Buy enough makeup or skincare and chances are, you never ever have to buy a makeup bag/pouch. Hands up whoever agrees with me LOL! 😀 I don’t know how it is overseas, but here, GWP (Gifts with Purchase) are common and a common GWP is a fancy makeup pouch. Heaven knows, I’ve collected, given away and used so many free makeup pouches in my time. It came to the point that I’d actually decline a free makeup pouch because I have a cupboard full of them!
Yet quite recently, I bought one.
I blame my friend Xin, who texted me one evening with her dilemma as to whether to buy this adorable makeup pouch she discovered at Muji.
It’s quite unassuming isn’t it? So we texted back and forth, she sent me a bunch of photos and eventually the clincher came – “It’s on 30% discount” so I said “Ok, buy me one and let’s see what it does!” I’m suggestible that way 😀
But there was a reason I wanted it, and when I took it home during the Chinese New Year break recently, I discovered just what a nifty little thing it is. Yes, emphasis on little, because it isn’t very big is it? As you see in the picture, it sits in the palm of my hand quite comfortably and it barely takes up any space, yet it’s like Mary Poppin’s bag in there – it fits a ton!
Ok, here’s the reason that Xin and I were sold on this Muji makeup pouch.
The pouch zips up to a small handy, compact size that tapers up the top. However, the magic happens when you unzip it, because the reinforced frame along the zip area of the pouch folds open wide, so the pouch stands on your dresser like a little box.
And best of all, it opens up so wide, you can see everything in there from the top! If you’ve ever had to dig around your makeup pouch you’d know that the struggle is real. With this one, I can see everything in there and because the top opens so wide, it’s easy to take things out without disturbing the packing equilibrium.
You know that packing equilibrium right? It’s when you pack all your items nicely into your pouch, making sure everything fits and slots into place; and then you realise you’ve packed your foundation right at the bottom, and that happens to be the first thing you need. So you pull it out, and disturb the equilibrium and the pouch never zips shut again.
This didn’t happen this time! 😀
So, what do we know about this Muji pouch? We know that it’s small (10 x 15 x 9.5cm) and that it’s a squishy polyester material, and that it has a few side pockets there that can potentially hold a lipstick or hair pin or two. We know that it zips up fairly compact, and that it opens up wide and stands up comfortably like a box on your dresser.
But how much does it hold? Here’s what I fit in there, which I will also use to show you what I brought on a short trip out of town.
Here’s everything that fit into that small wonder Muji pouch:-
- My HG foundation by Lunasol – it’s light, it gives lovely coverage, it survives heat and sweat and it makes you look good for hours. Oh and the bottle is also compact.
- The RMK face powder because it comes with its own brush and because it’s a wonderful setting powder that I use a lot of
- Chanel Poesie eyeshadow quad because it’s perfect for an understated day look or also buildable for a smokier look. I only ended up using it very lightly. I often wonder why I ever bother bringing eye makeup when I travel because I rarely end up using it.
- Blush in Tom Ford Frantic Pink for a gentle flush of pink to the cheeks.
- Eyeliner, because I don’t wear mascara so I need an eyeliner to define my eyes.
- ZA Ever Brows Eyebrow pencil because it’s cheap and good and it’s ok if it gets broken/lost because it’s cheap
- A selection of makeup brushes for face, cheeks and eyes
- Estee Lauder Pure Color lipstick in Envious – a very festival appropriate creamy red that is absolutely lovely!
That’s quite a lot to fit into a small pouch isn’t it? But it was more than enough to last me a few days and even if I were away for a week, this would quite easily tide me over. In fact, I could just live with this. (So, why do I have a whole crazy collection again? Gosh, this does make me rethink things 😛 )
Put everything back into the pouch, zip it up and it is just a bit taller than a lipstick. I could fit a few more things in there, I’m sure. A lighter lipstick so I can switch looks, another eyeshadow palette maybe?
So if you ever spot this little pouch in your Muji store, and aren’t the sort who’d pack 2 blushes, 3 bronzers, 5 makeup palettes, 4 lipsticks, 3 glosses, 2 foundations etc … just in case… consider picking it up. If it’s on sale, even better! 🙂
Do you buy makeup pouches or do you just use whatever freebie GWP pouch you have?
I wouldn’t say this is terribly cheap, since we can get these pouches for free, but it’s not bank breaking and the design is excellent. This has also probably been the first makeup pouch I’ve bought ever! But it’s one of the best buys I’ve ever had so it’s worth every penny 🙂
Paris B
Muji Polyester Wide-Mouth Pouch Product No: 4547315820023 Price: RM36.90 | US$12.95 | €11.95 Availability: Muji stores
Fiona says
I don’t buy pouches because like you said, we can get it as GWP. GWP ones are mainly flat, which doesn’t fit much. When I look at the photo where the pouch opens wide, I’m sold! 😀 I needed something to fit some makeup products to work and this one seems perfect. I just went to Muji yesterday only. Looks like I’ll be going back hehe!
