What's in my make-up bag

I use Primark small make-up bags for everyday in my bag as they get dirty quickly so are cheap to replace. 

I bought this cream studded one for my holiday in April and have continued to use this since I returned. 

By now it's marked and grubby and will be replaced shortly. 

Inside the bag are my everyday essentials for on the move touch ups.

1. Pocket tissues 

2. Eye drops for itchy, tired eyes

3. Hand cream I shake hands with clients so soft hands are essential. Also as a personal shopper my hands suffer carrying wooden, plastic and metal hangers. Believe me they dirty and dry out your hands.

4. Vaseline for my lips and fly away eyebrows. I rarely wear lipgloss but always wear Vaseline. I prefer the original rather than the scented (why anybody would want a perfume like smells and taste in their mouths all day baffles me).

5. Tweezers - invest in a good pair to will do a better job than a cheap pair. Light to carry for on the go tweaks.

6. Small comb for smoothing ponytail, fixing your part and de-tangling the fringe.

7. Elastic hair ties. Your day may start with a perfect blow dry or tousled wanded mane but if you're anything like me, by afternoon that will probably be pulled back into a ponytail or piled on the top of your head in a top knot. Also useful for bad weather on the way to work. On the way home I usually pull my hair off my face and relax.

8. Kirby grips - at least one to pull fringe off your face whilst you're touching up your makeup. They come in handy so have a few at the bottom of your bag. 

At home I moisturise and prime then depending on my mood, skin and the weather I will either choose a BB cream, liquid foundation or mineral powder foundation. Bar the moisturiser, all products by No7 (available at Boots).

As I do my make-up before I leave the house I don't need to take all those with me.

9. No7 Instant Radiance Concealer to lighten the eye area and cover any blemishes.

10. No7 Mineral Perfection Loose Powder Foundation with brush for touch ups.

11. Seventeen Miracle Matte Pressed Powder to combat shine and includes a mirror for on the go touch ups.

12. Finishing touches. Black kohl eyeliner, smudgable as no brushes so use your finger. I line top and bottom to create a more defined eye. Cheap eyeliners are just as good as expensive I've found so no need to invest in my opinion.

13. Eye Bright by Benefit. Line the inner rim with this or just smudge in the inner corner for a brightening effect. 

14. Mini They're Real mascara by Benefit. I love this mascara it really lengthens the lashes. 

15. If I need a little more glam throughout the day I will use a coat of this H&M lipgloss it isn't too sticky and the colour is quite natural looking. 

If I was away for the night I would add face wipes, moisturiser and a toothbrush. 

Kitty x

Retail Therapy

I needed a little pick me up and as it is new season I had the perfect excuse for a little retail therapy!

I bought an Oasis floral dress in a gorgeous colour combination of powder blue, purple and cream. It's a sweet shape. It was on offer so I couldn't resist.

I have been on the hunt for a nice black leather jacket for years and didn't want to buy one until I found the perfect one. This Warehouse PU leatherette jacket is soft like real leather and looks like a Whistles style leather. It was on offer and I got a great deal. The middle panel detaches so you can wear the jacket a few ways. 

I plan to wear the dress and jacket together with my black ankle boots or knee high winter boots. 

I also picked up my new favourite mascara as that also was on offer today. For the same price as a single mascara, Benefit sell a double pack for the same price. You get 1x full size and 1x travel size mascara. It makes my eyelashes longer, isn't clumpy if you don't later it too much and curls them up slightly. I really like it and would recommend it. 

For under a hundred pounds (because of the offers and my personal discount) I managed to get a new daytime dress, a jacket I can wear this autumn and on winter nights out plus a mascara set. Successful shopping trip.

Kitty x

Today I wore . .

Today I wore a new denim shirt dress from M&S Limited Collection that I picked up for autumn in the summer sale. Always thinking ahead!

It is fitted on the top and shows off the waist then flares out at the skirt. It's feminine shape in a practical fabric. It came with a woven tan waist belt but today I wore it with my favourite tan Ted Baker waist belt instead. I prefer to use my own belts to put my own stamp on a new outfit. 

