
Do you ever watch one of these celebrity what’s-in-my-bag videos, and wonder why I don’t have all these items? Because, same!
The modern woman is always on the go. And between commuting one hour to work every day and taking care of the house, your everyday bag can quickly gather clutter.
Do a factory reset and make sure to keep these nine items in your bag:
#1 A Portable Charger
Phones have become an integral part of our lives. But they tend to die at the worst possible moments. Imagine getting lost on your way back from work and your phone dies.
The GPS is out, and there’s no way to call for help.
A dead phone battery can make things super difficult in an already unfortunate situation.
Always keep a portable phone charger in your everyday bag.
Even subway stations have charging points, so all you need is a phone charger to resume life.
A Card Holder
Card holders have pretty much replaced traditional wallets, and for good reason.
They are slim, portable, and aesthetically pleasing. Good-quality card holders (名片夾) are made from metal, which means they protect your cards from bending and breaking.
In an age where cashless transactions reign supreme, a card holder is a must-have.
Prevent your license, credit cards, and debit cards from getting lost or scratched.
#3 Some Emergency Cash
While many places accept cards and digital payments like Apple Pay, having some emergency cash at hand is extremely important.
You can keep multiple $10 bills in your bag. Keep them folded in a discreet pocket in your bag.
Use this cash for emergencies. And yes, a sudden craving for nachos counts as an emergency!
#4 Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen every day is the most effective way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and their subsequent effects, such as sunspots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Regardless of the weather or season, UV rays are always present and are the biggest contributor to premature aging.
This is why you should keep a broad-spectrum sunscreen in your everyday bag. Make sure it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Remember that UV rays can penetrate through the windows, so apply sunscreen even when you’re indoors.
Having sunscreen in your bag makes it easy to reapply every couple of hours, which is recommended by dermatologists for complete protection.

#5 A Small Cosmetic Bag
A cosmetic bag can be a lifesaver during situations like a makeup malfunction.
While makeup essentials are subjective to every woman’s preferences, we recommend keeping the basics. This includes:
- Lip balm
- Setting powder
- Concealer
- Compact mirror
- Mascara
- Lipstick
- Blotting paper
- Makeup setting spray
Also, keep some bobby pins, hair ties, and a small brush to prevent those bad hair days from turning into worse ones.
A cosmetic bag also doubles as a toiletry bag. This can include:
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Wet wipes
Without a portable pouch, many loose accessories will get lost at the bottom of the bag. This can damage the inner lining of your bag.
#6 A Pocket Perfume
Want to stay fresh on the go? Keep a pocket perfume or a roll-on deodorant in your everyday bag.
Your long hours of commuting can undo all the effort you put into getting ready.
With on-the-go touch-ups, you’ll feel fresh and confident.
The best part? It will help you combat body odor throughout the day, especially after certain activities.
A pocket perfume serves as a practical tool for maintaining hygiene when you need it the most.
#7 Sanitary Items
These are hands-down the most recommended items for a woman’s everyday bag.
Even if you’re in the non-bleeding stage of your cycle, keep sanitary pads, napkins, or tampons in your bag.
The best part? It’s a great way to make a new best friend.
#8 Mini First Aid Kit
You might find this a little far-fetched, but emergencies can happen at any time.
A mini first aid kit takes up little space but can ensure an immediate response to common injuries, such as cuts, insect bites, and scrapes.
You can get quick relief until help arrives. Keep the following things:
- Adhesive bandages and sterile gauze
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Some reusable bags
- Make sure the kit is sturdy and easy to open.
#9 Reusable Water Bottle and Snacks
This can be emphasized enough. Having a portable and reusable water bottle in your bag will save you from those excruciating dehydration headaches.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Don’t skip breakfast and lunch.
But, if you have (thanks to those ten extra minutes of sleep), make sure you have some snacks in your everyday bag.
Fruits like apples or peaches are great options if you’re going to eat them right away.
Don’t be scared of packaged snacks — protein bars, granola bars, trail mix, crackers, dark chocolate, and even cookies are excellent alternatives.
Snacks come in handy when the commute back home makes you lightheaded.
Organizing Your Everyday Bag
Knowing what you should keep in your everyday bag is just one part of the equation:
The real test begins when you have to prevent your bag from turning into a black hole.
Follow these organization tips to get the most out of your bag’s space:
Use small pouches to separate items. Keep makeup items and snacks in separate containers or bags. You can also dedicate a small pouch to tech items like earbuds and a charging cable.
Designate a spot for your phone and keys. You can also attach a small hook or a magnet inside your bag so your keys become easy to grab.
Prioritize placement. Keep frequently used items in easily accessible pockets.
Use the outer pockets of your bag wisely. Keep your sunscreen or lip gloss in the outer pocket so you remember to apply it.
Above all, refresh and declutter your everyday bag weekly.
Make it a habit to go through your bag, taking out candy wrappers and grocery store receipts.
This will keep your bag looking neat and functional.