cosmetic bag

If ever there was an example of how fashion and beauty go hand-in-hand, this is it. New, from organic skin care developer and clothing and accessories designer Stella McCartney, is a brand-new line of chic, eco-friendly cosmetic and travel cases. Stella partnered with the king of lightweight carry-alls, LeSportssac to bring us two functional and practical toiletry totes made from 100% recycled eco-polyester.

The items aren't cheap, but they aren't over-the-top either. The Cosmetics Case ($98) contains front and interior easy to access over sized-zip pockets and an interior envelope pocket to maximize organization and space. It is available in a solid cream or grey quilt style or in two floral star patters.

The Hanging Travel Kit ($150) contains a removable inside pocket (where you can store valuables), a mesh pocket and a larger compartment that can fit bottles. It is available in two floral star patterns and one light pink/pale pink color-block variation.

Forget crying over spilled milk; it's melted makeup that makes me weep. If you live in a warm climate or plan to travel to hot destinations this summer, keeping your makeup cool is a major concern.

As someone who's been known to sneak my makeup to the beach, I'm loving this IcyBag Cosmetic Bag ($14.99). The roomy pink-and-tan pouch comes with an ice pack in the bottom (like a lunch tote). Just store the cool pack in the freezer and slip it into the insulated bag before you leave; it's waterproof, so it won't soak your stuff even as it warms up.

Thanks to Elke Von Freudenberg's blog for the tip.