After Trying Them Once, These 32 Items Won't Ever Leave Your Bag

Buzz Feed

14-04-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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Every friend group needs someone who has an Emergency Migraine Rollerball Stick in their bag at all times ... might as well be you.
1. E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine in the "Ecstatic" shade, which reviewers say captures the same magic as " Black Honey," the $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique that's blowing up on TikTok at a fraction of the price. It doesn't shift colors as magically as the other version, but it's a perfect, non-sticky "go-to" lip, and will keep your lips hydrated all day long.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
I personally will live, breathe, and die by the magic of $25 "universal" Black Honey version — it lasts FOREVER and also functions as the perfect blush — but it sells out so often that I am also deeply relieved to know it has a cheap alternative in case of lip emergency!
Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. The dark color is perfectly sheer. It also adds the most beautiful color to your lips. I am a Clinique Black Honey lip fan, and this gives me the same look for a fraction of the cost. I love it and have multiple that I keep in various spots. Not sticky either, which is my biggest gripe about lip glosses. My hair doesn't get stuck in this like some glosses, but I get the shine." — Hamps5
Get it from Amazon for $6+ (also available in five other shades).
2. A set of reviewer-beloved "Loops Quiet 2," aka the "ear plugs for people who hate ear plugs." These lightweight plugs are so subtle that people won't notice you wearing them, and are meticulously designed to muffle distracting, irritating, or overwhelming noise without completely blocking out the world around you. Reviewers love to wear them at the office or in noisy homes — this way they can still stay aware of your surroundings without getting overwhelmed by them.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"These earplugs are so good!! I had originally bought a completely different brand (because I was being cheap) and let me tell you, you get what you pay for. I found these Loop earplugs and decided to give them a try and I'm so glad that I did! They are so comfortable! Made from silicone so they are flexible and fit great. I've slept with them in all night without issues. The noise cancelling is fantastic! Now does it block everything? No, but I think that's a good thing for safety reasons. They do block my husband's chainsaw snoring and that is exactly what I needed them to do." — melanie98837
Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in eight colors; check out Loop's Amazon Storefront for more options related to concerts, offices, and parenting!).
3. A leakproof collapsible water bottle to make you feel a little bit like a witch when you roll it back up and it just ~disappears~ conveniently in your purse.
Promising review: "Love this product! I workout on the go so I'm always in need of a water bottle, but I hate carrying a big one around all the time. This bottle is a nice size to use while running/walking (lightweight and easy to carry), it doesn't leak like most plastic bottles, and it's easy to roll/fold up and store in a bag after you're done. Overall great design and functionality. 10/10." — LaMonica
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in five colors).
4. Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Hydrating Glow Mist that heard a little voice in the dark ask, "What if my setting spray had SPF and combined two steps in one??" and said, "Bet." This is designed to spray as a hydrating fine mist that *won't* leave you oily, and will keep your makeup perfectly intact.
Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information!
Promising review: "I have always struggled with oily skin. I've finally gotten my oil under control thanks to my current skincare routine, but SPF remained a challenge. Nearly everything I tried left me shiny or quickly got greasy during the day. This SPF spray is a super fine mist that almost feels like nothing is spraying on my face. It doesn't leave behind anything shiny, which is unheard of for a SPF 50 spray. I personally love the smell however, some may find it a bit too much for their liking." — Stephanie Hushcha
Get it from Amazon for $22.99.
5. A four-ounce *travel* size of the wildly-beloved Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, a hypochlorous acid spray designed to target the bacteria that causes acne and redness. Now you can carry it conveniently in a bag, purse, or car for midday spritzes and keep your skin barrier supported and flare-ups contained.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Tower 28 is a small business that specializes in beauty products for sensitive skin.
Promising review: "I workout a lot and have a very active job. I keep one in my gym bag and one in my work bag. I spray it straight after a sweat session and during my breaks at work. Not only does it keep my breakouts at bay, but it's so fresh and cooling on hot days." — Nicole
Get it from Amazon for $12.
6. And E.l.f.'s Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel you can keep tucked away in your purse like a tiny acne-fighting magic wand. This salicylic acid gel roll-on is invisible when you apply it to oncoming and existing zits and blemishes, but still packs a powerful punch in helping reduce redness and inflammation (and help prevent future breakouts, too!).
