Why are dainty, diminutive clutches so darned popular at fancy parties and events?
I mean, they’re kind of inconvenient. Because they’re so tiny, they don’t steal any thunder from the dresses (always a good thing), so I guess that’s probably the reason, but dang if they aren’t totally impractical.
In my hotel room on Monday, as I rushed to get ready and struggled to squeeze everything I wanted/needed to bring with me to the show into the spritely Whiting & Davis Gold Mesh Clutch, I started to panic a little.
The clutch was just too small.
I’d planned to do a heavier full-coverage look for my foundation and powder and touch it up at night with a powder compact, rather than just with blotting papers (I felt like the powder would do a better job keeping everything intact).
But between my phone, keys, one lipstick, a lip liner, gloss and, um…a cardboard cutout of my cat, there was no room left in the clutch! — which was incidentally smaller than my size 7 shoes.
As usual, I was hurrying. I had to go. It was the last minute, literally. Then I got an idea.
I grabbed one of the small plastic bags I brought with me in my carry-on to store the chargers and cables for my gadgets which, I know, might sound a little obsessive/compulsive, but I do it to keep them from getting tangled up.
Next, I loaded a few cotton pads with powder from the compact and dropped them into the now-empty plastic bag. Then I closed it up and squeezed it into the clutch.
Et voila! Enough powder for the night. 🙂
Now, if I hadn’t had a plastic bag with me, I could have done this with a paper towel, or maybe even some toilet paper (cue desperation), but the bag made it easier and less messy.
Same idea would also work with blush and highlighter, or really any powdered makeup. Just be careful to pat (and not swipe) when you apply them, lest you wipe out your look, and don’t forget to blend out those edges with your fingers.
Next time you have a wedding, prom or other big event to go to and have a lot of crap to fit into a teeny, tiny purse, keep this tip in mind (and a plastic bag on hand)!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
That is a really good idea, I always have problem fitting everything into a clutch! And btw, these shoes are stunning!
You look gorgeous (as usual) here Karen! Love the idea of the powder on cotton pads.
I love this! These little tips are so original, and I guarantee you I would never have arrived at this idea by myself. Like, who needs the whole honkin’ compact when you’re only going to be out for an evening? This is revolutionary!
Haha! Thanks, Rachel. 🙂 I don’t know if it’s revolutionary, but it’s pretty handy!
I actually do the same thing for years with fluffy soft powder puff. And for the lipstick i have a very tiny jar to store a very small cut of lipstick then i apply it with my little finger:) big relief i’m not the only make up freak:)
What a funny story- I really love your humor! And why in the world do you carry a cutout photo of your cat around? Lmao! I don’t think I will run around with blotted powder- but then: I carry usually only a lip balm around- he he!!! Really enjoy your fabulous writing style and your high heels: Wowsers!!! 😉
AMAZING idea, Karen! You are a fountain of amazing beauty tricks! 🙂
That’s a really good idea. I don’t think I would have thought of this on my own. Btw your entire outfit for the Emmys was gorgeous!
Contact lens cases are also great for carrying small amounts of makeup.
You look SO amazing! I hope you had such a good time at the Emmys! <3
What a great idea!! And that bracelet…wowzers! You look amazing! =)
If only the same could be done with lipstick, arguably the bulkiest thing I try to cram into my evening bag…
Perfect timing for this post! I am going to an Indian wedding this weekend with three separate events, and I was just thinking about how to fit stuff into a small clutch. I sort of still have to buy the clutch (DSW here I come!) but these tips are great. Thanks! 🙂
And a contact lens case with any cream products! 😉
YOU LOOK MAAHVALOUS DAHLINK! REally, LOVE the dress (great color on you) and the bracelet speaks for itself. YOu always look classy (even in the crazy cat lady stuff – I honestly don’t know how you pull it off LMAO).
I think your tips are great ideas. I don’t normally take more than a lipstick. I have normal to dry skin and my makeup lasts. the only thing I ever really need to reapply when out is the lips. Thanks goodness.
Great idea! And what a beautiful dress!
Such a good idea! I’m going to have to remember that when I go to the millions of weddings I attend each year.
What a great idea! You look stunning in that dress. Love the accessories too 🙂
Such awesome tips in here. I have yet to attend an event without kids and a big bag in tow. There are total winners in here. Contacts compact, check. Puffs with powder, check.
Good tip, dude!
OMG that’s brilliant!! and such a life saver! I am definitely trying this out next time I have a special function – especially cos I’m forever needing to blot and reapply powder thanks to my oily combo skin. LOLs this is definitely proof that necessity is the mother of invention 😛
Love it!
Oh! That is probably the best tip I have come across in a while! Thanks!
Girl,
I loved the way you accessorized! How much damage to your wallet to get those beauties? Thanks for the tips. I will keep that in mind the next time I have primp up.
Karen you’re a genius!! I always face this problem on a night out. THANK YOU!
That’s a really good idea! I have a love/hate relationship with clutches for the same reasons. They’re so convenient for nights out (trendy too) but they’re so tiny. I like to carry a million bulky things with me so I have trouble downsizing sometimes lol
That cuff! That cuff! I’m obsessed.
That’s a great tip Karen!
Great tip!!!
Brilliant idea. I hate small purses.
That cuff is to die for!
This is a great tip! Another idea for cream products, like foundation or creme blush, is to put a little bit of it in an empty contact lens case.
You look absolutely gorgeous! The dress is so flattering and your hair, makeup and accessories are perfect. I hope you had a fantastic time. 🙂
Thanks, my friend. How was your weekend? Did you and your boys do anything fun?