Earlier this month, the stars aligned and a last-minute work trip opportunity arose at the same time as a pre-planned weekend away. The result was a two-week stretch in New Jersey, New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and a predicament over what to pack. As usual, I took the kitchen sink with me, and yet, found that each day I used the same capsule edit over again.
What to pack in your makeup bag for a holiday
Here are the things that I genuinely used and loved, that wore well in all climates, and left me with holiday photos I can look back on with love! In other words, here’s how to effectively pack for your trip…
SPF 50
I originally packed the SVR SPF50 for my face and a Garnier SPF50 for my body, but as the weeks progressed, I lost patience and just used the latter all over. I packed the SVR in my bag for top-ups throughout the day as the tube was smaller, and both kept me sunburn-free without pilling under my makeup.
Vichy Mineral 89 Cream
This was my daily moisturiser. A simple, no-fuss cream designed to strengthen the skin barrier and deeply hydrate the skin, this was ideal in-flight or to soothe skin that had been in the sun all day. It’s suitable for all skin types and gentle enough for even the most sensitive of skin. The same goes for…
La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo-cleanser
Likewise, this simple, no-fuss cleansing cream was ideal to deeply hydrate the skin as well as breaking down all longwear makeup and SPF. Keeping my skincare routine succinct was the key to getting ready and unready as quickly as possible.
IT Cosmetics CC Cream in the original finish, plus the Bye Bye Pores translucent powder to set it
This was honestly the secret weapon of my trip. A completely full-coverage skincare, makeup and SPF hybrid, it left my skin feeling comfortable through early mornings and long nights and always looked flawless in photos. I kept the powder in my bag (the viral Uniqlo cross body, no less) at all times, and used it to blot away any excess shine and sweat.
Nudestix in ‘Bondi Bae,’ ‘Sunset Strip’ & ‘Sweet Peach’
If you saw last week’s column, you’ll know by now that I am a long-time lover of Nudestix. These simple, creamy sticks are so quick to use, add instant dimension and life to your skin (in particular, if you wear full coverage like I do) and last well through every possible weather.
Benefit Gimme Brow
Growing my eyebrows out last winter was one of the best things I ever did. A simple slick of this tinted brow gel and my brows were full, natural and groomed all day long during my trip.
Clinique Lash Power Mascara
Though every brand promises for this to be the case, the Clinique Lash Power mascara genuinely does not smudge at all. Cards on the table, it isn’t the most volumising mascara you’ll ever use, but there won’t be a panda eye in sight.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Liner
My best piece of advice to you is to always have a lip liner that matches your lips exactly. Mine is Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk, and even as it wears off it continues to look natural because the colour match is perfect. If you have a darker outer line to your lips and paler inner lip, match your liner to the outer line.
Clé de Peau Beauté SPF30 Lip Balm
Yes, it’s an investment, but I really love this. CDP’s clear lip balm is ideal as part of your makeup or skincare routine. I specify that because some of the best lip balms around – the Nuxe Reve de Miel for example – just don’t sit well under makeup. The added SPF in this was reassuring when I was out in the sun, too.
Lisa Eldridge Gloss in ‘Songbird’
Lisa Eldridge has created a range of lip glosses that offer everything you’d want with none of the pitfalls. Glossy but not sticky, densely pigmented without requiring a mirror to apply, moisturising but not messy… I took a couple of these away with me and by the end of the trip, all my girlfriends wanted one.
Added extras
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There were of course a few extras – the Peaches and Cream eyeliners and my Half Magic Beauty glitter liners, for example – but the crux of my face, day in, day out, was a quick and easy 10-minute job that stayed put all day.
Pack light, pack multi-taskers, and you won’t go far wrong.
Feel free to let me know if there’s something else I can help you to nail this summer!
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