The dreary weather in NY these last few days has brought me down, and not even the brightest clothes combinations have been able to pick up my somber mood.  So I have turned to my trusty products to give me that much needed boost.   Whether you’re downtown, uptown, countryside, suburbia, or anywhere in between, I believe there are a few essentials that need to be added to every bag to get through the day.

Good upkeep on your hands is imperative when trying to make a first impression.  So when the day is a drag and you’re feeling a bit stressed out, apply some of this lavender-scented Jurilque hand lotion ($12, Whole Foods) to give your nerves a bit of relaxing.

Though we love the sky highs, we know that the harsh [New York] sidewalks can be damaging to our soles, so I always keep a pair of these Hue shoe liners ($4, Duane Reade) inside my shoe bag along with a pair of flats.  These are savers to the inside of my flats and are a sweat-free way to walk around in flats.

Moisturize then apply.  Brighten up your day by making lips stand out with a bit of touch up.  I love this long-lasting Smashbox ($23, Sephora) stain applied over chapstick (Fresh Sugar, $22 at Sephora)– the coral shade is long-lasting and doesn’t dry out your lips.

Add some shine mid-day with a little bit of this.  A few pumps of this will give you some envious locks (and maybe a few stares).  Bumble&Bumble Shine On Spray ($24, Sephora) is great for finishing up your look in the morning/ evening or for freshening  up mid-day, leaving you with shine while skipping the grease.

Doesn't matter how perfect your skin may be, but this an absolute MUST in the bag.  Even when you're doing for the dewy make-up look, it's good to pat down the skin.  These gentle Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens are a great way to keep your make-up on while removing some excess shine.

Sometimes it's just genetics.  Like myself, I know my bags are here to stay and no amount of sleep can make them disappear, but circles can be avoided (so sleep, drink water, and exercise).  But when all else fails and your eyes are looking tired, a bit of brightening concealer could do the trick.  Moisturize your under eyes while concealing those circles.  Try Laura Mercier secret concealer.