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Inside Carmen’s handbag

BEWARE! May contain adult content…

Jokes… But seriously, I wouldn’t be a fully functioning adult without these 11 items.

They help me feel like I’ve got my life together (usually not the case) no matter what crops-up (hello post-work client dinner that I entered in my calendar for today’s date, but in 2018 – STANDARD).

I pack my handbag like it’s my 24/7 survival kit.

Sometimes I’m like a walking, talking pharmacy but I’ve omitted my Zyrtec, BAND-AIDS and bobby pins from this edit for the sake of aesthetics.

I’ve always loved reading about what other women keep stashed-away in their handbags because the contents are the result of a rigorous process of elimination. Limited space means limited items, so this is usually a great place to discover magic multi-tasking beauty products.

My edit continues to change as I discover new things, but at the moment if you tipped my shiny new Proenza Schouler bag upside down, this is what you’d find (amongst a pile of crumpled receipts).

Words: @carmengracehamilton

Up next: 9 timeless pieces every woman needs.

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THE BAG

Meet my new baby Proenza. We're joined at the hip - literally.

PROENZA SCHOULER
Hava leather shoulder bag
THE BAG

THE FOUNDATION

My favourite foundation ever. I keep it on me incase I have a meeting or an event in the evening. It's the only foundation I've ever used that doesn't go cakey if you build it up later in the day!

ESTÉE Lauder
Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Makeup
THE FOUNDATION

THE LUMINIZER

When I'm looking tired, I put this on my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose and across my cupid's bow to brighten-up my complexion.

RMS BEAUTY
Living Luminizer
THE LUMINIZER

THE HEADPHONES

For Podcasts and SOS sessions on Headspace app when I need some zen.

FRENDS
Ella B rose gold-tone headphones
THE HEADPHONES

THE PURSE

Streamlining my life is an ongoing personal challenge - but this little number slips easily into my handbag while keeping my cards and cash organised.

COMME DES GARÇONS
'COLOUR PLAIN' PURSE
THE PURSE

THE SCENT

My signature scent. I'm never not wearing it.

LE LABO
'Santal 33' Eau de Parfum
THE SCENT

THE DAY LIPSTICK

I apply this generously and then rub my lips together to push the colour just beyond my lip line. It makes my lips look soft and twice the size!

ESTÉE Lauder
Pure Colour Envy Hi-Lustre Lipstick in 'Nude Reveal'
THE DAY LIPSTICK

THE CAMERA

The street never sleeps LOL. I bought this camera last year to take to New York as a compact substitute for my heavy DSLR. It's the best!

FUJIFILM
X100T camera
THE CAMERA

THE EARRINGS

These hoops instantly make any outfit look elegant.

Tiffany T
Wire Hoop Earrings Large
THE EARRINGS

THE EYE DROPS

I'm blind so I wear contacts 95% of the time. Towards the end of the day my eyes can go a bit red, so I always keep these on hand.

INNOXA
Blue eye drops
THE EYE DROPS

THE NIGHT LIPSTICK

Instant drama. You never know when you'll need to ramp it up last minute.

Hourglass
Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick - Raven
THE NIGHT LIPSTICK
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