When it comes to which beauty product I pack in my skincare and cosmetics kit for travel, as always, I try to keep it to a minimum. I lighten up my carry-on bag by choosing multi-use products.
Many people love to travel because it’s a break from the routine of day-to-day life; no more grocery shopping, no work, housekeeping, or washing the car. For women, even putting on makeup every day can seem like a routine that we just get tired of. A vacation seems like a grand opportunity to go au natural!
As a professional makeup artist and a passionate traveler, I have a different perspective.
Whether we like it or not, if we look attractive, we are seen as friendlier, smarter, and more approachable. A big part of my travel experience is meeting new people. That said if I’m meeting new people every single day I make an effort to look my best. That doesn’t mean I spend an hour on hair and makeup. I know a little goes a long way. I want to look awake, vibrant, and friendly – not tired and jet-lagged. Trust me, it matters.
When I travel I choose the following multi-use products because they meet almost every basic requirement – moisturizer, sun protection, tanning lotion, color, hairspray that can double down as root lift, and some serious skin repair if needed. I can still take care of my beauty and grooming needs, without carrying too many products.
1. A Creme Blush Stick
I like Vapour Organic Beauty Aura Blush Sticks. They are creme blush sticks which can also be used as lip color. It comes in four colors, but I like Enchant or Impulse for most skin tones. In minutes you’ll have a healthy glow and look more awake.
2. A CC Cream
Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream
The latest in multi-purpose products this cream does it all. It’s color-correcting, primes, perfects and protects with SPF30. Not only that, it also fades discoloration. Talk about multi-tasking! There’s a good color range and I’ve tried this one myself and like it a lot.
3. A Tanning Lotion/Moisturizer for the Body
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
Try Jergens Natural Glow in Medium to Tan. I am fair but use the medium, otherwise, it takes forever to get even a slight bit of color. Gets rid of dry flaky skin, and slowly develops an all-over glow. Once the color develops, it also helps camouflage minor skin blemishes.
4. Hairspray
Hair spray has so many uses I can’t imagine leaving home without it. You can use it to hold hair in place, smooth flyaways, or to create volume at the roots when your hair has gone flat. I like Alterna Caviar working spray and it comes in travel size.
5. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
This is a classic that has been around forever, and with good reason. It heals the driest skin and airplane chapped lips. If you have a minor burn or other skin irritation it will help speed up healing and you can even smooth unruly brow hairs.
Whether you try one or all five of these products, your packing list just got smaller and your carry-on just got lighter.
All material ©PennySadler 2013.
21 comments
Love it all – but I must confess to being a bit dubious about the hairspray. But then again, I don’t use it at home OR on the road – maybe all my travel pics would look a lot better if I did!!!
Ah! I always forget that you’re a professional makeup artist. Neat tips, though I don’t think I’m cool enough to partake in these products!
Lillie, you are cool.
What great tips! I am woefully, woefully bad at picking out new products. I find myself so overwhelmed when shopping for them, so thanks so much for the recommendations. I love the Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream already – I’m going to have to pick up some.
I just got some myself. Love it.
I can’t believe it has taken me this long to discover Tinted Moisturizer with SPF. Since we’re generally hiking in remote locations, I don’t find it necessary to wear a lot of make-up however I do like to look nice in photos. I love Tinted Moisturizer with SPF. It smooths out my skin tone while protecting my skin from the sun – a definite must!
A little something is good. And since you’re going to apply SPF anyway, why not?
Great tips, i would probably get the best results with that moisturizer since i spend a lot of time outdoors.
What no hairspray? 🙂
I always use creme blush stick. I find it so much easier. I also use coconut oil for a moisturizing treatment for my skin/hair/face cleanser routine!
Coconut oil is awesome. I just don’t find it practical to pack in my carry-on. 🙂
Can you believe I haven’t used hair spray since high school?! Great list!
Well send me a PM and I’ll give you some not so known uses for it. 😉
Thank you for this helpful list! I’ve been looking everywhere for a good one! I LOVE that Creme Blush stick, I have never seen that before. Plus, I like how it can also be used as lip color – two in one! I also found this article to be helpful, in case anyone has been looking around like me! http://eyemajic.com/travel-beauty-tips-10-must-carry-items/
Hi Pam, Glad you liked it and thanks for visiting Adventures of a Carry-on. You might also like my makeup studio blog, pennysadler.blogspot.com
Penny, the Vapour Organic Blush Stick sounds pretty cool. Thanks for the heads-up.
I truly like those a lot. I use one. They make some pretty foundation sticks too.
Great tips! And found me some new travel items. Didn’t think about a tanning lotion/moisture combo. Haven’t used the Elizabeth Arden cream, but might now. I suffer the worst chapped lips just about every time we travel.
The 8 Hour cream also comes in a lip stick form.
I’m going to have to look for that! Thanks for the tips.
I hope you find something you like. Thanks Carol!