I love a lot of things in this world, but beauty products, gadgets and handbags are right up there. I'm definitely one of those girls that changes their handbag nearly every day (picking one to match my outfit and filling it with the little gems that get me through,) rather than having one statement piece that sees me from one month to the next. I'd much rather have a fancy handbag than a new outfit - although that's not to say I pass on the opportunity to pick up a new outfit! In the spirit of all things bag related, I'm starting a new series on LBQ which focuses on not only great accessories - but the little bits and bobs I'm loving so much I take them with me wherever I go. Here's the first edition of Handbag Essentials and what I'm obsessed with right now...
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INVISIBOBBLE HAIR TIES (£3.75 for 3)
These don't need any real explanation, but they are handy to have at the bottom of your bag for when it gets too hot/windy/rainy. With no snagging, pulling or leaving dents in hair, they're fab for on-the-go up-dos without making you feel like you're a schoolgirl again.
THE BAG: ASOS CLEAR QUILTED CROSS BODY (£12.50 - WAS £25.00)
I adore cross-body bags and this one was a bit of an impulse bargain. Can you believe it's only £12.50 in the ASOS sale right now? The transparent outer hides a more solid compartment within, which is big enough to fit all of these bits and bobs without a problem. If clutches are more your thing, you can remove the gold chain and turn it into a boxy evening number. Bonus.
What's currently in your handbag? What little gems do you have to keep close at all times?
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BARRY M COCONUT LIP OIL (£4.99)
What is is about summer and the scent of coconuts? Maybe it's because it momentarily transports me to a tropical beach, but I just can't get enough of anything coconutty right now - and that includes this gorgeous lightweight lip oil from Barry M. It glides over lips to leave a comfortable nourishing finish and high shine, while adding a touch of tropical to even the most understated of looks. Although there's nothing spectacular about it, I can't help but take it out with me pretty much every day; plus at under a fiver it's a total bargain too.
VIKTOR &ROLF PRECIOUS OIL (£50.00)
I've written up a whole feature on this already (see here,) but it's too good not to include in this post too. The beautiful scent is encapsulated in a non-greasy oil that's easy to dab onto pulse points throughout the day, helping to keep your scent fresh and to boost the notes in any spray you may have applied previously. Although it's expensive, it's a little handbag luxury that everyone would enjoy.
LOTTIE LONDON EMERY BOARDS (£5.00 for 3)
No matter how much I prep my nails, I always catch one on something and spend the rest of the day fiddling with the rugged edge. Emery boards are a must for me (when I remember) and these tropical designs from Lottie London are just the ticket right now. Hardworking, fun and effective, they're great for keeping in your bag in case of nail emergencies.
ELIZABETH ARDEN MINI HAND CREAM (£10.00)
My hands are in such a state right now, mainly due to the fact I drink so much more in the summer and spend half my time in the loo; bathroom visits mean washing hands, which in turn means dryness and irritation that needs to be tackled with something hard working. You can't go wrong with a classic, and Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturising Hand Treatment is just that. The non-greasy formula sinks into skin effortlessly, helping to soothe away dryness and provide a moment of pure bliss.
REVLON CUTICLE OIL (£7.99)
As a perfect accompaniment, a great cuticle oil helps to nourish around the nail bed and encourage healthy growth, as well as treating the cuticle itself to a little hydration boos. This one from Revlon is simply dreamy. It smells like marzipan and is infused with Vitamin E to help nourish skin, leaving my cuticles instantly more pleasing on the eye.
TRENDZ COMPACT MIRROR CHARGER (£14.99)
Being connected almost 24/7 is great in theory, but in practice it means batteries can die and leave you without communication when you need it most. I've been carrying around little chargers for years, but they're getting smaller and smaller as technology progresses - and compact mirrors are set to be all the rage in the next 12 months. Super slim, portable and practical too, these cute spotty number holds enough charge to almost fill my battery when I'm out and about.
COACH CARD CASE (£45.00)
Although I'm a fan of a big purse to keep my seventy different loyalty cards together, when I opt for a slightly smaller bag it makes much more sense to only take what I need in a little card case like this. Sleek enough to fit into the smallest of clutches, it's also big enough to hold your bank cards and driving license with a little money too. I've bought a few of these on trips to New York before (where Coach is way more affordable than it is in the UK,) but this little number was a pleasantly received gift to accompany the newest Coach scent. (More info on that here if you're interested!)
