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Many of us are guilty of carrying around far more make-up in our handbags than we actually need or will ever use. It’s so easy to buy just one more mascara or foundation because you’ve read somewhere that this is the latest and greatest. I do it myself, but have decided that it’s time to clear out and declutter. What do I really need in my day-to-day make-up bag and how can I best to organise myself?
Line up your make-up and go through what you love to use and what you don’t. Get a wet wipe and give each of your beauty products a proper wipe over. Use up what you have before you buy more and if you have make-up that’s still in good order, but not your colour, zip-lock bag it up and give it to a friend.
1. Sample sizes
We all love a “freebie” and those taster samples will come in handy if you pop them in a small clear zip bag if you’re heading off for a brief trip. The toothpaste, makeup remover, face cream and tiny perfumes work a treat. Use these for the one or two nights away; don’t leave them gathering dust in one of your many bathroom cabinet baskets or makeup drawers.
2. Liquid products
How many of you still have your favourite eyeshadow from your wedding day five years ago or that trusty old lip gloss you keep in the car that just keeps on giving? Now’s the time to chuck them out. Make-up has a shelf life and once liquid products such as foundations or nail varnishes are open, then they should be around only for approximately the next six to eight months and with mascara, lipsticks and powders, no more than a year.
3. Handbag make-up essentials
Makeup wipes: A small packet of make-up wipes is really useful in your make-up bag. Ideal to remove any smudges that may occur during the day or for a quick freshen up to help remove oil and product build-up. These are also very cooling on the back of your neck if you’re having a hot flush. I like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Aqua cleansing wipes, €2.65.
Concealer:
This is a good addition to a make-up bag because it has many uses and comes in small packaging, with an easy to apply wand. Dark circles? Then dab on some concealer under your eyes to make you look fresh. An annoying red spot? Use the concealer to tone down the affected area. Broken veins on your cheeks or around your nose? Apply concealer with your finger and you will have a flawless finish. Estée Lauder Stay In Place Flawless Wear Concealer €30 is fabulous. I always go a shade paler than my own natural skin tone- I use the colour “light”.
A lip balm/oil and a lipstick:
There is nothing worse than the feeling of having dry, chapped lips, so a soothing balm/oil works in minutes to soften out the dryness. I adore Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Lip Oil €35. You’ll have velvety lips in minutes. I’m a bold lipstick kinda gal and a lick of The Queen by Charlotte Tilbury €32 always makes me feel and look brighter.
Bronzer:
You can’t beat a bit of bronzer to give you a quick lift and a bit of a natural glow. MAC’s Mineralize SkinFinish Highlighter in Cheeky Bronze €36 gives a subtle warmth to your face.
Miscellaneous:
To finish off your handbag make-up bag, add a few hair ties, a tampon/pad, nail file, a few small plasters and cotton buds and a little tube of hand cream and you’re good to go. If you have eye or lip liners in your make-up bag, always have a lid on them and have a pencil sharpener to keep them sharpened.
Finally, why not treat yourself to a clean, clear-plastic, zip handbag make-up bag so you can see exactly what you have and it’s easy to keep tidy. Penneys, Dunnes and Superdrug each have a great selection and all for under a tenner!
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