Seven Rainy Day Essentials

1) Kate Spade Winking Eyes Umbrella ($38) // 2) Burberry Sandringham Trench Coat ($1,795) // 3) Smashbox Photo Finish Primer ($39) // 4) Urban Decay All-Nighter Spray ($31) // 5) Sam Edelman Tinsley Boots ($55) // 6) Armani Eyes to Kill Waterproof Mascara ($32) // 7) Handbag Raincoat Purse Protector ($15)

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It hasn’t turned cold enough in most places to talk about cold-weather items (though, I’m told that changes shortly), but it is so grey and wet right now, I thought I’d cover some rainy day essentials.  Because wherever you are, whether your commute is long, or just the length of the parking lot, dealing with rainy days is no picnic.

One. A Great Umbrella. I always have a travel-size umbrella in my purse, because you never know when the weather is going to turn.  This Totes Titan umbrella from LL Bean is windproof, lightweight, and opens with the push of a button.  The Kate Spade umbrella above provides a bit of whimsy, as does this umbrella with a blue sky printed on the underside.

Lose your umbrella a lot?  This Bluetooth Never Lost umbrella alerts you if you’re about to leave it behind.  It’s also windproof with a strong open-close mechanism so it doesn’t break easily.  It would make a lovely gift.

Two. A Trench Coat. We’ve discussed before how much I love my Burberry trench, and rainy days are the perfect excuse to wear it. (Which is my only comfort after six days of bad weather.)  However, if you’re looking for something more affordable, London Fog makes the best mid-price trench on the market (also in plus-sizes).

Need something completely waterproof?  This Eddie Bauer coat has an optional, zip-in liner for extra warmth.  I also like this pale grey Toad & Co. coat.

Three. Makeup Primer.  On a humid day, my face is one 20-minute commute away from becoming an oil slick.  By the end of lunch, my eye makeup is on my neck.  Not the look I was going for.  So I use this heavy duty Smashbox primer to keep things in place.  The Internet says NYX’s Studio Photo Loving Primer is the closest drugstore dupe.

Four. Makeup Setting Spray.  Long ago, when I was competing in beauty pageants, setting sprays like Model in a Bottle were a must have.  Now, they’ve gone mainstream, and this Urban Decay setter is the best I’ve ever tried.  A couple of spritzes after your makeup is applied, and it won’t move all day.  Perfect for rainy days, outdoor weddings, and August in D.C..  For a drugstore item, I like Maybelline’s Master Fix.

Five. A Pair of Rain Shoes or Boots.  If you walk outside on rainy days, you need the right footwear.  You do not want to spend the rest of the day in damp, dirty shoes.  Gross.  I lust after these Burberry Waterproof Riding Boots, though a pair of Hunter Wellies will usually do nicely.

I chose these Sam Edelman shorter boots for those of you who wear pants more often than skirts.  This way, you can lightly tuck in the bottoms without wrinkling the whole leg.  Hunter also makes ballet flats for those who just want a waterproof shoe.

Six. Waterproof Mascara.  My least favorite weather condition is that light drizzle, which isn’t enough to wet the sidewalk, but is enough to ruin hair and makeup.  And while an updo may keep my locks in check, my lashes need a strong waterproof mascara.  Armani Eyes to Kill is the best, just remember the oil-free eye makeup remover, or you’ll need a chisel to remove it.

Seven. A Handbag Protector.  If you love your purse, the last thing you want is to see it ruined by a rain shower.  This is especially important if your bag (like so many styles these days) is open at the top.  Nothing like pouring out your purse at the end of your commute.

The Handbag Raincoat is exactly that, a plastic cover for your purse.  If you just want to buy a waterproof purse, Kelly Tooke makes a whole line that includes this sleek work tote.  Or, at the very least, take your bag to the cobbler and have him apply a layer of leather protectant.  But be warned, some protectants can darken your leather.