What's in My Bag

I've had a revelation lately where I've just started writing things that I want to read. I read a lot of blogs and while I love the content and reading other styles of writing, there's been a few things I'd like to read that I couldn't really find. So I thought, why not create the content I want to read and hopefully it'd inspire others to do the same!

I love having a nosy around other people's purses - there's a lot you can tell about someone and there's a lot to learn from peering in other people's handbags. I find that while a lot of "What's in My Bag" videos are quite similar, there are always one or two items that I suddenly realize are essential for everyday use and I need in my bag. I don't like carrying big bags as they're quite heavy and easily knock things down in small, crowded stores, so I've streamlined my purse to the bare essentials. Just an FYI, my purse is from Charming Charlie.

In terms of boring, sensible bits: obviously there's my phone and wallet. This is really a card holder that I got from ASOS. I got it because, as you can tell, my purse is really quite small and my large wallet was a tad too chunky for it. Unfortunately, I didn't read too closely into this card holder and it is genuine leather (I feel awful every time I glance at the label). However, there are many animal friendly, non-leather card holders on the site and I'd encourage all of you to get one!

I usually wear contacts and by the end of the night, my eyeballs are so dry, they're ready to pop out of the sockets. Given that pleasant mental image, I carry around eye drops and my glasses so I can slip out my contacts when they're getting unbearable. I also carry hand sanitizer (you would not believe how many times this has come in handy) and hand cream (for when my hands get dry from the sanitizer). Tissues are another essential that we often overlook but is a great emergency tool. And gum is a must for me - I love garlic-y, fragrant foods that aren't so kind to my breath.

In terms of makeup and beauty, I'm fairly low key - a mirror to check my face, chapstick because I have the driest lips in the world and only two (!) lip products. The colours of the lip products change depending on the lip colour I'm wearing that day but generally Rimmel's Kate Moss in 107 and Buxom's True Nude Lip Foundation in Revealed do the trick! And of course a hair tie and a few bobby pins are thrown in for good measure (and bad hair days)!

There you have it, a pretty wordy post for something that can easily be seen in a picture. If you needed absolutely one thing in your purse (phone and wallet aside), what would it be? Comment below or tweet me @SundayWardrobe!

My Summer Base

This summer has been really experimental for me - I've taken more chances with makeup and mixing foundations and I think I've finally figured out my summer base. This is a little heavier than my everyday make up (ie, nothing) and I like how it looks and it's lasted well through the sweltering heat. Disclaimer, I have combination oily skin so the products I use are to mattify my skin. Proceed with caution if your skin is dry!

First off, I prime my face with my absolute favourite primer, Neutrogena's Shine Control Primer. I apply this bad boy on my t-zone as that's where I get the oiliest. I then go in with Benefit's Porefessional Primer on my cheeks to ensure my makeup lasts well. This combination has been a winner this summer and I'm very impressed.

Next I use Tarte's Amazonian Clay Foundation in Tan Deep - I've always had very mixed reviews on this since the formula is fantastic but the colour isn't the best. Thanks to my tan, this colour now suits me very well and so I've been really enjoying this foundation. It has good coverage and lasts hours without getting greasy - a summer winner.

I'm fairly fortunate to not need concealer under my eyes but I have been highlighting below my eyes, along the bridge of my nose and between my brows with a combination of two parts Covergirl's Ready Set Gorgeous Conceealer in Medium/Deep and one part Laura Mercier's Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in Suntan. The concealer is a bit drying - great for me as my skin gets oily as the day goes by but it's not one one for dry-skinned people. The concealer is effective while the foundation is to ensure that the concealer highlights without looking too white on me - drugstores and their lack of testers and return policy are the bane(s) of my existence.

I don't powder as most of the products I use are mattifying/drying but I find that this base doesn't wear off or slip around too much. I can get a good 6 hours before looking a bit worn which is fine for me as this is my "I'm finally getting out of the house and going to an event" base.

Have you tried any of the products? What was your opinion on them? Comment below or tweet me @SundayWardrobe with your base products!

My Favourite Blogs!

I've really, really, really been enjoying reading blogs lately. Ramadan had my hungry self needing ways to pass time quickly and so here are four blogs I've read and loved for so many months.

The Blushing Giraffe was one of the blogs that inspired me to start blogging. Iqra has fantastic posts on beauty and lifestyle and I'm always discovering something new! She writes in-depth reviews where she looks at all aspects of a product and gives her honest opinion. Definitely a blog I feel I can trust and turn to when in need of a review!

Read any post on Simplicity Relished and you can tell how great Daisy is. It's such an amazing lifestyle blog that's made me sit and reflect (more than once, more than ten times). She shares great tips on minimalism, saving money, being more happy and each post truly enriches my life. Her photos are stunning and her words are so sensible and kind - one of my absolute favourites!

I got more into Vivianna Does Makeup after watching Anna's YouTube channel. Her "virgo" qualities inspires me to be a lot more neat and organized. A daily dose of lifestyle and beauty can be found on her blog and I love the effort that's put into it. Her writing is very easy to read and shows a lot of personality in it which is always a lovely thing.

Vanessa is easily one of the funniest writers and her hilarious blog, Citron and Guavaberry, is chockful of funny and honest reviews. Her commentary and opinions are conveyed in her words and fonts and I always love reading her posts. I don't think there's a post I've read where I haven't smiled!

Check out these fantastic ladies above - you won't regret it! What are your favourite blogs - leave recommendations in the comments below or tweet me @SundayWardrobe!

Image Source: weheartit

Foxy Originals (+ Giveaway!)

I've been getting more conscious about shopping local, lately. Not only is it great for your country's economy, it's great for the environment too: less gas needed for transportation as the goods aren't moving too far!

I was contacted a couple months back by Foxy Originals and, after seeing their website, I jumped at the chance to work with them. Their pieces are simple while being stylish. Even their smaller necklaces are the perfect statement pieces as they're glamorous and add a punch without being too overwhelming. While I fell in love with a couple necklaces, I noticed they also had beautiful rings, earrings and bracelets.

Their jewellery is made in Canada (Toronto, to be specific!) which makes me love the brand even more. Quite a few of the pieces are made of pewter and plated with geniune 14 Karat Gold, silver or copper which is surprising as the prices are reasonable.

But what good is me gushing about a brand if I can't give a little something to you guys? Readers of The Sunday Wardrobe have the chance to win the gorgeous necklace from above - it's made from fine pewter and plated in 14 K gold. It's also reversible, one side being black and gold with the other being blue, green and white. It's almost like having two necklaces!

Some things to note:
1. This giveaway is open internationally!
2. The giveaway will close on Thursday, July 31st at Midnight (Eastern Time Zone, UTC: -5:00)
3. The winner will be chosen at random and I will notify them via Twitter
4. Once the winner has been announced, they will have 24 hours to respond, after which a new winner will be selected.
5. The prize is the gorgeous reversible necklace as seen above and you have to enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck readers!

*Anyone who has previously entered a giveaway from The Sunday Wardrobe and liked/followed the above links only to unlike them after the giveaway has ended, will be banned from this and future giveaways.