How To Pack a Minimal Makeup Bag for Long Trips

This post was a suggested topic from a Stylebook reader. I admit when I first saw this suggestion my first thought was, "I am the last person to give this advice!" I take a ridiculous amount of product, both skincare and makeup, when I travel. But then I sat and really thought about it and I realized that although I take all that product I really don't end up using most of it.So, what do I end up using and why? Most of us have a go-to makeup looks, the one we wear every day and then our special occasion makeup. When I travel, I find I use my "every day" makeup almost exclusively and then maybe amp it up one night. So what is that everyday makeup?  

Primer

I find that I can get away with less makeup when I prime well first. One of my customers said, "It always takes longer to prime than to paint." I start with an overall face primer from Smashbox or Kevyn Aucoin, depending on the weather: Smashbox if it's hot and humid, Kevyn if it's cold and dry. Don't forget a skin tone eye primer; that alone can brighten your eye when in a hurry. 

Concealer

A good, all-purpose concealer can really do a lot. 

Foundation

Unless you're a tinted moisturizer only person, I think a buildable foundation is a much better travel companion. I can put a little on for light coverage or build it for a flawless look when I want that. I, personally, am a big fan of the Surratt foundation (I know…I sound like a broken record) because it has the brush attached. It doesn't get more travel-friendly than that. 

Custom Palette

I have 20 eye shadows at least, but I really only use two colors most of the time. I find that a small palette that also contains my blush takes up less room and is all I need most days. Then I take a cream shadow crayon for the days or nights when I want to amp up my look. I can use it as a liner or a shadow, depending on how I apply it. 

Gel Eyeliner & Tubing Mascara

A black gel eyeliner under the lash line gives definition to my lash line and makes my lashes look thicker. If I can only take one mascara with me, it's a tubing mascara. I don't want to worry about whether my mascara is smudged when I'm out and about all day in a different city. 

Lipstick

I like to take a lipstick that leaves a bit of a stain, but feels creamy, that way I can rub it in when I want more color or swipe on when I want more hydration.  You can fit all this into a very small cosmetic bag. Now, please…please don't ask me to do this with skincare.