5 Products, 5 Minutes, 1 Clutch

January 1 | 3 minute read

Two images of the same model. In one, the model is holding a small red handbag and in the other, she is smiling.

Words by Cjay Aksoyoglu

Originally published on | November 29

As our handbags seem to get smaller (CC: the recent resurgence of the micro bag and the '90s baguette), we can only fit so much in.

So, we're all the more selective about the beauty products that make the cut, especially when we're hopping from event to event during party season – the ones that do the most, while taking up the least amount of space!

We went to the ultimate makeup connoisseur, MECCA's Makeup Education Manager Hannah Daniels, to tell us the five perfectly petite products she packs in her clutch (and that are worth sacrificing the space for your phone, sunnies and just-in-case claw clip)...

The no-brush-required blush (that doubles as eyeshadow)

"I adore the MECCA MAX blush sticks and the shade 'Pinch' is a great multi-use all-rounder that can be used on cheeks, lips and lids. Blush is the first thing to fade off the face, so having a blush in stick form makes it easy to carry and even easier to reapply – no brush needed, just your fingers!).

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For when you don't want to be touching up every five seconds

"When I want a makeup look that’s high impact and low effort, I always reach for a bold classic red lipstick – and this one ticks all the boxes. It’s super opaque and extremely long-wearing, so I know I won’t need to touch-up too often when I’m out and about."

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The spray when you need your makeup to stay, not slide off

"If you don't use one already, you need a setting spray to keep your makeup in place, especially in the warmer months when it tends to slide off more quickly. This one's packed with hydrating ingredients and feels super refreshing so you can throw the mini size into your handbag to keep spritzing as you hop between events this festive season."

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The lip duo to take you from day to night

"This is a set I reach for when I’m not sure which lip to go for and I'm jumping between different events. The pencil is a great texture to achieve a crisp line without any drag, and the lipstick is super comfortable with a gorgeous sheen. When I want a 'my lips but better' option that will work with any outfit or for any event, this is what I pack."

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For when you didn't have time for hair wash day

"This does not leave my bag! It's a hybrid dry shampoo and texturising powder with an in-built brush for all hair types that just provides that little zhuzh to refresh your hair when it's looking a little flat or oily. This has got me out of a pickle more times than I can count and I know I'll be relying on its oil-absorbing powers throughout the entire holiday season – and beyond."