What's in my Overnight Beauty Bag?

My boyfriend and I recently went away for the evening, nowhere far, just out for a nice meal then stayed over in a hotel.  He's in the Army and is currently on leave, and since we don't get very much time together, we thought it'd be nice just to have a little alone time, with just us and no interruptions.

The bag itself came with a No7 Christmas gift set a  good few years ago now, but it is one of my favourite toiletries bags, and trust me, I have a few! I love the colour, and the pattern inside, and also the two sections inside are clear so you can see exactly where everything is.

As I had to work the day we were due to go, a hair wash when we arrived was essential! I used my mini Organix shampoo and conditioner, which I'm a big fan of.  I like how they're a bit bigger than the usual travel size shampoos you get, so they last much longer. The spray bottle you can see contains some of my Amargan protect and shine spray, and I finished off my hair with my Lee Stafford Argan Oil serum. For shower gel I opted for The Body Shop's Satsuma body wash.  This stuff smells amazing! The scent really lingers in the bathroom afterwards too.  I also took the accompanying body butter in Jolly Orange

For skincare, I took my trusty L'Oreal Micellar Water. I didn't bother decanting this into anything smaller as although the bottle is quite large, it's a pretty compact shape. It also tones which is one less thing to take. The miniature Benefit face wash is pretty much empty, and the moisturiser now contains my usual No7 day cream. I was a bit naughty and didn't take any night cream. I had nothing to decant my usual one into, so decided that for one night, I'd just use the day cream again.

I based the makeup on my five minute face look I blogged about not too long ago, but added a few bits to make it more of an evening look.  The Benefit primer is a relatively new purchase, and I'm still making my mind up as to what I think of it. I changed the foundation to my Chanel Vita Lumiere Aqua, as it's more of a compact size for travelling.  I usually prefer a bit more coverage for an evening, but with the primer it was fine.  I kept cheeks and lips the same, but took a few extra bits to define my eyes, including my Benefit Brow-Zings palette.  For eye shadow I used my Soap and Glory palette in 'What's Nude' which is a really handy size for travelling, and lined my eyes with a Maybelline felt tip liner.  I also took my mini They're Real mascara by Benefit.  Lastly the nail varnish you see is from Accessorize and is called Amethyst.  This was already on my toes and just took it to go over any chips as I was wearing sandals, which is a bit lazy but we've all done it I'm sure...!

It does seem a lot to take for just the one night, but I really don't know how I could condense it further.  This little lot could probably last for a longer trip too, but like everyone else, the longer the trip, the more makeup I pack!

Five Minute Face

Ever had some last minute plans and had literally five minutes to put your 'face' on before you leave the house? Or you've left getting ready til the last minute? Or simply just can't be bothered to sit and do your makeup properly? These all happen to me on a regular basis so I thought I'd share with you what I used to make getting ready quick, easy and fuss free.

I start by applying Urban Decay's Naked Skin Foundation with my Real Techniques buffing brush.  The liquid formula of this foundation makes it really easy to blend, unlike some thicker foundations which can take a bit more work I've found.  I then dab Collection's Lasting Perfection concealer under my eyes and over any blemishes and blend with a Crown brush.

I have very thin, sparse eyebrows and even when in rush, I have to do something with them! For a quick fix I use Soap and Glory's Archery brow duo, which is a pencil on one and a felt tip on the other.  It doesn't do as good a job as my trusty Benefit Brow-Zings palette, but when I'm in a rush this does the job just fine.  No time for eyeshadow, I just blend a little of Urban Decay's Primer Potion in Eden over my lids.  This does a fab job of evening out my dark eyelids and makes me look more awake.  I then add plenty of mascara to add definition to my eyes.  

I add warmth to my face using Bourjois bronzing primer, and then highlight using Girl Meets Pearl by Benefit. My blush of choice lately has been Frat Boy by The Balm.  This is a matte blush but the glow from Girl Meets Pearl shines through for a lovely finish. I'll then either set with powder, or the Urban Decay setting spray pictured above.  All that's left is a lipstick; I'm a nude lippy kind of girl and my go to one at the moment is No7 Sheer Temptation in Delight.  I'm a big fan of these lip colours and this one is a lovely nude pink which works well with the simpleness of this look.  Lippy on and I'm good to go!

This is pretty much my go-to look most days, and I can do it in near enough five minutes.  If I have a bit more time I'll maybe add eyeshadows or eyeliner but when time is limited this little lot makes me look human enough! What are your favourite products to use when in a rush?