What’s In My Bag: Hand Luggage Edition

The second travel related post is here. It’s time to show you what’s in my bag when I travel. The bag I’m currently using is the Zara City Bag, if I recall the name correctly. It’s slightly different from the original one though.Let’s see what hides inside.

Left to right: passport, wallet to keep travel info and boarding pass: Glitter, glasses: Dolce & Gabbana, bus card, wallet: Mulberry Tree Zip Around Purse, lipstick: YSL Volupté Sheer Candy, iPhone, ear plugs: Moldex, ear pods: Apple, moisturizer: Weleda Skin Food, lip balm: Smith’s Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm, hair ties, lapis lazuli stone, book: The Kill Order by James Dashner, laptop case: Marc by Marc Jacobs

My MacBook is safely tucked away in this incredible laptop case by Marc by Marc Jacobs. The color of this is what made me realize that coral has replaced blue as my favorite color. I could look at this for hours, and sometimes, I do. When in the air I find that it’s the perfect time to read whatever book I’m currently obsessed with, but to do that I need ear plugs to keep all the noise out. These Moldex ones are the best I’ve tried thus far. Without my glasses, I’d never be able to tell which gate I’m supposed to be at, so they are a must. I’m bringing my lapis lazuli stone to keep in my pocket to hopefully calm my nerves whilst flying alone for the first time. I bought it about a week ago and I’m eager to see if this alternative stuff actually works. My mom is a huge believer in alternative therapy, healing and all that.

What are you essentials when you’re flying? 

My Current Skincare Routine

Up until recently, my skincare routine consisted of makeup wipes to remove what little makeup I had on and then possibly moisturizer if I felt it was necessary. Absolutely horrendous, I know! It was only about two years ago that I actually started using proper skin care products. Now, I’ve found products that work for me and am really happy with my current skincare routine. Surely it could be better, I still have a lot of experimenting to do but some of these products I’m about to show you are definitely here to stay.

A little information before we start, I have mainly dry skin with a mildly shiny T-zone, I have never had acne but have an issue with redness on my cheeks, my skin is pretty sensitive but not to an extreme.

1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo – This promises to “reduce the appearance of imperfections and unclog pores”. I bought this with the intention of only using it when I had a blemish or two but I now use this religiously every single night on any areas I feel necessary. It works wonders for me! Now, it’s true I don’t get many blemishes (knock on wood!), but when I do, this takes care of it in no time!
   How I use it: I squeeze a small amount on to my finger and apply it to any areas where I tend to get blemishes or clogged pores, which is mostly on my nose, forehead and chin. I also apply a little onto my cheeks. I use it every night.

2. Alpha-H Liquid Gold – Supposed to “revitalise and assist in firming the skin”. I probably don’t use this nearly as often as I should but when I do, it works okay. I wouldn’t say it makes a tremendous difference in my skin but I have noticed that my skin looks more glowing and feels really smooth. Seeing as I’m young and don’t really have any wrinkles, sun damage or premature aging I wasn’t expecting my skin to be completely renewed after using this but I do like it as a chemical peel every now and then.
   How I use it: Using a cotton pad, I apply it to my face, neck and décolletage once a week, if that. I tend to forget I own this so I don’t use it as much.

3. Michael Todd True Organics Blue Green Algae Antibacterial Toner – I love this stuff. Whatever traces may be left of makeup and general dirt on my face that my cleanser didn’t remove, which happens less frequently now that I use a proper cleanser, this takes care of it. It doesn’t dry out my skin and it also helps prevent acne or in my case, the odd blemish.
   How I use it: I apply it using a cotton pad all over my face, neck and décolletage every morning and evening.

4. Weleda Skin Food – This is a very new addition to my skincare routine. It is a super moisturizing creme that is meant for dry and rough skin. It leaves my skin pretty oily so I don’t use this if I’m going somewhere. I mostly use it overnight if I feel my skin needs a moisture boost. It can be used anywhere on your body, I like using it on my face, hands and feet or any areas that might be feeling particularly dry.
   

1. Estée Lauder Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Creme – This is my nightly moisturizer. I bought it in hopes of it giving my skin the hydration it so sorely needs in the winter, but I’m not sure if I like it. It’s an okay moisturizer but I don’t think I will be repurchasing this when it runs out.
   How I use it: I apply it with my fingers, from the center of my face and in a straight line outwards. By applying it like this, it prevents overstimulating the skin (I read somewhere that it helps but don’t know if it actually has any truth to it). I use it every night.

2. Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm – I’m sure everybody has heard of this by now as it’s loved by many. After reading blog post after blog post that raved about this I decided I needed to try it. And, well, I don’t see myself ever replacing this. I love it so much. It smells divine, it melts perfectly  in between your fingers and turns into a milky consistency, it gets off all the makeup and dirt that has accumulated throughout the day and, my favorite part, it leaves your skin feeling moisturized and silky smooth. Something I once saw as a chore is now something I really enjoy and find relaxing. It’s simply the best (well, that I’ve tried anyway).
   How I use it: I take a good amount of the waxy balm, and mix it with a few drops of hot water in the palm of my hand. I then apply it all over my face, massage it in for a 2-3 minutes, eyes included, and finally remove it using a face cloth soaked in hot water.

One product that I failed to include in the pictures is the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, which is the moisturizer I use in the morning because it’s a great base for makeup. Many makeup artists call this their secret weapon.

I’m still perfecting my skincare routine but I am pretty pleased with most of the products I’m curently using. I am, however, in need of an eye cream. Any recommendations?