Victoria Magrath Who What Wear UK editor in residence and founder of Byfro Beauty, a premium brand rooted in multi-use products designed to “enhance your everyday life.” One of the UK’s most established luxury creators, she is known for her expertise in beauty, fashion, travel and sophisticated living, with over 12 years’ experience working with leading global brands.
I can’t remember the last time I finished an entire bottle of perfume before this weekend. I’m constantly switching between scents, like some kind of bland scent. Wherever my mood takes me, my scent follows, and I never stop usually Stay true to one perfume or the other. That was until a few days ago, when I finished a bottle Guerlain’s Vanille Planifolia (£495), and cried a little on the inside over the fact that I needed to buy another bottle. Alas, even though I am careless about my fragrances and am not committed to a monogamous relationship, Is One aspect of my beauty wardrobe where I’m well and truly married: my handbag is non-negotiable.
It’s Monday morning, and you’re rushing out the door with coffee in hand and your collar turned in, and you find yourself ticking off a mental list of items you always have with you. Keys, glasses, purse-check. The door closes behind you, and you walk away. That was me, but over the years, my list has become longer and more specific, and I am now a woman who is very set in her ways. I don’t even need one of my “lists” to remind me, because my everyday essentials never leave my handbag. And if the bag is changed, everything will dissolve into the next, and then the next. So, let’s talk about what’s out there.
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Victoria McGrath’s 7 Handbag Beauty Essentials
1. Byfro Pigment Pencil
Absolutely They’ll be there, I hear you crying. And yes, as the founder of Byfro, I see your eyes welling up, but the truth is, I never leave home without at least four of these pigmented pencils, which will usually include two of the same shade. Because if I lose one of them during the day, I could be stuck, and I don’t want to test that theory.
I always pack pink sorbet to warm them up if my lips lose some of their color after eating, dark roast and milk chocolate to top off my eyeliner and fill in more fake freckles Because this goatee is creamy, non-drying and multi-tasking, they’re a handbag essential that you can use on your cheeks, eyes and lips. They never leave me.
2. Clé de Peau Beauty Concealer Stick
clay de peau beauty
concealer stick
I am one of those people who talks with her hands. I am also one of those people who likes to touch her face and chin whenever she is deep in an expressive conversation. So, my chin bears the brunt of my overzealous nature, and by afternoon my makeup is gone. In my opinion, concealer is a must over foundation or any other base, so I always have one with me.
And what could be better than the Cle de Peau Beauty Concealer Stick? A makeup artist’s best-kept secret and one of the most famous concealers on the market, this little stick gained its fame for good reason. It provides medium coverage and is easy to apply because of the handy stick format. It conceals and rejuvenates the skin without looking too heavy, and I know I can always depend on it. Even if you don’t have a brush, you can still swipe and blend easily with your fingers.
3. Laneige Cream Skin Serapeptide Mist
laneige
Cream Skin Serapeptide Mist
This face mist works like a dream with concealer, but is also a lifesaver during the day. A few hours wandering around London will dry out even the oiliest skin, so, when it’s afternoon and I’m two flat whites down, smiling more times than I can count and with my under eyes looking like crepe paper, in goes the Cream Skin Serrapeptide Mist.
It’s a light, milky formula that smells subtle and clean, and hydrates your skin when you’re out and about. It’s also a savior on air travel, and even better when you’re bare faced, but I find my skin prefers it over makeup too. The small size of 30ml makes it a handy addition to my everyday handbag.
4. Fuller missing person
floor
missing person eau de parfum
Going back to my perfume Polyamory, this is another scent I actually stick with for more than a few weeks. This fragrance mesmerized me when I first tried it in 2022, and with notes of musk and bergamot nectar it remains a true hero of the Fleur empire. It reminds me of something and someone else at the same time, awakening a feeling of closeness and warmth, a familiar embrace. It really is a great scent, so much so that I bought the body wash, body oil and body lotion so I could smell it all day. As you can imagine, the little 9.5ml bottle is always stashed at the bottom of my bag.
5. Byfro The Lip Companion
There’s no point throwing another one of my own products in here, I wouldn’t be honest if I pretended this wasn’t in my handbag every day. Or my car, jeans pocket or every drawer in my house. We’ve named it The Lip Companion because it’s so compact and more luxurious that it’s all you ever need. After testing this theory, I realized we were absolutely right. I physically can’t leave the house without it, especially without clear shade. My lips will never forgive me.
6. Armani Luminous Silk Bronzer
armani
Glowing Silk Bronzer
The reason I’ve been so attracted to this bronzer lately is because of the huge mirror inside the big compact. And while the size might present a problem for a small handbag, my need for a makeup mirror on the train or in the back of the cab, plus the fact that the bronzing powder blends so beautifully, has made it a handbag favourite.
7. Victoria Beckham Sculpt and Blend Brush
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Sculpting and Blending Brushes
All of these products, plus a Victoria Beckham Sculpt & Blend Brush, fit perfectly with a hand sanitizer inside the Dior makeup bag, which fits nicely in my new brown-suede Strathberry Kite tote. And whenever I need it, I carry the essentials with me.
