My handbag is as mysterious and magical as Mary Poppins’. I can pluck anything out of it, whether a hairbrush, keys, hand sanitiser, or an umbrella (joking!). My bag is a neverending pit. When it comes to what I like to carry in my bag, it differs between seasons. For example, in the Summer, I always like to carry some SPF cream so I can top it up during the day. During Winter, it’s time to re-prioritise what I need to carry around with me.
Obviously, I don’t need to carry everything but the kitchen sink with me, but there are things I like to have to hand in my bag during the colder months as well as things like my card holder, Creon (CF medication) holder and my keys.
These are my handbag essentials for the colder months:
1) Lip balm
Winter brings snow, visible breath when outside, hot chocolate, cosy jumpers and dryness. A hell of a lot of dryness. My lips go terribly dry and cracked during the Winter. I always like to have my lip balm to hand in the Winter to top up on the go. My go-to lip balm.
2) Tissues
As someone whose sinuses are a potential drippy nightmare during the Winter, tissues are a must-have in my handbag. The cold weather can make my nose turn into a leaking tap. Also, tissues are useful for those whose eyes water when it’s cold. The smudged mascara look is not a cool (no pun intended) look to style in the Winter.
3) Hand cream
I am someone who carries around hand sanitiser and uses it a lot when out and about. However, when it’s cold, the last thing you want is dry hands. Having that small bottle of hand cream to hand is a great way to stop dryness from taking over when outside.
4) Hand Sanitiser
I know I’ve already mentioned about carrying hand sanitiser. But let’s face it, if you don’t to catch every cold or virus lurking around, hand sanitiser is a definite must-have for anyone’s handbag, not just mine. Having Cystic Fibrosis means that I have to be well aware of people and notice the signs they may be under the weather. So you can only imagine how much hand sanitiser I use during the colder months.
5) Gloves
I prefer to just stick my hands in my pockets rather than wear gloves. However, if your coat or jacket doesn’t have pockets (heaven forbid) then gloves are the answer. Gloves can elevate any Winter look, even though it’s nearly impossible to scroll through your phone while wearing them.
6) A foldaway umbrella
If you’re a UK citizen, you will know how unbelievably unpredictable the British weather is. Even in Winter, it could be a dry, crisp, sunny day and then BAM! You’re drenched by an unexpected shower.
7) Hairbrush
I always have a mini hairbrush in my bag all year round, but when it’s windy, you need to detangle your hair at a moment’s notice. Make sure you have a Tangle-Teezer-esque hairbrush to hand in your handbag.
There are other things you may consider essential for your handbag for Winter as well as these essentials I’ve listed. Makeup items like lipstick, finishing powder or concealer may be in your bag too. Also, a portable charger for your phone is something you may keep in your bag (like I do).
