What's in a bag says a little more about someone than we might think. It's a mix of things we actually use, things we like having around, and the occasional item that's been living there for months for absolutely no reason.
As a Slow Recipe editor, my bag needs to keep up with me. Between checking beauty trends, following new launches, filming content, and running around Seoul, I like having a few essentials within reach. Some are practical, some are beauty-related, and a couple are just things I enjoy carrying around. Here's what made the cut.
01 — The Marketing Lifeline
Let's start with the obvious: my phone.
When you work in marketing, your phone isn't just a phone. It's where I check trends, keep up with new launches, review content, answer messages, and occasionally film a video on the go. There's always something happening, so leaving home without it isn't really an option.
Screen time? Let's not get into that.
I also keep a hair clip handy for when my hair decides it's had enough of the day before I have.
02 — A Little Something for the Lips
A lip product is a must. Between changing weather, dry indoor air, and endless air conditioning, my lips could always use some extra attention. And since I never know when I'll need to film content, something with a bit of color is always a bonus.
Lately, I've been reaching for the Melixir Vegan Lip Treatment. It gives my lips a touch of color while keeping them feeling moisturized, so I can freshen up without digging around for a separate lip product.
One less thing to think about when the day is already busy. I'll take it.
03 — The Bag That Matches the Season
Of course, all these essentials need somewhere to go. My current favorite is this Pleatsmama bag.
Now that fall has arrived in Korea, I'm especially into this deep purple shade. It feels right for the season and adds color to an everyday outfit without making too much of a statement.
I also appreciate that Pleatsmama uses recycled materials, including yarn made from recycled PET bottles collected in Jeju. It's nice when something I genuinely enjoy using also has a thoughtful story behind it.
And most importantly, it fits the things I actually need to carry around. We're not trying to turn this into a mobile office.
04 — The Quick Refresh
Some days involve more running around than others, and that's when I appreciate having a Mumchit Cool Deo Mist in my bag.
Its compact, keyring-style design makes it easy to bring along, and the cooling mist comes in handy when I want to feel refreshed between errands, meetings, or filming content. I can just clip it onto my bag and keep moving.
It's a small thing, but those are often the things I end up reaching for most.
05 — A Little Snack
Last but definitely not least: something to snack on.
The 107 Aronia Vinegar Low Molecular Collagen is one of my favorite things to keep around because it combines collagen with aged aronia vinegar in a convenient stick. And unlike some wellness products that sound better in theory than they taste, this one is actually enjoyable, with a pleasantly tart flavor.
It's easy to toss into my bag for days when I need something between meals. Because taking care of yourself isn't just about what you put on your skin. Sometimes, it's also about remembering to eat something when work gets busy.
06 — The Things I Forgot About
And then there are the things that somehow end up in every bag, no matter how often I clean it out.
A receipt from a coffee I barely remember buying. A keychain I bought and never opened. A package of post-its. A squishy toy.
Do I need any of it? Probably not. Will I take it all out, organize everything, and somehow find another receipt in there next week? Almost certainly.
I guess that's part of the charm of what's in a bag. Some things are carefully chosen, others earn their place through daily use, and a few are just along for the ride.
Now, excuse me while I finally throw that receipt away.
My Bag
