This post includes press samples that have been kindly gifted to me - these products are clearly marked with an '*'. 

Since March I've really gone through phases with my makeup collection. I had the 'going to try everything and slap it all on my face at once' stage, and I'm slowing starting to move into the 'let's just live out of a makeup bag shall we?' stage - who can relate? I thought I'd share with you that makeup bag, and how I get the most out of my products. I really believe that with some good staple items, you can achieve many different looks that work for many different occasions (if occasions are even still a thing?!). Everything fits into this handy wash bag from The Allera * - love the fact you can see through it, so handy when getting ready! 

I feel like with a good primer and foundation duo you can be ready for anything. My combo of choice would be a dewy primer paired with a medium coverage foundation. For daytime, I love to mix the primer and foundation together for a sheered-out glowy finish, and for the evening you can apply the primer first and then build up the foundation second. The Nars Sheer Glow is great for this as I find it can be applied in a lighter manner, or you can built it. I also love the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter - it's my go-to for mixing in with other products as I find the colour so flattering. 

I also think it's handy to have a concealer that works for both under the eyes and around the face. No surprise I've thrown in my Nars Soft Matte for this step - although it's not the creamiest at first glance, I think it works well all over the face. It blurs out my under-eyes like no other, but doesn't dry or cake up! 

Another trick I love to do is use my bronzer as eyeshadow - not the most groundbreaking thing you've heard all day, but sometimes we just need a reminder that these things to work. The Benefit Hoola Lite works great for me personally. It's light enough that it's not too overpowering as a traditional bronzer, but I also find this to be a beautiful crease shade.  Similarly, having a blush you can also sweep across you lids looks lovely if you want a more tonal look. Cheek palettes are also great products to invest in (only if you know each shade is going to work for you). I'm still crushing over the Hourglass Sheer Cheek Trio - it's a cream formula so I love this for day-to-day. It's very handy for travelling as it has everything I need, and I do use every shade - winner! 

A versatile eyeshadow palette is also something to look into. Look for a nice mix of matte and shimmer shades so you get the best of both worlds. It's also worth looking for a brown shade that my be suitable to run through your brows? As I don't reach for an eyeshadow palette everyday, I can't have a makeup bag without a cream shadow, especially one that looks great thrown across the lids and smoked out. Chanel Undertone is a lovely one - it's a beautiful taupe shade that I find creates the perfect eye look all on its own. Maybelline also have some lovely shades if you want a more affordable option. 

Lastly, lips! Now I personally think a nude is the safest bet if you are only willing to only carry around one lipstick - but no one's crazy enough to only have one lipstick in their bag...so I've included a gloss too! I think a gloss can really switch up your look lip, especially if you opt for a creamy formula that's not packed full of chunky glitter. The Fenty glosses are obviously gorgeous, the colours are super versatile -Fussy is my fave and I find it pairs well with most nude/pink lipsticks. You can also wear it on its own for a more youthful, plumped look.