Cause You Never Know

You never want to be caught unprepared. Let me explain what I mean. Have you ever showed up to work after a peaceful weekend only to find oops! there’s a 9am presentation that you’re not ready for, and oh it’s 9:10am! Or how about showing up at family holiday gathering only to find out that “gift giving for the kids” was code for bringing presents for everyone. Well this past weekend I made the journey that all women eagerly anticipate with a healthy dose of excitement and a hint of anxiety…I met the sisters. Probably not what you expected me to say but let me provide the finer details. My extra special someone, J, has four sisters. Meeting the family is always tough, but four sisters? Hmm, we are in a whole new ball game. So like a proper lady I planned on joining the family for an afternoon/evening celebration and then catching the train back to the city. What did the dating gods have in store for me instead? 90 mile per hour winds, torrential rains and trees uprooted and flung on streets. Another words: no way in or out equaling an impromptu sleepover party. Not the worst thing in the world but when you’re trying to make a good impression it helps to have a fresh pair of clothes, a brush to tame the bed head and oh yes a toothbrush! So today I dedicate this post to the beauty essentials you must always keep in your bag, cause you just never know.

The 5 Beauty Essentials (you never leave home without):

1. Mini hair brush- this one is self explanatory but you can find some collapsible tiny combs that take minimal space in your bag and do the trick.
2. Concealer- This magic stick will multi-task like there’s no tomorrow. Besides brightening up your under eye, you can use it over the lids to correct redness, discoloration or to just provide an all over uniform glow. Then help contour your face by applying a small amount along the bridge of your nose down to the tip, along your jaw line and above your brow bone. This will highlight and illuminate your face.
3. Pink/red lipstick- This is a must even if you never wear it on a normal basis. Apply a small amount to your cheeks to give you that healthy flush. Using your fingers dab some color onto lips to just bring liveliness to your face.
4. Mascara- Store a small sample size one that can be used to coat your lashes for added eye definition. Another fun trick is to wipe the wand on a tissue removing the mascara juice, then use the clean wand to comb and define your brows.
5. Perfume- Keep a small sample size in your bag, you won’t believe how handy this is.

With these handy tools, you can at least put yourself together for that naturally beautiful look.

Usage tip: Travel or sample sizes are your best friend! So the next time you’re at your favorite makeup counter or at Sephora (which has the best sample policy) ask for some samples of your go-to beauty essentials to stash in your bag.

The result: The unpredictable, unprepared moment actually ends feeling effortless and like it was meant to be. As for the sisters, each was thoughtful, articulate, warm and charming in their own right.