Cold air brings dry air, and that spells trouble for lips.
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then a well-stocked, sturdy handbag comes in at a close second.
Whether it’s a carefully curated collection or a chaotic black hole of basics, each item tells the story of the woman who carries it.
As we welcome the winter season, lean into the ‘frazzled English teacher aesthetic’ with a practical yet stylish look—bulking up your bag with all your must-have staples.
From bright brollies to lush lippies, this autumn, we’ve got you covered.
Join us here at DESIblitz as we dive into the 15 ‘it girl’ handbag essentials to keep you organised and chic this breezy season—one must-have at a time!
Sun Care
Frosty weather can be deceiving, but the winter sun still shines strong, and those UV rays haven’t taken a holiday!
Keep your skin supple and protected with SPF30+, even when it’s chilly.
Add a pair of stylish sunnies for extra protection—a simple combo to keep you glowing and shielded all year round.
For a shine-free finish with no white cast, try La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Ultra-light Invisible Fluid Sun Cream.
Alternatively, Altruist sunscreen is an affordable option that’s perfect for dry or eczema-prone skin.
Investing in good sun care ensures your skin stays healthy and radiant throughout the colder months.
Lip Products
Cold air brings dry air, and that spells trouble for lips.
Keep them luscious with a moisture-and-gloss combo or opt for a creamy, oil-based lipstick to add a splash of colour during this dreary season.
The Vaseline Lip Therapy range is a reliable and affordable option; swipe on Rosy Lips for a frosty, bashful glow.
TikTok’s favourite, Aquaphor, is another cult classic now available in the UK, perfect for soothing chapped lips.
For extra protection, look for lip balms with SPF—a two-in-one solution for a perfect pout.
With a good lip product, you’ll ensure your smile stays hydrated and vibrant all winter.
Hand Cream
Winter’s cold air can wreak havoc on your hands, leaving them rough and dry.
Combat this with a ceramide-rich hand cream, which locks in moisture and keeps germs out.
L’Occitane’s Shea Butter hand cream is a top pick for soft, hydrated hands all day.
Burt’s Bees is another favourite, offering non-greasy, hypoallergenic formulas for all-day moisture.
A reliable hand cream can keep your skin supple and nourished, ensuring your hands stay protected throughout the season.
Show your hands some TLC to avoid the damaging effects of winter.
Facial Hydrating Mists
Winter dryness can be tough on the skin, but facial mists enriched with Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid work wonders.
Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist and Clinique’s Moisture Surge Spray are excellent for instant hydration.
Skin Gym’s Super Juicy Spray Mist adds a collagen-rich boost to keep your skin plump and dewy.
A hydrating mist is an essential addition to your skincare routine, offering quick relief for dry or tight skin.
Compact and convenient, these mists are perfect for refreshing your face throughout the day.
Maintain a radiant, healthy complexion even in the harshest weather.
Perfume and Deodorant
Embrace cosy, comforting scents like caramel, cinnamon, and spiced apple.
Spritz a little of your favourite perfume in your hair for a subtle, all-day fragrance.
Lush’s ‘Let the Good Times Roll’ offers a buttery caramel scent, while Korres Black Sugar blends creamy praline, cinnamon, and woody notes.
Billie Eilish’s Eilish perfume is another affordable favourite, featuring rich vanilla and cocoa notes.
A signature scent is an essential part of any ‘it girl’ handbag, adding an extra layer of charm to your winter vibe.
Indulge in fragrances that make you feel warm and fabulous all season.
Blotting Pads
Combat shiny noses with blotting pads. They’re a quick fix for absorbing excess oil without disrupting your makeup.
Boots Skin Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets and Brushworks Charcoal Blotting Papers are affordable, cruelty-free options that keep your skin fresh and clear throughout the day.
Blotting pads are small enough to slip into any handbag, making them the perfect on-the-go solution for oily skin.
They’re ideal for maintaining a flawless complexion, even during hectic winter schedules.
Never let excess shine dull your glow—blotting pads have got you covered.
Gloves and Hand Warmers
For the modern digi-lover, frozen fingers simply won’t do.
This season, opt for a pair of fingerless gloves—stylish and touch-screen-friendly—to stay cosy and connected, no matter how chilly it gets.
For extra warmth, grab a pack of Hot Hands from your local Boots. At just a pound, they provide express heat right when you need it most.
Fancy giving back to your local community? Check out charity shops for cosy woollens—many are brand new, and every penny supports a great cause.
