Before mini bags were the thing I mostly carried bigger bags like totes or satchels, filling them to the brim with things I needed but also extras I really did not (like magazines, 4 different snack options and 5 chapsticks). Though I’ve streamlined what I carry day to day, not only to make mini bags work for me, but also to limit the amount of unnecessaries I tote around day to day, there is one thing I miss about larger bags: the pockets.
Back when a Louis Vuitton Neverfull was my bag of choice, I utilized the inner pocket to house the things I didn’t want roaming around in my bag like a powder compact, chapstick, lip gloss, hairbands and other beauty goodies. My other bags had similar options in terms of internal pockets, and it wasn’t until I began carrying smaller bags that I felt the need to have a cosmetics case.
When I started routinely carrying my Speedy bags I used a Vera Bradley medium sized cosmetics case to keep myself organized, but since downsizing even further, I’ve struggled to find the perfect sized cosmetics case. Then, along came a gift with a purchase I made from L’Occiatane and I’ve been toting around my toiletries in said little pouch (seen in the featured image) ever since.
By now, the pouch is dirty and worn, and when I reach inside for my chapstick or a TUMS, I try not to pull the pouch all the way out of my bag. Even the painted little stickers on the outside are mostly peeled off, and I know I need a new home for my cosmetics, but the size of the pouch I currently use happens to be just perfect. It works in every bag that I use—from my Gucci Marmont and Chloé Drew to my Saint Laurent Nano Sac de Jour and my newly acquired Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette, the pouch easily transitions from bag to bag.
I’ve been on the lookout for a new, small-sized toiletry case, and so far the only solid option I’ve found is this one by Prada. What about you? Do you have a dedicated place for your lipsticks and such?
Cosmetic cases always get makeup residue on the inside. So while I love a designer handbag and wallet, I would never spend a lot of money on a cosmetic case. Even if it has a wipeable (?) lining, you can never get the crevices and seams clean. I’d rather buy something very cheap and replace when it gets grungy.
I use my mini pochette every day!
Although I have a pretty decent collection of premium designer bags, I’m just not the designer pouch type. The most expensive pouch I own is a small one from Polene and they gave me that as a gift after making some mistakes with an order. My “primary” cosmetics pouch was a free-with-purchase from Sisley. It’s a good size, attractive enough, durable, and closes securely so I haven’t felt the need for an upgrade. I do keep my Chanel lipsticks in my Polene pouch. My small but elegant Parisians like to hang together 🙂
Depending on the size of my purse I use the Louis Vuitton toiletry pouch 15 or 19. You can wash the inside if your makeup spills.
Zip-Lock
LOL – can’t go wrong with that!
LeSportsac makes my favorite pouches to use for cosmetics, and they come in a nice variety of sizes and prints.
I would suggest avoiding leather or canvas as it will add to the weight of the bag considerably. Freebies with miscellaneous cosmetic purchases are the best! But I get your struggle with having to replace it and find another one that is just right.
Yes, sometimes freebies do it best. I’m really leaning towards actually purchasing the Prada one since I know their nylon is incredibly durable. It’s also black so I feel like it will hold up pretty well.
My friend gifted me one when she visited Mongolia. I love it because
the pouch itself has pockets. For travel makeup (which i prefer to pack
in my tote), I use one that was a freebie in one of the flights. Not
really the designer pouch type of person
I use the freebies from flights too. I get so many so I also give them away to friends. They love them. Lightweight and durable. ?
I try not to carry extra stuff in my bags no matter what the size so I just have the lip liner and lipstick/gloss I’m wearing that day plus a small tub of shea butter. MAYBE a compact and an extra lip product but that’s a stretch. I carry my stuff either in a pouch I carry all my odds and ends in, or I take a slim pencil pouch and put my lip stuff in it.
Kipling pouches are nice, they’re tough but aren’t very expensive and you can get them in so many different colors.
Zip top fabric pouch (Harajuku Lovers Gwen Stefani). Blue with cute print and the word nerd all over it. It’s a nice size, And there is an extra zip compartment on the side. It’s really help up over the years, even after washing. Needless to say, I am harder to embarass than Kaitlyn.
Since I carry large bags and totes my Gucci makeup bag has worked incredibly hard for me over the past several years.
I use the mini clarity pouch from Truffle. It’s flat, pretty and you can see everything. It’s not regular PVC so it has held up well for me. It is like a sturdy zip loc bag pretty much.
I keep a minimum of makeup most days – powder, mini mascara, and eyeliner for touchups. Those go in a mini Prada nylon case. That, plus lipstick, hand wipes, tissues, glasses, hankie, keys, and lipstick go in a larger bag organizer.
$5 clear cosmetics zip baggie from Walgreens that holds lipstick, compact, eye drops, concealer. Simple, moves from bag and so much cheaper than things like overpriced Truffle cases!
I use a ziploc! My husband teases me mercilessly, because I’ll pull a ziploc out of my Birkin and he thinks it looks ridiculous LOL. But the bag is hefty as it is, and I don’t like the extra weight of cosmetic pouches. I’ve tried them, and always go back to ziplocs! They’re cheap, easily replaced, and light weight!
I use a mini Pochette but don’t use it for makeup per se. Just lotion and headache meds. My chapstick lives in a pocket in my Samorga organizer. In addition to the Kipling already mentioned here, Longchamp offers nice travel bags as well as MZ Wallace, that has some flatter options which may work for your smaller bags.
I use a mini Pochette but don’t use it for makeup per se. Just lotion and headache meds. My chapstick lives in a pocket in my Samorga organizer. In addition to the Kipling already mentioned here, Longchamp offers nice travel bags as well as MZ Wallace, that has some flatter options which may work for your smaller bags.
I have several pouches. A small Kate Spade GWP, Ipsy bags, small bags from random craft stores. You can find any size and style out there. I wouldn’t waste money on a designer one. Like you’ve seen, they all get grungy.
Hi.. I’ve struggled with this issue, too. I now use the Gucci GG Charm Guccissima Leather Wristlet In Black.8.75 L x5Wx4.3H.
I carry cash, lipsticks, and a Slim Leather Wallet Credit Card Sleeve Holder With ID Window. It’s an old MB one I was given years ago but works great. I also bought a round d ring that clips into the GG hoop where I hook my key ring. The bag goes into most of my bags. I can’t believe how long this system has worked for me. The Leather wristlet Is light and easy to carry. I have 2 lipsticks and 3 lipgloss in there.. plus cash the CC and ID holder. I never carry change in there.. not inexpensive.. but I love my system