After 6 months of cancelled plans, I’m ecstatic to be off on a staycation to an area of England I’ve wanted to visit for ages - the Cotswolds! I’m less ecstatic to be embarking on one of my least favourite tasks - packing. Bor-ing!
Of course, first and foremost, I need to make a list, which I split into the following sections:
Skincare
I want to take as little as I can get away with but I also don’t want my skin to suffer, so I’m sticking to products I know work really well for my skin. I’ve gone for the Clinique 3-step set in extra mild, which is the version for dry to very dry skin. You can buy 3 mini versions of the cleanser, toner and moisturiser for a total of £20 which is so handy for travelling. I’m also taking an eye gel from the Body Shop and some Anatomicals lip balm to keep my lips from drying out - this will also double as a make-up product.
I’ll also need a make-up remover so I’ve chosen the travel-size version of the midnight recovery botanical cleansing oil from Kiehl’s, which is beautifully fragranced, feels really luxurious and pampering and just does a stellar job of removing eye make-up. (Yes, you can use it on your lashes even though it’s perfumed!)
Make-Up
Speaking of make-up, I want to look polished but I also don’t want to waste my staycation spending ages getting ready. I’ve therefore chosen a small selection of products that I know I can do a quick, natural make-up look with.
I’m foregoing concealer and am just taking my BareMinerals original foundation and the beautiful finish brush from the same brand. (If you use this foundation but you don’t have this brush, you need to get it! It’s a game-changer.)
I’m not going to take any eyeshadows but am just going to whack on plenty of mascara when I want to look ‘done up’ - I’m taking the Lancome Hypnose mascara which is the only one I’ve ever used that doesn’t smudge under your eyes after about 30 seconds.
To save me taking another make-up brush, I’ve decided to take my Clinique chubby stick cream blusher in the shade ‘plumped up peony’, as I can just apply this with my fingers (as long as I’m very careful!).
Finally, I went and got my brows done at the salon recently so I can get away with just one brow product, which is Gimme Brow from Benefit. So in total, I’m only taking 4 make-up products (5 if you include the lip balm) but they are all products that I know work well for a lovely natural make-up look - and won’t take up masses of room in my bag.
Other Toiletries
These are basically the boring toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, paracetamol and soap.
I’m also taking my insanely cheap perfume from New Look which is called Dusk. It was only £5, smells gorgeous, and is the perfect size for travelling.
Finally, I’m taking towels and flannels as I’m not sure if the B&B we’re staying in will provide them.
Hair
I’m packing a travel version of my number one favourite shampoo, the ginger anti-dandruff shampoo from The Body Shop. This is so good if you suffer from a flaky scalp! I used to really suffer with it but now that I use this I never have that problem anymore. The fact that it’s nearly always sold out and is rarely included in the Body Shop’s promotions is testament to how amazing it is!
Again, I don’t want to spend all my time getting ready while I’m supposed to be out enjoying myself, but I also want to take advantage of the beautiful countryside and get plenty of outfit photos while I’m there! I’m therefore taking my trusty Babyliss hair curlers (linked similar), some Tresemme heat defence spray, hairspray and obviously a hairbrush. I’m also taking my travel hairdryer in case there’s not one in the room.
Handbag
The handbag I’m taking is my lovely Ted Baker crossbody that works for every occasion and if you want to see what the bag looks like (there's a very cute robot embellishment!) and what I’ll be putting in it, then head over to YouTube and watch my ‘What’s in my Handbag?’ video! I really hope you enjoy it!
Electricals
Obviously I’m taking my phone and charger but I’ve also decided to take my laptop with me this time, as I’d like to get a few blog posts written and a few outfit pics edited while I’ve got time on my hands. I have one of those posh laptops that’s too cool for USB ports so I’m taking my adapter with me as well.
I’m also taking a selfie stick - wait, don’t make fun of me yet! I probably will use it for couples pics, as you can’t really ask strangers to take photos for you anymore, but my selfie stick also doubles as a little tripod for my phone. I’m planning on attempting my first vlog during this staycation so hopefully this little gadget will come in useful.
Clothes
Now it’s time for the fun part - choosing my outfits!
The first thing I do is to check what the weather’s going to be like where I’m going - not that the weather forecast is particularly reliable at the moment! This weekend in the Cotswolds, the weather’s looking to be around 17 degrees and sunny, so I’m thinking layers.
Next, I have a think about what our plans are while we’re away. We don’t really have any solid plans, apart from a picnic and one other very exciting thing that you’ll have to stay tuned for! Keep an eye on my Instagram stories and, if all goes well, next week’s YouTube video.
The very exciting thing that’s happening will take place outside, potentially in the mud, so I’m definitely wearing my wellies for it. I don’t want to wear them with jeans, though, as I think it’ll get too hot, so instead I’m going to wear black tights with an old-ish jumper dress that still looks stylish but won’t matter too much if it gets mucky. I’ve also got a faux leather jacket to wear over the top, which will easily wipe clean.
I need some nice outfits to wear to dinner so have packed my beloved dark floral dress from Joules. They have brought out a green version this year which I can’t stop looking at! Green isn’t a colour I normally wear but I love my blue version so much that I’m very tempted. It’s just so good for so many different occasions. I love wearing this dress with my black over-the-knee boots so am taking those too.
I try to re-wear items as much as possible when I go away so that I don’t have to pack too much, so I’ve chosen a piece that goes really well with both my over-the-knee boots and my wellies: my black and white midi skirt from H&M. I’m taking a camisole to layer under my lightweight jumper from ASOS, a perfect piece for transitioning between seasons, a pair of jeans and some heels. I've also put in a sundress, a cardigan and a pair of slides for our picnic and I feel like that’s plenty of outfits to cover all bases for our little weekend away!
Finally I’m just taking some select pieces of jewellery with me: a pair of drop earrings and of course my engagement ring. (I'm hoping to pick up a nice necklace while I'm there.) To ensure I don’t lose or break any of these while travelling, I’ll wear them on the way down rather than packing them away.
That’s me packed! (Oh, I also took a picnic basket and blanket!) I hope you enjoyed this slightly different blog post! I’d love for you to leave a comment letting me know your thoughts, and if you liked this, head over to my Instagram and YouTube accounts for more fashion-y stuff!
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