I recently began a new job, and in addition to the big positive picture of having work that challenges and satisfies me, it feels great to have a fresh new desk where I can get organized.

I’ve also been setting my usual small stash of beauty products in a drawer, for mid-day maintenance and small emergencies. Here are five of my essentials…

Hand cream, of course! The commercial hand-soap in office bathrooms is harsh and drying, and I’m constantly shoving my hands into file drawers and library shelves, so I need to compensate with multiple applications of lotion throughout the day. Aveda Hand Relief is effective, non-greasy, lightly scented with citrus, and neatly packaged in a tube. ($8 for a travel-size tube at Aveda)

Speaking of hands, I can’t believe how often I snag or break a nail. Keeping an emery board in my purse or desk gives me a chance to control the damage. I really love these cheeky little emery board packets from Anne Taintor. ($4.99 at the Anne Taintor website)

Maybe your hair stays lovely all day. Or maybe it tends to droop, or frizz, or feel static-dry by mid-afternoon. If you can identify with the latter situations, you’ll appreciate having a small spray bottle of Ouidad Botanical Boost tucked away in a drawer. ($16 and up at Ouidad; a travel-size is available as part of a $25 4-product “starter kit”)

Sometimes a quickie late-day tooth-brushing can be really refreshing, and if I’m headed anywhere after work, it feels vital. Freebies from my last dental check-up are fine, but why not choose something fancy and old-world once in a while? Marvis toothpastes have beautiful packaging and sophisticated flavors. ($6 at C. O. Bigelow)

For more inner health and beauty,  a little bit of aromatherapy never hurts. I like essential oils of lavender (relaxing and cleansing) or peppermint (makes me feel more alert!), or Pratima Anti-Stress Aroma Oil, an comforting yet uplifting blend of citrus, spice, and sweet notes. ($18 at Pratima)

Do you have any favorite desk-drawer essentials? If so, feel free to share in the comments!

Disclaimer: I have purchased all these products.