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What's in My Bag: Editor Edition! SPF Sticks, Mini Hot Sauces, 'Hair Mascara' and More Essentials We Won't Leave the House Without
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When asked what essential she has on her at all times, associate editor Shannon Garlin did not hesitate: "Burt's Bees specifically in Red Dahlia, and Red Dahlia only." She says it's the only tinted drugstore lip balm that doesn't dry out her lips. The last time she accidentally left her home without it, she admitted that her day was ruined. "I will literally have a panic attack if it's not in my bag."
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Our go-to editor for all things SPF, Vivien Moon, shared that she usually has a sunscreen packed away in her purse — specifically, this sunstick from K-beauty brand, Abib. She reports that the sun protection bar has a lightweight, easy-to-apply formula and "goes on beautifully." It's also packed with hydrating and skin-soothing ingredients like ectoin, sunflower seed oil and allantoin.
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Deputy managing editor Jess Bender is never without at least one tiny hot sauce. She makes sure to pack one so "I'm always getting the maximum amount of flavor and heat in whatever I'm eating, or if I don't want to settle for whatever run-of-the-mill option is available where I'm eating out." She recommends this sampler, which features all-natural flavors like scotch bonnet and ginger, red habanero and black coffee; and jalapeño, lime and tequila.
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"I don't leave the house without hand lotion," shares associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson. Her most-recent favorite is this repairing butter cream from Remedy, which she says does a good job of moisturizing her dry, eczema-prone skin. According to the brand, the formula is bursting with ingredients that can repair years of damage to the hands and cuticles, including shea butter, 0.1% encapsulated retinol and ceramides.
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Bender also likes to keep her bag fully stocked with lens wipes. "My glasses get smudged nearly immediately after I wake up. I always have one of these pre-moistened wipes on hand when I get to the office, so I can see clearly during the workday," she says. Even if you're not a prescription lens wearer, you can use these for cleaning your favorite sunnies when summer hits. And did we mention they're super affordable? You can grab a box of 100 for just $12.
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Moon also keeps this taming wand in her bag for fixing flyaways and everyday hair emergencies. According to the brand, the non-sticky formula offers a strong, all-day hold and works well with all hair types — even curly and thick strands. It also washes out easily and won't leave behind greasy residue.
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"You'll find one of these Listerine sprays in my commuter bag and, most likely, in the last two purses I've used," says commerce writer Danielle Murphy. "All I need is one spray, and my mouth feels 100% fresher." According to the brand, the formula is sugar free and can kill 99% of breath germs, neutralizing odor-causing bacteria almost instantly.
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"With travel season ramping up and something going around (flu season isn't over 'til May, people!), you won't catch me without a Gemi hand sanitizer serum in my bag," says production associate Audrey Ekman. "The scents are so good, strangers have even stopped me to tell me so when I spritz some on. I love that it's a serum, too, so it never dries out my hands like other options can."
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Commerce writer Emma Stessman makes sure to use a bag that's big enough to carry her favorite water bottle. "I force myself to fill it up before I leave the house, so I will drink more water when I'm on the subway or walking around! I always feel a little better when I reach bottom," she shares. This insulated option comes in a bunch of colors and is designed with a special spout that allows you to sip or swig, whichever you choose!
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We've all been there — you're having a great makeup day until you suddenly see a roque eyeliner streak or an over-lined lip. Senior editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil discovered the perfect solution for beauty mishaps with these clever cotton swabs, which have a liquid makeup-removing solution inside that releases when you snap the tip. "They come in a little travel case and are perfect for touching up mascara smudges on the go!" she reveals.
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Stewart-Jackson shares that she's "very serious about having an assortment of lip products in my bag at all times." Her current line-up includes this plumping gloss by MAC Cosmetics, which promises glass-like shine and a nourishing formula (thanks to the inclusion of coconut, jojoba and meadowfoam seed). A peek inside her purse will also reveal an Eadem lip balm, a Rhode Peptide Lip Tint and a Saie lip liner.
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No matter the time of year, Cocchi says she always keeps sunglasses in her bag for on-the-go sun protection. Her current favorite is this new selection from Quay, with trendy square frames, an oversized design and sleek metal arms. The pair also features built-in universal nose pads and comes with a case and cleaning cloth.
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Put your best foot forward with these physical therapist-recommended picks.
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I've said goodbye to long check-in lines and extra costs forever!
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What are bronzing drops? Here's why the product is approved by derms, MUAs and editors.
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I tested all three mops on my grimy floors but only one made a big difference.
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The beauty brand founder gave us an inside look at her daily essentials.
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