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "I've tried many other products, and this is always my go-to. It works great for its intended purpose. Can be used anytime, over or under makeup and moisturizer, since it applies clear. Dries quickly. Hard to find sometimes, seems to sell out quickly." — Dave&Kay
Get it from Amazon for $4.
7. A beautifully packaged, travel-friendly Touchland Power Mist hydrating hand sanitizer for anyone who's like "mindfully practicing health and safety, but make it fashion." Unlike other sanitizer sprays, it's infused with aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated and has the most luxurious floral scents.
Amazon
Touchland is a small business that specializes in hand sanitizers.
Check out a TikTok of Touchland in action.
Promising review:"Touchland's hand sanitizers are absolutely beautiful! Not only is the packaging functional for travel, but it's pretty! Absolutely no issues with the product or the design of the packaging leaking, and it's extremely easy to use! No sticky residue, and your hands feel completely hydrated and soft after each use. I'm especially impressed with this perk, considering most hand sanitizers leave your skin feeling tight and dry. No leaks, great hydration, phenomenal fragrance…. what's not to LOVE!!!? 🤍 SPOIL YOURSELF, NO EXCUSES NECESSARY!" — Briana R.
Get it from Amazon for $12.80 (available in Lily of the Valley and Rose scents; check out Touchland's Amazon storefront for more options).
8. Aquaphor's Healing Balm Stick made with avocado oil and shea butter to soothe all those dry, cracked spots that pop up on your human body. This is perfectly portable so you can get relief on the go!
Promising review: "RUN to buy this, I repeat… RUN. I bought one of these about two years ago, and it's STILL going strong. Aquaphor is amazing. We all know that. Buuut the convenience of having it in a tube is life-changing. It truly is as easy as one, two, three. It can easily be applied to anything you could possibly need. I've used it on brand new tattoos, dry/chapped skin (hands, feet, legs, lips etc.), and the edge of my hairline to protect my skin from hair dye!" — Tara Fossa
Get it from Amazon for $9.09.
9. The internet-famous Revlon oil-absorbing volcanic face roller that swipes over your face like a magic wand to make excess oil disappear — super convenient and *way* less wasteful than using blotting strips and time wasting than fancy powders that need a ton of blending work.
Promising review:"First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. I was so tired of getting blotting powder/wipes. It felt wasteful and always left residue on my face. I saw this on TikTok and NEEDED it. It was backordered but then I got an email saying it was in stock and I was SO excited. Not only is it affordable, but it's washable, which helps you save money and be less wasteful." — Kelsey B.
Get it from Amazon for $9.23.
10. A set of coin-sized Portawipes, which are compressed towelettes you can expand in an instant to use as a face towel, toilet paper, or sturdy napkin while you're on the go. (Psst — this is a must-have that a lot of parents SWEAR by.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the Portawipes in action.
Portawipes is a small business that specializes in personal care products for travel.
Promising review: "I kept some of these in my fanny pack and backpack while traveling. I used them when bathrooms didn't have any toilet paper and also for cleaning spills or washing my hands when out and about. Really nice peace of mind to have them around. Easy to use with just a few drops of water to make them expand, or add more for cleaning." — Camille
Get a 100-pack (!!) from Amazon for $14.27.
11. Glossmetics' Lychee Lip Mask, a Laneige or Tatcha alternative that's already a cult-fave in the making — you can wear this non-stick, ultra glossy lip shine during the day or overnight as a lip treatment to help hydrate, soften, and condition your lips. Not to mention you will taste *delectable* all day and night (just ask the many lychee martinis I have downed on this here earth!).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I'm obsessed with lip products. I have tried everything you can imagine, inexpensive and expensive. This is my favorite lip product I've purchased. This gloss is incredible, perfectly moisturizing, and the color is so perfect, a very light natural glowy pink. I just came on Amazon to order a couple more to have one in the car, my purse, nightstand." — Tara Bills
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in four flavors).
12. A pack of Alpine Start instant coffee packets for a surefire back-up plan in case you find yourself nodding off and in need of a cuppa — these brew hot *and* cold, and taste so much like the "real thing" that you'll do a caffeinated double take after your first delicious sip.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Alpine Start is a small business that specializes in instant coffee, lattes, matcha, and creamers.
I'm picky about coffee, but I love these. I picked them up at the recommendation of a friend because the BuzzFeed Shopping Team wakes up long before dawn on Prime Days, and I knew I was going to want something quick and fast to guzzle to wake myself up. I wasn't expecting it to also be DELICIOUS?? I have made sure my pantry is stocked with it ever since, and I always take one traveling when I'm in hotels and don't know the lay of the land. Going out to get my coffee every morning is my favorite "treat" of the day, but this is so delicious that it cushions the blow on days I can't.
