No handbag is complete without these save-the-day essentials to take you from day to night, help you survive the party season, and let you accept those spontaneous after work invitations.
Look no further than our selection of on-the-go hair and make-up fresheners, and sore dancing-feet saviours. After all, a handbag is a girl’s best friend.
Anti-Aging Caviar Dry Shampoo
This talc-free formula absorbs oil at the roots, re-energising your hair and leaving it clean, touchable and volumised. Perfect for the busy party season, as it can save you time by make your blow-dry last an extra day.
Party To-Go Palette
Bobbi Brown
This mini palette from Bobbi Brown contains three eye shadows and two lip colours in sultry evening-appropriate shades, along with a mini high shimmer lip gloss. Great to have in your handbag in case of last minute invitations out – or why not give it as a stocking filler?
Party Feet Invisible Gel Cushions
These discreet shoe inserts are designed to prevent high-heel induced pain in the balls of your feet, and keep you in comfort even through a full night of dancing.
Everlasting Glass Nail File
Unlike traditional emery boards, glass nail files are very gentle on the nail, preventing splitting and peeling. You can also wash the surface after every few uses, leaving it as good as new. Keep one in your make-up bag for nail emergencies – they are suitable for real or artificial nails, and are a favourite of manicurists.
Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm
Enriched with Damask Rose essential oil extract, Dior’s signature lip balm is moisturising and soothing, with an anti–ageing complex, vitamins A and E and nourishing shea butter. Lips are left beautifully plump and soft with a delicate hint of pink, and the lovely packaging makes it our favourite handbag lip balm.
Love Knots Compact Mirror
Vera Wang for Wedgewood at John Lewis
This elegant silver plated compact mirror from Vera Wang’s Love Knots collection for Wedgwood features the range’s signature ribbon-tie detailing across the front of the flip lid. It comes in an envelope case which could double up as an adorable coin purse. Check your face in style on the go – this would also make a great present for a girlfriend.
Fragrance Atomiser
What sets this handbag scent atomiser apart from others, is how incredibly easy it is to use – the suction opening at the bottom allows you to remove the spray lid from your favourite fragrance, simply press the atomiser down on the nozzle and pump a few times, and it is full in seconds. It comes in a sleek silver brushed metal case, and is glass free making it handbag safe.
Pureness Oil Control Blotting Papers
Shiseido at Sephora
Ideal for on the go touch ups, these high quality blotting papers from Shisedo instantly absorb excess oil from the skin, eliminating shine and refreshing make-up – a great alternative to having to powder your skin, as adding more product on top of shiny skin can look a bit cakey. Keep these in your handbag to freshen up for after-work drinks.
Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray
Oribe at Space NK
A new handbag essential for us, this anti-humidity finishing spray shields hair from the frizz caused by winter drizzle, protecting your blow-dry. It also holds curls well and prevents them from loosening too much throughout the evening.
Lash Adhesive
The most effective false eyelash glue we have tried, Shu Uemura’s lash adhesive holds lashes in perfectly in place until you want to remove them. It is also suitable for contact lense wearers and those with sensitive eyes.
