Lip balm: Protects your lips from drying out. Without a doubt one of the most important things I have in my bag. In addition, lip balm can be used to soothe rashes caused by shoes or flip flops. Lip balm usually consists of greasy substances like Vaseline and applying it to the irritation via finger has absolutely saved me in plenty a night out. The greasy substance will reduce friction and pain.

Wet wipes: I can shamelessly admit that I am one of those people who hoards wipes. Those personal wipes that they give at the end of a meal in restaurants are super useful and I fully recommend keeping some in your bag. I cannot exaggerate how often these things have saved either a friend or myself in a pinch.

Tissue Paper: Tissue paper can also be used in many ways and cases. It’s a good idea to have some in your bag at all times. I always try to carry a personal pack of tissues with me as it does not take up much space in my bag and is very easy to use.

Keys: Keys are an item you should never leave home without. You never know when you’ll want want to go back home and whether or not anyone will be around to open the door for you. I suggest using a nice keychain or applying a colorful print to the key itself so it’ll grab your attention and keep you from forgetting it.

Purse: Everyone should have a wallet in their bag, though the size will differ according to your needs. You should buy the wallet that suits you best. Small, large, a complex labyrinth of compartments, a simple bag to hold your coins, whatever fits your specific needs and desires. It is, without a doubt, an item I recommend to have at hand at all times in order to avoid money being scattered all over the place…or just the avoid the unpleasantness of a situation in which you forgot to bring money.

Perfume: A small bottle of perfume or a perfume sample is another item I highly recommend keeping in your bag. A refreshing scent can be very helpful if needed, and could come to the rescue of you or your friends. I do not recommend keeping a full size bottle of perfume for the obvious reasons, as it might break or just be unnecessarily heavy.

Diary: An up-to-date diary replete with all upcoming dates, meetings, arrangements, and birthdays, to keep your schedule with you at all times.

Business Cards: Business cards allow you to keep in touch with the interesting people you meet.

Up-to-Date Flash Drive: Meaning a flash drive containing photos and anything I’m working on at the minute in case I need to show it to someone.

Mobile phone and headphones: For obvious reasons, I try to keep a phone on me wherever I go, and headphones are very helpful for long or personal conversations or for listening to music on the go.

A Snack: Preferably a healthy snack, one that’ll help me avoid purchasing unhealthy snacks and stop my belly from rumbling. My personal recommendations for snacks are carrots, cucumbers, clementines, or apples. In case you don’t feel like having something fresh and healthy you can go with a yogurt and an energy bar. For dessert I suggest some gum or a mint, keeping your breath nice and fresh.

Pen and notebook: I always keep a pen and a notebook in my bag. In my notebook I like to jot down ideas, doodles and general inspirations as they come to me.

Sunglasses: In the summer it’s important to have good sunglasses that will protect my eyes from the sun (and in the summer, I also carry a small bottle of water).

Umbrella: In winter you should carry an umbrella in your bag to stay.

“Rescue” Shoes: If you’re like me and you love your high heels it’s a good idea to keep a flat, foldable pair of shoes in your bag. They’ll serve you well at the end of the day, when your feet start to ache.

Small makeup bag: Containing pink or red lipstick (depending on the mood), concealer and bronzer. It also holds a small mirror, some Band-Aids, some hand cream, small bag of sunscreen (yes, you can get in small bags now!), a brown or black hair band, some nail polish I had recently applied to my nails and (in case I get my “monthly gift”) a tampon and some pads.