Favorite 5: Makeup Travel Essentials

My key word for skincare travel essentials was moisturizing (see my previous post here). My key word for makeup travel essentials is versatility. If you have limited space in which to pack your makeup, it’s a necessity to choose your products wisely. All my Favorite 5 makeup travel essentials are multipurpose—time to think outside the box!

1. Multitasking Foundation: When traveling, you may not have room for a primer, foundation and concealer so it’s important to find a foundation that can do it all. I’ve currently been testing out, and really liking, the Covergirl outlast stay fabulous foundation + sunscreen in 810 classic ivory. It claims to act as a primer, concealer and foundation, all with SPF 20. This is definitely a fuller coverage foundation (eliminating the need for heavy concealing) and therefore is a little thick. It’s not as watery as the Revlon Colorstay and not as thick as MAC Studio Fix Fluid (I’ll be comparing these three popular foundations soon). There is a wide shade range and the SPF is a bonus.

2. Small Eyeshadow Palette in Neutral Shades: My pick is the Sonia Kashuk Sweet Nothings Eye Palette, available at Target. This palette has the perfect shades for a multitasking palette. You can use the white shade (top left) to highlight the brow bone and inner corner of the eye. There is a yellow-based shade (top right) to neutralize undereye dark circles and do some light concealing. Then you have four brown shades with different undertones (from red to gray) to create many different looks. The brown shades can also act as an eyeliner—wet a liner brush before dipping it into the shadow to darken the color a little bit. Another bonus is that the shades are matte. It is SO HARD to find matte shadows, especially in a palette. Matte shades are perfect if you are at a more formal or serious affair (like a conference or interview) but are also nice for everyday or fun looks. The white shade has the slightest amount of shimmer in it, which is exactly what you want for a highlight color. I use this palette almost every day (for shimmer shadows I love the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette).

3. Brow Pencil: I haven’t tried many brow products, but the one I like the best is the Maybelline New York Define-A-Brow in light brown. This pencil is actually lighter than my brows. I have pretty full brows and don’t really need a brow product, so I use a shade lighter than my brows so that they do not look to heavy. If you like, your brow pencil can double as an eyeliner!

4. Mascara: Need I say more? Mascara can open your eyes and make you look more awake instantly. If you apply the mascara at the root of your eyelashes, it can also create the illusion of eyeliner. My all-time favorite mascara is Maybelline New York Great Lash (the original one). I’m currently using the Maybelline New York The Colossal Volum’Express. It gives great volume and holds through the day. I don’t have issues with clumping with this mascara either.

5. Lip/Cheek Combo: I hadn’t ever found a lip/cheek combination product that I’ve liked, but I knew I wanted to include one in my post (5 items is not a lot!). I went to Target and picked up the e.l.f. All Over Color Stick in Pink Lemonade and actually really liked it (and it was only $1!!). It blended nicely on my cheeks and gave a just bitten color to my lips. I’m guessing it’s supposed to smell like pink lemonade, but it smells like fruit snacks to me.  

Bonus Item: Oil Blotting Sheets: Travel can make your skin really dry, but it can also make you produce excess oil. Yup, that makes total sense…  I like the Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets for touch-ups throughout the day. It picks up excess oil without messing up my makeup. You can get them at drugstores.

Thanks to reader Tess for requesting this post!

What are your makeup essentials for traveling? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: These items were purchased with my own money and all opinions are 100% honest and my own. I do not provide positive reviews for payment. Products that work for me may not necessarily work for you.