For Filipinos, the term “kikay kit” used to imply something superfluous to everyday life and mostly associated with women. However, most of us will now admit that there is nothing wrong with prioritizing our well-being, regardless of gender. After all, germs and stressful situations are everywhere. Who wouldn’t want to be prepared and confident for the day ahead?
This is where the concept of everyday carry—or EDC for short—comes into play. EDC goes beyond the core idea of kikay kits, covering all the essential items that you carry each day to make life more convenient. If you commute and don’t have access to personal storage at your workplace, a health-and-beauty-focused EDC can be a lifesaver, giving you the confidence to excel in any social or professional situation. Don’t forget to check your nearest drugstore to find these daily health and beauty essentials.
1. Hand Sanitizer or Alcohol Spray
Essential for sanitizing your hands and toilet seats alike, hand sanitizers or alcohol help keep nasty germs at bay. For easy application and convenience, look for a small alcohol spray bottle with at least 70% alcohol for maximum effectiveness. Keep these in an outside pocket or hanging off the outside of your bag for easy access.
2. Wet Wipes
Perfect for cleaning hands or freshening up on a hot day, wet wipes are a must for any EDC. (They’re also extremely welcome if you have to use a public toilet without a bidet!) Wet wipes come in different varieties so be sure to pick a less-irritating hypoallergenic type if you’re using them for personal hygiene.
3. Travel-Sized Tissue Pack
A pack of tissues will save the day when you have a runny nose or find yourself sweating in a packed jeepney. They’re also great for those public restrooms that never seem to be stocked with toilet paper. Skip the big rolls and bring a small compact pack to make room in your bag for other daily essentials.
4. Face Mask
Whether you want to protect yourself from pollution or prevent the spread of germs, carrying an extra face mask is a smart move. Though cheap disposables will do the job, you may want to use a comfortable, washable, high-quality cloth mask for maximum comfort on difficult commutes.
5. Lip Balm
The air-conditioning in public transport and offices can be exceptionally strong, leaving your lips dry and chapped. Apply a non-irritating lip balm to lock in your lips’ moisture and keep them protected throughout the day.
6. Compact Mirror
A compact mirror is a must-have for quick touch-ups, especially at your workplace. Look for a durable model with a slim design that can easily fit in your bag.
7. Mini First Aid Kit and Common Medications
If you’re prone to headaches, allergies, or other minor ailments, carry a small stash of over-the-counter medications to address these issues as they come up. If you’re on maintenance medication, ensure you always have whatever you need in your bag. A couple of band-aids, a tube of antiseptic cream, and a small bottle of liniment can also be good additions. Put all of your first-aid items in a small pouch that fits inside your EDC kit so they don’t add to the clutter in your bag.
8. Powder or Blotting Paper
If you have oily skin, a few pieces of blotting paper will keep you looking fresh and ready for the next meeting. If you prefer face powder, choose a mattifying variant that comes with a mirror for added convenience.
9. Sunscreen
If you want to keep your skin looking its best, you’ll want to apply UV protection even if you stay inside your office during most of the day. Carry a small tube of sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to reapply throughout the day to keep your skin from aging prematurely.
10. Hairbrush or Comb
A small, high-quality brush or comb will keep your hair looking its best and ready for the next meeting, even on windy and humid days. Look for compact or folding models to save space in your bag.
11. Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Breath Fresheners
If your circumstances allow it, a small dental kit will help keep your mouth fresh and healthy. Unfortunately, you won’t always have access to a clean bathroom and water when you need it, so it helps to have a few sugar-free mints, gum, or a pocket-sized mouth spray in your EDC to keep your breath fresh.
12. Makeup and Skincare Essentials
Everyone has different skincare and makeup needs. Regardless, you want to make sure your skin health and beauty needs are adequately covered when you’re out and about. Check your local drugstore for multipurpose products that can cover both skincare and aesthetics. Keep this category of items organized in a pouch so you won’t have problems digging through your bag to get all your stuff together.
13. Deodorant
With the way traffic is these days, you’ll never know when a travel-sized deodorant stick will come in handy. If you have sensitive skin, ask a pharmacist for long-lasting, hypoallergenic options.
Don’t Forget to Pack Light
While this seems like a lot of stuff to be carrying around, you will never regret curating an EDC that prioritizes your health and beauty. Of course, having plenty of loose, heavy items in your bag is no fun. Thankfully, many Philippine drugstores offer travel-sized versions of these items, allowing them to fit neatly into your bag or in organized travel pouches. Start picking items that suit your lifestyle and enjoy the confidence that comes with being ready.