Three handbag heroes that escaped our beauty cull

Sometimes paring back to the bare essentials is a must, and if you’re anything like me, that rings particularly true when it comes to what resides in my handbag. Seriously, there are times when you’d be forgiven for thinking I had a brick in there. I’ll go rifling around looking for something like chewing gum and out comes a shoe or something equally as ridiculous.

There are certain items, though, which are a standard, no questions asked handbag fare; you know what I mean, the bits and pieces that you can’t live without. If you’re a lipstick kinda gal there’ll probably be a Ruby Woo knocking about or if you’re a bronzer addict perhaps Hoola?

Cutting through the clutter can be a great feeling, and having recently emptied out my bag (phew!) here are the three beauty items that managed to retain their place:

• Dr Paw Paw Ointment €8.99

You could just as easily replace this with any other multi-use balm, but this happens to be my current favourite. I love that you can use it as a lip balm but also to smooth out brows, create a highlight on cheeks or hydrate any little rough patches on skin.

• Charlotte Tilbury Pressed Powder €42

I have mountains of powders in my pro kit, but this is the one that always ends up in my own personal handbag. The powder is incredibly lightweight, reduces shine without dulling the skin and - perhaps most importantly - it leaves little trace evidence on my phone whenever I use it (apparently that’s called phone-dation, who knew?) Plus, the mirror is a good size for touch ups, and y'know, it’s just so pretty.

• L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream €10.50/30ml

I don’t know where I’d be without this little life saver. Dry, chapped, tight skin is smoothed and soothed immediately. I use a lot of hand sanitiser for work which unfortunately dries out my skin, but this miracle worker always brings them back to looking human again.

Do you love these too? Do you have any other top handbag heroes?