Non-make-up handbag make-up essentials

The make-up bag that I carry on the daily has no real make-up in it. But I still consider the items my essentials for seeming put-together. They're basically the things for being caught out - having to go to an event without advance notice, appearance disasters, hygiene, weather. 

My Tatcha rice paper sheets are probably the closest thing to make-up. The idea is to have something that would serve to "powder my nose" if I'm wearing a full face and don't want to have to add layer upon layer of powder over the course of a long day. Or to merely blot out oiliness or shininess if I'm going without make-up but my skin's misbehaving. I've bought cheaper blotting paper in the past but never really saw any results - there's a reason these are considered the best.

Winter was not kind to my hands this year and I'm still recovering so I pop my travel size Laura Mercier Hand Créme in Ambre Vanillé in my bag for moments of quiet. Commutes are a great time to moisturise your hands as you can sit there and let it soak in. This also smells amazing and perks me up after a long day.

Also for hands is my Hand Maid Cleansing Gel from Soap and Glory. I don't really believe in hand sanitiser as I try to keep my immune system strong but there's nothing worse than being in a situation where you can't wash your hands and feel the need to. I try to use it sparingly. Especially as I find the scent a wee bit over-powering.

I wear SPF on a daily basis and this little moisturiser from Sanctuary Spa is cheap, handy to pop in a bag as it's travel size and is super-lightweight - so while the SPF is low, you can top it up and add lots of layers without feeling sticky and gross.

I like to keep my travel size Avéne in my bag to set make-up and also to refresh myself over the course of longer days. It's seriously good stuff.

My trusty Eve Lom Kiss Mix always comes along. It is, without a doubt, my favourite lip balm. I swear by it and now realise it's well worth the extra spend.

Additionally, I keep some chewing gum and a sample of whatever perfume I'm currently wearing to ensure I never get stinky - something I worry about a lot. You can never be too careful.

So, what are your non-make-up essentials?

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Favourites du Moment.

Here's the things I've been into of late!

Flipped.

This movie is achingly sweet. It makes me sad for modern dating and wish that times were simpler. Also, it's got a killer soundtrack.

This is the End.

I was thoroughly entertained throughout. Sure, it has it's issues but who/what doesn't? Let he who is without sin cast the first stone etc. etc. etc. Plus, James Franco. Hello.

Oh, You Pretty Things!

 A webseries via The Platform on youtube which I enjoyed. The ending left me wanting more and that's always good. Yes, it's a bit of a soap opera but, hey, sometimes I want mindless shows with pretty people in it. Is that a crime? Bonus: some great original songs.

Tumblr.

I'm late to the party, I know, but I've only just really gotten into Tumblr. Bye, Life. Facebook has taken a major backseat. PS My tumblr is rad - follow meeee!

Nutella.

We've rekindled our love affair. It's a beautiful thing.

Cherries.

Finally I found some in Dublin. Why was it so difficult?

This tee.

Chloé Eau de Parfum.

Douse me in it, plz.

Sharon van Etten.

Sure, she breaks my heart but who needs a whole one when the alternative sounds like this? So gorgeous.

Dev Hynes.

An actual genius. The Palo Alto soundtrack is perf.

Frengers by Mew.

One of my all-time favourite bands and albums. If you like this too, we will surely be pals. Or soulmates. Their gig in Dublin in 2009 is still the best I've ever been to.

Cleo by Hilary O'Kelly. 

 I was already obsessed with Cleo but this book has made it worse. Informative and fascinating and so easy to read! I usually lose the will to read for pleasure when researching which tells you how good this is.

That's all for now! What have you guys been loving?

What's in my makeup bag?

So, until rather recently, I didn't carry a makeup bag around with me. I don't really tend to do touch-ups during the day as I always feel weird doing my makeup if it's either in front of others or in a public restroom or both. I just don't really want to spend more time than necessary in most bathrooms. I also have been dying to pee in a queue for the loos enough times to find it morally objectionable to add to the traffic in a bathroom. (What do women do in restrooms? Why are the lines always so long?)

*end mini rant*

But, as anyone who carries bags on the reg knows, it's always a pain to swap things to a new bag. It's also annoying to be unable to find anything you need in your bag. I normally only need my lip balm, perfume, blotting paper, compact mirror and sun cream during the day and decided to put them into a pouch to make them easier to find. Then I added in my other major essentials so I'm good to go if I end up crashing somewhere, some disaster befalls the makeup on my face and I feel the need to redo it all instead of just washing it off for some reason and to simply keep the stuff I use most together.