Paris B says
Yes! GWP pouches are like playthings sometimes. I’ve got one that’s so tiny and flat I don’t even know what I can use it for. Keys maybe? And even then, not a bunch LOL 🙂 They come in different patterns, and I’m told the ones in Ikea of a similar design are larger 😉
lyn says
I use a LeSport Sac pouch and I can shove quite a lot in. Nowadays, I don’t travel with a lot of makeup, mostly base products and perhaps one eye/blush palette. I’ve learned from past experience that I don’t use much makeup when I travel anyway so I do keep it simple 🙂
Paris B says
Ooh I love those free pouches that come with leSportsac bags 😀 I used to use one of them too to tote my lipsticks around daily 🙂 I do find them a bit too small to fit everything when I travel but for daily use, huge yay 🙂 I don’t carry a lot when I travel too. Often, I don’t even wear makeup. Oops 😛 But I guess it’s some security 😛
Josie says
Ikea has the same design but in bigger size.
It comes in 2 colors. I bought it because same as you i was attracted by the opening. It opens up fully which make it easier to me who always struggle to dig my miniatures during my travel.
Paris B says
Thanks for the heads up Josie 🙂 I wasn’t aware Ikea had something similar, and so much bigger! Would be useful for holding the bigger skincare/bathroom stuff! Guess who’s off to Ikea to take a look soon 🙂
xin says
mega love! it’s such a brilliant design. so i won’t risk to ruin my nails while digging things out from the bag too 😀 and small as it is, it does fit a lot. i even kept 2 meteorite in there (one regular and one blush balls). it looks like it’s going to be the only makeup bag i use for now.
p/s: where’s that brush holder from?
Paris B says
Yay, thanks for sharing your dilemma with me haha! 😀 It’s a great little size for makeup and I love how it stands still on the dresser, while it’s still soft, without a hard frame, so it’s easy to pack 😀 The brush holder was an insert from a travel pouch I had a while ago. I’m not sure where it was from anymore 😛
shusheshe says
Now I’m tempted to get one too!
Qustion: The brush pouch, where did you get it! I’m interested in that too as a travel option because otherwise I don’t travel with brushes.
Paris B says
The brush pouch was an insert from a different pouch I had a while ago. I never used it, but took out the insert because it was useful for keeping my travel brushes 🙂 Can’t remember where it’s from anymore, sorry!
Dain says
I second Josie. I use the ikea one (it opens wide as well), and sometimes the freebie beauty pouch I got from Sephora. I can stuffed a lot in them, including my 50ml perfume bottle.
Anyway, you just take the word equilibrium to a whole new level. 😛
Paris B says
Going to check out the Ikea one Dain! I’d love to use something similar, but larger to hold my skincare & bathroom travel items 😀
Jenn says
That’s alot of fit into a small pouch! 😀 And eh, my parents got the same orange tiled floors as shown in your pictures above!! Lol! 😀 😀
I bought all my makeup pouches – im a sucker for pretty things 😛
Paris B says
Hi Jenn! I think the tiles is an 80’s thing haha! 😀 I see them around a lot of old houses right? And yes, it fits a surprisingly large number of items. Shocked even me
Rosie says
I’m interested to know why you don’t wear mascara 🙂 I have pretty sensitive eyes and mascara mostly flakes into my eye so I’m considering skipping the mascara
Paris B says
I’m planning to write about it soon Rosie! 🙂 In a nutshell, it just does nothing for me, and weakens my lashes and because they’re so short, and doesn’t look all that impressive even with mascara, I figured I’d just save my time and energy 🙂
Lily says
There are some very lovely gwp bags in my stash so I use those. This one looks great though. Love that it opens wide!
Paris B says
That was the clincher! Also, that although it’s roomy and wide, there isn’t a hard frame that restricts packing 🙂
Philippe says
You actually bought a bag? You get them thrown at you with any purchase these days, I keep the pretty looking ones and trash them completely after a few months in my gym or office bag. They sure take a beating 🙂
Paris B says
I know, I felt a bit silly for buying one, but hey, it worked out for the best yay 🙂 But it’s nice to know they’re popular GWPs elsewhere in the world too! I guess most people are happy to get them LOL
Bugs says
Yes,both hands up waving. I have too many pouches that I don’t know how to use or who to give them to. And yes, I’ve decline the pouch from GWP as well. Nowadays I prefer products that I can use, even a sachet is better than a pouch for me.
The big mouth of the pouch is very useful. Nice ! But not getting it as I don’t use any makeup these days, not even lipstick… Sigh!
Paris B says
Aiyo why don’t you use any makeup these days? It is a bit small for toting skincare about I’d agree so I’m going to consider the one from Ikea which is supposed to be taller 😀
Shreya says
I don’t know if its just me but I really like to buy those printed makeup pouches !
