A Cold Weather Survival Kit

It is that time of year again when the temperature drops, an umbrella is a handbag essential and hot water bottles are night time saviours. Whilst the transition from summer into chillier and darker days is often a favourite amongst many; leaves falling off the trees, crisp mornings and excuse to whip out the snuggliest hats, scarves and gloves, the beauty side of things suffers for all. Without fail I manage to get at least 5 cold/flu periods at this time of the year, so it's safe to say I've had my fair share of small survival kits for when I am caught off guard at university red nosed and haggard.

I have put together the ultimate beauty must-haves for such occasions; they are simple and compact, carefully selected for slight touch ups required for that coffee with a friend after a long day in class feeling under the weather.

Beginning with nails, I have popped in the Jessica Restoration Basecoat for Post-Acrylic or Damaged Nails. As an acrylic addict, I recently took a break from a lengthy obsession to give my natural nails a break in the hope of growing them long. This varnish dries exceptionally quickly which is so handy when on the go and creates a really strong barrier on top of your nail, ensuring they are protected against harsh weather and avoiding the horrible peeling or snapping we all resent. I saw a huge improvement in the growth of my nails as well as the condition. This can be purchased online from lookfantastic.com but don't be put off by the hefty price tag of £17.50 - it is definitely worth your money and lasts for a very long time.

Next up in my kit is the Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream. I do not have a holy grail hand cream because frankly, I just don't get on with them. I tend to find hand creams generally leave me with a film on my skin, occasionally feeling quite greasy and can't wait to get it off again. This moisturizing cream is the perfect all-rounder. I prefer to dab small amounts of this vitamin-enriched, light moisturiser across my knuckles and around my nails. This way, the areas feeling dry or neglected get a nice, intense treatment without coating my palms and entire hands up to my wrists in cream. What's more, in bitterly cold weather, my hands feel even colder when I slather hand cream all over them. Moaning aside, this product is incredible; I use it very sparingly around my nose when it feels a little dry and cracked from its close relationship with tissue after tissue. Rather than sitting on my skin, the formula absorbs quickly  and drastically improves the condition of my skin. A multi-functional product like this one is exactly what is needed for ease in the colder months. If I am caught short without my lip balm, this also steps up to the mark and serves me perfectly; at £13.50 from SpaceNK I will certainly be repurchasing this product for many, many years to come.

Burt's Bees is my brand of choice in terms of lip balm this year; with ingredients including beeswax, coconut oil, sweet almond and a hint of peppermint, this balm is extremely nourishing and whilst it is an oil-based formula, I find it lasts a very long time on my lips rather than sliding off after half an hour. The peppermint adds that fresh sensation to my lips which illogically gives me an indication it's getting to work. The smell is divine and a little goes a very long way in this little tin; I picked this one up from John Lewis for £3.70 last year but have only developed an adoration for it now.

Collection's Lasting Perfection concealer in Medium 3 is a staple to brighten underneath my eyes and conceal redness around my nose, its creamy texture means it does not cling to dry areas of my skin, instead, I actually feel as though it is giving me a touch more moisture to my tired eyes. This product is an essential because it instantly brightens my face and gives me the boost I need without reapplying a whole face of makeup.

Finally, to avoid looking washed out and poorly I throw in a firm favourite lipstick - Brave by MAC. It is a satin finish meaning it has a matte effect without drying my lips and the colour is such a warm pink, instantly lifting my complexion, making me feel and look as though I am not suffering immensely and wishing I was back in bed!

All of these products are miracle products in my opinion as they have a simple purpose and serve that purpose perfectly. They suit me and my routine as I am often in need of a pick-me-up on the bus into university or rushing between lectures. Aside from these essentials I always carry Anti-Bacterial hand gel to kill any germs before using my fingers to apply any of the above products to my face. Needless to say I am never without a travel pack of Kleenex tissues with balsam; they are the softest out there and take care of my little hooter, nor do I leave the house without a bottle of water and paracetamol!

Have you ever found any hand creams that do not leave a greasy residue? Which products are handbag essentials for you in the colder months?