Everything You'll Need In My Handbag

I made a decision some months ago, that I was sick of not having makeup in my bag all the time. In deciding to put together a makeup that would stay in my bag all of the time, I discovered something quite phenomenal. Evolutionary, if you will.

I am demon for changing handbags. I don't carry a rucksack or a backpack so I change my bag according to how many books I will have to bring into college on that chosen day. Sad, I know but anytime  I go into town to actually buy a rucksack I get sidetracked by something prettier, girlier and with a great deal less practicality. Now back to my discovery...

It's a mini bag. A bag inside a bag. A bag with everything you need that can be pulled out at a moment's notice and thrown into another bag without rummaging for tissues, tampons or other things in your handbag begin with a T (to carry on the aliteration of course). It really is the best idea that I have ever come up with, having made my life immeasurably easier. So here are the contents of my bag and how they have so greatly improved my life.

Elizabeth Arden's 8-hour Cream

This stuff is one of those products that once you buy it you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. A bit of flaky skin? Apply it. Chapped lips? Dab it. Dry hands? Rub it. A small graze? Smear it. A hole in your shoe? Stroke it. I was just kidding about the last one but the stuff really is very good. You can pick it up in Brown Thomas and pretty much any good pharmacy. The 8 Hour range includes a number of moisturizers, lip balms and treatments. The orange balmy Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant really is the best one available, as it is a saviour for elbow, hands, lips and even for keeping your eyebrows in place!

Benefit’s Tan About Town

You know how annoying it is when you’re out and about and you wish you had thought to throw some makeup into your bag? Well fear not. Benefit has the remedy for your forgetfulness and the name of this remedy? Tan About Town. This phenomenal little trio of Benefit classics is a godsend. I picked mine up in Brown Thomas before Christmas for a measly little sum of money and it is quite spectacular. Included in the cute little box that it comes in is Some Kind of Gorgeous Foundation (investing in a good little travel-sized concealor brush will make this a handy little 1.8g sample into an on-the-go lifesaver), Badgal Lash black mascara (the great thing about this is that no expense was spared on the brush) and finally Hoola Bronzer (another travel size powder brush is also necessary for this little beauty). These products are small enough to fit into a handbag but big enough to be useful. Not really meant for every day use but perfect for having in your handbag for minor emergencies.

Stuff That Smells Nice

Remember those little free sample perfume sprayers that you always thought were completely useless? Well I have Stella McCartney's Lily and Dior Addict in my bag and they have proven to be dead handy. I don't actually wear Lily or Addict but Chanel don't issue sample vials so I have to make do. Also those tiny handbag size Nivea deodorants are invaluable.

Other Essentials Include...

A bunch of hair ties and bobby pins, a couple of tampons (it's handy to keep them on-call for friends too), a pack of Kleenex, a mini packet of 10 wet wipes, compact mirror, one of those high-vis armbands that I have never actually used but like keeping in my bag just in case, an iPhone cable, chewing gum and finally plasters because if you know me, you'll know how necessary they are. 

And finally the magic bag that holds it all...

Studded clutch from River Island. It used to have a little wristlet thing on it too but that unfortunately came off the night I stupidly decided to use it as a going out bag. This bag doesn't seem to be available in black anymore but is is in cream, which I personally think wouldn't be a great choice as since the bag would be for day to day use it will probably get a little grubby. All in all this little baby has become my ultimate go-to for on-the-go emergencies. You're welcome ladies!

Cheers for reading,

Jane