2018 awards season officially ends with the Oscars on March 4, and if there’s one thing that deserves a nod for its performance in a supporting role, it’s the evening bag. Though rarely seen on the red carpet, every actress has a clutch or minaudiere waiting in the wings, likely in the hands of their agent or publicist—and packed to the brim with everything necessary for maintaining hair and makeup through the show and after-parties. Here, the essentials we’re willing to bet you’d find inside every Judith Leiber at the Dolby Theater next Sunday night…
BeautyBlender Blotterazzi
When evening-bag real estate is at a premium, this compact houses a mirror along with two reusable blotting sponges. Better than blotting papers because they don’t deposit powder that can affect how makeup looks in photos, one sponge can be used to minimize shine and one can be “pre-loaded” with foundation for touch-ups throughout the evening. Do you remember when Allison Janney brought hers on stage when accepting her 2015 Emmy?
Tom Ford Lipstick
Every celebrity (including Olivia Culpo, Kim Kardashian and Taylor Schilling)—and every makeup artist—has a favorite Tom Ford lip color, and with more than 100 options in varying shades and finishes there’s one to suit any ensemble both on the red carpet and off.
Listerine PocketPaks
Though far from fancy, this is Hollywood’s go-to for fresh breath on Oscar night because of its diminutive size—and you get 24 minty melt-in-your-mouth strips in each teeny-tiny box. A favorite of Piper Perabo and Serena Williams, they’re perfect for air-kissing, discreetly discussing upcoming projects, whispering not-so-sweet nothings about co-nominees—and sharing if you find yourself in a conversation with a close-talker.
Ouai Anti-Frizz Sheets
We predict a lot of sleek, cascading waves at this year’s Academy Awards, and this sophisticated look requires a bit of maintenance to stay smooth and shiny all evening. Enter Ouai (whose celebrity following includes Cindy Crawford, Lily Aldridge, Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid), and the brand’s latest product for mane management. Like blotting papers for your hair (except they don’t absorb oil), these individually-wrapped sheets tame fuzz and flyaways to keep your coif looking fresh—and they take up barely any space in even the smallest of bags.
Gucci GG Marmont Card Case
No one’s heading to the Oscars without a credit card and at least a little cash (driver’s license is optional). This petite Gucci number keeps bills and a Black Card corralled, because even an evening bag can get disorganized.