Paris B says
I’m sure you’re not alone Shreya 😀 The printed ones are usually very pretty!
Mrs Tubbs says
Want one!!!! I’ve got a Charlotte Tilbury makeup bag that’s lovely but is full when you put more than one thing in it! Good to see you back btw! Happy New Year!
Paris B says
LOL! Full when you put more than one thing in it 😀 That tiny huh? I did like the look of that Charlotte Tilbury pouch with the lipstick prints all over it? It’s so cute! But boy, are her stuff pricey >.< It's good to be back Mrs. Tubbs, thank you for the welcome 😀
Unpaletteable says
I always have an eye out for those Liberty GWP events, in large part so that I might score a gorgeous Liberty print wash bag as my freebie!
Paris B says
*sob* were that I too had access to Liberty GWP events! Their print is so… English 😀
robert c. says
This pouch really do sound like a mary poppins bag haha! And I think it is compared to gwp bags. For some reason I’m never fond of them, most of them are in weird sizes and outer layer is plastic, totally not a fan. Also, the print on those gwp bags are so gender-one sided with pinks and floral etc UH. This muji bag looks great and stores all your makeup needs = I need this. 😀
robert c. says
I do not know why the word ‘mary poppins’ was hyperlinked to a weird item on amazon for some weird reason when I did not do anything to it. Hmm, weird.
Paris B says
Haha yes, it fit so much, I surprised myself! (btw I’m not sure why there was a strange link to the Mary Poppins!) Ooh I don’t like the plastic coating on a lot of GWP bags too. Feels so icky right? And after a while, I find they tend to get a bit sticky and really puts me off. I don’t like waxed stuff either (although I used to own a waxed jacket for UK winters, which kept me warm and dry, but which stank to high heaven after a while LOL!) Off to Muji with ye, Robert!
Beauty Bee says
Oh I wish I could get my hand on one of these in Australia! I have a small problem when it comes to hoarding cosmetic pouches/bags… maybe because I don’t tend to get them as a GWP (I buy most of my beauty loot online instead of department stores). It’s uber cute to! 🙂
Paris B says
Is there a Muji where you are? I think Australia has some stores. Otherwise, as some others have suggested, Ikea make something similar too! 😀 I hear ya about shopping online for beauty. If I were in Australia, I’d probably do the same – the price difference can be shocking!
FireAngel says
ohmygod. now i have to go muji and check it out, and once i check it out… sigh…
stop making me buy stuff!!! :'(
Paris B says
*stops blogging* hehe… Eh, I have to buy the stuff first ma, and then well… misery loves company 😉 HAHA 😀
lisa says
I want one…perhaps to store other stuff instead if not makeup.
Paris B says
If you carry travel sized skincare, this would fit too. I tend to carry larger sized bottles of skincare so I’m looking for something similar but larger 😀 love how it stands up.
Ting says
I love your makeup pouch design! The pattern is so classy (like you lah!). 🙂
I have been using a muji makeup bag for over 2 years! It’s a bit larger than yours and it’s in box shaped (because I’m fickle minded i can never bring only 1 eyeshadow palette, or 1 eyeliner, heck… never 1 of everything except foundation & powder!). It surely fits many things in that bag. I like that it has slots for makeup brushes (providing not very long handled ones) at the flap, and small pouch inside for stuff like hair pins, lipsticks. I take my bag to work (as I have to do my makeup at work) and when I go on trips. It has survived so well. Even after 2 years of constant travelling with me, the bag hasn’t broken down yet.
Definitely recommend everyone to get it. It’s light and roomy, and robust!
Paris B says
Haha thank you, thank you 😉 The design is cute! Timeless, I’d say 🙂 Ooh I know which pouch you mean. Is that the one that can fit plastic boxes in there as well? I thought that one was so clever! But I dont’ carry that many items when I travel, so a little pouch is fine by me 😀 Muji does make some decent stuff, but the prices are a bit prohibitive sometimes.
Ting says
Hmm… fit plastic box inside? I don’t know. I got mine 2 years ago and there was no plastic boxes that comes with the pouch. It’s just a sturdy square one with zip. Not too big actually. Sometimes I fit all my skin care products (not full size ones) together with makeup and brushes in this single pouch for a short 3D2N trip. I’ll snap a photo and send to you via whatsapp.
Yes, Muji prices is a bit nonsense at full price. Which is why, always buy Muji sales items!! hehe
joy says
i love Muji stuff but i’m totally the type that over packs although i’ve been trying to streamline it more lately. maybe after another couple of years practice, i can downsize to this pouch 😛
Paris B says
Hahaha it took me a while too, but I’m there! 😀 In the zone as it were LOL 😀 I think the realisation came when I finally realised I rarely wear makeup when I travel. Most of the time, I’m wearing only a light base or concealer or a lip or cheek colour, rarely eyes. But you know, every girl needs a back up right, just in case 😀