Packing nowadays I feel like is always a challenge.  And made even more complex by the fact that you will never pack the exact same things every time you travel.  I faced this conundrum recently as I had to pack for 2 trips: 1 overseas on a long international flight to see family; the 2nd being a road trip to a wedding.  I already packed the things I needed in my arsenal, for my 1st trip; & it was such a breeze that I literally didn’t change a thing for the 2nd.  And to top it off, I didn’t bring a single liquid.  And what did I pack? 

 

My Makeup Palette

-I usually bring a makeup palette, with all the colors I need.  Here I have my trusty Sephora Blockbuster Palette, & I’ve lined the lid with drawer liner, as an extra cushion (to help prevent the powders from breaking).  When packing it in my suitcase, as an extra precaution I’ll wrap it in a thick towel, & slip it into the interior zip pocket.

 

My Makeup Bag

Ok, separated things into 2 bags, 1 for makeup, the 2nd for brushes.  Here, is what I brought, mostly in compact sizes.

-A Blush / Bronzer: Ok, needed the flush for the cheeks, & the bronzer for contouring.  If you already have a makeup palette that has both, I guess you could skip this one.  I got this one from Cargo Cosmetics, as part of my Allure Beauty Box.  But there are lots of other brands that sell blush / bronzer in 1 as well!

 

Maybelline’s FaceStudio Master Strobing Stick, $9

-Highlighter stick: great obviously for highlighting, & convenient that I can just whip it out of my bag, & swipe.  And the great thing about this highlighter is that it’s photo friendly!  (For pictures, avoid highlighters with glitter, for you will get flashback & end up with a white cast reflecting from your face)

 

Maybelline’s Fit Me Shine Free Foundation Stick, $9

-Foundation stick: Usually for foundation I go for liquid, but this is sweet because it goes on matte, & it’s 1 less liquid to worry about.  Swipe it on your face, & you can blend it out with a brush or your fingers!

 

Travel Eyelash Curler, $11, Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara, $7

-Travel eyelash curler & mascara:  There’s something fascinating about travel eyelash curlers; you just flip down the lever & curl!  And I love how convenient it is; for me personally there’s something scary about packing a regular eyelash curler.  And every time you curl your lashes you definitely need mascara.  For me I need a waterproof mascara, but also something that’s moisturizing that won’t dry my eyes out; which is a tall order.  Neutrogena actually offers one of the few mascaras that is waterproof & has added olive oil as well!

 

Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner, $8, Rimmel London Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer, $7

-Liquid & pencil eyeliners:  I always carry these with me; these are my everyday staples.  I think it’s also handy to keep them on you in case you do want to line them, or give yourself a pretty cat eye.  For me the important thing is they’re waterproof.

 

E.L.F. Eye Primer & Liner Sealer, $3

-Eye primer: Of course, if you wear eye shadow, you need eye primer to make it last.  And can you believe that this one costs $3?  And it comes with liner sealer if you want to make it waterproof!

 

Sterile Alcohol Prep Pads, 200 count, $4

-Alcohol wipes: You may think, why alcohol wipes?  For me it’s an easy way to give my makeup brushes a quick clean, without having to worry about washing them on my trip.  Just open a packet, & swipe the bristles back & forth on the alcohol pad.  I could bring a small spray bottle of it, but for me 1 less bottle is 1 less concern that something might leak my in my bag.  Also surprisingly they were handy when I needed to sterilize my earrings!  And so cheap!  You can buy a whole box of them at your local drugstore for $2!

 

Makeup Brush Bag

Ecotools Essentials 6 pc Eye Brush Set, $11, Ecotools 5 pc Brush Set, $15

-Makeup Brushes: Well, obviously.  I usually have 2 sets; 1 for for eye makeup & another for face.  Ecotools is one of my favorite brands for makeup brushes, along with E.L.F. & Real Techniques.  Ecotools are always soft & fluffy, & Real Techniques has professional tools that are affordable!

 

NYX’s Translucent Finishing Powder, $10

-Setting powder:  This is a must have in my daily routine.  For my oily combination skin, this is the only thing that mattifies it.  I’ve tried other setting powders (even Makeup Forever!), but surprisingly this one’s the best! 

 

Sephora Collection’s Black Magic Set Of 2 Makeup Remover Cloths, $12

-Makeup removing towel:  What did I do before I found these?  I had heard of the Makeup Eraser, a pricey makeup removing towel that costs $20.  Really?  $20 for a small towel?  But what I think Sephora & Ulta do is that they make dupes for popular items that are usually found in their stores.  And I get 2 towels for almost half the price!  I would say that this removes about 90% of my makeup, & I all I need to do is wet it, & wipe off!  The annoying thing about most makeup removers are greasy, & also while traveling, you never know what might leak in your bag.  With makeup wipes I feel like I’m just making a lot of garbage.  No more need of carrying around a bottle of makeup remover, or wipes anymore!

 

Tinkle Eyebrow Razors, pack of 6, $7

-Eyebrow razor:  Would you believe me that I never pluck or wax my brows?  I don’t like plucking & could not stand the pain when I used to have my brows waxed.  My entire forehead would swell up & turn red afterward.  I don’t remember when I dawned upon eyebrow razors, but they are ridiculously cheap & pain free!

 

My Liquid Exception: Urban Decay’s De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray, Travel Size, $15

If I’m traveling & I have a special occasion to go to, I need my setting spray for oily skin.  It helps my makeup last all day!  Of course, if I’m traveling long distance it’s going in with the rest of my stuff in my suitcase.  (I’m usually putting it in my check-in so I don’t need to worry that it’s a liquid)  However, if I’m traveling light & only bringing a carry on, this’ll have to go in that clear plastic bag that the TSA allows.  I usually buy this in travel size anyway, so it’ll fit.

 

Since packing my makeup bag (with above tools) I can literally zip it up & bolt out the door if I want to.  And needless to say, I do travel a lot.  Can you believe that I’ve been to 4 countries in the past month?  And I hope that with this post, I’ve helped you plan for your next trip!  Or check out 1 of other articles below!

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