QUAY AUSTRALIA SUNGLASSES (£25.00)
Definitely one of the hottest brands of the moment, Quay Australia have some incredibly chic and unusual designs that don't command a designer price tag. I discovered them at Clothes Show Live a couple of years ago and picked these up for less than a tenner, but there's a whole new season of styles to choose from now online. They're well made, comfortable and super stylish - what more can a girl ask for?
What is is about summer and the scent of coconuts? Maybe it's because it momentarily transports me to a tropical beach, but I just can't get enough of anything coconutty right now - and that includes this gorgeous lightweight lip oil from Barry M. It glides over lips to leave a comfortable nourishing finish and high shine, while adding a touch of tropical to even the most understated of looks. Although there's nothing spectacular about it, I can't help but take it out with me pretty much every day; plus at under a fiver it's a total bargain too.
VIKTOR &ROLF PRECIOUS OIL (£50.00)
I've written up a whole feature on this already (see here,) but it's too good not to include in this post too. The beautiful scent is encapsulated in a non-greasy oil that's easy to dab onto pulse points throughout the day, helping to keep your scent fresh and to boost the notes in any spray you may have applied previously. Although it's expensive, it's a little handbag luxury that everyone would enjoy.
LOTTIE LONDON EMERY BOARDS (£5.00 for 3)
No matter how much I prep my nails, I always catch one on something and spend the rest of the day fiddling with the rugged edge. Emery boards are a must for me (when I remember) and these tropical designs from Lottie London are just the ticket right now. Hardworking, fun and effective, they're great for keeping in your bag in case of nail emergencies.
ELIZABETH ARDEN MINI HAND CREAM (£10.00)
My hands are in such a state right now, mainly due to the fact I drink so much more in the summer and spend half my time in the loo; bathroom visits mean washing hands, which in turn means dryness and irritation that needs to be tackled with something hard working. You can't go wrong with a classic, and Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturising Hand Treatment is just that. The non-greasy formula sinks into skin effortlessly, helping to soothe away dryness and provide a moment of pure bliss.
REVLON CUTICLE OIL (£7.99)
As a perfect accompaniment, a great cuticle oil helps to nourish around the nail bed and encourage healthy growth, as well as treating the cuticle itself to a little hydration boos. This one from Revlon is simply dreamy. It smells like marzipan and is infused with Vitamin E to help nourish skin, leaving my cuticles instantly more pleasing on the eye.
TRENDZ COMPACT MIRROR CHARGER (£14.99)
Being connected almost 24/7 is great in theory, but in practice it means batteries can die and leave you without communication when you need it most. I've been carrying around little chargers for years, but they're getting smaller and smaller as technology progresses - and compact mirrors are set to be all the rage in the next 12 months. Super slim, portable and practical too, these cute spotty number holds enough charge to almost fill my battery when I'm out and about.
COACH CARD CASE (£45.00)
Although I'm a fan of a big purse to keep my seventy different loyalty cards together, when I opt for a slightly smaller bag it makes much more sense to only take what I need in a little card case like this. Sleek enough to fit into the smallest of clutches, it's also big enough to hold your bank cards and driving license with a little money too. I've bought a few of these on trips to New York before (where Coach is way more affordable than it is in the UK,) but this little number was a pleasantly received gift to accompany the newest Coach scent. (More info on that here if you're interested!)
QUAY AUSTRALIA SUNGLASSES (£25.00)
Definitely one of the hottest brands of the moment, Quay Australia have some incredibly chic and unusual designs that don't command a designer price tag. I discovered them at Clothes Show Live a couple of years ago and picked these up for less than a tenner, but there's a whole new season of styles to choose from now online. They're well made, comfortable and super stylish - what more can a girl ask for?
INVISIBOBBLE HAIR TIES (£3.75 for 3)
These don't need any real explanation, but they are handy to have at the bottom of your bag for when it gets too hot/windy/rainy. With no snagging, pulling or leaving dents in hair, they're fab for on-the-go up-dos without making you feel like you're a schoolgirl again.
THE BAG: ASOS CLEAR QUILTED CROSS BODY (£12.50 - WAS £25.00)
I adore cross-body bags and this one was a bit of an impulse bargain. Can you believe it's only £12.50 in the ASOS sale right now? The transparent outer hides a more solid compartment within, which is big enough to fit all of these bits and bobs without a problem. If clutches are more your thing, you can remove the gold chain and turn it into a boxy evening number. Bonus.
What's currently in your handbag? What little gems do you have to keep close at all times?
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.