Tips & Tricks

How To: Pack Your Makeup For Travel

April 19, 2010

Packing your makeup for a trip can be such a headache! You want to pack as much as you can to make sure you got everything you need but realistically, that is just impossible. So how can you streamline and pack the essentials? Find out after the jump!


• Stick with liquid foundation. While compact foundations are more portable, liquids are more versatile. Mix with a drop of moisturizer to create a sheer look for day, apply as is for more coverage or scoop that thicker residue from the bottle cap and use as concealer.

• Go with palettes. They usually contain a variety of products and shades so you can create different looks while saving room.

• Multi-purpose products can be a real life-saver when you are on the road. Look for cream-based products that can be used on the eyes, cheeks and lips like NARS The Multiple and Stila Convertible Color.

• Using an eyelash curler and mascara will instantly open up your eyes so make room for them!

• Felt-tip liquid eyeliners are perfect for travel because they stay on better, you don’t need to sharpen them AND you can apply directly without using a brush.

• As much as I love lipsticks, lip glosses and tinted lip balms are more practical because they save me the need for lip liner and lip balm.

• Look for samples or travel-sized products. Companies usually give these out for free as gift with purchases so stock up when you get a chance.

• If you must bring most of your makeup, transfer them into smaller bottles and containers. M·A·C makes great travel-sized bottles and containers but Walmart or Ebay offer cheaper alternatives.

• While I love a cute traincase like my Jill Stuart one above, packing everything into a clear pouch might making going through security much easier. Not only do you have all your items in plain sight, the plastic makes it super easy to clean as well.

So ladies, what are your must-haves when you go on a vacation?

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8 Comments

  • Reply Karen April 19, 2010 at 4:00 am

    I bought some empty Yaby pans from Camera Cosmetics website, and cut a small chunk of my NARS multiple into each pan. That way I am able to throw 2 multiples into my Yaby palette. That way really saved space and I was able to bring 2 multiples with me without taking up a lot of space.

    My other must-haves include 2 concealers (1 for undereye and 1 for blemishes), black eyeliner (gel and pencil) and pressed powder. Brow powder is also a must for me. I don’t really sound like a light packer, do I? 😛

  • Reply Amy April 19, 2010 at 8:27 am

    I miss Vegas!!

    Must-haves include:

    Concealer for blemishes
    Mascara and eyelash curler
    Blush of the moment
    Lippie of the moment
    My MAC 4 pan consisting of Woodwinked, Cork, Grain, and All That Glitters
    Smashbox highlighter

    I also like to take advantage of Sephora giving samples or any value kit with smaller items.

  • Reply Jamie April 19, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    My must-haves are tinted moisturizer, oil-blotting papers, eyelash curler, mascara, lip gloss, eyeshadow pencil, and a travel size/rollerball version of my favorite fragrance :).

  • Reply Blusherine April 20, 2010 at 2:56 am

    Great post, thank you very much!
    My essentials are:
    a foundation
    a mac eyeshadow quad with colors I pick randomly
    3 lipsticks in shades pink, peach and brown
    a mascara

    all the best,
    blusherine

    p.s. i do however have a blogpost where i show all my travel items, a gazillion:
    http://blusherine.blogspot.com/2009/09/whats-in-my-travelbag.html

  • Reply jello April 20, 2010 at 9:03 pm

    what is the name of the MAC product located in the front row of your travel essential picture? The one that’s half light beige and half brown.
    thanks.

  • Reply Phyllis April 21, 2010 at 7:10 pm

    Jello,

    That’s the Sculpt and Shape Duo. It was limited edition but you can get the powders separately at the Pro store.

  • Reply shopcoholic April 22, 2010 at 1:53 am

    nice tips phyllis!

  • Reply Reese April 23, 2010 at 11:39 pm

    Hi Phyllis,

    I am learning the fine art of packing makeup for travel. Right now I carry:
    Too Faced Natural Eye Palette
    pressed powder
    mascara
    and whatever lipsticks/glosses are in my purse.

    I must confess: I do not have an eyelash curler. After reading this, though, I feel like I need to get one and learn how to use it.

    Thanks for sharing! Happy Saturday 🙂

    C

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