A little nosey into what I’m carrying around in my bag at this time of year!
Let’s start with the bag itself. It’s a leather satchel with leopard print ‘skin’ effect from ASOS (means it’s feels a bit like pony skin but with leopard print). I really like it but as you may have noticed the catch that does it up has completely come off. This is actually my replacement bag as the same thing happened to the original. I tried to get a replacement for this one, which broke about four days after receiving but ASOS were being funny so I just didn’t bother. Certainly wasn’t worth the £85 though. Faulty catch aside, it is a nice bag, if a little cramped – I find it difficult fitting all my stuff in as its compartments are so restrictive in space. It is pretty though.
Avon Anew Solar Advance Eye & Lip Sunscreen*
I’ve only had this product a couple of weeks but I use it every morning, especially if I’m out and about in the sunshine. It’s a product of two halves, an eye cream and a lip balm, both with SPF30. Whilst the lip balm is nice (it looks brown in the tube but actually wears more a nudey-pink), I’m still undecided about how nourishing it is. The eye cream is really the reason why this product has made it to every day use.
Tinted lip balm side
As well as protecting against the sun, it also works as an eye cream that hydrates and treats lines and wrinkles. Also, it’s very water resistant – according to the leaflet you can play in the water for several hours before needing to top up! Which means for everyday non-pool/beach use it’s perfect as it’s seriously sweat resistant. The bendy plastic packaging is a little awkward and you sometimes squeeze more product than you intended, but that’s because it’s designed to be taken to the beach and is leak/break proof which I guess is a good thing. A very affordable eye cream considering how much SPF it has!
Soap & Glory Hand Food
I’ve seen so many beauty bloggers and just people in general with the full size version of this, but strangely never tried it myself. I saw it in Boots in the pocket sized section and couldn’t resist buying, despite having more than enough hand creams at home. It’s small (perfect for carrying around), pink and the product itself is really good. Sinks in quickly, no greasy residue, and hands do feel nourished. Total convert. As I mentioned I do have plenty of other hand creams already, but I tend not to use them out and about as they just leave my hands too greasy – this doesn’t do that at all and I find myself using hand cream during the day a lot more often because of this. Which is great as I’m a bit of compulsive hand washer.
Nivea Invisible for Black & White Deodorant
I’m currently using the roll-on of this product, which I’m really impressed with at the mo so bought this mini sized one to keep for on the go. To be honest it wasn’t much of a jump from my last deodorant, which was a Nivea one also (the Pearl one), however I prefer this one now as quite frankly it’s stronger! I don’t wear a lot of black or white clothing (I love colour, me) so can’t vouch for how effective it is for that type of clothing (that’s what the black and white means in the name, see) but I really like the scent and its lasting power. This little spray deodorant is the perfect size for carrying around in case you do need a top up in the summer heat!
FULLfast Sublingual Spray*
You know me, I’ll try any fad diet so long as it doesn’t actually involve me having to say no to stuff. This product works as an appetite suppressant, so you’re just not hungry enough to eat too often (or over eat). It does work, but you have to take it very often, like five times a day, and whilst I carry it around with me I do find it a little embarrassing spraying this in my mouth on the train and stuff. I still do it though. People just look at you funny. But the main point is that it does work when taken consistently. So that’s why I carry it around all the time with me! Has a weird taste of flat coke which at first I hated but now have gotten used too.
Clinique Sun Protection SPF 40 Face Cream and SPF 35 Protection Stick*
I use the face cream on the neck, chest and shoulders (I usually have product with SPF under and in my make-up so my face is pretty much covered) before going out if those bits are all on show. I don’t really carry it out with me all the time depending on what other stuff I need to take with me (restrictive bag, remember), but I do always put it on before going outside for the day! The texture is nice and light, spreads easily and sinks in well.
The protection stick is great for just using on delicate areas of the face, it’s quite greasy so I tend to just us it on the lips as a moisturising lip balm. It works really well as a lip balm actually, and one of these sticks will probably last you a decade – although I would never advise keeping and using any product for that amount of time!
Artistry Essentials Soothing Cream*
I always have to carry a facial moisturiser out with me as I have dry skin and like to be prepared just in case I need some skin care, for whatever reason. I try not to carry my regular every day moisturiser, as I know I’ll lose it and that would really annoy me, so I get a cheapish one, or even one that I don’t really use, to carry out instead. This one by Artistry is actually really good; I should probably trial it properly as I’m really happy with my skin every time I use it. Very moisturising, a nice, light gel-cream texture that really nourishes (and soothes) dry skin. Plus, it’s a great little size! Not too bulky so perfect for the hand bag.
So there you have it, all the products that I’m currently carrying around in my broken rubbish satchel. Big fan of everything mentioned here. Other things I always carry but not photographed are pocket tissues, allergy tablets, my make-up bag(!), notebook or filofax, camera and sunglasses.
Tried any of them yourself? Drop a comment if you want any of these products reviewed more in full.
Lx
DISCLAIMER: Everything with a * means PR sample/gifted in goody bag.
