Some things on social media will always remind me of the golden era of YouTube beauty content creation. In years past, I regularly watched makeup vanity tours (featuring that one IKEA drawer set every beauty influencer used for their products), "day in the life" vlogs, and shopping hauls. But nothing came close to my adoration for "what's in my bag" videos.
I remember paying special attention to the packaging of my favorite influencer's favorite lip balms, hand creams, and rollerball perfumes in hopes of one day having an equally expansive collection of products to tuck into my handbag. Now that I'm a beauty editor, I have countless products to love and a continued fascination with how my fellow beauty enthusiasts pick and choose what will make it out the door with them. If the eyes are considered the windows to the soul, I believe a beauty lover's bag is a close second.
If you're wondering what Who What Wear beauty editors carry in their bags, keep scrolling!
Maya Thomas, Assistant Beauty Editor
There are very few fragrances in my collection that I consider irresistible enough to wear year-round, but I genuinely can't get enough of Jo Malone's English Pear and Freesia. Before I leave the house, I give myself a couple of spritzes of this scent (often layering it with lotion containing similar notes), and then tuck the travel spray version of it into my bag for an on-the-go fragrance fix.
So far, summer in New York hasn't been the kindest to me, but I'm slowly discovering the deodorants that make the biggest difference in combating perspiration. Offered in several enjoyable and effective scents, AKT's The Deodorant Balm has been taking over my Instagram feed for one reason: It works.
In recent months, I've had the opportunity to test many citrus-scented bodycare products, and this L'Artisan Parfumeur's Histoire d'Oranges line has impressed me. This particular hand cream has become my go-to, as its delicate orange blossom scent and ultra-hydrating formula are perfection.
I usually shy away from hot pink and red shades, but the Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm in Strawberry Glaze has captured my heart. It adds juicy gloss and a hint of color without looking overdone. It's never sticky, goes on smoothly, and has quickly become one of my favorite products to replenish and soothe the lips in seconds.
Kaitlyn McLintock, Associate Beauty Editor
"My T-zone gets shiny throughout the day, and since I prefer a 'cloud skin' matte finish, I keep this powder close by for touch-ups. It's designed for the under-eye area, but I use it all over. I'm obsessed with the way it pares down shine without looking cakey or unnatural." — Kaitlyn McLintock, associate beauty editor
"Whether I'm using this brush for powder touch-ups or blending my foundation out of the fine lines around my eyes, I always keep this brush in my bag." — McLintock
"These lip gloss-oil hybrids are smooth and moisturizing—never sticky! They're also highly pigmented. I keep two shades, Macaron and Guava, in my bag at all times. They're the perfect lip product to swipe on before meetings, Zoom calls, and lunch dates." — McLintock
Emma Hughes, Associate Branded Beauty Editor
"Whether I'm at the office or going to dinner, this pressed powder is always in my bag. It completely eliminates shine and adds coverage without feeling cakey, and I love that the compact includes a powder puff and mirror." — Emma Hughes, associate branded beauty editor
"I cannot stand having dry hands at the office, so I always need to have at least one hand cream with me. This one from Chanel is so chic and smells divine, but my tried-and-true mini Aveeno hand cream also works wonders." — Hughes
"I love bringing a neutral lip pencil that goes with any makeup look or outfit. The shade Grip enhances my natural lip color and makes me feel a little more fresh and put-together." — Hughes
"If I had to choose one lip product to carry around with me, it would be this Gisou lip oil. It's hydrating and glossy without feeling sticky, and it looks beautiful on its own or on top of a lip liner." — Hughes