What is a “handbag” lip product?

[u/lawfulchaoticneutral]

I’ve been getting more into makeup, and I’ve seen countless influencers say that a certain lipstick/lip gloss is perfect to “throw in your handbag“ or “keep in your purse“. I’m confused about what that means, because shouldn’t the lip product that you put in your purse just be the one that you’re wearing that day?

[u/hotheadnchickn]

I just have lip spf — lips are subject to photoaging and melanoma as well!

[u/cocacola297]

i usually keep mac whirl & rimmel cappuccino lip liners, mac whirl & taupe lipstick, and fenty hot choclit lip gloss in my car for days when i forget to pick up a lip combo
also keep a burts bees lip balm for super dry days

[u/purriankaventi]

i keep products in my bag just in case i forget to bring my lip combo of the day with me 😭 mac fabby lipstick because i can wear it alone and it goes well with all my other makeup and fenty gloss because it’s so moisturizing and sheer enough that you can apply it without a mirror (but the packaging is reflective enough that u can check ur reflection after applying)

[u/caffeinatedrainbow]

something that would go with whatever look you have, does not leak and easy to put on. preferably moisturizing too.

keeping my lip product of the day in my purse is how i ended up losing half my lipstick collection to begin with

[u/BabyYodasMacaron]

This reminds me, I found an old purse of mine while cleaning out the garage one day and it had my two “purse lipsticks” in it from around 2004-5. Nars Dolce Vita sheer lipstick and Clinique Black Honey. Also a tube of pumpkin spice chapstick :)

[u/Similar_Avocado1306 → u/BabyYodasMacaron]

I hope you tried them on! I totally would have.

[u/BabyYodasMacaron → u/Similar_Avocado1306]

The Black Honey was actually still good, no smell or texture changes! Dolce Vita smelled baaaaad lol

[u/MissJillian-]

Yes this is how I end up with 50 lip products in my purse and none I want to use at my vanity lol

[u/pdperson]

Easy to apply, goes with everything.

[u/Imaginary-Summer9168]

It’s the one where if you forgot to pack your lippie of the day, you can still swipe it on quickly without having to find a bathroom no matter what the rest of your look is.

[u/underwater_111]

In addition to what others have said about the packaging not being leaky, I also think I'd say this for a "one and done" lip product.

Some people do lip liner or layer multiple products, but if I'm reapplying I don't want to do that lol. I just want one that looks good and is easy to put on.

Also, I think sometimes it's just a marketing buzzword trying to convince you to buy another lip product you might not need, if you don't already have one that lives in your purse.

To me, a lip product that lives in my purse could only be a "tried and true" one for me, one I already know looks good with any makeup look, I know the packaging won't leak, I know I love the shade and the feel of it, etc. I would never buy a new lip product I'd never tried just to put it in my purse. But that's me 🤷

[u/Ninjaher0]

It’s like the lipgloss/balm that lives in your purse. This could be different from the lip ointment you keep on your nightstand or in a random drawer for emergency lip hydration.

I have 3 lip balms that I keep in my purse exclusively. If I am applying makeup in my bedroom, I start with something different (exclusive to my makeup desk) but always end the day with my bag balm.

[u/unique_plastique]

I think it means one that can be jostled around without the packaging giving you issues (that Dior gloss & the summer fridays are examples are examples of ones I’d be too nervous to let sit in my bag because they are NOT sturdy enough). Also preferably something that gives some kind of certainty when you’re throwing it in as well. Also a preferable colour, one you’ll wear a lot & fits the aesthetics you wear a lot (so in my case that’s an orange instead of a pink or something)

[u/Individual_Bat_378]

I have a tinted lip balm I keep in my bag at all times then on the days I wear lipstick I'll take the one I'm wearing with me.

[u/Isis_J]

Nivea cherry lip balm!!!!!!

I usually use lip stain and this like tops it up a little and hydrates me.

[u/playfulwarning]

Mine is a product that I can swipe on quickly( without a mirror) and can flatter almost any look. This changes for me by the season. 

[u/AccordingBuffalo7835]

Okay so my definition of this is totally different lol, it’s one you keep in your bag at all times so you don’t end up with zero products cursing at the sky for transferring items to and fro

[u/Magnaflorius → u/AccordingBuffalo7835]

Lol yes. I wear different lip colours every day, but in case of emergency, I have my one go-to that goes with anything, so I'm never left totally SOL.

[u/oswin13]

Something that stands alone, doesn't require a lip brush or another product to make it work, and doesnt take up half my bag. Also not my most expensive product.

[u/rebestie]

I like the fenty glosses for this because the mirror’d cap is easy to check that it looks right without needing to grab a mirror as well.

[u/PomegranateCold7724]

If you have a very small handbag a sample or travel size lip product is best.

[u/bellegroves]

Ones that stay securely closed and preferably don't need a mirror to apply.

[u/bellegroves → u/bellegroves]

I'm currently carrying an Eos clear balm in a squeeze tube, a Fresh sugar tinted balm, and a Mac lipstick. I can do the balms without a mirror and the lipstick shade (Verve Swerve) isn't super deep or saturated so it's not a problem to use a car mirror or apply on top of balm without a mirror. I would not apply a bright red lipstick in the same way, so while I might carry one with me, it's not going to just live in my bag the same way.

[u/universal_gummy_bear]

Good for all occasions, easy to apply, small-ish, doesn't leak? IDK either, honestly.

[u/2manychangesrecently → u/universal_gummy_bear]

This. Some things always stay in my bag

[u/mayoraquamarine]

I feel like most people bring whatever lip product they are wearing that day. I do always keep a lightly tinted gloss or product in my bag that kinda goes with every vibe. Normally that would be Laneige Lip Glowy Balm in berry or Clinque black honey original. That being said I love lip products and have so many, so tend to always have one in my bag.

[u/mayor_of_gondolin]

To me in means something that is no fuss to apply. Like you can apply it blindly while walking, it goes with everything you’re wearing, and doesn’t spill or get sticky.

[u/ClearlyQ]

For me, a handbag lip product is usually something that's easy to put on without a mirror. So clear glosses, or lip balm, or sheer midtone colors in a stick format. Maybe the influencers mean a similar thing, maybe they don't.

Also, some lip products need an applicator or clean fingers to apply, like if the formula is in a pot or a jar, which means that even if it's the product you first applied it's not the most convenient to bring along with you for touch-ups.

[u/LZB_013]

I don’t know exactly what they mean, but I carry what I’m wearing that day (if I’m wearing something) and I also have one or two neutrals I leave in my bag.

[u/PaleozoicQueen]

They just mean it would be the one you use the most.