It’s vacation time, people! Time to sink into a lounge chair on a white sand beach, sipping a Margarita and watching sunset reflection on the blue waters of the sea. And who wouldn’t want to look nice doing that? I can’t travel anywhere without my makeup, but I always try to pack light for a beach vacation, just a few essentials are enough to look and feel good in the summer heat.
To breeze through the airport security, we have to squeeze all our beauty products in a zip-lock bag. But there’s always a better looking alternative out there. I looove these Sephora clear makeup bags. They come in 3 sizes and are reusable, which means that they’ll last you through a number of trips.
Sephora Signature Clear Makeup Bags ($4, $6, $12)
What do I put in them? Usually I start with sunscreen, at least SPF30, the kind that can be used both on face and body. Neutrogena Sensitive Skin UVA/UVB Block ($9.99) is one of my all time go-to products.
I also need my moisturizer at all times, light foundation or tinted moisturizer, and concealer. Double points if these goodies have some SPF in them. Usually it’s enough for me to have a moisturizing lotion and tinted moisturizer at hand. But lately concealer is a must for me no matter where I go. Right now I’m in love with Lancome ‘Effacernes’ Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer ($28.50) for it’s lightweight texture, great coverage and impressive staying power. The widely-known and loved Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer ($42) makes my skin look dewy in the summer months.
For a makeup remover and facial cleanser, I usually take cleansing wipes with me, like Olay Regenerist Micro-Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths ($6.99). They are very convenient for travel, and I safe some space in my clear makeup bag by tossing them in the carry-on.
I try to take multi-purpose products with me when possible, like lip and cheek stain to eliminate the need for 2 separate products and brushes to apply them with. I find that Benefit Posietint Lip and Cheek Stain ($28) serves double purpose well, and gives a nice natural color to both face and lips.
I don’t pack any eye shadow for vacation, but an eyeliner and mascara are always with me. I like pencil liner more than liquid or gel, because it takes less time to apply, and it can be easily smudged with a Q-tip for a sultry evening makeup. The one I (and,apparently, Allure magazine) really like: Clinique Quickliner for Eyes ($14.50). It’s a perfect liner to use on the road as it doesn’t require any sharpening, goes on smoothly and stays put until you decide to take your makeup off.
In terms of mascara (can’t leave the house without wearing it), I like to bring a small sample of the one I’m in love with at the moment, and usually it would be Lancome ‘Hypnose’ ($24.50). I’m not a big fan of waterproof mascaras, but if you are, you can pack a waterproof version of your favorite brand (check out this Lancome ‘Hypnose’ Waterproof mascara ($24.50)). Just make sure that the face cleansing towelettes you have with you can handle waterproof products.
That’s pretty much everything I need to feel good about myself during the trip. But if you still have some space in your makeup bag, you can squeeze in a small bottle of perfume or essential oil. Don’t compromise a product that you think you need on a daily basis, take it with you. Speaking from my personal experience, you won’t be able to forgive yourself if you decided to leave it at home. Vacation is all about feeling happy.
