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What’s Really in my Handbag

I’m a little (okay a lot) late on the What’s in my Handbag post trend. Partly because I’m nosey by nature, which is why I’ve been disappointed by the majority of this type of post; which I find to typically be carefully constructed What I Want People to Think is in my Handbag’s instead. In a bid to keep things real, I wanted to share what’s actually in my handbag. Now, anyone else as nosey as me has a real-life version to peruse, which in my opinion is much more interesting. If nothing else, it will hopefully make you feel a little better about yourself if those posts made you question whether you’re gross for having hairs and crumbs and old stray sweets that definitely aren’t safe to eat in the bottom of your own; FYI, you totally are, but so am I.

Handbag Contents I’d Share

The above image has clearly been constructed so that you think my life is more organised than it is. I haven’t just tipped out the contents, allowing them to miraculously (not) fall face up and aesthetically scattered. I’d be happy to show the world only about half of what’s in my bag and would simply pretend that what remains doesn’t exist. I’d also maybe add a few things to make myself appear more put-together or interesting. The following is likely to make the edit:

Beauty

Sharing some of the beauty products I carry with me almost makes it look like I have my life together. Hand-cream, a Lush Charity lotion Pot (which I’d pretend I actually use) and a tangle-teezer. I also have a gorgeous looking and very handy Twist & Spritz perfume atomiser. This looks so perfect because I was only sent it in the last week or so and haven’t had the chance to scratch or get it grubby yet.

Essentials

Okay, so tissues and hand-sanitiser aren’t exactly glamorous. But I’m not ashamed to have good personal hygiene and be prepared for any unexpected tears (or more likely, spills). My boyfriend’s sunglasses and earphones are a rather strange addition, but one I’m not exactly embarrassed to share.

Mulberry Purse

Jamie surprised me with my Mulberry for my 21st birthday only shortly after we’d become a couple, so it’s of my most sentimental items. I have to admit that it’s also one of my prettiest. I’d wanted this for a long while and still love it over two years later (despite having to pay to mend the gold Mulberry logo, as it snapped). This is one of the things I’d stick at the forefront of any images.

The Things I’d Leave Out

This is how the contents of my bag looks when they’re actually tipped out and left unedited and unarranged (not so pretty, eh?). Its also much more difficult to identify anything though, so I guess that’s justification for the laid out shots.

Makeup Bag

I really did have to fight the urge to feature a different makeup bag in these images. I have many aesthetically pleasing ones but they’re exactly that because they aren’t bashed around in my bag on a daily basis. My BOSS one (free with a perfume gift set) is old and grubby, but it does the job. It contains random lipsticks, a concealer, eyeliner, mascara, tiny scissors and mini eyelash glue. Without fail it also contains a lip balm and ibuprofen (just in case). In a picture-perfect post, I’d have been likely to give you a glimpse.

‘I Don’t Know Why They’re In There’

Amongst what I’d politely describe as the miscellaneous section of my handbag, I found a stray tampon, an empty change banking bag, a second packet of tissues, a straw, a hand wipe from a food place, a teaspoon, hay fever tablets and a battered kit kat and butter mint. It’s like a bizarre everyday version of that ‘I packed my bag’ car game. I mean hayfever tablets are handy but completely out of season. I probably packed the teaspoon in anticipation of eating a yoghurt at work; which must have been a few weeks ago at least, seeing as I can’t remember doing so.

Pretty images and aesthetically pleasing content is enjoyable both to create and to consume. I fully support the right to a creative license, but I’m also passionate about maintaining a high level of integrity and honesty. Achieving the fine line between both really is a skill that’s worth honing. Whilst much of my content features images that show the best light, I think it’s fun to be blunt sometimes too. I’d love to know whether you enjoyed this type of post or whether you’re a fan of the picture-perfect?

* This post contains gifted items which I have been sent to review and give my honest opinion about. Please read my full disclaimer for more information.