Oops, did that garlic-laden lunch leave you with bad breath? Did your sweaty run for the train smear your mascara? A beauty or fashion emergency can happen anytime, anywhere. But you can maintain your calm, poise and appearance if you’re prepared. Our advice: Don’t leave home without the following items tucked into your makeup bag.
1. Deodorant Mark Remover
We recommend: Deodorant Removing Sponge, $5
You just noticed a white deodorant smudge on your dress, and you know that trying to rub or wash it away will only make it worse. To the rescue: this deodorant removing sponge from Hollywood Fashion Secrets. Just rub the pink foam square over the spot and watch it disappear -- no water necessary. It also works on makeup powder and picks up stray pet hairs on clothing.
2. Toothpaste & Toothbrush
We recommend: Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste, $1
Your lunch leaves you with bad breath and food in your teeth. What do you do?
Pull out your travel-size tube of toothpaste and a small toothbrush. Try Crest Pro-Health toothpaste, the only brand accepted by the American Dental Association in six categories (cavities, gingivitis, plaque, whitening, sensitivity and bad breath). [Note: Crest is the sponsor of Completely You.] And just in case you get spinach stuck in your teeth, bring along a few floss picks too.
3. Makeup Remover
We recommend: Beauty Fixation Makeup Remover Swabs, $5
You got sweaty and your makeup smeared. Remove raccoon eye mascara marks and other migrating makeup with these swabs. Make sure to keep a few in your bag -- they’re perfect for quick touchups, and much more precise than wipes or cotton balls.
4. Moist Towelettes
We recommend: Crystal Body Deodorant Towelettes, $8
Sometimes … and there’s no nice way to say this … you just smell bad! So keep some individually wrapped deodorant towelettes on hand. Unscented and made with all-natural mineral salts, they eliminate odor-causing bacteria and keep you smelling fresh all day long. Great for trips as well.
5. Stain Remover
We recommend: Tide to Go, $4
Got Bolognese sauce on your blouse during lunch? A quick swipe with an individually wrapped stain remover wipe will instantly remove most stains from both washable and dry cleanable fabrics -- although it’s always a good idea to test a hidden area on silk first. Plus, they also work on carpets and car interiors.
Bonus items: tissues, adhesive bandage, a tampon, double-sided tape for fixing fallen hems and clear nail polish to stop pantyhose runs.
Did we leave something off? Tell us what else you’d add to the list