Whether you wear makeup on a regular basis or just on special occasions, you’re probably going to travel with a bag of it. When it comes to packing makeup, rule #1 is to not pack every single makeup item that you own. You will not need it. Think minimalist, natural and easy especially because you will be on the go so often.
Let’s be real, the main reason I like to wear makeup while traveling is for the photos, but if I’m going to go out for dinner or a night club make is part of my “going out” wardrobe. If you haven’t been getting much sleep or are exhausted from traveling from place-to-place, makeup will help cover that up for all the photos you will want to share with your friends back home.
What Makeup to Pack While Traveling
My travel makeup choices are literally the ones I use on a day-to-day basis when at home, packing more will only take up unnecessary space.
Pack with you only what you will actually use. For me, my makeup packing list looks something like this:
Tinted B+B Cream with SPF 30
Mascara
Bronzer or Blush
Eyeliner
2-Toned eye Shadow
Eyebrow Pencil
Concealer
1 Nail Polish
Makeup Remover
Even though most B+B’s have sunblock in them, the amount of cream that you would apply on your skin doesn’t contain the recommended amount of sun protection. If you’re going to be in a mild Mediterranean or cold climate, it could be enough protection, but if you’re going to be traveling to hotter destinations, you should apply a facial moisturizer with SPF in it before you apply the B+B cream. If you do plan to wear foundation, B+B creams work as great primers, but I like to use B+B as my foundation.
Water-proof mascara is great if you will be swimming often, but personally I loathe waterproof mascara because it’s hard to remove. Simple mascara like Maybelline is easy to remove with a washcloth or face wipe and does not leave clunks of lashes stuck together like it with waterproof mascara.
Concealer is a must-use for me especially if I choose to wear ultra minimal makeup. It covers up dark circles or marks on your face that you want hidden. I fell in love with the Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream for dark spots with SPF 30. The little tube goes a long way as does a tiny dab. I actually received mine as part of a Sephora gift set so it was free.
Make sure to pack face wipes and/or makeup remover. Even if you’re not packing any makeup, wiping down your face could be the best cool down especially in hot climates and easiest ways to remove the dirt and dust that are settling into your pores after a day of traveling and exploring.
Bring a bottle of nail polish for a quick self manicure or pedicure is a really good idea especially if you’re going to wear sandals. After traveling and being adventurous on a daily basis, then switching over to a more city, metropolitan atmosphere you might only then realize how dirty your nails look. The color is key. Pack with you a solid, but neutral color that won’t look dirty once it start chipping away and you can easily apply another coat over.
If you insist on bringing perfume with you, head over to a department store’s perfume counter and ask for a sample-sized bottle of the perfume you want. Most perfume samples are now distributed in scratch and sniff packets like the ones you would find in a magazine, but it doesn’t hurt to try and see if they still have a sample-sized bottle of your favorite scent. This way you don’t risk having to give up your perfume if its over the allowed ounces for a carry on.
Everything above fits in a small makeup bag meaning that each item should be carry-on approved. Being practical by minimizing what you carry will save you trouble of having to check anything in at the airport or risk having something thrown away by the TSA. Everyone wears different types of makeup or none at all, but the important part is for everything in your makeup back to be not only minimal, but also practical meaning you could probably leave out the sparkly eye shadow.
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