the Elle next door: WHAT'S ALWAYS IN MY MAKEUP BAG?

Starting with my hair saviour, the Tangle teezer. This isn't new, it isn't fancy shmancy but man, does it do the job. Nothing gets through my dragged through a hedge backwards/Hagrid-esque hair like this bad boy so it just has to come everywhere with me. It's also amazing for brushing through your freshly curled hair to create those stunning movie star loose waves as well as brushing half a can of dry shampoo through your hair when you're feeling lazy (i.e all day ehrr day).

I am a self confessed lazy lady when it comes to looking after my body. Unless I know that I'm going out and yeah, probs best not to leave my legs hairier than a gorilla's, then I kinda just don't shave that much [insert embarrassed/monkey covering eyes emojis here]. I like to call it insulation, but you see, laughing and joking is all well and good until you get that last minute call for an amazing event, or a night out with the girls, a surprise date (or the realisation that you haven't been to the gym in 3498439384 years and should probably go) and realise that you haven't shaved your legs and there is just no way the world needs to see that sight. Keeping a razor in my makeup bag is an absolute essential for never getting caught out and my ultimate game changer is the Gillette Venus and Olay razor. Oh sweet lord this little piece of magic is my hero. Not only does it have 5 curve hugging razor blades which means you get an extremely close shave - and therefore the silkiest, smoothest pins - but it also has built in Olay Moisture bars which release skin conditioners meaning that there's no need for shaving foam - a saviour for when you're in a rush and notice that little patch behind your knees that you've missed - and they also keep your legs so beautifully moisturised. The moisture bars combine key moisturising ingredients including petrolatum, a skin protectant which softens the skin helping to lock in moisture for less dryness, and they're also 30% larger so they last for longer. Oh, and did I mention that they smell amazing too? Yep, yep they do. I honestly just cannot say enough good things about this razor, it provides a closer than close shave whilst simultaneously nourishing your legs so beautifully at the same time. It's completely fuss free, an absolute essential all year round... it's basically the one thing that I absolutely can't not have in my makeup bag at all times to make sure that I never miss out on an occasion.

Now, you don't need shaving foam with the Venus and Olay razor, however if you have a little more time and really want to indulge in a luxurious pamper day, I cannot recommend the Gillette Venus Satin Care with a Touch of Olay Vanilla Cashmere enough because oh my god it smells like heaven in a can. Honestly, this smells so incredible and it also lingers on the skin meaning that not only do you get another boost of hydration (it really is so nourishing), but you also smell amazing for the rest of the day/night.

Once I've ensured that my hair is tamed and my legs have taken the transformation from gorilla to silky smooth, it's time for the absolute makeup essentials. My makeup bag does change up a lot but the Max Factor Miracle touch skin smoothing foundation is a staple that hasn't left my bag since I got it. Firstly, it's incredibly portable, it's amazing for on the go and the little sponge - or a sassy little thang coming up soon - makes it so easy to keep yourself looking fresh on the go even when you feel anything but. It's a beautiful solid to liquid formulation which provides a medium but buildable coverage (if I'm totally honest, I am awful at deciphering coverage but it covers my zits without making me look like a drag queen so shall we go for medium?). Max Factor claims that you don't need to use concealer or powder alongside this - I personally do because I'm a more is more kinda girl - but this makes it an incredible all rounder. You go ~~Glen Coco~~ Max Factor!

As my dark circles are darker than Voldermort's soul and I'm prone to the occasional spot - yay hormones - concealer is a must at all times for me. I've mentioned this one before but honestly, the IT cosmetics bye bye undereye is the best concealer I've used in, well, kinda ever. It has such high coverage but also rarely creases. It lasts all day long and generally makes me look 10x better than I usually do [insert praise the lord emojis here].

These little tubes of wonder were the biggest "the bloggers made me buy it" purchase. They first hit the big time - lol, such a sassy little popstar clarins instant lip perfectors - years ago when every blogger and their dachshunds were raving about them but they are the ultimate lip products and a classic that will continue to be raved about for years to come. In short, their a lipgloss/balm hybrid which add a super glossy shine to your lips, a little pigmentation and a hella lot of nourishment. I genuinely have one in all of my everyday handbags as they're just the easiest thing to use, need no mirrors and make your lips look beautiful. My favourite is 01 but they are all equally beautiful.

Last but not least, the infamous Elizabeth Arden 8hr cream. I'm going to be completely honest with you, I kinda wanted to hate this because it was so heavily raved about and basically cured dryness, spots, credit card ratings, bad boyfriends etc. - lols, can you imagine having such a wonder product - but the thing is, it really is just incredible. It's a gel type formula which is so ridiculously nourishing that it manages to sooth any dry/sore patches, burns, rashes in absolutely no time. I have a very strange and oh so annoying dry patch on my face which makeup clings to like a needy boyfriend but putting the tiniest pinch of this on every night has almost completely gotten rid of it. It's just the item that you need because dry elbows, lips, feets, knuckles happen, and this little beaut is your best friend for when they do.