Promising review:"Great product! Had both hot and with slightly coolish water, and both times it tasted great. Having a cup of coffee on the summit of a mountain was great, and adding in coffee that tastes good is even better! Will buy for future backpacking trips for sure." — Kelley Hemminger
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $9.99.
13. A roll-on migraine stick made with peppermint, spearmint, and lavender oils to help you soothe away headaches, which frankly have a lot of audacity interrupting your day.
14. A brand spanking new *mini* Kindle — it's faster, it's brighter, and more importantly, it's TEENSIER. The new size makes it easier to fit in the palm of your hand, easier to travel with, and a heck of a lot easier to slide into carry-ons and airplane pockets. It's also glare free and has a battery life that lasts for up to six weeks on a single charge.
www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the mini Kindle in action.
Promising review:"This is such a great Kindle! It's lightweight, the perfect size for going in a purse or bag, and the matcha is SUCH a great color. I already have a Paperwhite SE that I love, so I decided to get this Kindle for travel purposes. The battery life isn't as great as my Paperwhite, but it still lasts me a while with daily reading! It fits perfectly in my hands and makes reading very comfortable. The only thing it is missing is the warm light option, but that is not a deal breaker for me. If you are looking for a lightweight and comfortable Kindle, this is the one for you." — Christine Heath
Get it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in black and matcha, and with or without an ad lock screen).
15. Boka Travel-Size Mouthwash Tablets to quickly freshen breath and eliminate lingering odors when you're on the move. These fluoride- and alcohol-free tables are made with hydroxapatite to help strip your teeth of microbes without the whole song and dance of regular rinse-out mouthwash.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I love Boka products, especially these chewable mouthwash tablets. I keep a few in my bag and work lockets when I want a clean mouth feel and fresh breath feel. Great for long travel days too!" — Tawny
Get a 90-piece container from Amazon for $19.99 (available in mint and citrus mint).
16. A TikTok-beloved "Soft" perfume rollerball that honestly has no right smelling so delectable and layering so well considering it's only five cash dollars. Reviewers are obsessed with the scent's warm sweetness with a hint of citrusy zest, comparing it to waffle cones, lemon pound cake, and warm vanilla scones ... and this $65 bottle of Pink Sugar 👀.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Like so many, I found this scent on TikTok. I was a bit skeptical at first but finally got around to trying it. First off, this scent smells amazing! Almost every time I've worn it, I receive compliments. It has a sweet smell, almost like warm cake or sugar cookies with a hint of lemon. With such an affordable price, I would definitely recommend this to anyone curious about trying it." — Chrissy
Get it from Amazon for $6.20+ (available in two styles).
17. A Benzene-free, travel-friendly applicator of I Dew Care's dry shampoo powder so easy to use that you can just dab it on your hairline and rub it in for an instant, oil-absorbing refresh. Now your "no wash" days are a secret that you and your roots will never tell 👀.
www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the dry shampoo in action.
Promising review: "Will be buying again!! This is a fantastic product. I have incredibly thin hair that gets very oily very easily. This is the first product that I've tried that actually works! I am so very happy!" — Katie_0_Baker
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available brown, dark brown, blonde, medium brown, black, and in multipacks and bundles).
18. Barebell's "Soft" Protein Bars that taste SO LEGITIMATELY LIKE actual candy bars that they have altered my brain chemistry. At 16 grams of protein a pop, these are such a ridiculously convenient "hangriness" prevention option that I keep two in my bag at all times (one for me, one for any hangry friend, who then INSTANTLY gets as obsessed with them as I am).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
I am not exaggerating about how obsessed I am with every flavor in the "soft" variety of this protein bar — it is painful for me to write about this publicly because if they sell out my world will go cold and dark and meaningless. I have one with my breakfast every weekday — the caramel chocolate tastes like a thicker Milky Way bar and the salted peanut caramel legit tastes like a Twix. I don't remember who I was before I started eating these every day and I don't care to remember. If you're like, "If you love them so much, wouldn't you gatekeep?" the answer is yes!! Because I bought four packs of this just now and will be consistently hoarding them in my apartment until the end of time!!
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four "soft" varieties and nine others, plus variety packs).
