Is anyone else a terrible packer? I always forget something major, like pajamas. But the thing I’ve got down to a science is my makeup and skincare.
I will preface this by saying, I am now a checked bag stan. I used to HATE checking a bag. Now I realize life is too short to be without my favorite things. Despite my checked luggage, I still keep things simple and mini when I can!
SKINCARE
I absolutely refuse to go without a solid skincare routine. That doesn’t mean I need a full 12 steps, but I’m going to make sure I’m still taking the best care of my face that I can. Even while traveling!
I find my skin is quite reactive whenever I’m outside my normal routine, so I generally focus my skincare to be very protective, nourishing, and calming. No intense acids or new products!
I like to make sure I’m packing a good cleansing balm for night time and a gentle cleanser to use as a second cleanse or in the morning. Green Clean Cleansing Balm or Clinique Take the Day Off are staples in my travel bag. I brought a mini of the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel to LA this week, which is just a great, all-around face wash.
For a serum, I’m always going to go for Vitamin C. Vitamin C is something my skin is usually quite happy with. It helps combat free radicals, improve hyperpigmentation, and tackles uneven skin tone while being quite gentle. Im currently loving the Ole Henrikson Banana Bright 15%. It’s super light and really hydrating!
As for hydration, I need something light enough for daytime, but hydrating enough to keep my tired skin plump and juicy overnight. I cannot tell you how obsessed I am with this Rose Inc Hydration Replenish Microencapsulated Plumping Gel. I think it’s going to go in the holy grail category soon!
And you best believe I’m taking a good SPF along. Here to say it again, but Every.Single.Face. is IT.
Lastly, I always travel with a lip mask! My favorites are the Tatcha Kissu, Alpyn Beauty Agave Mask, and the Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm (which has added SPF). You know you’re going to be dehydrated when traveling, and your lips are first to show!
MAKEUP
Makeup is where things can vary a bit more than skincare. Where I’m going, who I’m going with, what is on the agenda can all factor into this. But for the most part, I’m the fanciest casual girl you’ll meet! There won’t be much glam going on anywhere I go.
You know I’m bringing a few base products. Concealer and a buildable foundation are non negotiable. I’ll either bring something like the Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation or Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint. I’m having a love affair with both the Kosa Revealer Concealer and Dior’s Forever Skin Correct Concealer. Both are super creamy, glowy, and not so full coverage I feel like I’m wearing a mask.
Cream products are life when the warm weather is warm, and Charlotte Tilbury’s new Beautiful Skin Glow Cream Bronzer is STUNNING. It’s super easy to apply with a damp beauty blender and user friendly. I also don’t go anywhere without the Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Bronzing Stick. It is SO creamy and blends like a dream.
I also brought a Soft Pinch Blush (Hope is my fav shade) and Nars Liquid Blush in Orgasm. This, coupled with Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Highlight Wand? Chef’s kiss! The goal is always going to be soft, glowy goddess and this combo brings exactly that.
I always keep eyes simple with a Bobby Brown shadow stick in the shade Deep Bronzer Sugar or just a little bronzer in the crease. A liner like Mac Teddy gives a little drama if I am feeling glam at night. And nothing beats Caliray To Hell or High Water mascara. It’s just the best.
Lips are the one are I struggle narrowing down… and yet all of my lipsticks look eerily similar. Oops! Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk is a must and I love traveling with something extra special like this Tom Ford lipstick in Casablanca.
HAIR AND FRAGRANCE
Hair care is probably where I am the least picky. I’ll throw any minis over gotten in my bag, and always a dry shampoo. I try to pack a mini moisture mask to give my hair some love, especially when I’m at the pool or beach. The only tools I bring are plenty of silk scrunchies, a curling wand, and a Wet Brush!
I don’t typically buy full size fragrances, and that really comes in handy when traveling. I stick to one scent that works for both day and night, especially if I’m going to be rewearing outfits! Killian Love Don’t Be Shy is a forever favorite, as is Heretic’s Dirty Lemon and Clean Reserve Skin.
Whew! That feels pretty epic, but I can usually fit everything into one large or two small toiletry bags. Just don’t forget your toothbrush!
What I Pack – beauty edit
