It feels strangely intimate posting the contents of my washbag. But I do love looking at these kind of posts myself so I thought I'd give it a go. As you can see it's a pretty pared down collection of products that travelled up to Edinburgh and Skye with me this Christmas (apart from the three lipbalms, but I don't like to skimp on those). Generally, though, I love simplifying my travel requirements as much as possible – this time I dispensed with normally vital items; Elnet hairspray and Bodyshop face powder paper booklets. Also as we were checking bags in (seems to be a necessary evil when travelling with a little one) I had the luxury of packing big containers of facewash and cleansing lotion and not decant them. If you'd like to know more about my beauty routines then check out this pretty in-depth interview I did with xojane.co.uk – the fashion & beauty editor Phoebe Frangoul popped round to investigate my beauty regime and products just before Christmas: Beauty Snoop: Rummaging Around Julia's Dressing Table.
1. I always use a facewash in the shower. This has been a brilliant discovery, organic, super cheap (only £5.99) and leaves skin feeling clean and fresh. Plus it's a two-in-one cleanser and toner. I couldn't ask for more. Laidbare DIY! Two In One Cleanser & Toner
2. A really light foundation. I apply it straight on top of my moisturiser mainly around my eyes. Not cheap, but as I use it sparingly lasts ages. Dr Hauschka Translucent Make-Up
3. YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touche – the stalwart in every girl's make-up bag. For an extra smooth look I dot around my eyes and nose on top of moisturiser and smooth in. I use No. 1.
4. I'm still looking for a really great mascara. Black, I always use black. This one is good, applies well and doesn't clump, but it does rub off on my skin at the mere hint of damp leaving trashy can't-be- bothered-to-take-off-my-make up eyes. Dr Hauschka Volume Mascara.
5. I like to have a lip balm always to hand. This one lives on my bedside table for middle of the night emergencies. Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lip Balm.
6. During the winter, I use a face oil under my night cream and I love the smell of rose. Neal's Yard Organic Rose Facial Oil.
7. Dr Bronner's Naked Organic Lip Balm. This one lives in my coat pocket for on the road application.
8. As I don't wash my hair that often (see the xojane Beauty Snoop interview for more details on that) dry shampoo is a godsend. I like Batiste the best and it sure does mix up well with Elnet hairspray giving that perfect mix of scruffy but styled. Batiste Mini Dry Shampoo
9. Before bed I cleanse with something mild and cotton wool – I love the way the fragrance lingers on your skin. Neal's Yard Starflower Cleansing Milk
10. I've been using this anti-ageing cream as a night cream. Laidbare Guess My Age Anti-Ageing Cream
11. I'm a big fan of eyelash curling and these are the best ones I've ever used. Shu Uemura eyelash curlers.
12. Never skimp on decent tweezers. Nabbed these from Mummy Stylonylon this Christmas and they are brilliant. Laura Mercier Tweezers
13. A little calming travel essence. Neal's Yard Remedies To Roll – Travel
14. God, I love this shea night cream. It just smells and feels so good. A'kin Rosehip & Shea Intensive Face Cream
15. This one lives in my washbag for after teeth brushing. The Bakewell Soap Company Natural Lip Balm