19. A tried-and-true Stasher bag, aka a staple in any snack-happy human's arsenal — these leakproof, durable, environmentally-friendly alternatives to disposable zippered bags are not only perfect for any kind of snack, but play nice with the dishwasher, fridge, freezer, AND the microwave. Major convenience flex.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Stasher is a small business that specializes in storage and meal prep products.
Psst — people use these for travel products too, especially for toiletries they're worried about leaking in their bags!
Promising review: "I love my new color. I must have 30 Stasher bags by now and love them. They are so convenient and work really well. One can see exactly what they have in the fridge or freezer at a glance. They keep frost away as well. Highly recommend!" — Sabrina
"I tried cheaper reusable bags, but they can be difficult to seal and get brittle after about 15 times in the dishwasher. Stashers stay flexible and are always easy to seal. And talk about volume! I transported an entire pot of soup in one bag." — Mary
Get it from Amazon for $7.78+ (available in 15 colors; check out Stasher's Amazon storefront for more sizes and styles).
20. A blister-preventing balm that basically magics an extra layer between your skin and your shoe, so you can get your steps in without worrying about getting big ole blisters on your feet without a bandage in sight.
Amazon
BodyGlide is a small business that specializes in chafe-preventing personal care products.
Promising review:"Wow. I took this on vacation, during which we walked about 20,000 steps daily. And of course my shoes begin to rub against parts of my feet, terribly. But I smeared this on and it was amazing. I did have to reapply a few times a day, in public, but I highly recommend this!! I used it on my toes, ankle area, etc., and my feet felt great (normal)." — Y.
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
21. And Dr. Scholl's Roll-On Foot Pain Relief Liquid for 12 hours of relief when your current step count is "too many." This fast-acting formula is made with lidocaine and menthol to work within five minutes, and tackle nerve pain for deep relief.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Wow. I was miserable at work. I bought everything I could think of to help with the intense foot pain from standing up at work, this was one of the products, and now I can't go without it! It works. I just ordered another one because I'm low on mine. I use it every night and hour before clocking in at work and even forget how my feet used to hur t until I get home, and I'm like, 'Wait a second, my feet didn't hurt.' I'm not kidding when I say this is It! Amazing product!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $11.97.
22. A chic weekly pill organizer you will *love* if you're the type of human whose life is "go go go" — this lets you easily pull out separate days and stick them in a bag or overnight backpack if you're traveling or staying the night somewhere.
www.amazon.com
It even includes two extra detachable pill containers so you can have backups in your bag!
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in three styles).
23. A set of soft silicone sensory-friendly worry stones that are perfect for busy days, since they are so portable, quiet, and unobtrusive.
Promising review: "We bought these recently and used them on a long plane trip and at Disneyland. They help with [our son's] anxiety and kept him from biting and chewing his fingers, something he does when he is heightened." — Amazon Customer
Get a set of six from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in as set of 18).
24. "Gloves In A Bottle," aka the hero of anyone with dry, cracked hands — this game-changing lotion not only helps heal your skin, but actively protects it for four to twelve hours, even through repeated hand washes. Reviewers with eczema or those who have to sanitize frequently for work swear by this!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Gloves in a Bottle is a small business that specializes in skincare products for working professionals.
Promising review:"I am a teacher and literally wash or sanitize my hands several times per hour! If I'm not washing my hands, I'm cleaning all the surfaces in my classroom with harsh cleaners. I thought I would try this lotion and I am thankful I took a chance! It is not only moisturizing, but it's not too scented or greasy. We are not allowed to wear perfume at school due to allergies, and this works perfectly. The best part is that after you do wash your hands, you can still feel the lotion! My cuticles are staying moisturized, too. I am going to get more for home and the car." — Chianti
Get it from Amazon for $19.95.
25. Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer, an inexpensive lightweight concealer for anyone who wants to quickly touch up before calls or meetings but doesn't want to commit to a whole layer of foundation. This also helps cover dark circles without caking and reduce puffiness.
I started using this myself a few years back (although this is former BuzzFeeder Kayla Suazo 's lovely human face above), and I am mad that I wasted time with other concealers for so long. I am a deeply impatient person who likes to look good and does not like to put in effort in any way, shape, or form, and Maybelline created this so that people like me could gracelessly slap it on in the morning and be like "OK, REFLECTION, YOU GOT THIS" before being on their merry way. It never cakes, I look way more awake than I have any right to, and I never struggle to blend it the way I do with other concealers. 11/10 subscribe.
