I type the words ‘cat’ and ‘handbag’ into the ASOS search bar way too often, so imagine my delight when this beauty popped up! Today I thought I’d give you a sneak peek into this month’s make-up handbag essentials. I used to carry around a mountain of makeup in a huge oversized tote from River Island, but recently this has been replaced with a not-so-glamorous baby changing bag and a small across-the-body number that’s easy to get on and off the bus with #mumlife.
I narrowed my collection down to a handful of products that cover every eventuality, the only thing I forgot to mention was my Eco Tools Retractable Face Brush which just about fits. First up, is the Sugared Violet Hand Cream from Patisserie De Bain (£3.99 | Superdrug). A handbag essential. This hand cream not only leaves my hands feeling beautifully soft but actually leaves them smelling like real Parma Violet sweeties.
The Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look Palette (£49 | Charlotte Tilbury) is a beautiful travel-friendly all-in-one palette that contains bronzer, highlighter, 3 eyeshadows and two blushes in 7 exclusive shades. The slim palette is large enough to be held comfortably in one hand and is packaged in CT’s signature burgundy and rose gold colours with a secure fastening, glossy finish and handy full-sized mirror. The shades contained in this palette are perfect for pale skin tones and create a very natural-looking but still very chic everyday look in minutes. You can find a full review and swatches here. I also carry a deluxe sample of CT’s Bedroom Black Kohl Eyeliner (£19 | Charlotte Tilbury) which is long lasting, richly pigmented and glides on to the lash line effortlessly.
The legendary Tarte Shape Tape is a product that hopefully, my handbag will never be without. To find out why read my full review here. I wish it was easier to get a hold of in the UK, but believe me, the hype is definitely real! It is currently available at QVC for £28 with an accompanying sponge (which is nothing really special) or on the official Tarte website, however, unless you spend over £39 and receive free UK shipping the crippling postage fees aren’t worth the hassle.
Recently, I’ve been relying on the #Insta Fix & Matte Translucent Powder (£4.99 | Superdrug) for touchups throughout the day. Rimmel has always been an expert at creating affordable pressed powders; Stay Matte has been a holy grail product of mine for over five years now. This translucent powder comes with a cute hashtag pattern pressed on top and despite its colour doesn’t leave any visible white cast when applied, which I guess is what makes it ‘selfie-ready’. It’s not chunky or chalky and instantly mattifies the skin, eradicating any unsightly shine and gives a smooth porcelain appearance to my skin.
Finally, we have two lip products: the Urban Decay Lip Love Lip Balm (£11 | Urban Decay) and the Yves Saint Laurent Volupt Tint-In-Balm in Call Me Rose (£27 | Debenhams). The UD Lip Love is an effective lip balm which does exactly what is claims. It keeps my lips soft, nourished, kissable and coconut flavoured. The YSL lip balm does the same but gives my lips a touch of colour and that plump ‘just bitten’ glow.
What are your current handbag essentials?
