilarating and exhausting. Between wrapping up beauty writing projects, grading finals, shopping for Christmas, and trying to get ahead for the new year, December has been running at full speed. Somehow in the chaos, I’ve found myself clinging to a carefully edited selection of beauty products that never let me down. These are the formulas that earn their permanent spot in my bag, thanks to their reliability, longevity, and the comfort they bring on even the busiest days.
And while I’m diving into what I carry with me, I also have a couple of exciting collaborations launching soon (more on that shortly!). For now, let’s talk about what truly lives in my handbag—the small but mighty essentials that keep me polished through long days and late nights.
The Bag Itself
My handbag holds more than just makeup—it’s practically a mobile office, snack station, and toy chest. It’s extra special because it was handcrafted by my brother, Seth, which means every time I carry it, I’m carrying a piece of home with me. It’s compact enough to be light but surprisingly roomy—perfect for everything I need (plus a few of Joey’s things that sneak in).
Base + Complexion Essentials
When it comes to foundation, I believe in less is more—but only if the formula can truly deliver. My current go-to is the Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Cream Foundation in O50. A pea-sized amount transforms my skin into something smooth, luminous, and polished while still looking like skin. If you see your shade in stock, don’t hesitate—it tends to sell out quickly.
For days when I want sun protection woven into my base, the Tower 28 Sunny Days Tinted Sunscreen Foundation in Point Dume is unbeatable. It gives medium coverage, a fresh glow, and SPF 30 protection that holds steady through humidity and long wear.
To brighten my under-eyes, I rely on the Tom Ford Concealer in Golden—creamy, full coverage, and crease-resistant. It smooths everything out while looking natural, which is exactly what I need when sleep is scarce.
To warm and sculpt my complexion, I rotate between:
- Sisley Phyto Touche Sun Glow Bronzer (luxury, yes—but the texture and payoff are unmatched).
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Blush, a rosy beige with a built-in highlighter for subtle radiance.
- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Glow Setting Powder in 5.5, which somehow manages to set, blur, and illuminate all at once.
These three together create a complexion that’s sculpted, glowing, and long-lasting—ideal for hectic days.
Eye Favorites
This season, I’ve been leaning into golden, shimmering tones that feel festive yet wearable. My rotation includes:
- The Charlotte Tilbury Dazzling Diamonds Palette for smoky gold glamour.
- The Tom Ford Golden Peach Cream & Powder Duo (a holy grail product I’ll repurchase forever).
- The Chantecaille Mermaid Eye Shadow in Copper, a bronze-champagne shade that’s easy, quick, and stunning.
For brows, nothing beats the REFY Brow Sculpt for feathery definition that holds all day. And my mascara of choice? The LAWLESS One & Done Mascara. I’m on my third tube, which says it all—it creates fluttery volume, doesn’t smudge or flake, and washes off effortlessly at night.
Lip Wardrobe
My bag always holds a curated selection of lip products—mostly pinky nudes with a touch of peach or beige. My current rotation:
Lipliners:
- Huda Beauty Lip Contour in Honey Beige (a warm neutral).
- Lancôme Lip Liner in Mars (plus Bronzelle and Ideal for variations in tone).
- Chantecaille Lip Definer in Tone, the ultimate “my lips but better” shade.
Lip Colors:
- Tom Ford Pink Charade, a cool violet-pink that’s chic and unexpected.
- Tom Ford Sunlit Rosy Lip Balm, hydrating and polished.
- Au Naturale LA Lip Stain, my everyday shade that I had the joy of creating—hydrating, buildable, and beautifully long-wearing.
Extra Essentials
Beyond makeup, there are always a few lifestyle staples tucked into my bag:
- Sleep & Glow scrunchies, which keep my hair in place without dents.
- My Apple Watch (gold stainless steel case with a Milanese band—it’s as practical as it is stylish).
- A travel-sized 111 Skin Healing Gel, perfect for emergencies.
- Free People Lodge Eau de Parfum, with its addictive woodsy-sweet marshmallow note.
- And my beloved Surratt Artistique Cheek Brush, which has been part of my daily routine for over six years.
Style Notes
Of course, beauty isn’t the only thing in rotation this season. I’ve been living in a few style staples:
- A faux fur bomber (mine is from Sandro, but I’ve linked to similar options).
- A ribbed Topshop turtleneck, cropped and cozy.
- Frame Barrel Jeans, which I finally picked up after eyeing them for nearly a year.
- Nike Blazers, my high-top sneakers that instantly elevate simple outfits.
- And my new iPhone 13 Max case—a wallet-style that stays shut (key for constant photo-taking) and chic enough that I ordered a backup.
Bottom Line
Life right now is a mix of deadlines, festive chaos, and exciting projects on the horizon—but no matter how busy it gets, these handbag staples keep me feeling put together. From foundations that last all day to lip colors that always work, I’ve edited my bag to hold only the best of the best.
I’d love to hear what beauty and style essentials are living in your bag this season. And stay tuned—more makeup tutorials, a foundation spotlight, an office tour, and some thrilling new launches are coming soon.
Stay strong, seek beauty in the little things, and as always—much love.