I don’t know about you, but for me, packing for a vacation can be a challenge. Most of the time I am excited to go on a trip–I enjoy a change of pace, the opportunity to experience new things, and make memories. Packing, however, not so much– even though I have traveled pretty extensively my whole life and learned a lot about what to pack, and the best ways to pack it, there are always those pesky little details that can trip me up–especially when it comes to beauty products.
One of the trickiest things to pack–for me, at least–is makeup. I like to have options when it comes to my makeup, but I also don’t want to bring a million products with me and end up not using most of them. Paring down essential items can be a bit daunting. So, in this blog post, I am going to share with you my top tips for packing luxury travel makeup–the kind of makeup that will help you look polished and put together no matter where your travels take you.
I have a few go-to products that I love and can’t live without, but they don’t always travel well, but there are a few makeup items that help me keep my look polished on the road. I have curated the ultimate guide to makeup products along with a few multipurpose products to help even the most reluctant jet setter.
Let’s do first things first:
Make a list of where you are going, how long, whether are you going by air or on land and what are the main activities you have planned for your trip–these factors help determine what you take and how much you will need. Once I have this information, I work through my at-home makeup routine and set aside the items I enjoy using the most and can’t live without. I use these items exclusively for a few days to make sure I have everything. After I have used my abbreviated makeup for a few days, I put the item in a travel bag to make sure the bag works and provides easy access and that my bag contains the best products for me and my trip. This is my best travel makeup tip, and a great way to make sure you have everything you need on your trip. From there, you can add a few extras, or pare things down further–this is how you determine your personal makeup essentials–and you have everything you need to keep up your unique beauty routine.
To make the best travel makeup kit, you will want to make sure you have all the items you love, without bringing your entire makeup collection.
Short vs. Longer Trips:
If you are going on a shorter trip–say, three days or less–you can probably get away with packing just the basics. foundation, concealer, blush/bronzer, mascara, and lip color should do the trick. If you are going on a longer trip–a week or more–you might want to consider adding a few more items to your makeup bag. A primer, setting powder, brow gel, and lipstick in addition to the basics would be a good idea. Here you are going to be more conscious of choosing the right size products so you don’t run out if you have mini-size products or you have decanted them into small containers.
Air Travel vs. Land Travel:
If you are flying somewhere for your vacation, there are a few things to keep in mind when packing your luxury travel makeup. First of all, you will want to make sure that all of your products are in TSA-approved containers–and are placed in a clear quart-sized bag. You can find travel-sized containers at most beauty stores, or you can empty out some of your full-sized products into smaller containers. Just make sure that they are under the three-ounce limit!
In addition to packing the right-sized containers, you will also want to make sure that your makeup is well-protected. I like to put all of my liquid products–foundation, concealer, primer, etc.–into a small baggie before putting them into my carry-on. I place a small piece of plastic wrap over the top and then screw on the lid to help prevent leakage. This way, if anything leaks, it won’t ruin the rest of my makeup (or clothes!).
What to pack for air travel:
So often our trips involve traveling by air, so it is really important to check out your airline’s requirements for carry-on and checked luggage.
TSA requirements for carry-on liquids are getting stricter by the day, so it’s important to be prepared. When packing your liquids for air travel, make sure to:
– Choose products in TSA-approved sizes (no more than three ounces each).
– Put all of your liquids in a clear, quart-sized bag.
– Include a lip balm or Chapstick in your carry-on – you never know when you’ll need it!
What to consider when traveling by car:
If you’re planning on doing most of your travel by car, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure that all of your products are well-sealed and won’t spill during transport–and if you are like me, you will likely pack more because you aren’t restrained by airline rules.
Consider what you are going to do on your trip:
Before you start packing, it’s important to think about the purpose of your trip. If you’re going on a business trip, you’ll want to make sure that your makeup is professional and polished. On the other hand, if you’re traveling for leisure, you can be a bit more relaxed with your look.
We often travel for special occasions such as weddings, reunions, and romantic getaways. For these occasions, we want to look our best and pack accordingly.
- Weddings:
For weddings, it’s important to have a few key makeup items on hand. Be sure to pack your favorite foundation, concealer, powder, blush, and lipstick. You’ll also want to bring along some waterproof mascara and eye shadow, just in case you end up crying during the ceremony!
- Reunions:
If you’re attending a reunion, you may want to consider doing a light makeup look. A BB cream or tinted moisturizer is a great option for getting even-looking skin without feeling like you have a ton of makeup on. We also recommend bringing along a lip color that complements
- Romantic getaways:
For a romantic getaway, you’ll want to focus on your natural beauty. A light foundation, some blush, and a nude lip gloss are all you need to look gorgeous. Don’t forget to pack your favorite perfume – it’s the perfect finishing touch for a special night out.
Editing your everyday makeup kit for travel:
Now that you know what to consider when packing your makeup for travel, it’s time to edit your everyday kit. Start by taking inventory of the products that you use on a daily basis, and then add or remove items as necessary.
If you wear very little makeup on a daily basis, you may not need to bring much with you on vacation. Just pack the basics – foundation, concealer, powder, blush, mascara, and lipstick – and you’ll be all set. If you usually wear a full face of makeup, you may want to consider leaving some of your less-essential products at home. For example, do you really need three different eye shadow palettes? Probably not!
