Whether it’s a career woman who’s constantly on the go, or a busy homemaker keeping the ship sailing smoothly on schedule, all of us need our own arsenal. And that arsenal is usually in our bags (and on our dressers). It makes sure we look and feel great – our carefully curated collection of ultimate pick-me-ups.
So what are the favourite beauty products finding space in the bags of Indian women? What do they run to just before a conference, a parent-teacher meeting, a family lunch, a kitty party or a date? We asked Indian women from all walks of life to let us sneak a peek into their bags.
Here’s what we found!
Anu Bagadiya, 35, High Court advocate, Indore
With all the meetings and court hearings I have every day, mascara is my instant lift for a polished look without extra effort. I use Maybelline Hypercurl Mascara – can’t live without this one! It lifts my lashes like magic and stays all day. And life’s too colourful to go bare – lipstick is my signature finishing touch. I love M.A.C MACximal Matte Lipstick in the shade Mehr. It’s the perfect matte pink, smooth and long-lasting.
And finally, with my vibrant, expressive life, kajal adds that effortless intensity to match my energy. A long-time favourite is Maybelline’s The Colossal Kajal – it helps me create bold eyes in one stroke.
Yashita Jhurani, 34, government partnerships specialist, Delhi
I live a fast-paced life, juggling work and personal life and running around between meetings and caring for stray animals. So I like to keep it simple. My must-haves are a kajal, lip pencil and some roll-on scent.
For my eyes, I prefer the Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal. Lipsticks provide that much needed pop of colour, and I love my NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencils – mostly I use the shade Cruella. Every time I put it on, it’s special. A small roll-on perfume is always in my bag – usually Perfect by Marc Jacobs.
Prerona Roy, 43, transformation coach, Kolkata
As a coach and entrepreneur, my beauty bag is all about products that keep me feeling fresh, confident, and ready to inspire. First, Keo Karpin Body Oil after a shower – it’s my little ritual for feeling grounded and nourished especially since I am a burns survivor.
For my face, I love Dot & Key’s Vitamin C + E moisturiser with its energising orange fragrance – it’s like a morning dose of positivity for my skin. And finally, my Maybelline Superstay Lipstick – because a bold pop of colour isn’t just makeup, it’s my reminder to show up powerfully, no matter where the day takes me.
Divya Chandwani, 51, fashion designer, Delhi
Lipstick, compact and eyeliner are my three holy grail products that need to be in my bag at all times. For a fresh, even-toned look, I like the Lakmé Forever Matte Compact. The Kohl of Honour Intense Kajal in Blackout from Sugar works well for my eyes. My work involves a long commute and it stays put through it all.
I can’t stop raving about Lakmé Forever Matte Liquid Lip Color in Mauve Ecstasy – it’s the best shade for wheatish to dark skin tones, one of those that look great in the day and night both.
Ritu Goyal Harish, 51, travel company founder, Pune
I’m on the go all the time, travelling across the country for work, from cities to the remotest villages, in all kinds of weather. I just cannot do without my Bobbi Brown Long Wear Brow Pencil in Warm Brown. It’s a lifesaver for those born with scanty eyebrows, like me.
Another must-have is the Forest Essentials Noor Nikhaar Satin Cheek Tint in Gerua – a beautiful terracotta shade that adds that little splash of colour on dull days. I love the hydrating effect of Forest Essentials Madhu Rasa Tinted Lip Serum in Coconut Kesar on my lips. I like that I can use it without having a tint on my lips.
Pallavi Shankar, 46, journalist, Noida
My handbag always has a transparent grooming pouch with at least one nude pink or peach creamy lipstick, a lip balm and a lip liner. Being a very lip makeup person, I don’t step out without my lip care essentials. One of my absolute must-haves is the Burt’s Bees transparent lip balm for hydrating and a Nivea pink or red lip balm for instant touch-up.
You will also always find one or even two lipsticks in my bag. One in a neutral, soft shade and a flaming red lipstick – just in case I need it. I prefer light pink, peach and nude shades from Lakmé 9to5 range for regular office wear. A bright red Dior or M.A.C is also there for that impromptu get-together or selfie with bestie over coffee.
Chhavi Gulati, 28, immigration consultant, Surrey
Since I live in a cold place, my hands are often dry. I love hand creams from L’Occitane for their fragrance and smooth texture and I never leave home without one in my bag. I also have to have my Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lightweight Bullet Lipstick, because it gives a pretty tint along with hydration.
