Who would have thought that sanitising our products, hands and everything else would be the norm of the year? As the world is starting to slowly go back to pre-corona times with malls, shops, and gyms opening up to the public again, it’s vital to keep in mind that the pandemic isn’t over yet. While restrictions have reduced, we’re still very much at risk and staying indoors is the only smart choice to make. But if work and other necessities need you to leave the house, then you need to update the essentials in your handbag.
Before the pandemic, for most girls, the essentials consisted of their trusty compact, lipstick and deodorant. However, you need to level up and update your bag with essentials which will not only help you look good but keep you safe as well. That’s why we’ve created a list of must-haves that you should carry wherever you step out.
Must-Have Essential Items In Your Handbag
These small products can do so much in keeping the germs away and best of all, they fit into your bag oh-so-effortlessly. So, without further ado, here’s our checklist.
Hand Sanitizer
This one is a no-brainer! Whether or not there is an on-going pandemic, hand sanitizer should always be a staple in your handbag. A small, 50ml bottle can easily slip into your bag and help eliminate germs and bacteria from your hands, anytime, anywhere! Most people make the mistake of choosing hand sanitizers based on their packaging- keep in mind that the glitter bottle, while attractive may not necessarily protect you. Look for sanitizers with more than 65% alcohol. This is the ideal percentage needed to kill any germs, viruses, or bacteria lurking around. A bottle of hand sanitizer should be a must-have especially for those who travel by public transport.
Sanitizing Wipes
Are you planning on going to the grocery store? Well, before you go to grab the cart, make sure to wipe the handle with a sanitizing wipe. High touch areas like cart handles are a hot spot for germs and even if it’s been disinfected by the store, it never hurts to be extra cautious. Aside from shopping, wipes like the WIPEOUT Germ-Killing Sanitizing Wipes are also useful in eliminating germs from your car steering wheel and on the door handle if you’re travelling by cab.
Sanitizing Hand Cream
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You’ve probably noticed dry, flaky skin on the sides of your fingers or on your entire hand. This is due to all the hand washing and sanitizers! So, what do you do? Well, it’s simple- hand cream. But not just any hand cream! Before leaving your house, make sure to carry a hand cream that not only possesses moisturising ingredients but also has germ-killing properties. The WIPEOUT Germ Killing Hand Cream falls under this category. Best of all, it is portable, so no matter where you are, you can keep your hands moisturised and germ-free with this cream.
Matte Lipstick
Meeting your boyfriend after 6 months and want to look your very best? While eye makeup is said to be the new ‘IT’ thing, any beauty enthusiast will know that a look isn’t really complete without a swipe of lipstick. Your favourite shade of red or pink has the power to instantly boost your mood and give you an extra dose of confidence, whether people can see it or not. Whoever said lipsticks are cancelled in 2020 due to face masks clearly didn’t hear of mattes. Corona or no corona, you’ve gotta have your favourite matte lippy in your handbag. After all, you never know when you’ll need a little bit of that lip colour magic.
Face Cream
Have you noticed an increase in acne? If you’ve been wearing your face mask, you might be suffering from maskne. Yes, this is a real thing and no, it doesn’t mean you need to stop wearing your mask. Due to the high humidity levels, the moisture increases and traps sweat, dirt, and oil under your mask, which leads to various dreaded skin issues like inflammation, blackheads, whiteheads, acne or even cysts. For others, dry skin along with a tight mask leads to skin abrasions. The simple answer to this problem is face cream. Aside from washing your mask after every use, make sure to add a moisturising face cream to your daily skincare routine.
After washing your face and before wearing your mask, use a gentle, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic cream like the travel-friendly Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion. Using this cream before or after removing your face mask will help keep the skin hydrated, smooth, and restore the skin’s protective barrier.
Blotting Paper
The high humidity levels mixed with your face mask is a recipe for sweaty and oily skin. While you shouldn’t use your bare hands to wipe away the sweat, letting it sit on your face for hours can also be a disaster for the skin. This can lead to blocked pores which are the main cause of acne and breakouts. Here’s where your blotting paper comes to the rescue. Dabbing off the excess impurities with a blotting sheet and discarding it away after one use is a great way to stay protected and keep your skin clean and fresh.
One thing to remember guys is that the pandemic is still on. We’re now the second-worst hit country so think thrice before stepping out and be safe.
Featured Image: Pexels
