My Current Winter Handbag Essentials

I've never really done the whole 'monthly empties' or 'handbag must-haves' before on this blog, but that's usually because nothing tends to change that frequently in my routine. I have an army of trusted products that I always have to hand which may change, say, every season. Although light face mists and boring-but-necessary deodorants sit in my handbag during summer, when the colder months come swooping in my beauty routine does get a bit of a shake-up. Although the core perfumes and balms remain, a few products get adapted to my skin's winter needs. Heavy duty lip saviours and products that keep my skin hydrated help banish the dryness which can often seep in during chillier times, so as my handbag products get their seasonal shake-up, I thought I'd share what I'm turning to on a daily basis. 

Hand Cream (Institut Karite Almond & Honey, £6)

Although this hasn't been in my handbag just for winter (in fact seeing me through all year round, hence the state of it!), I had to include it within my favourites round up. Not only does it smell heavenly but this hand cream is great for soothing chapped hands when it starts to turn a bit cold. Enriched with shea butter, a little goes a long way with this cream. What I love most about it is not only is it incredibly affordable, but the texture is to die for; it isn't so rich that it overloads but is the perfect consistency to nourish your hands, and it doesn't leave that horrible greasy texture. It's the ideal dinky size for popping in your handbag too but will definitely see you through winter. 

Fragrance (YSL Black Opium, gift set £50)

I received this beautiful fragrance from my Aunt last Christmas and the gift set came with a handy make-up bag and mini fragrance to pop in your handbag. This has become one of my all-time favourite scents, featuring a mysterious, distinctive and unique blend of black coffee, white flowers, patchouli and orange blossom. This mini fragrance is ideal for making sure you can top up your favourite perfume whenever you need to. It came with it's own little pouch to protect it and has lasted me a year so far and is still only half empty! If you notice your perfume starting to fade a little by the end of the day, this is a fantastic handbag essential to see you through to the evening. 

Lip Saviour (EOS lip balm, £6.50)

My colleague, Hannah, bought me this a while ago and it has not left my handbag since. Evolution of Smooth, or EOS for short, have created a wonderful range of different flavoured lip balms that are just so handy for these colder months. I adore my pomegranate and raspberry one; the shea butter and jojoba oil help to keep your lips smooth whilst the unique spherical shape means that it easily stands out when rummaging around in your handbag. This is honestly one of the best lip balms I've used. I thought it wouldn't stand up against my others during winter, but it's been my go-to recently! Funky, delicious and soothing...you need one!

Brow Power (Benefit Goof-Proof Brow Pencil, £18.50)

A while ago (back when I reviewed this), Benefit's Goof Proof brow pencil was available as a free sample when purchased with Elle magazine. Being a lover of all things brow and free, I stocked up on these amazing brow pencils, preempting my sadness for when my first one ran out. The mini brow pencil has actually lasted me 6 months (it is down to the last few uses now), but this smaller-sized pencil has been perfect for popping in my bag for on-the-go brows. Having trichotillomania and inevitably pulling at my brows means that I always have to be prepared to cover up any smudges to my makeup, so having this pint-sized pencil to hand has been a life-saver. 

Dry-Eye Relief (Optrex ActiMist Eye Spray, £15.99)

Recently I've really been suffering with my eyes. This isn't usually something I would keep in my handbag, but in the past couple of weeks it's been helping to ease how dry my eyes keep getting. For some reason, they have become super-sensitive all of a sudden. Constant strain from staring at screens coupled with irritation caused from my trichotillomania (I'm always picking away, plus makeup flaking into my eyes makes them even more sore!) has not been giving my poor peepers a good time at the moment. This Optrex eye spray is not the most glamourous addition but, for me, it has helped just to ease that soreness and dryness I've been getting. You can spritz on top of your lids with your eyes closed and have found that it doesn't smudge or ruin make-up at all...bonus! (I havne't tried it on false eyelashes yet but this is the next test!). 

Amongst these products come the usual hand sanitiser (to keep those winter cold and flu germs at bay), tissues (for when you inevitably come down with that winter cold and flu), my trusty compact mirror, probably a few biscuit crumbs and a bundle of old receipts...ha! 

Which products are you loving at the moment? Do you have any essentials that never leave your handbag, no matter what season?

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This post features press samples and is sponsored by EOS, however, all opinions are my own. It's hands down one of my favourite lip balms!