Gloves and hand warmers are essential to tackle the frost while maintaining comfort and style.
Hand Sanitiser
With pesky bugs making their annual rounds, a compact hand sanitiser and tissues are your ultimate defence kit.
Carex hand sanitisers are affordable and offer moisturising formulas in a variety of scents, keeping your hands soft and germ-free on the go.
For an eco-friendly option, try HAAN’s refillable hand sanitiser—sleek, stylish, and effective.
Hand sanitisers are a simple yet vital accessory, particularly during winter’s indoor gatherings and family visits.
Keeping sanitiser on hand helps you maintain hygiene without compromising on convenience or portability. Prioritise health and hygiene with a practical sanitiser this season.
Scrunchies and Bobby Pins
A stash of scrunchies, bobby pins, and an emergency hairbrush is a must this season.
Wind and scarves have a habit of creating hair chaos, but the Wetbrush Original Detangler is a game-changer for thick hair, helping you maintain smooth, tangle-free locks.
Scrunchies are back—bigger, bolder, and brighter—so lean into the clean-girl aesthetic and top off your bun with a touch of girlish charm.
Decorative hair accessories add flair to your outfit, making them both functional and fashionable.
Keep your hair tidy and trendy with these winter essentials.
Bad Breath Defenders
Dry winter air can lead to dry mouths, so keep gum or mints handy for fresh breath.
Altoids mints are a classic choice, offering strong, long-lasting freshness.
For a nostalgic touch, humbugs are a great alternative to modern chewing gum.
Fresh breath is essential for maintaining confidence during social interactions, especially at winter gatherings.
Stock up on your favourite breath-freshening options to stay prepared. With a few simple items, you can ensure every chat is a fresh one.
Nifty Nibbles
Stay energised with high-protein snacks like hard-boiled eggs, trail mix, or meat sticks.
Oranges, tangerines, and clementines are also great options, offering natural packaging and a vitamin boost.
A cheeky chocolate bar can provide a quick energy lift during busy days.
Healthy snacks are essential for avoiding energy dips, particularly during the colder months when cravings hit harder.
Keep a variety of nibbles in your bag to stay fuelled and focused. With the right treats, you’ll breeze through even the busiest winter days.
Well-Being Pack
Every modern woman needs a well-being pack.
Stock a pouch with ibuprofen, paracetamol, and sanitary pads to tackle unexpected headaches and cramps.
Repurpose a Hot Hands heat pack as a makeshift hot water bottle for on-the-go relief.
A well-being pack is your secret weapon against winter’s unpredictable challenges.
These essentials ensure you stay comfortable and prepared, no matter the situation. With a little planning, you can handle anything the season throws at you.
Energy Tablets
Combat winter lethargy with energy tablets like Dextrose Energy or Lift Chewables for a quick pick-me-up.
For a more holistic approach, try Floradix, packed with vitamins B2, B6, B12, and C to fight fatigue and keep you energised.
Energy tablets are a lifesaver for tackling early mornings or sluggish afternoons.
Affordable and effective, they provide an instant boost without the need for caffeine.
Stay active and alert all season with these handy supplements.
Brolly
Drizzly days are inevitable, so a compact, bag-friendly umbrella is a must.
The Totes ECO-BRELLA offers great wind protection, while the Smiley Umbrella adds a splash of joy to rainy days.
Investing in a durable umbrella ensures you’re prepared for unpredictable British weather.
A reliable brolly is more than just practical; it’s a style statement.
With vibrant designs and innovative features, umbrellas have become an essential winter accessory. Don’t let the rain dampen your spirit—stay dry and chic with a trusty brolly.
A Notebook
In an age of screens, a trusty notebook is essential. Moleskine notebooks are timeless, while TK Maxx offers affordable, high-quality options.
Reclaim your thoughts and embrace the art of pen and paper!
Writing things down helps you organise your ideas and declutter your mind.
Whether it’s a to-do list, a quick sketch, or a creative thought, a notebook is your canvas.
This winter, rediscover the joy of writing by hand and stay productive in style.
As we navigate cooler days, embrace the timeless charm of the ‘it girl’ handbag.
Transition from summer’s mini bags to something substantial enough to carry all your essentials.
From cosy gloves to chic perfumes, these staples ensure you’re prepped for anything this season brings.
So stock up, stay fabulous, and let your handbag tell the story of your winter adventures.
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