10 things every South African woman should have in her bag

Contents

1. Power bank & Charging cable 2. Wallet with cash & ATM card 3. Lip balm or Lip gloss 4. Pocket-sized perfume 5. Hand sanitizer & Wipes 6. Tissue or Handkerchief 7. Compact mirror & Makeup essentials 8. Painkillers & Sanitary pads 9. Sunglasses & Hair accessories 10. Safety essentials (Pepper spray or Whistle)

Men often joke that women’s handbags are like portable warehouses, packed with everything under the sun.

But when an emergency strikes, guess who comes to the rescue?

Women, armed with their handbags can magically solve everyday problems. From beauty must-haves to safety essentials, here are 10 things every South African woman should carry at all times.

1. Power bank & Charging cable

In South Africa, where electricity can be unreliable, keeping your phone charged is non-negotiable. A portable power bank and a charging cable ensure you’re never stranded.

2. Wallet with cash & ATM card

Cashless payments are growing, but cash is still king in many places—especially for small purchases like market transactions or transport fares. Always carry a wallet with some cash, your ATM card, and a valid ID card for identification.

3. Lip balm or Lip gloss

The weather can be harsh, leaving lips dry and chapped. A hydrating lip balm or gloss keeps your lips soft, moisturized, and camera-ready all day.

4. Pocket-sized perfume

Between the heat and traffic, freshening up on the go is essential. A mini perfume or body spray ensures you always smell fresh no matter how hectic your day gets.

5. Hand sanitizer & Wipes

With the hustle and bustle of cities, it’s easy to come into contact with germs. A hand sanitizer and a pack of antibacterial wipes help keep your hands clean.

6. Tissue or Handkerchief

Tissues or a handkerchief are lifesavers when dealing with sweat, unexpected spills, or a runny nose.

7. Compact mirror & Makeup essentials

A small mirror is perfect for quick touch-ups before a meeting, date, or event. Depending on your beauty routine, carry a few makeup essentials like powder to stay flawless on the go.

8. Painkillers & Sanitary pads

A sudden headache or period cramps can ruin your day. Keeping a small pack of painkillers like Paracetamol and a few sanitary pads or tampons ensures you’re always prepared—whether for yourself or a friend in need.

9. Sunglasses & Hair accessories

For those hot afternoons, a good pair of sunglasses protects your eyes from harsh sunlight. Meanwhile, a hairband, brush helps you look neat effortlessly, especially when dealing with humidity or wind.

10. Safety essentials (Pepper spray or Whistle)

Personal safety is crucial. Having a pepper spray, or safety whistle can be a game-changer if you ever find yourself in an unsafe situation. These small items provide an added layer of protection, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas.

Other must-have items include mints or chewing gum for fresh breath, keys, hand cream for soft, moisturized hands, and earpods or AirPods for music or calls on the go. Did I miss anything? Let me know what’s always in your bag!