I wore black Topshop leggings as the weather was changeable and windy. 

I dug out my tan knee high boots which have been stored away this summer. They are completely worn in and battered but I love them like that! They need reheeling for the new season so that is on my to do list. I bought them during my Uni days from Barratt's kids range and have worn them to death. 

My Aztec print jacket is from Dorothy Perkins and is a great piece to wear this autumn. Statement jackets like this one add personality to an outfit. 

I needed my large shopper bag today to carry all my eBay sales to the post office. It is from Accessorise summer collection. I love it. 

Hair: I straightened my hair for a change and wore it down long with a centre parting. 

Make-up: No7 mineral powder foundation, concealer and Benefit They're Real mascara. 

Nails: ruby red short manicure. Essie nail varnish chips so easily, not impressed!

Kitty x

Today I'm wearing . .

My beloved Ted Baker tunic. It's one of my favourite pieces I own. It is sheer so I wear it over a black cami and leggings or skinnies. 

It's green with multi-coloured print on. It comes with a matching thin sash which I sometimes replace for a waist belt (coloured, tan or black).

I wear it a lot. It's so comfortable but looks stylish. When I wear a lot of bright colours I feel better, brighter, happier. More positive. 

I have a watch with a blue strap and gold face that goes so well with my tunic. Sometimes I wear a long pendant, other times a statement necklace or just a chunky gold one. Some days I pile on the bangles or friendship bracelets up my wrist.

This lovely tunic has served me well over the years. It's been to Ibiza and Gran Canaria with me if not more. 

Yesterday I wore it with leggings and a pair of green flip flops that I picked up on my travels up the East Coast of Australia in a little surf town called Noosa. They had every colour there I was torn between the hot pink, green and orange but I had to go with my favourite green.

My friendship bracelet in shot was a birthday gift brought home this summer from Ibiza. 

I always buy basic leggings from Topshop. 

Kitty x

What to wear for a spa break

This summer I visited a couple of spas and thought What to pack for..would be a great post topic. 

The latest package I used included all day in the spa, pool and use of the gym. A meal in the restaurant, a night in the hotel and breakfast the following day. 

Below are my tips for packing for the occasion.

Spa day:

If you are planning on making full use of the facilities, I recommend going in gym gear or lounge wear. 

To get it out of the way I'd start with your workout. Then swap your workout clothes for a bikini or swim suit ready for your spa treatments and then head down to the pool. 

If you are skipping the gym and going straight to relaxation then go in lounge wear, although robes are provided of course.

Included in the package was a Back, Neck and Shoulder massage. It was short but satisfying. I recommend enjoying your treatments before using the pool so you're not uncomfortable in a wet costume.

After your treatments why not head into the in spa cafe and have a light lunch. You could use the complimentary robe or take a sundress or kaftan with you. 

Both pool areas I visited this summer had comfortable sun loungers poolside so you could read whilst letting your lunch go down. Complimentary newspapers are provided however, for the second spa break I remembered to take a book. You may prefer to have a nap as it is a warm and relaxing environment.

 

Next I suggest a short spurt in the steam room and sauna for your skin and muscles. To cool off take a dip in the pool and if your workout wasn't enough, do a few lengths. Finish off with a jacuzzi. 

For your evening meal the dress code is usually smart with the guys expected to wear trousers. For both meals I wore a dress and heels but I think pretty flat jewelled sandals billowy high waisted trousers and a silk tee would of been fine also. Hair and makeup should be pretty but subtle.

Pack nightwear and underwear. Don't forget your toiletries and makeup. Hair dryers are provided but you might want to take straighteners or a wand. 

For breakfast and checking out the next day, depending on the weather something smart causal like skinnies and a blazer with sandals or Converse. A tshirt and statement necklace will finish off the outfit. 

This should all be packed in a leather overnight bag - invest in a good one if you travel for short breaks a lot. It will last you years. 

Kitty x