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer for more deets.
Get it from Amazon for $6.20+ (available in 24 shades).
26. And the iconic Alleyoop Pen Pal, which features four quick, easy-to-use products in one tiny package. Each of the three pens comes with a curated color palette of four retractable colors to touch up brows, eyeliner, lips, and highlights, so you've got an entire quick makeup arsenal in the palm of your hand.
Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that specializes in functional makeup products.
Here's what former BuzzFeeder Jasmin Sandal has to say about it: "I gotta say, I love the concept of the Pen Pal from Alleyoop! After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it's a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touchups come the end of the work day, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m. The brow pencil is particularly soft and pigmented, and filled in my eyebrows quickly. I just adore the ease of application of each product, and appreciate the universal, does-it-all-for-you concept. Plus, it saves me so much room in my already-overflowing makeup bag!"
Get it from Amazon for $16 (clip the 20% off coupon on the product page to get this price; available in three shades).
27. A hands-free portable phone charger you will be *so* happy you invested in when you find yourself out and about all day with your battery dwindling. This sticks right into your phone plug and chills there so easily that you might forget it's there in the first place, and it's designed to quickly give your phone one full charge.
Promising review:"I used these several times for the past year, traveling for business and leisure. It is always a challenge to find an outlet at the airport since some airports do not offer a charging station. Using those types can also be a security risk. That's why I love using these portable chargers. They are lightweight and fit in my travel handbag/or small backpack pocket. The portable chargers take about 30–35 minutes to fully charge if dead. Once charged, they charge fast and hold a charge for many hours." — J
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three colors).
28. A trusty Tide To-Go stain removing pen, because nobody wants to get a stain on their One Nice Top the first hour of work and have to endure the awkwardness the rest of the day. Enter these tried-and-true bad boys, which will take care of the problem in a pinch.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"A friend of mine told me about these. Brilliant, I can't believe I lived without them for so long! I've been wearing all black on business trips forever because I got tired of stained white top syndrome. The three-pack is perfect: one at home, one in the office, one in my travel bag." — Cathy
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $5.99.
29. A set of Sea Bands, which target an acupressure point on your wrists meant to help reduce nausea — a must-have for anyone who gets motion sick on car rides, buses, and trains.
www.amazon.com
Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Promising review:"These were awesome! My entire family suffers from motion sickness, especially carsickness. My little one gets sick in the car on a regular car ride through the city. So, I knew that a long road trip was going to be a disaster. I was amazed at how well these bands worked for everyone! Not one single person complained about being sick for 12 hours in the car. I have suffered for decades, and now I know better. I will never travel without mine again!" — 1SmartCookie
Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.79+ (available in a variety of colors).
30. A durable bag strap gripper that not only keeps you hands-free when you've got extra shopping bags, jackets, and other accessories to cart around, but prevents you from forgetfully LEAVING said items in places where you will simply never see them again. (RIP to that one lost water bottle we're all still mourning.)
Amazon
Promising review:"I bought two straps to use for my trip. It was so worth it! It held my family's light jackets and kids travel neck pillow. We also used it to hold our water bottles on our hikes. I wish I knew about these sooner!" — Lisa H
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four colors).
31. And a ridiculously beloved, Shark Tank -featured Click & Carry Grocery Bag Carrier to help you lift bulky, heavy bags so easily you'll put Superman out of business. With this gizmo you can hook your bags to it and lift up to 80 pounds while comfortably resting the carrier on your shoulder instead of letting all the straps cut into your palms.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Click & Carry is a Shark Tank and QVC-featured small business that specializes in easy carry accessories.
Promising review: "TikTok made me buy it. This is great when you have a few bags and a box — for example, if you balance the bags, you can throw it over your shoulder and walk inside and have two free hands to carry the box, which is great. Product seems well built, and is comfortable on your shoulder or hand because of the padding." — Hung
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in seven colors).
32. A reusable, *delightfully* portable gel lint roller for quick lil' touch-ups, because you just plain never know when you're going to experience the full-body serotonin of a furry friend pouncing on you. Not only is this little sphere cute as a button, but all you have to do to restore its stickiness is wash the interior.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok a bunch of times and finally decided to get it. I hate the paper lint rollers, they never seem to work that well and I hate that I have to throw them away. This is awesome because it fits right in my bag, and I'm able to reuse it over and over. It's super sticky and works great!" — Ella
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.