As I reported last week on the blog, I recently had the pleasure of an overnight trip thanks to Hilton. Packing to go away for one night is something that I seem to be doing more and more these days, now I live far from most of my family and my school and university friends have spread out all over the country. Trips to see besties, birthday surprises and girly nights out are cropping up all over the place, so I’ve learnt to pack light. These are my essentials for an evening away.

Firstly, you’re gonna need a suitable bag. When packing for a short trip I’ve always favoured large handbags as opposed to any kinda holdall or suitcase contraption. They’re light to carry, have plenty of room in and look good with your outfit too – ideal if you’re on the go all day and there’s no time to drop your luggage off. My trusty favourite is a Marc B grey leather handbag I bought back in 2008. It has all the room I could possibly want, funky leopard print lining and it’s sturdy as anything – strong handles are a must!

When it comes to an overnight wardrobe, I usually wear one casual outfit, pack another for the day after and take a simple but more dressy option if I know a night out or party is on the cards. For my night at the Hilton I managed to pack all Primark options: a dress and cardigan to wear to dinner, plus a long, baggy top and printed trousers for the next day. I tend to go for looser fitting options for the travel home, they’re comfortable, low maintenance and ideal if you’ve had a bit of a heavy one the night before! One pair of shoes usually suffices, like a fancier pair of ballet flats or boots, but on this occasion I took some Converse to throw on for comfort the next day instead of the studded boots I’d come straight from work in. I’ll throw in some PJs (I’m loving Boux Avenue atm for sophisticated sleepwear – check out my teddy, pretty & comfy!), undies, reading glasses, my phone charger and medical supplies (I have diabetes) are all also essentials for me.

Toiletries and make-up are where I struggle to stay low maintenance. Luckily, I have a lot of samples ideal for travelling, so full sizes don’t weigh me down. I never skip on day cream, night cream, cleanser or toner, it’s never worth the fall out that comes from missing a day of routine. Eye cream isn’t a necessity but it’s nice if you have a travel sized option – I threw in a little pot of Clinique’s All About Eyes. Cotton pads (I buy the baby ones), toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant go without saying. When it comes to hair, I keep things simple, a travel size shampoo, travel mousse and a decanted pot of texturizer is, if anything, a little more than is really necessary but hey, I was only going round the corner.

With perfume, again, samples are my friend. I generally take a sample tube I’ve received in a beauty box or with a purchase, but last week I took my bottle of Illamasqua Freak which at 30ml is fairly compact anyway. My base make-up stays the same as every day, though I’ll usually drop the primer to maximise room in my make-up bag. Tinted moisturiser or foundation (never both), along with a concealer, brow kit and an eye base like MAC’s Painterly Paint Pot come with me everywhere.

I’ll take one blush and one highlighter, although a good way save space is to opt for a product that will act as both, like a MAC Mineralize Skinfinish. I like By Candlelight or Stereorose. For eyes, I take a palette that can take easily me from day to night, and preferably one that’s fairly small, usually a quad or 6 pan. Neutrals are a good option as they can easily be smoked up for an evening look. Mascara will finish the look off as I’ll use the darker colours of my eye palette as eyeliner. A nude or pink kohl pencil will revive tired eyes after a late night or one too many vinos, I’ve opted for Rimmel’s Scandaleyes Liner. 2 eye brushes, a cheek brush and foundation brush are the last items in my make-up bag. A powder with a brush and lip products are always carried with me in my handbag anyway.

So there you have it, does it seem a lot for just one night away from home? Cosmetics are always where I pack the heaviest, but I still try my best to cut unnecessary products out – I guess I’d rather just be weighed down more if it means looking my best and maintaining a good skincare regime! Shallow, huh? How do you pack for overnight stays? Are you decisive or do you like choice?

I love What’s in my Bag? posts – be sure to link me up to any you’ve written or read in the comments!