Are you heading out on a trip soon and wondering about the best beauty essentials for your makeup packing list? One of the most important things to remember with packing tips is to limit yourself. Taking too much makeup on your trip will fill up your luggage and may give you too many choices when you want to get out the door! Also, if you are a mom getting young kids ready on vacation, let’s face it – you won’t have more time to get ready than you do at home!
I usually simplify my beauty routine while on the road, selecting both beauty products and makeup products carefully. I also prefer to pack small travel-size products and travel toiletries in my travel bag, whether on a road trip or for a flight. Now, on to my essentials for the makeup packing list!
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What is the climate?
Before you start selecting your beauty packing list for your next trip, consider the climate of your destination. Will it be cold and snowy? Do you anticipate rain? Are you spending long days in heat and humidity?
If you have a long flight, your skin will get dehydrated so plan to wear moisturizer. You can even use a tinted moisturizer to add a little color! Heading to Disney World in the summer or on a Mediterranean cruise? Plan on packing waterproof mascara, sunscreen, and a good translucent powder for your day bag.
Are you heading to the beach, Destin or Hilton Head? Consider a simple BB cream and lip balm for low-key days in the sand. The best way to anticipate what you need is to check the weather forecast before you pack your travel bag!
What will you be doing on vacation?
The next thing to think about is to consider the purpose of your vacation. What are your makeup essentials? Are you attending a special occasion like an evening wedding or a Broadway show? Throw in an eye shadow with extra shimmer and long-lasting lipstick. Spending most of your days by the pool? Consider a simple lip gloss, CC cream, and blush.
If you have a special event during your travel, that’s a good reason to have a quick trip to a makeup artist. I love to use travel as an excuse to grab some new products, and many times, you can snag some samples or smaller pots that are perfect to throw into your travel bag! Makeup artists can also make sure you have the perfect match for all types of different skin tones while showing many different options for a full coverage look or a natural look.
What should be in a basic makeup bag?
A basic makeup bag should include:
- a good moisturizer
- a great primer for a base for your makeup
- foundation liquid makeup or BB cream
- long-lasting concealer
- rosy blush
- waterproof mascara
- neutral eye shadow
- brow gel or pencil
- lipstick, lip gloss, or lip color stick
- powder for setting
What is the 311 rule?
The 3-1-1 rule, according to the TSA website is “each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion.”
If you are packing liquid products, skincare products, or haircare products in your hand luggage, be sure to follow the 311 rule to avoid holding up a long line in the airport security lines. One of my least favorite things is waiting for the person in front of me who discovers the 311 rule once they get to the front of the line!
If you have checked luggage, you can pack liquid makeup, toiletries, and other liquid items that weigh more than 3.4 ounces.
How many 3 oz items can I take on a plane?
If you plan on taking liquids, gels, and aerosols onto your plane in carry-on luggage, be sure to limit them to 3 oz. containers. You are limited to one quart-sized bag of liquids per traveler. If you are planning a long trip like a two-week trip, remember the liquids rule! If you can’t make it work in your carry-on, you may need to check your luggage instead.
A good option may be to pack your makeup items in your suitcase, purchase sample sizes, or transfer liquids into small travel containers. It is really sad to see a great product, often an expensive product, taken from a traveler’s carry-on luggage at security. Remember, that sunscreen counts in this limit.
What do I need for a full face of makeup during travel?
When I am considering my makeup packing list, I keep my best travel makeup bag with these essentials. I actually store it in my closet, along with my travel toiletries and medications to make them easy to grab and pack. I purchase clear plastic bags so I can easily spot what I have and fill in empty slots before traveling. These are my top beauty travel essentials!
Skincare
Even if I am packing less makeup for a trip, I always pack my skincare. Remember to include a cleanser, moisturizer, eye cream, and sunscreen to keep up with your skincare routine while traveling. I like to pack a moisturizer that includes sunscreen to pull double duty and take up less room in my toiletry bag. Remember to cover your face, neck, and chest to take care of your skin. This is the first step for me every morning!
Primer
A good primer is essential for me during any type of travel. My favorite inexpensive option is Maybelline Master Primer. For a fancier option, I like Laura Mercier’s face primer. Primers smooth your skin out and help you avoid using too much product of your foundation and concealer. A little bit of primer goes a long way!
Foundation and Concealer
I always make good concealer and foundation a part of my makeup routine on a daily basis. A great tip is to use products with plastic packaging versus glass for travel. The last thing you want to do on vacation is clean out your makeup bag after a spill.
My personal favorites are my Revlon Color Stay for a lower price point and MAC Pro for a higher price point option.
Mascara
Mascara is always an easy way to wake up your face, even if you aren’t putting on a full face of makeup on vacation. I always use a waterproof brand with an eyelash primer. It stands up to sweat, tears, and contact solution. My standby favorites are L’Oreal eyelash primer and Maybelline mascara.
Blush
Pack a versatile blush for your travel. I tend to stick with a rosy-tone powder. Consider your skin type. If you have oily skin, I find a powder blush lasts longer. If you have dry skin, a cream option can be perfect. There are tons of different colors of blush, so experiment with them until you are happy with your favorite.
My personal preference for blush options for my makeup packing list is the L’Oreal Blush Shaping Stick and Laura Geller Blush Stick.
Eye Makeup
Eye makeup can make a ton of impact on your makeup look without taking up a ton of space. I always pack a brow pencil, brown eyeliner, and a neutral eye shadow palette. You can find fantastic eye shadow palettes at many different price points. I have found great options at Target and Ulta, and even some solid alternatives at TJMaxx and Marshalls. With a small palette, you get an array of colors along with matte and shimmer options, making it perfect for your travel beauty packing list.
Travel Brushes
Be sure to include some travel brushes in your packing process. I always carry at least one great eye makeup brush, along with a kabuki brush for powder and a blush brush. This is another great thing to find online or at discount stores like Marshall’s or TJMaxx.
Powder
Choose a great setting powder to complete your look and cut down on shine. If you are going to be in a warm, humid environment, choose an easily portable powder that you can throw in your purse or park bag.
Lipstick
Of course, a lipstick or two is essential to your makeup packing list. I like to carry different colors, one bold red or coral option, along with an everyday rose or pink choice. A lip liner will help the color last longer, and a lip gloss is nice for extra shine. I always have L’Oreal Color Riche lipsticks and Maybelline Super Stay options in my travel bag.
Setting spray
If you want to set the whole thing, include a setting spray in your cosmetics bag. I keep the top on mine and keep it in a sealed plastic bag. I find a little spray keeps my look set for most of the day of vacation. My favorite is from Urban Decay.
Nail file and nail scissors
Be sure to throw a nail file and nail scissors or clippers in your toiletry bag! I always find at least one member of our family needs some nail maintenance while we are traveling.
Makeup remover
Even though you are on vacation, be sure to remove your makeup nightly. Pack your regular cleanser or some makeup wipes for an easier option.
I hope this list of my favorite items for my makeup packing list helps you on your next vacation! Sign up below for my free packing list and keep reading for more mom life, travel tips. Happy trails!
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