vanity bag

A woman takes her compact from her vanity bag.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small cosmetic case: A "vanity bag" is a portable bag or case designed to hold cosmetics, toiletries, and personal grooming items, typically used by women for travel or daily touch-ups.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She packed her vanity bag with lipstick, mascara, and a small mirror for the weekend trip. (A bag for carrying makeup and grooming items.)
  • The actress carried a leather vanity bag to the dressing room backstage. (A case for cosmetics used in a professional setting.)

Advanced Usage

• "to carry a vanity bag": to bring such a bag for personal grooming purposes.

  • On long flights, many passengers carry a vanity bag in their hand luggage. (The bag is used for refreshing makeup during travel.)

• "vanity bag essentials": the typical items kept inside, such as foundation, eyeliner, and hairbrush.

  • Her vanity bag essentials included a compact powder and a lip balm. (Basic cosmetic necessities.)

Variants and Related Words

• Vanity case (n): a synonym for vanity bag, often referring to a harder, box-like container.

  • The vintage vanity case was made of polished metal and lined with velvet. (A rigid cosmetic case.)

• Vanity box (n): another synonym, typically a small box-shaped container for cosmetics.

  • She stored her jewelry in an old vanity box. (A decorative box for small personal items.)

• Vanity (n): excessive pride in one's appearance, but in this context, it refers to a dressing table or cosmetic case.

  • The vanity in her bedroom had a large mirror and drawers. (A dressing table for grooming.)

Synonyms

• Cosmetic bag: a general term for a bag used to hold cosmetics.

  • He bought her a cosmetic bag as a gift. (A bag for makeup products.)

• Makeup bag: a more common, everyday synonym.

  • She forgot her makeup bag at home and had to borrow lipstick. (A bag specifically for makeup.)

• Toiletries bag: a broader term that includes grooming items like soap and shampoo.

  • His toiletries bag contained a razor and toothpaste. (A bag for personal care items.)

Related Idioms

• "Vanity, thy name is woman": a Shakespearean phrase from implying that women are often associated with vanity (excessive pride in appearance). This idiom is not directly about the bag but relates to the concept of vanity.
  • She laughed at the old saying "Vanity, thy name is woman" while organizing her vanity bag. (A reference to the stereotype of women's concern with appearance.)

Note on Usage

• Cultural context: "Vanity bag" is slightly more formal or old-fashioned than "makeup bag" or "cosmetic bag." It is often used in contexts of luxury, travel, or theatrical dressing rooms, and may connote a higher-quality or more elegant container.
  • The hotel provided a complimentary vanity bag with miniature toiletries. (A gift bag for guests.)