THE BIG READ: Well-known Offaly woman reveals 'what's in her bag'

Cllr Aoife Masterson, a Tullamore based county councillor, who narrowly missed out on securing a seat in Dail Eireann for Sinn Fein in Offaly in the 2024 General Election reveals 'what's in her bag'.

Sculpted by Aimee Hydra Lip

Buying Irish is so important - but it is infinitely easier when the products rival some of the best in the business.

This lip tint has a perfect burst of hydration and colour and has rarely left my bag since I first bought it.

Dr Jart+ Creamidim Cream Mist

My eternal quest to age backwards means my skincare routine involves a lot of acids and Retinol, which can be quite drying. A huge part of counteracting that is my Dr Jart+ mist.

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Book (Focail na mBan, Women’s Words)

Manchán Magan's book is a celebration of Irish women, art, and language and a reminder of how our unique culture, and identity can only fully be expressed through our native tongue.

Travel Size Face Powder (Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Pressed Powder and Real Techniques Setting Brush)

My job means days can be long and unpredictable, so I always keep a little powder in my handbag.

I love this one from Hourglass as it is light but still effective.

SPF (Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick)

I spent many years working in Brown Thomas and the one thing all make up artists agreed on was that good make up starts with good skin care, and good skin care starts with SPF.

I love this one from Beauty of Joseon because it is light, non sticky, and doesn’t interfere with my make up.

Travel Size Hand Sanitiser (Aesop, Resurrection Rinse Free Hand Wash)

In a post Covid world, hand sanitisers are all but essential.

I love this one from Aesop because it is gentle, hydrating, and smells deep, rich, and earthy.

Hand Cream (L’occitane, Shea Butter)

I first bought this over 12 years ago when I was working in Ohio for the Innocence Project.

It’s just a deeply hydrating hand cream.

Headphones (Air Pod Max, Silver)

My job can involve a lot of travel so I always keep a set of headphones in my handbag to pop on and catch up current affairs or listen to some podcasts.

Bella Belissima (Blue Diamond)

Many years ago I worked for London Perfumer Bella Crane, the nose behind Bella Belissima. Since then, I have always had one of her fragrances in my bag.

My current favourite is Blue Diamond.

Deodorant (Salt & Stone, Santal and Vetiver)

Handbag space can get tight, so I always love a multi purpose product.

This deodorant from Salt and Stone doubles as a beautiful fragrance.

Filifax (Personal, Lockwood in Garnet)

When I started law school my mum bought me a Filofax to help stay organised, and I have had it ever since.

The great thing about this planner is it is completely customisable so you can change it around to suit you.

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