A rare few hours without any children to look after gave me the chance to crack on with my holiday packing, and prepare my holiday make up bag. Not wanting to drag my entire collection with me, but still wanting to have some options when that summer tan does not hide everything, here’s what I am bringing with me:

Laura Mercier Eyeshadow Palette: The Multitasker, Part One, also known as the best palette I have owned in a long, long time. 4 gorgeous eyeshadows (Buff, Fresco, Bamboo and Cocoa Brown) and one eyeliner (Ground Espresso)that can be combined in numerous ways to create a multitude of looks, from soft and natural to smokey and sultry. Added bonus: the brushes are included, so no hauling these either!

Jouer Blushing Beauty Palette: The Multitasker, Part Two. The ultimate all-in-one face palette, with a transluscent mattifying powder and matte bronzer duo, 2 eyeshadows (Peach and Chocolat), a highlighter and cheek tint. The three components click together into a square or a rectangle that hardly takes up any place, so this really is a no-brainer.

Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Bronzer in Daydream: The Bare Necessity aka my signature bronzer, aka the one I would do anything for to get my hands on again. A better fit than any other bronzer that I have ever tried (trust, I’ve tried many!), this may look a bit too dark and shimmery in the compact, but once applied (not too heavy handed though, soft application is the key), this one gives the best healtthy, sunkissed glow ever, both winter and summer! No way I would ever go anywhere without taking this one with me.

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque and Creamy Concealer in Warm Ivory: the Bare Necessity, Part 2. My trusty compagnons that have been with me for a few years now and will remain with me for many more years to come. Both have only about 5% product remaining, the back ups have already been obtained, and if ever there was a lifesaver award, these two would win it time after time. Short night thanks to my beloved offspring or a gin & tonic or sangria too much, there’s nothing these two can’t cover.

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara: The Instant Love Affair: After hearing Katia declare her love for this over and over again, I gave it a try during Mr Eduardo Ferreira’s visit to Bobbi Brown/Cosmeticary, and I fell in love instantly. Head over heels, hook, line and sinker, big time crushing!  There’s none other like this mascara, a gorgeous intense black formula that lenghtens, curls and intensifies your lashes. All my other mascaras have been severely neglected and I don’t see that changing any time soon. Paired with the Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner in Steel Grey, it is the best way to make my eyes pop.

NARS Multiples in South Beach and Orgasm: The Multitaskers, Part 3: Blush, highlight, soft shimmer, even an eyshadow base, is there anything the NARS mutiples can’t do? These two mini’s pack a punch, no matter what you use them for, and their multitude of uses means that they too cannot stay at home.

Bourjois Colour Boost in 05 Red Sunrise: The Lone Star. The only lip product I plan on taking with me, this ravishing red does the trick when I want to make my lips speak. An easy application, a nourishing formula with a glossy finish that isn’t too much. More holiday cool than Oscar glam but still perfect for a night out on the town or a cosy dinner.