Packing is never easy. I live by putting it off until the last possible minute – especially packing my makeup. How are you supposed to predict which eye-shadows you could potentially need?? Which foundation is going to agree most with your traveling? Packing makeup is when you have to ask the hard-hitting questions. Is this highlighter really going to be there for you?? Can you always count on that powder?
Since I packed away all my makeup last May before our adventure, I didn’t think it would be fair to do a full-on makeup favorites for 2018. Save one dangerous trip to Naime’s while we visited LA, I didn’t buy anything new the later half of the year. I do feel like I’ve become a bit of an expert on my travel bag after 7 months of solely relying on that.
There are a ton of products I LOVE that are just not the most travel-friendly (hellooo PMG palettes). I brought just one travel bag to house all of my best travel-friendly makeup and brushes on our road-trip. Here is what I’ve found to be the best travel makeup for me and why! Let me know your travel go-to’s below!!
Bag
Let’s start with the basics. You’re going to need a home for your makeup on this trip! Depending on your style, this could vary from a tiny pouch to a whole suitcase (no judgments here)! I didn’t have a ton of space on this trip, so I felt the smallest I could go was the Sephora Pack It All Organizer. This guy really was perfect for what I needed, and it held everything listed below – and more! It’s easy to organize because it comes with two larger compartments and a pouch. I wish the pouches were totally clear to find things more easily, but that’s my only complaint! If you’re interested in seeing an in-depth review on this bag, check out KathleenLights’ video! I also love the Beis Cosmetic Case and the Rownyeon Professional Case, which comes in a few different sizes!
Face
Primer + Foundation: Armani Luminous Silk + L’Oreal Lumi Cushion – This match made in heaven helps me really stretch the use of my Armani foundation. By adding Luminous Silk to the Lumi, I can get better coverage and the perfect undertone. Both of these have a solid shade range, but sadly the Lumi cushion is being discontinued. It’s a great idea to bring multiple foundations (especially if it’s a long trip) so that you can create your perfect shade. I paired this with the Benefit Porefessional + Smashbox Primerizer – both come in travel sizes!
Concealer + Powder: Sephora Bright Future + Maybelline Fit Me Concealer – For more natural or glam days these two are perfect! These are my current favorites since they’re not too thick. Again, I brought different shades to work for highlighting or spot concealing. I kept it classic with my powders and stuck to Laura Mercier Loose Translucent and Armani’s Luminous Silk powder. You can always count on those two, but I’m really looking forward to testing out some new powders this year!
Bronzer: Guerlain + Colourpop Bronzer – Enough said? Guerlain can do no wrong when it comes to bronzer. If you have a hard time with being too heavy handed, this will be your new BFF. The Colourpop x Alexis Ren bronzer I use is no longer available, but I love it so much I’ll definitely look to Colourpop next time I need a new bronzer. I brought both for when I wanted a bit more warmth than my Guerlain shade gives.
Blush: Nars Blush – Nars packs a punch when it comes to their blush! I brought a couple different shades with me along with a Sephora blush (no longer available). I love that Nars offers their blush in mini sizes and in duos with either two blushes or a blush/bronzer. These duos are pretty much the ultimate travel-friendly item!
All the Highlighters: ABHxAmrezy + Artist Couture + Kylie + MUFE – Yes, I know, I brought too many highlighters. Shades in my eyeshadow palette could be highlighters too. What can I say, the first step is admitting you have a problem, but the doesn’t mean I’m going to do anything about it.
Eyes
Eyeshadow: Jaclyn Hill x Morphe Palette + Kylie Cosmetics Summer Palette + Custom Quad – None of these are my all-time favorite shadow formulas, but when traveling you can get a ton of variety here. I also love traveling with these two because if they break I won’t be totally heartbroken. They’re also super lightweight making my life easy. Bringing a custom quad gives you an easy way to grab something simple for those days you’re really in a hurry! Mine holds ABH Birkin, Fawn, Fudge, and MAC Nylon
Mascara: Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir + MAC Extended Play- If you read my cruelty-free beauty favorites you’ll know this has been a long-time favorite of mine! I love these because they last a long time and are so black. I also brought one from essence that was recommended to me, but sadly that one dried up within a month.
Lashes: You can’t leave without your lashes! My personal favorites on this trip were Flutter Loveable, Lily Lashes Miami, and Velour Whispie Sweet Nothings (SO comfortable). What are your favorite lashes? I really want to try Baddie lashes soon!
Lips
I kept it pretty basic in this category on this trip. My go-to combo on this trip was MAC Subculture Liner + MAC Peachstock lipstick + Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Gloss. I brought a few other liquid lips, but I rarely deviated from my norm. This is another one of those categories that it’s really easy to over-do it thinking about potential looks. If you don’t wear it on the reg or you think it’s uncomfortable, it probably not going to be your go to.
Brushes
I always bring way too many brushes with me so I just want to talk about my top three! If I have these three I can make anything work in a pinch.
Sephora Pro Flawless Airbrush 56 – Fantastic all-over face-brush, blends like a dream!
it Cosmetics Wand Ball Powder No.8 – Perfect for any powder, but my favorite for a quick (not-harsh) bronze
Morphe M504 – If you can only have one eye brush, this is it. This is perfect for those fast, easy looks while you’re traveling
Nails
Really quickly I just want to say how much I am going to miss KL Polish. I ordered backups as soon as I heard the news. It’s the only polish I brought on the trip and has been my absolute favorite for years. If you can still get your hands on any, do it. Zoey and Caramello are my top shades!
What Not to Bring
Beauty Blenders & Setting Sprays – If you had told me not to bring these before our trip, I would have told you that I couldn’t live without them. But now, I know better. At the end of the day these were just too high-maintenance to be used much on my trip. If I did manage to get a damp bb, it definitely wasn’t dry when it needed to be packed. Save yourself some extra space and forget these extra steps.
I have to say in 2019 I’m most looking forward to not living out of a suitcase! While we haven’t settled down just yet, I’m getting closer to having a home that’s not on wheels again. I don’t think I’ll be taking the simplicity of having a vanity to store makeup in or a closet to hang clothes in for granted anytime soon. I can’t wait to see what exciting makeup launches are around the corner this year! My first makeup purchase this year was the new Iluvsahahii x Colourpop collection. Anything you’ve got your eye on yet??
We all know a couple good face masks need to go on your trip too! Check out my post here for my top masks to bring with you.
