As a follow up to my packing light post, I wanted to share my travel make up kit must haves. Just like my clothing, I have certain must haves for make up. I do have a minimal make up looks, more of a natural glow rather than full on make up face that I don’t care for. Trips should be easy, breezy and light, so should your luggage and everything else in in or elso you will just be carting a heavy suitcase, which is not really fun especially when travelling alone. So my rule is if i cannot lift my suitcase up to the carry on compartment, its too heavy.
I came across this toiletry case at Tumi recently, it was small enough no to take enough space in your luggage but had enough space for all your travel size cosmetics, brushes, as well as toiletries. Interesting fact, Tumi now added a tracker number to these smaller accessories so if it does get lost and someone reports it missing, if you registered this on Tumi.com, they can figure out who owns it.
First thing that is important, and a must have, especially when travelling is sunscreen. This facial sunscreen that I use on a daily basis is Sublime Defense SPF 50, by Algenist. Its a fluid base formula that is not sticky, does not feel heavy and oily on your skin. I have oily skin, and finding a good sunscreen that is light is important as well as the SPF that it has.
Another must have is primers, I have two travel size primers that I carry with me all the time, and you can buy these at the check out counter at Sephora, as well as online at Sephora.com. Not every one use primers but let me tell you, I am a firm follower of a good primer, not only does it give a good base for your make up, it gives your make up that ompf that it needs to make your face look flawless. My favorite face primer is the Mineral Veil from Hourglass cosmetics. Again a lightweight non sticky formula that really supports your foundation. For my eyes, I’ve been using this Urban Decay Eye Primer for the longest time.
For my foundation, this is something I just came across a year ago and I haven’t changed since. Its called Power Fabric long wear high cover foundation from Giorgio Armani, also with a broad spectrum SPF 25 sunscreen. The reason why I love this product is because of the flawless effect it has on your skin with only a little product applied. I use my fingers most of the time to apply it, but it also looks great when applied with a blender sponge. Again because I have oily skin, I love that this product is light on my skin, and coverage is awesome. You can buy this at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, or Bloomingdales.
Foe the rest of my face, I prefer to have a face palette that I can carry really easily that has everything and I had a hard time finding the perfect one until I came across this. Charlotte Tilbury’s Instant Look in a Palette, I believe these are limited edition, I hope they are not! I love them, this one that I use on a regular basis is my definite favorite. There are 3 eyeshadows that can take you from a day to night look, a contour and highlight, blush and bronzer. Forgive me for the poor photos, but as you can see it is my favorite and I have been consistently using them. I’ve bought them for my mom and my aunt as well. They are numbered and labeled so you know where to apply them. This palette is a mainstay in my my bag.
The next few must have items are my eyebrow powder and my finishing powder. It is very important for me to have nice, thick, and neat eyebrows, I believe it defines your face and the thicker, the younger you look. Unfortunately my eyebrows don’t grow equally well, so I do need the eyebrow powder to even it out. My favorite is the Anastasia Beverly Hills in dark brown, I use an angled brush to apply it and the concealer to complete the look. As for the finishing powder, I love Laura Mercier loose powder, it sets my make up perfectly, take out the shine too. My favorite mascara to use on a night out is Diorshow waterproof mascara. Adds a great volume and stays on well. And another very important item which I believe all women must have it a make up setting spray. Also a must have is eyeliner. My favorite one to have I MAC Fluid line gel liner. I’ve tried others, but this has worked best for me. My ultimate favorite is the Urban Decay All nighter setting spray, true to its name it is perfect for an all nighter! I have been dunked in a pool, sweat all over the Philippine heat, and walked in the European sun with this, my make up stayed as great as it did when I put it on.
And lastly my go to lipsticks, I have two: for day and for night. My Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipstick is my go to day lip color. It’s light, natural and clean. My night color, my ultimate favorite shade of red, is Chanel ‘s Rouge Allure 99 Pirate. Again I apologize at how they look, they are my best used lipsticks.
You are never fully dresssed without a dependable cologne, and you must always have a signature scent. Body chemistry also plays into that. This has been my signature scent for a while and it has suited me quite well. Jo Malone comes in smaller bottles for travel size. I keep mine in my purse incase I might need it.
There you have it, this is my go to travel mak up kit. I never leave without them. Not all of these colors may be your type but I do recommend to check Charlotte Tilbury for new face palettes, or maybe smashbox at Sephora. But if you cannot find anything else, MAC has a customizable palette that you can get that you can fit in your make up bag. Remember that you dont need to bring a big bag of make up, unless if you are a professional make up artist, just bring essentials. Pack light everyone!
My Travel Make Up Kit As a follow up to my packing light post, I wanted to share my travel make up kit must haves.
