makeup and hair touch-up kit for after-work drinks

After a long day at the office, the thought of heading straight to drinks can feel equal parts exciting and exasperating. I love after-work plans, but I also love not hauling around a heavy beauty bag. Over the years I’ve honed a compact makeup and hair touch-up kit that fits easily into a tote or a small crossbody — and frankly, saves me from panic-touching in the bathroom mirror. Below I share exactly what I carry, why each item earns its place, and quick hacks to look refreshed in under five minutes.

What I aim to achieve with a compact kit

My goal for an after-work kit is simple: small, multi-purpose, and fast. I want tools and products that tackle oiliness, add a little glow, correct smudged makeup, tame flyaways, and transform a daytime look into something a bit more evening-appropriate. If a product only solves one problem and takes up space, it doesn’t make the cut.

Essential criteria when choosing items

Size: travel or mini versions, stick forms, or solid products that won’t leak.

Multi-function: products that work for skin, eyes, lips, or hair save space.

Durability: waterproof eyeliner or long-wear lip stains that survive a busy afternoon.

Ease of use: things I can apply quickly in low-light toilets or a crowded bar.

My everyday compact touch-up kit — items I never leave without

Below is my go-to list. You’ll see I favour sticks and multi-taskers — these are the items I recommend testing first.

Item	Why I carry it	Compact alternative/brand ideas
Blotting papers	Instantly removes shine without disturbing makeup	Batiste Blot or Sephora blotting tissues
Tinted lip balm or lip and cheek stain	Adds colour and hydration — doubles as blush	Glossier Balm Dotcom; ILIA Multi-Stick
Concealer stick	Spot covers, brightens under-eyes, conceals blemishes	Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (travel size) or RMS "Un" Cover-Up
Mini mascara (waterproof)	Bolds and revives lashes; waterproof avoids smudging	Benefit They’re Real mini; L’Oréal Lash Paradise mini
Cream bronzer or contour stick	Warmth and dimension without brushes	Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow (mini) or Kosas cream bronzer stick
Small eyeshadow stick or pencil eyeliner	Quick smoky eye or liner touch-up	RMS Eye Polish or Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On pencil
Travel hairbrush or folding brush	Tame tangles and smooth roots	Tangle Teezer Compact Styler
Dry shampoo mini	Refreshes roots and adds texture	Batiste mini or Living Proof Perfect hair day dry shampoo (travel)
Clear brow gel	Sets brows and tames flyaways	Anastasia Clear Brow Gel
Hairpins & elastic band	Quick updo or sleek ponytail	Flat elastics and a small pack of bobby pins
Compact mirror	Essential for low-light touch-ups	Any slim pocket mirror

How I use each item — five-minute routine

If I’m at the office and I have five minutes before drinks, this is my usual flow:

Step 1: Blot. Use blotting papers to remove surface oil — this instantly freshens the skin without disturbing makeup.

Step 2: Brighten. Run a small amount of concealer stick under the eyes and along the nasolabial lines, then blend with a fingertip.

Step 3: Add colour. Swipe a tint over lips and apples of cheeks. A balm-stain gives a daylight glow that’s also evening-appropriate.

Step 4: Open the eyes. A quick coat of waterproof mascara and smudged cream shadow along the upper lashline lifts the look — no complicated palettes necessary.

Step 5: Hair. If my roots look flat, I spray a small hit of dry shampoo and scrunch. If I want a sleeker look, I pull hair back into a low ponytail or twist into a knot using elastic and a couple of pins.

Step 6: Set. A dab of brow gel, a quick press of a cream bronzer where the sun hits (forehead, cheeks, jawline) and I'm out the door.

Smart swaps and multi-use favourites

Here are a few of my favourite compact multitaskers that keep my kit lean:

Multi-stick: Use for cheeks, lips, and even as a subtle eye shadow. Cream textures are forgiving in small doses.

Tinted moisturiser with SPF: If you have extra room in your bag, a tiny tube of tinted moisturiser can even out skin tone quickly.

Solid perfume: A wax-based perfume stick is travel friendly and doubles as a cuticle softener in a pinch.

White eyeliner pencil: Apply on the inner rim to immediately open tired-looking eyes.

Packaging and organisation tips

I use a slim, washable fabric pouch for my touch-up kit — something that sits flat at the bottom of my work tote. Clear pouches are handy for airport security and for quickly spotting what you need. I also keep small zip-lock bags for anything that could leak (a rare smudge-free mascara occasionally gloops in transit).

Emergency fixes I always have a hack for

Smudged mascara: Allow it to dry then gently comb through with a clean spoolie. If flakes fall onto cheeks, lightly pat with concealer and re-blend.

Smudged lipstick: Blot with tissue, then re-apply with a balm or stain; line with a small swipe of concealer around the edges for crispness.

Flat hair: Dry shampoo + texture by twisting small sections into a messy bun, then pull pieces loose for instant lift.

Tired eyes: Use a cool metal spoon against under-eyes for 10–15 seconds to de-puff, then apply concealer.

Everyone’s kit will look slightly different depending on hair type, skin concerns, and personal style. The key is to test your mini versions at home so you know how they perform in real life. A pared-back, efficient touch-up kit keeps after-work plans fun, not stressful — and that’s exactly how I like to leave the office.

makeup and hair touch-up kit for after-work drinks — compact items to always carry