These essentials include my Dream Pure BB and Baby Lips in Peach Kiss from Maybelline,  17's Superlash mascara and eyeliner, Primark's Volume Boost mascara, Benefit's The Porefessional primer, TONYMOLY's Bunny Gloss Bar in Cherry, Topshop's Gloss Lipgloss in Long Time No See, Clinique's Eyeliner in Brown Sugar, a sample of Chloe (because it's easier than carrying the bottle), Dr Bronner Organic Lip Balm in Peppermint, L'Occitane's Cherry Blossom solid perfume, Catrice's Blotting paper, my compact which is from the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork with an image from Harry Clarke's Eve of St Agnes and my Nivea Sun Kids Pocket Size sunscreen SPF 50. The bag is from Lulu Guinness and I use it as a makeup bag and clutch intermittently. I do think it's too gorgeous to be forever given the supporting role of makeup bag, non?

What's key in your makeup bag? Anyone interested in me doing a post on my daily makeup routine, comment below!

(Everything I've talked about has been linked where possible and something similar in some cases)

Ultimate Spring Smells.

I've been marching all over Dublin, sampling smells in order to pick the best ones for this season. Here's the fruit(y fragrance) of my labour. The following are my four top picks for Spring 2014. Usually I stick to my favourite perfumes all year 'round but I've stumbled across some lovely ones lately and it made me rethink that whole approach. And when fate intervenes, who are we mere mortals to question it?

1. Laura Mercier Ambre Vanillé.

This scent is pretty warm and may be more of a winter smell to some but the sweet floral and fruity undertones add freshness. It's both comfort and sweetness in a scent. My current fave - no doubt. €60

Sidenote: Sarah thinks this smells like whiskey and Shinny reckons it smells like talc...bizarre.

2. Chloé Signature.

A classic. Instantly rewarding, very pretty and ever-chic. Love. From €31.

3. L'Occitane Néroli and Orchidée.

Not something I'd normally be drawn to but the lovely girl in the Wicklow Street store really sold it to me. Super-intriguing. €57.

4. Roses de Chloé.

This is a perfume that settles well. Once you give it some time, it's lovely. And, as it needs time, you are less like to douse yourself in it as you might be with the original Chloé - a true danger. From €35.

So, thar you are. Perhaps this was not the most informative about the scents but it's my feelings and opinions on the matter. Do you change up your smells each season? Any you're digging right now?

Luv from Luvocracy xoxo

So, I've mentioned Luvocracy briefly before - it's a unique online shopping platform that lets you organise your lust haves and share the things you're feeling (kinda like Pinterest or Polyvore) as well as shop online. And best of all, they find you the best prices online!

My latest Luvocracy Collection, "Spring Essentials", has been getting a lot of love. No surprises there, I've got great taste. But above is just a sample of what you'll find on there. 

I got a sample of Roses de Chloe a while back and it's the perfect flowery, delicate scent for Spring - definitely my fragrance pick for the season! The collection will make my obsession with Topshop nail polishes apparent and I've chosen my favourite colours as well as an iPhone case inspired by the bottle. SO CUTE. TanOrganic's Oil Arganic is THE BOMB. I recommend for keeping your skin and hair perfect for sun and sea. I'm still obsessed with Tony Moly's Bunny Balm Bars and want every flavour. EVER. The collection is home to my other beauty and skincare picks as well as the clothes I'm digging. Comfy pastels that are easy to style are so the way forward!

Luvocracy and I have teamed up to offer you the opportunity to win $15 Credit to shop their site (which can be paired with the $10 credit to use on purchases of $20 or more that you'll be given when you sign up)!

Here's what you'll need to do:

1. Sign up for Luvocracy but make sure to do so through the link to my collection: http://www.luvocracy.com/Wide-eyedandblind/collections/spring-essentials  (This is the essential part - you must make an account through this link in order to be entered into the draw!)

2. Sure, go ahead and find my account at http://www.luvocracy.com/Wide-eyedandblind/collections while you're at it and Trust me!

3. Follow me here on blogger and like the facebook page if you haven't already!

4. Share the competition if you feel so inclined!

Good luck xxx

*Giveaway ends Mon, March 24. Winners will be chosen at random by Luvocracy and notified via email on Tuesday, April 1 Giveaway rules. Non-US residents are now eligible (I made sure for you guys) but you must be 18 and a new Luvocracy member.*

Super-brights

I'm not someone who's crazy on colour but when the library is kicking your ass you just feel like shoving all of the below at the rainy, moody sky and screaming "SUCK IT! Spring/Summer is on its way."

Super-brights by fitzpac featuring slip on shoes

Knits.

There has to be some upside to it getting so damn cold. And here it is: knits. This year, in particular, is a good one for wrapping up. From statement jumpers, to body-hugging dresses, to oversized jumpers with pencil skirts (I LOVE), to patterns, to fuzzy - there's something for everyone. 

Or everything for me? Yes, please.

The best of the best (aka what I dream of):

All photos from Vogue.co.uk/Go Runway.