What’s in my travel makeup bag

With the holidays fast approaching, I’d thought it would be helpful to share what I pack into my travel makeup bag.

I’ve done a fair amount of travelling, and have honed my ability to pack lightly, but without having to compromise. I’m not high maintenance with my makeup routine, so if you are a contour, bake and bronze everyday type of girl, then this won’t be for you. But if like to wear makeup, but not have to take your whole collection with you, then read on. These are the brands and formulas I love, but obviously substitute for whichever you like.

The bag is one of the Elizabeth Arden X Sparrow Society Makeup Bags that come out each year. They are a great size and are lined to minimize mess if you have any leaks. The bags come as part of a gift set, and are usually available in the first half of the year at different retailers, so keep an eye out. The one above is one of the 2018 ones.

I pretty much always have an Invisibobble (R80 for box of 3) within 3 meters of me. They are the best things since sliced bread, so I always throw a few extras into my bag.

If you have dry skin, you need to try Nyx HD Studio Photogenic Concealer (R130). It has great coverage, but without any chalky finish and it doesn’t crease on me, either. I use the shade CW02 and there are loads of colours available.

I have used Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Mascara (R405) for years, so it always comes with me when I travel.

I always take a cream stick that I can use on my cheeks and my eyes. My current favourite is Sisley Phyto-Blush Twist in 2 Fushia (R765). Multi-purpose products are the best addition to your bag when space or weight is an issue.

My last pair of UBU Lasharazzi curlers broke a few months ago, and I then discovered that they have been discontinued. After trying a few very expensive ones, I found these Claire’s Eyelash Curlers (R100) to be the best substitute.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips (R100) is with me every day, so is an obvious addition to my bag.

I only take one brush, and my MAC 217 Blending Brush (R355) is the most versatile. I see that Real Techniques now does travel sized brushes, though, so this may be replaced by one of theirs.

The Inglot Freedom System 2 Eye Shadow Square Palette (R89) Eyeshadow 107 Rainbow (R149) and 31 Shine (R149) is such a great idea, as you can customize what you add. There are various sized palettes, and you can add eye, lip, face and cheek products. Everything you need in one palette. I just take these 2 eye shadows because I can create any look I need from these 4 shades.

Maybelline BROWprecise Fiber Filler Brow Mascara in Deep Brown (R110) is the quickest way to groom unruly brows. It adds definition, a hint of colour and keeps them in place in one sweep.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in 20 Beige (R740) is my every day foundation. It is buildable, so is versatile enough to travel with. It applies best with my fingers, which means I don’t have to take a brush or Beauty Blender.

The mini masks and fragrances aren’t skincare, but I always pop them into my makeup bag. If you’re going on a trip, ask your favourite brands if they have samples. They are much easier to travel with, and won’t be a huge loss if they burst or you lose your bag. You can also take the masks on the plane for inflight skincare. This last trip I took the Sisley Facial Mask with Linden Blossom for Sensitive Skin and Express Flower Gel Hydrating and Toning Mask. For fragrance I had the original Chloe and Dot by Marc Jacobs. Would you like to see what skincare I pack when travelling?

What are you makeup travel essentials? Let me know in the comments below.