Burt's Bees moisturiser

Now is the perfect time to declutter your make up bag and strip it back to the bare essentials.

It can often be a hindrance not knowing what to keep in your make up bag but fortunately we’re here to help! We have compiled a selection of essential make up items to keep you looking beautiful wherever you are.

Moisturiser

Using a moisturiser is an essential part of your skin care regime. It will help hydrate your skin and make it easier for you to apply foundation.

We love this Radiance day creme. Specially formulated with royal jelly and botanical oils, it helps enhance your skin’s natural radiance.

If your skin is prone to breakouts, then this is perfect for you because the wild cherry bark extract is added to help calm your skin.

£19.99, burtsbees.co.uk

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Eye balm

Using an eye balm or cream under your eyes will instantly make you look and feel more awake. Once you’ve prepped your eyes with one your concealer will glide on effortlessly.

The skin around your eyes is more delicate and creams used in this area shouldn’t be too heavy. A balm like this one is ideal for adding moisture.

It contains elderberry extract and vanilla to calm and reduce swelling. The chestnut ingredient stimulates circulation to keep your eyes looking fresh.

What we thought: It was easy to apply and felt light on our skin. Instead of being fragrance-free, a subtle scent would have made this more appealing, but overall it’s a good balm to buy because it did exactly what it was supposed to.

(£25, Estelle and Thild at urbanretreat.co.uk)

Concealer

A key item in your make up bag is a good concealer. This one has a soft brush applicator, making it a doddle to hide small imperfections and dark spots.

Made with 99.2% natural ingredients, it helps to conceal fine lines and cover redness, while masking dark circles and brightening your under-eye skin.

(£8.99, UNE at naturisimo.com)

Foundation

Mineral foundation is great for creating an even base without  the dreaded ‘caked on’ effect. This one is formulated with ultra-micronised shells from organic argan nuts and enriched with extracts of organic arctic raspberry seed oil to soothe and soften your skin.

This will enhance your skin tone and illuminate your skin,  leaving it with a light velvet finish.

What we thought: The dune shade gave a lovely, subtle warm glow. It had a pleasant smell and blended into skin with ease.

(£21.25, natorigin.co.uk)

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Blusher

Blusher is a great way to perk up your skin and add some colour your cheeks. This peach one is ideal for a subtle glow and its gentle formula includes 100% natural ingredients so it won’t clog your pores, allowing your skin to breathe.

(£19.40, Green People at lovelula.com)

Lip balm

Prep your lips with lip balm to keep them silky soft all day long. This honey one nourishes lips and, because it’s packed with beeswax, shea butter, almond oil and cocoa butter, your lips will smell divine too.

(£3.69, burtsbees.co.uk)

Lipstick

Lipstick is a vital part of your make up bag. It will instantly update your look and the right shade can make your teeth appear brighter.

This paraben free one is enriched with orchid extract to moisturise and soften your lips. It contains organic carnauba wax, organic beeswax and organic jojoba sweet oil to protect your pout.

What we thought: The rose cuivre shade was a great rich colour. It was long-lasting and didn’t come off when when we sipped our coffee.

(£15.50, natorigin.co.uk)

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Mascara

Wearing mascara will really open your eyes and add a touch of drama to your make up. This one has been in production for five years and is made with organic aloe and vitamins A, E and C to curl, lengthen and condition your lashes.

(£20.95, theorganicpharmacy.com)

Handcream

Keeping a handcream with you is ideal if you want to keep your hands in tip-top condition and protect them from harsh weather. This one is light and made with nourishing avocado oil.

What we thought: This had a gorgeous citrus scent. A little goes a long way and it’s great value for money.

(£6.99, fannyandclaude.co.uk)

Body moisturiser

A body moisturiser might not be on the top of your list, but having one in your make up bag means you can moisturise your skin on-the-go. This one will deeply replenish your skin, leaving it feeling smoother and firmer.

(£45, drhauschka.co.uk)