Finally, my NARS concealer also goes wherever I go – it’s a must-have to cover my dark circles and make me look alive and not like a zombie!
Nandita Sharma, 46, homemaker, Delhi
First things first, I need a hand sanitiser in my bag for hygiene at all times. Next, Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal helps define and give depth to my eyes. As a busy mom of twin teenaged girls, I rely a lot on lip glosses like Colorbar Starlit Lipgloss in the shade Burst. It is a great product for touch-up, keeps my lips moisturised and shiny, and is certainly quick and easy to apply. I also adore the M.A.C Cremesheen Lipstick in Hot and Humid; sadly it’s discontinued now.
Jasleen Kaur, 26, data analyst, Toronto
I take sun protection very seriously. The Lakmé SPF 50 Stick Sunscreen is something that keeps my skin protected on-the-go without feeling greasy. For my eyes, I prefer the Renée Kohl Pencil – intense, smudge-proof black that lasts all day. Another must-have is the Faces Canada Lip Gloss that gives the perfect glossy finish and keeps my lips hydrated.
Priyanka Jain, 44, HR professional, Chennai
For skin and hair care, I prefer vegan and cruelty-free brands that list clear ingredients like Plum and Kama Ayurveda. I’m a big fan of all Kama Ayurveda’s face mists – they instantly energise me.
My go-to cosmetic item is my black dark kohl pencil, mostly Maybelline’s The Colossal Kajal in Deep Black or Renée Kajal Pen in Bold Green. These make my big eyes look brighter and more vibrant, and I can quickly apply it before important meetings.
Simran Jassal, 55, entrepreneur, Delhi
I can’t really have elaborate beauty rituals since the left side of my body is paralysed and my mobility is limited. I run a business in handmade kids’ clothing and – based on a customer’s suggestion – I recently started using Hyphen Golden Hour Serum every day. It must be working because friends tell me my face is glowing. I also apply Clay Co. Sunglaze Sunscreen when I go out. And that’s about it!
Gunjan Sambyal, 40, homemaker, Hyderabad
A sanitiser has its own non-negotiable space in my bag. I love to travel and click pictures wherever the army life takes me. So for instant glam, I love the finish of the Maybelline Vinyl Ink lipstick in Striking – a gorgeous bold pink that enlivens my face and stays on and on… Which is great, because I hate touch-ups and the whole reapplying process. I also keep the Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Mist – if my bag is big enough!
Pradeepti Gupta, 43, lawyer, Delhi
Some of the products that I always carry are the Stroke of Genius Heavy Duty Kohl from Sugar for its intense pigmentation and the Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose for that barely flushed look.
I feel that fragrances can instantly uplift the mood and add to one’s overall appeal – whether it’s at a party or the office. And so, I always carry Fernweh Eau de Parfum in Autumn for its sweet yet sophisticated smell. It’s 20ml packaging makes it all the more bag-friendly!
Amarpreet Paul, 50, teacher, Edmonton
My favourite beauty product is the M.A.C Lip Definer in Mahogany. I love its beautiful colour that suits my complexion. Also, it stays on for hours without a touch-up and is perfect for someone like me, a teacher who’s on her toes all day. Another product that I simply can’t do without is Avene sunscreen. At my age, I need to keep my skin protected from those harsh rays of the sun, even in freezing Canada!
Aashima Gurnani, 37, lead analyst, Delhi
For me, Dot & Key’s Strawberry Dew In-The-Spotlight Strobe Cream is a game changer. It can be used as a moisturiser or mixed with foundation. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Major Crush is a shade I have been using for a long time now and it never disappoints. It has held me in good stead from singlehood to motherhood now. Another one of my favourites is the Colorbar Kajal to dress up my eyes.
Srishti Iyer, 35, homemaker, Barmer
One of my favourite must-have products is the M.A.C MACximal Matte Lipstick in the shade Mehr – it looks like it’s made for me! I also keep the Nivea Blackberry Shine Lip Balm handy. I have been using the NYX Ombré Blush for quite some time now and it blends beautifully on my skin. As an army wife, my social calendar is pretty full so this blush helps put together the whole look.
eShe beauty editor Hansa Makhijani Jain may as well have been born with a lipstick in her hand. She’s been writing about the beauty biz for almost two decades. Follow her on Instagram.
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