Being polished and put together on-the-go is a must for most women, according to a study recently commissioned by Stowaway Cosmetics with beauty-data firm, Poshly. While it can be assumed that makeup is integral to many women’s busy routines, both personal and professional, what is at the bottom of a purse has a big impact on her day. Of hundreds of women surveyed, Poshly and Stowaway found:

Cutting Down the Bulk

  • More than 50 percent have been late to work due to their morning makeup routine
  • 78 percent have bought duplicate products to keep with them on the go and almost 60 percent keep multiple “sets” of makeup in different places

  • 32 percent report having four or more products on hand for touch-ups in their purse or at their desk. That’s almost a full routine!

  • Nearly 60 percent say their must-have touchup essential is a lipstick or lipgloss, while 20 percent reach for complexion products like BB creams or concealers. Great skin and a smile are a must.


Looking Pretty, Quickly

  • 97 percent have touched up their makeup before an event or meeting; 81 percent do it regularly

  • 77 percent have gone out of their way to find smaller sized products to carry with them to events or on their commute

  • While touch-ups are routine for most women, they want to touch-up fast! Just over 80 percent report spending 10 minutes or less on touchups. She’s got places to be!

Confidence Booster

  • We asked women to share the reasons they touch-up their makeup, and they had a lot! 28 percent touchup before a big meeting, 33 percent touchup before a date, 37 percent touchup before after-work plans, and 43 percent cited wanting to feel confident
  • Not being able to touch-up impacts our mood. Over half of women felt self-conscious if they didn’t touchup, 10 percent reported feeling inconvenienced and almost 20 percent felt annoyed if they couldn’t touch up

  • 80 percent felt insecure before a professional or personal event because they didn’t have time to touchup their makeup and 63 percent feel more refreshed after touching up
  • 43 percent touchup to feel more confident while a third of women touchup “just because”