This week my husband and I are celebrating a big anniversary, so I'm feeling all nostalgic. I've prepped a beautiful bag to keep me fresh throughout my festivities, and I wanted to share what's inside with you because this is also the perfect kit for brides to use during your wedding reception or on your honeymoon.

Pick a Gorgeous Bag

I still have (and use!) my precious little Orla Kiely makeup bag from my wedding, so choose something that's both sturdy and functional, as well as one that makes your happy. For my anniversary, I picked this gorgeous Ted Baker with cherry blossoms:

Since we're doing a month-long staycation in Washington, D.C., I love the iconic cherry blossoms on this bag - and especially this year because the delicate blossoms pulled through some rough weather against all odds, just like a good marriage (awww...).

Get Practical, but Stay Pretty

It's not fun to think about body odor, but trust - you do not want to be caught without a few ways to freshen up. Still, you can make this process fun by choosing out-of-the-ordinary items. I packed a lovely little deodorant, some antibacterial wipes, my perfume in a travel size, and my favorite mints:

Skincare with Flair

Long days and nights of dancing, being outside, sweating, laughing and crying can take a toll on your skin, so it's important to have a few tricks in your bag. My favorite makeup remover sticks from Almay are a must for cleaning up mascara smudges and travelling lip gloss; I also use them to remove concealer, but more on that later. Keep a multi-purpose balm on hand for lip balm, to groom brows, hydrate cuticles, and a myriad of other uses. A refreshing facial mist keeps you glowing and looking awake, and an eye cream - especially in roller ball from - tightens and brightens. Finally, I have to have a luxurious hand cream:

 

Makeup Must-Haves

It goes without saying that you should have your lipstick or gloss on hand, but I think it's important to also keep some concealer with you, too. Remember those makeup remover sticks? When your under-eye concealer starts looking a little crazy, just use them to remove everything under your eyes, apply some of your eye cream, and tap on a fresh layer of concealer. This trick will instantly refresh your entire look! Finally, have a pretty powder compact with a mirror so you can touch up anywhere as well as have something to set your concealer. If you're dry like me, and powder doesn't look the best, take advantage of the new blurring technologies to set your makeup.

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I think having a special bag filled with some of your favorite beauty items is such an affordable indulgence because you're not only giving yourself permission to feel beautiful, but you're creating memories as well - whenever you use that lipstick or inhale that perfume, you'll relive some of life's most precious moments. And while it's important to treat yo self, remember that the best makeup is a sincere smile; so even if you aren't a bride, it's the perfect time to do a little beauty spring cleaning and update your makeup bag.

Have an incredible week, and please stay in touch @ElectraLane on Instagram!

Images c/o Author and Google Images