WHAT’S IN THE BLUSH BOY’S BAG?

The Blush Boy Bag: Essentials and More

Welcome to a peek inside my bag—where practicality meets a touch of glam. Think of it as the chicest upgrade from Mary Poppins’ magic carpet bag. My approach is all about having everything I need without the clutter. I like to keep my bag organized and tidy, almost like a reflection of my mind. After all, a well-ordered bag means a well-ordered life!

Lately, I’ve been carrying two vintage favorites: a light brown leather Chloe Paddington and a brown leather Marc Jacobs shoulder bag. There’s something about a well-loved, pre-owned bag that feels more personal and rugged, like it’s lived a little. I view a bag like a diary—each scuff and mark tells a story, adding character over time. I also try to keep my collection manageable; one or two essential bags usually suffice, despite the allure of the latest trends.

Now, let’s dive into what’s actually in my bag. These are my absolute essentials, the products I swear by and never leave home without. If I ever forget one of them, you might find me frantically searching for at a nearby pharmacy, desperately hoping no one sees me in a hat and sunglasses.

Keeping Clean in NYC

As someone who prioritizes cleanliness—thanks to my nursing background—I always carry a few key items. Touchland Hand Sanitizer in Coco Beach or Wild Watermelon is my go-to. It’s a pleasure to use, with great scents and sleek packaging that make cleanliness feel more luxurious. I also never go without the original Wet Wipes for those on-the-go moments when you need a quick refresh.

Lip Essentials

I admit, I can be a bit of a lip product hoarder. While my fantasy self would carry 15-20 lip products, my practical self narrows it down to a few essentials. For hydration, Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturizer is unbeatable. I’ve tried an endless amount of lip balms and at the end of the day, nothing competes with this one. I recently found out that it was their #1 best selling product and I can totally see why. I remember first moving to NYC and seeing an ad on the Subway and something about it spoke to me more than an ad ever has before. When it comes to lip products, I’m not really a lipstick boy. I like to either be hydrated or glossed and never really inbetween. Glosses are just so simple, their are never any mess ups, and you can always put them on on the go. My 2 must haves are the Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss and Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb. The Kosas Wet Lip Oil honestly feels like you put a serum on your lips and I’ll never get over it. I must say, nobody has done a lip like them and it really shows. It’s perfect for running to go get a coffee, going to the gym, or having a long day on the job. I’ve tried a few of them and my favorite shades are Unhooked, Dip, or Unbuttoned. Fenty Gloss Bomb on the other hand is what I throw on when I want to feel like a boss. From a big event, date night, or a night out with friends—I know that Gloss Bomb will always have me covered. My favorites are Fenty Glow (the original) and Glass Slipper (pure clear gloss). These glosses are not too sticky, but feel like what I would think the OG gloss felt like. It makes me feel on top of the world and I just know RiRi would be proud. 

Wallet Love

Wallets have always been a love-hate relationship for me. I finally found the perfect one after years of searching: the Bottega Cassette Intrecciato Leather Wallet in Black. It’s practical, elegant, and incredibly durable. You might be rolling your eyes at me hearing Bottega, but just trust. This baby is worth it if you’re looking to invest in a wallet that is going to be with you forever. I like a wallet that is practical, sturdy, and elevated - and that’s just what Bottega does with their products. Daniel Lee brought the weaving method back to Bottega in recent years and everyone has pretty much fallen in love.  I’ve had mine for nearly four years, and it still looks brand new. She’s also the best conversation starter, so really what's not to love .

Sunglass Essentials

Sunglasses are one of those accessories I’ve mastered keeping track of. For investment pieces, RETROSUPERFUTURE and KREWE are my top picks. I originally discovered KREWE when I used to live in 12th south in Nashville. It’s a cute little strip of shops and food that has now become one of Nashville’s most popular spots. KREWE only has 12 shops and 1 of them being a cute little pop up truck in front of White’s Mercantile - a go to shop for all things when gift buying. The KREWE sunnies I have are no longer sold, but I recommend going and taking a look for yourself because you will most likely fall in love. While KREWE has a more clean and elevated design, RETROSUPERFUTURE is basically like hiding from the paparazzi. I personally have the style in ROMA and they really are just my go to hide out sunglasses. Jet black where no one can see in—just how I love it. These sunglasses have been everywhere with me and I must say, they are my favorite product in my bag. I actually left them in LA at my boyfriend's house for like 3 months by accident and truth be told, he loved them so much that he wouldn't even send them back to me in the mail. Not only are they the it girl sunglasses, but even your blush boy's boyfriend couldn’t resist. So watch your boyfriends and your friends because once they get into someone's hands, they will never let them go. 

Digital Camera

The digital camera trend has been making a comeback, and I’m here for it. I think it’s funny to see because I’ve heard generations before going out on the weekends, taking their digital camera pictures, and then uploading them to their PC and making a Facebook album. This is where everyone saw every picture from the night out, all raw and unedited —a true look into the life of everyone. I kinda love it though. Because raw is real and in a world where everything is so glossed over, I think we may need to bring that back. Like a Jersey Shore night out meets Paris Hilton club energy. You’ll have to let me know your thoughts on that one. I chose the Canon Elph 360 for its lightweight and sharp quality. It’s become my trusty sidekick for capturing candid moments. Pair it with an SD-USB card reader like the Hicober, and you’re set for easy photo transfers. You’ll also spot some of my film photos on the blog, courtesy of my boyfriend. I’ll have to write blog post about how we met soon.

A Good Book

I like to keep a book handy for those moments of downtime. Currently, I’m engrossed in “The Dancer from the Dance,” a classic in gay literature set in NYC—right up my alley. Books, podcasts, and blogs are my preferred forms of entertainment and learning. I’ve never really been one who loves TV— a red flag if you say so. 

And that’s it—my bag essentials! If I had my way, I’d carry my social security card, birth certificate, favorite candle, and a full bottle of fragrance too, but practicality has its limits. I hope this glimpse into my bag has inspired you or simply entertained.

xoxo,
The Blush Boy

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