Take products that do double duty:
One of the best ways to save space in your makeup bag is to choose products that do double duty. For example, a lip and cheek tint can be used on both your lips and cheeks, while a BB cream or CC cream can serve as both your foundation and moisturizer. Bronzer and blushes can serve as eyeshadow, for a beautiful natural look. This cuts down on the number of different products you take.
Another great option is to bring along multi-use products such as eyeshadow sticks, which can be used as both eyeliner and eyeshadow. You can also find mascaras that come with a built-in primer, which will save you from having to pack an extra product.
Double-sided brushes are also a great choice for travel.
Cream Products
Cream products are ideal for travel because they’re easy to apply and blend, and they tend to last longer than powder products. Plus, they’re great for dry skin! If you have oily skin, you may want to steer clear of cream products, as they can make your skin look even oilier.
Powder Products:
Powder products are a good option for those with oily skin, as they can help control shine throughout the day. They’re also compact and easy to transport, which makes them great for travel. Just be sure to pack a brush so that you can apply them evenly! Some of my favorite power makeup items include Mac Studio Fix and Fenty Beauty—You never have to worry about powders spilling in your makeup travel case–but you still want to be careful because pressed powder makeup can crack and break up.
Mineral Makeup:
Mineral makeup is another great option for travel, as it’s lightweight and easy to apply. Plus, it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin, as it won’t clog pores or irritate the skin.
Longwear Products:
If you are considering a liquid foundation, you may want to look for long-wear products— Estee Lauder double wear is a great choice–you will look great after a long day or a long flight. Choose waterproof mascara, and
Makeup wipes:
Makeup wipes are a must-have for any trip, as they’re great for quick touch-ups and removing makeup at the end of the day. We recommend packing them in a resealable bag so that they don’t dry out before you use them. Choose nail polish remover wipes and even deodorant wipes as they take up less room in the suitcase and won’t spill or leak in your makeup bag or suitcase.
Makeup Crayons:
Makeup crayons are another great option for travel, as they’re easy to apply and can be used for a variety of purposes. You can use them as eyeliner, eyeshadow, or even lipstick! Just make sure to pack a sharpener so that you can keep them nice and pointy.
Makeup and Skin Care Minis:
If you’re really looking to save space in your suitcase, consider packing minis of your favorite products. You can usually find travel-sized versions of popular makeup and skincare items at your local drugstore or beauty retailer. I always check my Sephora and Ulta rewards programs to see if they have mini kits that are free.
Decanting Makeup and Skin Care:
If you can’t find travel-sized versions of your favorite products, don’t worry – you can always decant them into smaller containers. Just make sure to label them clearly so that you know what’s inside each one. There are a number of really great products that come in clear quart-sized bags perfect for packing in your carry-on.
Once you’ve edited your makeup kit and chosen the products you want to bring with you on vacation, it’s time to start packing! We recommend using a small bag or case so that everything fits nicely and doesn’t get jumbled together.
If you have any liquids or gels in your makeup bag, be sure to pack them in a sealable bag so that they don’t leak all over your other products. And if you’re traveling by plane, be sure to pack your makeup bag in your carry-on so that you can access it easily during the flight.
All In One Luxury Makeup Palettes:
All in One Makeup Palettes are great for luxury travel as they have everything you need in one place and are easy to apply on the go. Plus, they come in a variety of shades to suit any skin tone. I love them because you can create different looks from one palette, and they don’t take up a lot of room, which is one of the most important things when traveling.
Just be sure to choose a palette that has all the products you need, such as foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick. And if you can find one with a built-in mirror, even better!
Finally, if you’re looking for a Luxury Makeup Kit that has everything you need for a complete makeup look, we recommend the Charlotte Tilbury ‘The Sophisticate’ Beauty Case. This kit comes with everything from foundation and conceal
The Best Travel Makeup Bags
Now that you know what to pack in your travel makeup bag, it’s time to choose a bag to store everything in. We recommend opting for a bag that has multiple compartments, as this will help keep everything organized.
A hard-sided case is also a good option, as it will protect your products from being crushed or broken during transit. And if you’re traveling by air, be sure to choose a bag that meets the TSA’s guidelines for carry-on liquids!
Packing Your Travel Makeup Bag:
Once you have all of your products gathered, it’s time to start packing them into your travel makeup bag. We recommend starting with the larger items and working your way down to the smaller items.
For example, start with your foundation, then add your concealer, powder, blush, and so on. Be sure to pack any liquid products in leak-proof containers, and don’t forget to pack your makeup brushes!
Packing Brushes:
Packing makeup brushes can be a bit tricky, as you don’t want them to get bent or damaged during travel. We recommend storing them in a brush roll or a brush guard, which will protect them from being crushed.
If you’re short on space, you can also try packing your brushes in an empty pencil case or sunglasses case. Just be sure to wrap each brush individually so that they don’t get damaged!
After the Trip
take some time to evaluate how your choices worked for you so you can make sure you choose the perfect items for your next trip. When I traveled often, I made sure I purchased duplicates and placed them in a clear travel case so they would be ready for my next trip–then I wasn’t starting from zero and I knew I’d be traveling with the best makeup products for my skin type and style.
Packing your makeup for travel doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Just take inventory of the products that you use on a daily basis, and then edit as necessary. Choose products that do double duty whenever possible, and opt for cream products if you have dry skin. And be sure to pack everything in a well-organized makeup bag! following these tips will help ensure that you arrive at your destination with a polished look
