The Holy Grail of Make-Up and Skin Care

I will start by admitting I do not wear make-up a lot and usually go for the bare minimum. I recognize that I am a natural beauty and whole-heartedly embrace that. There are, however, a few make-up products that I have ordered from around the world, travelled miles to obtain, have not and will never replace.

The following products are always carried with me in my make-up bag. Also known as my 'Bag of Magic'. One night out or five nights out, it does not matter. All the make-up on my face is created by the following products:

1. Kylie Cosmetics Lip kits

Yes, I understand she's not everyone's favourite soul in the world but I swear by her lip kits and recommend them to everyone. I will never forget my first Kylie Jenner lip kit.

When she first began Kylie Cosmetics, they were not easily accessible AT ALL and sold out in record timing. I was one of the lucky ones and managed to buy Mary Jo K. A deep, beautiful matte red colour which comes with a lip liner.

My lip kit arrived and I was so impressed. I applied the lip liner around my lips and found it's more of a crayon than a pencil which is a benefit because it's thicker. I applied the lipstick to my lips and I only needed to apply it once. No more than once. The lipstick is THICK so after one application your lips are full and it dries SUPER quick. The brush is small and bendy so I was able to reach all corners of my mouth easily.

I proceeded to have dinner and expected my mouth to look like a bloody mess afterwards. Lo and behold, I was so wrong. The lipstick did fade slightly, but it didn't need another full lipstick reappliance so I use the liner to fill in the faded bits. You put your mouth in liquid? Still there. You fall asleep and forget to wash your make-up off after a heavy night out? It will STILL be on when you wake-up, I promise you.

I have had many Kylie Lip kits since then. I have the KoKo Kollection (collaboration with Khloe Kardashian), Boss, Candy K, Dolce K. All the originals and they're all gorgeous.

Kylie Cosmetics is not set-up in the United Kingdom. Lip kits are $29 (£22) although individual lipstick are cheaper. Shipping is about £12 and then you need to pay for customs but I do it every time.

A mandatory piece of in my Bag of Magic.

2. Kylie Cosmetics Eyeshadow Palettes

Over the years, Kylie expanded her make-up range and began doing eye-shadow palettes. The lip kits are a treat so I bought into the eyeshadow palettes too. Specifically, the Chill Baby palette which unfortunately isn’t sold anymore.

Once again, blown away. There is a mirror with the palette so you can see what you're doing, all you need is good lighting. The colours do not take a lot of "brush pressure" to get full colour and a good amount of powder on the brush. In fact, I admit there does tend to be a lot of excess powder but the product is still fantastic. All the colours are so different from each other and also you can mix and match them up to make yourself more eye-catching (if you pardon the pun).

The palette prices vary because some have more colours than others and some are currently in the same. Expect to pay around $40 (£30).

A second mandatory piece in my Bag of Magic.

3. Kylie Cosmetics Highlighter

Also known as Kylighters, these are the smoothest, brightest highlighters I've ever used. My favourite one is Fiji which is unfortunately no longer sold (insert sad emoji).

I have had the same Kylighter for years. I do not need to apply much powder to my face as they are so bright, one time someone actually thought I was profusely sweating so I had to tone it down.

Thankfully, Kylighters aren’t that expensive at only $20 (£15).

Third mandatory piece in my Bag of Magic.

4. Fenty Beauty Eyeliner

Kylie Cosmetics is always going to be first for me. The reason I bought into Fenty is because my little sister had bought a lot of products so I could try them, because it's very accessible in the United Kingdom and because I've heard nothing but praise for the products.

I purchased a Fenty Beauty Trio Eyeliner. Neon pink, neon yellow and White. When I tell you that these really can make your eye stand-out with no mascara and no eye-shadow.

Additionally, the liquid is like paint so it can come out quite thick but because the brush is so small it all works out.

I got this in the sale for £19 ($25) but eyeliners at Fenty usually come in individuals.

Three additional items to the Bag of Magic.

5. Clarins Lip Comfort Oil

When I do not want to wear lipstick, I'll wear a lip gloss. I was first introduced to Clarins Lip Comfort Oils at work when I was kindly given a freebie by another colleague. I had heard they were the bee's knees but had not really researched into them.

A week after the freebie, I bought a full one. Specifically, Candy colour. I have had to replace it twice since. This is another item to add to the bag of magic, but this is also something I carry around with me regardless. Can't be walking around with dry lips!

This product is an expensive gloss at £19 ($25) but they are fairly large. My one lasted about four months.

6. Micellar Water

People always comment on how my skin is very clear. I do not have many spots (only when Mother Nature calls), I do not have red patches and I have no scars.

The secret to this is Garnier Micellar Water. Some good cleansing ammo for you to apply every day to give your face a clean and wash away impurities. This product also doubles as a fantastic make-up remover.

Not many people know this but micellar water is also good for the environment as it replaces us having to use wipes, which cannot be recycled or degraded easily, to remove our make-up. The fewer cotton pads you have to use to apply the water, the better.

You can get different types of micellar waters but they aren’t that expensive and do last a long time. Expect to pay around £5 (€7).

Eighth item in the Bag of Magic.

7. Nivea Body Lotion

I have really dry skin on my face. Particularly in winter. Nivea Body Lotion does the job for the day.

Body lotion? On your face? Yes, I know it's not the best thing to do but I do also apply it on my body every day. I have been using this cream for years and it's worked so far for me. Until things start to go wrong, I'm not changing!

This is very inexpensive at £3 ($4).

The final item in the Bag of Magic.

Admittedly, the make-up products I use are not that cheap. However, I do believe that you do get what you pay for when it comes to skincare and make-up products. You may not agree, but those are my holy grail items!