Of all the accessories a woman has, none is more essential than the handbag. After all, it’s the one item likely contain every other valuable possession a woman has. It’s a personal thing that reflects the nature of any true modern woman. But it’s much more than just a showpiece because it serves a practical purpose as well. There are some essentials that are constant in any woman’s handbag, and no personal collection would be complete without them. Some of them are for emergency use while others help with maintenance, and all are important in their own special way. Here are 6 things every woman should keep in her handbag at all times.

Lipstick – this is such a common item that it’s almost a stereotype. But we all know the toll daily activities take on the lipstick you apply in the morning. Without regular touch-ups, it’s likely that your lips will be bare by the end of the day. This is why you should always have your favorite color (or two) readily handy so you can maintain those luscious lips.

A Mirror – rather than passing by a mall window and trying to discreetly look in a mirror, it’s far better to have one in your handbag. A small mirror helps to make sure you don’t have spinach caught in your teeth and every hair is still in place.

Cellphone – a cell phone serves so many purposes these days that it has truly become invaluable. How else are you going to e-mail your boss, twitter about that great dress you found, or check up on your friends Facebook status?

Nose Powder – there’s nothing worse than developing shine throughout the day which is why it’s absolutely essential you have a bit of a nose powder on hand. It doesn’t matter what your complexion is, stress or Sun can do a number on your skin without this valuable item.

A Little Black Book – this item can take many forms and some women even turn it into a Journal. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to have a place where you can record information or a phone numbers. Sure a cell phone can do that, but what about when you come across a great healthy recipe or new fast weight loss tips?

A Bit of Cash – you’re not going to get very far without a bit of cash on hand these days, and there’s no better place to put it in your trusty handbag. It’s better to have two compartments, one for cash and the other for coins just in case of emergency. A lot of people have made the transition to plastic payments that involve debit or credit cards, but having a bit of cash will always be handy in case of emergency.