Ok, maybe “can’t live without” is a little drastic, but as a full time traveler, I definitely have certain travel makeup that I swear by. The best part is that most of it comes from the drug store! I’ve learned that if you convince yourself that you don’t need every single different brush, blush, eyeshadow, etc., and just stick to what you know you always use, it will save you a lot of time, space and hassle.
Plus of course, there are just those certain products that magically happen to work phenomenally well, like my mascara that costs about $5. Another tip that I have about travel makeup is to not over pack it because you’re worried you’ll run out of something or you “might need it for something”. I’ve ran out of things (like eyebrow liner EEK) and have successfully purchased quality makeup in several countries, some of which are even in my current travel makeup bag!
I also have a few travel makeup hacks up my sleeve as well that I’ll include, since I’ve definitely been in the “NO! I forgot mascara!” situations before! So without further ado, here is what is in my own personal travel makeup bag!
Instead of using a ton of different products for my face, I just use Mac Studio Fix since it’s sort of like a combination of foundation and powder. It’s seriously magical, and it instantly smoothes and evens everything out on my face, and typically stays on all day as well. This is the most expensive travel make-up product I own by a long-shot, but since it lasts me six months or more, I think it’s totally worth it.
Here it is! My big secret to how I make my eyelashes look so long! And you can find it right at your local drugstore in most places! I’m no makeup expert, but in my opinion all mascara is the same, it’s the brush that makes the difference. The reason why I swear by Maybelline Great Lash, is because the brush is teardrop shaped, and with comb-like bristles instead of a brush. Both of those aspects help separate and coat every single eyelash, which is what makes mine look so full and long! NOTE: Make sure you get the one with the little heart on the tube that says ‘Lots of Lashes’!
I also carry the waterproof version of Maybelline Great Lash, BUT! I put one coat of the regular mascara on first and then brush the waterproof one over it so that it kind of seals it in. I do this because the brush of the waterproof one sucks so I get the look I want, then lock it in with the waterproof stuff.
Travel Make-Up tip: If you’re running low on your favorite mascara when you’re traveling, clean the wand and keep it to use with the liquid of any other mascara. Another tip is to dab baby powder on your lashes before applying mascara; it will make your lashes instantly appear thicker!
In all honesty, I was just searching for an all-in-one compact that had both a cheek contouring kit, basic eyeshadows, and lipgloss in it, and this was the closest one I could find. It’s made by a YouTuber named Grav3yardGirl (which reminds me, I really need to get on that YouTube shit), and so far it’s been all I need for my cheeks and eyes! It’s also a bit on the pricier side, but so far I think I’ve gotten my moneys worth.
I’m seriously going to make my own travel make-up palette like this one day, but in the meantime, I recommend this one, or any other similar ones you can find. Please feel free to share if you find an awesome one similar to this one!
Usually I try not to wear a ton of eyeliner when I travel, but I am a fan of a subtle top wing. I don’t go crazy over certain brands of eyeliner since I don’t use it that often, but I do like the E.L.F. brand that’s cheap and works well. I usually carry a liquid version and a crayon version.
Travel Make-Up hack: If you forget eyeliner, or run out, either dab some dark eyeshadow on your eyelash rim, or use your fingernail to spread a tiny bit of mascara along your lid.
I’ve tried every possible method of eyebrow shaping you can imagine (I have thick Cuban eyebrows), and so far I’ve found that a pencil works best for me. Crayons tend to get a dull tip which makes it hard to really shape the edges, and brushes just seem to get the makeup all over my face. It’s a pain having to constantly sharpen pencils, but at the same time super refreshing when you get a perfect line.
I bought this randomly at a travel trade show two years ago, and still carry it in my travel makeup bag because it tends to come in rather handy. It’s one of those products that’s a brush with powder already built in it, so all you have to do is shake it a little then brush it on. It works really well if you’re in a rush, or if you’re like me and just really love bronzer.
If you’ve ever watched my Snapchat or seen any photo of my actual face, you’ll probably notice that I ALWAYS have lipgloss on. That’s because I’m obsessed with it, but also because I feel like it gives that touch of color or shine that can make you look put-together, even if you just got off of a red-eye.
My lipgloss is rather large, and ranges from cheap drugstore brands like NYX, to pricier brands like Hard Candy. I’ll list the ones I use, but will also say that my lipgloss criteria is usually based on what’s “stickiest” so that it stays on longer!
8. OPI Mini Polish
Something you also may have, or now will notice about me, is that I ALWAYS wear white nail polish. It’s the only color I’ve worn for two years now because it’s what I was wearing when I first started traveling! That being said, I always make sure to travel with an OPI mini version of my favorite polish, Alpine Snow, but their mini collections also come with a lot of other great colors!
Of course when you travel, you won’t always have your own sink to wash your makeup off in at all times, which is why I also always carry travel makeup remover wipes. They’re also great if you’ve had a long day and don’t feel like going through your normal beauty routine, or if you’ve just woken up on a plane and are in serious need of a refresh!
This magical stuff gives you an all over golden glow plus makes your skin smooth! Full disclaimer here, I opened up the actual bottle and there’s way less product than what it looks like, but to be fair it’s also super cheap.
Absolutely LOVE this liquid glow-blush! It’s what gives my cheeks a little rose-gold tint…which is the only color blush I’d ever wear anyway! Only use a tiny amount on your finger tips because it spreads a lot, and rub it on your cheekbones and eyelids!
Because everyone needs an all purpose highlighter-stick. Need I say more? This one in particular is the perfect consistency of creamy and solid, so it easily glides on then can be spread and rubbed in. It’s also just subtle enough to not make you super shiny!
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My favourite foundation replacement is tinted moisturizer. Either Olay, Garnier or Aveeno.
I've also replaced hand sanitizer gel with hand sanitizer wipes when going on a plane. One less bottle of liquid to fit into a 1 litre bag.