As a former beauty blogger, you’d expect my travel makeup collection to be quite impressive. But I’ll warn you now, low-maintenance wins every time with me, hence why I didn’t quite cut the mustard writing about the latest makeup trends. But when I read these posts, it’s overwhelming how so many still contain product lists longer than my arm! So I thought why not add my own, rather more simple approach to travel makeup into the mix.
This tiny collection of products were the only things I used for six months. I was in Asia between February and June, the hottest time of year, so going minimal was essential. I’ve never been one for a full face of product but whittling down my stash was great for two reasons. Firstly, the less that’s in your backpack the better! Nobody needs the pain I went through of carrying 17kg around Australia but that’s a story for another day. And secondly, you’ll become less and less bothered about looking pristine when you’re dripping with sweat pretty much constantly. Overshare? Sorry guys. Let’s get on to the beauty bits shall we…
Dr Jart+ Water Fuse BB and Real Techniques Buffing Brush
I’ve been using this light base combination for about four years now – beauty bloggers circa 2012, eat your heart out! In fact, I’ve had the BB cream for so long that they don’t make it anymore. It works great for me as a light coverage is all I’m looking for most of the time. I don’t even have to chat about the Real Techniques Buffing Brush: it’s received worldwide attention for being a brush that works with so many foundation types. It’s currently available as part of the Flawless Base Set along with three others.
Wow, when did I get so out of the loop? It turns out that Benefit have discontinued their Erase Paste concealer in favour of the Boi-ing. I’ve used both over the years and don’t find them to be too different but I carried Erase Paste with me this time as its texture is slightly less stiff. On those days where the bare minimum of effort is all I could face, I’d just pat a bit of this under my eyes.
NARS palettes only stick around for a limited time and I was thrilled when I got my hands on The Happening a few years ago. As well as cult favourites Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer, it contains four gorgeous eyeshadows. Even though I left the blush and bronzer virtually untouched, it’s a godsend to have multi-use products while travelling. My eyelids are usually covered with a wash of the lightest shade while the darkest doubles as a brow powder and eyeliner.
After trying a couple of Benefit mascaras, this is my favourite by far. It’s easier to remove than the infamously tricky ‘They’re Real’ but still adds great length and volume.
For the Lips
The MAC lipstick in Modesty – a Cremesheen formula in a muted pinky-nude shade – only came out once for New Year’s Eve! Most days, it was just a quick slick of the Burt’s Bees Pink Grapefruit Lip Balm.
For most of my trip, I used a long-time favourite – Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser – as my only skincare. I can feel all the beauty addicts out there recoiling and at one time, I would have too. But honestly, my skin was fine: I can count the number of pimples that popped up in six months on one hand. When I ran out of moisturiser, I decided to switch to using the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face SPF30 daily. For a budget sunscreen that leaves your skin looking healthy not shiny, this is a fab choice!
And that is my very simple travel makeup bag. Whether there’s a beach to check out or a new city to explore, these few bits are all you need. Plus, the shorter your routine, the quicker you can go out for breakfast!
Laura x
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