Ah, travel. It truly is one of the ingredients to a fulfilled life! Sandy beaches, bright cities, new countries-they all have something beautiful to offer us.
But before you bury those toes in the sand you must conquer one very important task…packing! If you’re anything like me, the clothes are chosen within minutes but the beauty products…that can take hours!
Follow along as I share my tips and tricks on how to pack the perfect beauty bag for vacation (you may be surprised at how little you need!)
Choose Your Base
Complexion products are (in my opinion) the most important aspect of your vacation beauty bag. You can always pop into any drugstore to replace a forgotten eyeliner or lipgloss but foundation can be a bit trickier. Consider your vacation settings. If you’re heading to the beach, tinted moisturizers and BB creams may be all you need. Heading to the Big Apple? Perhaps choose 1 tinted moisturizer and 1 medium/full coverage foundation, like Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation, that will last all day. My best advice (particularly if you’re heading somewhere warm) is to bring complexion products that include SPF. This way you’re getting an extra dose of protection with a light, breathable coverage.
Multi Use Products
Baggage allowances aren’t getting any greater and the prices of checked bags are only getting more expensive! Your goal should be to bring the smallest amount of beauty products that you can. Choose cream products that can be used on cheeks, eyes and lips. I love products like Bobbi Brown’s Cream Blushes and Josie Maran’s Argan Oil Sticks. Never underestimate the beauty of using bronzer as eyeshadow or lipstick as blush. Less is more!
Choose 1 Eyeshadow Palette
Sometimes, I don’t even pack an eyeshadow palette when I travel. I’ll use my bronzer or blush as eyeshadow and call it a day! But if you enjoy options, choose a small palette with 4 shadows maximum. Unless you’re going to a red carpet event or your own wedding, there’s really no need for multiple eyeshadow palettes. Choose a small palette like Charlotte Tilbury Exaggereyes that includes warm, wearable tones. Simple, chic and perfect for on the go!
Think of Textures
I like to consider textures when I’m packing my makeup bag. If I’m headed somewhere warm and humid, light serums, tinted moisturizers and a good setting powder are always necessary. If I’m headed to a snowy wonderland, richer creams and medium coverage foundations are in my bag. Waterproof mascara can be a lifesaver in Florida humidity whereas super hydrating lip balms are important in Pennsylvania at Christmas time. Think about your location and the look that you’ll be wanting to achieve.
Skincare (The most important cargo!)
There is nothing worse than stepping off of a long haul flight with some seriously parched skin! Make sure to bring a few of your favorite hydrating products in your carry on. Trust me, your skin will thank you! I like to arrive onboard with a fresh face and then add a hyaluronic acid serum like The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid. I top up the hydration with a moisturizer like Josie Maran Face butter and then if I’m feeling extra dry, press in a but of face oil like the Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil.
Your skincare routine shouldn’t really change when you’re travelling. The last thing you would want is for your skin to react to a new product or flare up from over exfoliating.
With that being said, once again, think of your surroundings. If you’re headed to the beach, a high SPF is non negotiable. SPF is non negotiable no matter where you’re headed but if you’ll be sipping mai thais in the sun, 50+ is where it’s at. Try IT Cosmetics CC Cream for a beautiful coverage + SPF 50.
Pack 2 cleansers and decant them into smaller, travel sized bottles. I like to take an oil cleanser for easy makeup removal and a gentle second cleanser. Pack your everyday serum (usually the bottles are small and great for travel.) Choose your moisturizer according to your location. Bring light gels/serums and watery lotions if you’re headed to a warm climate. Richer creams/balms and salves are fantastic for drier/colder climates.
Are you seriously lacking space in your bag? Choose one all around product that brightens, hydrates and exfoliates like Sunday Riley Tidal or Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar. Scoop out enough to get you through your trip and place in a small, travel sized jar. Toss in your carry on and you’re jet set ready!
I hope these tips help you create a clutter free makeup bag!
“Now Go Have an Adventure!” -Finding Nemo the Musical
Love and light, Carrie xo
