“Packing Cosmetics for a long trip can be exhausting, overwhelming with too many options. My easy list of 10 simple go-to items can safe you time and most of all space in your luggage”. says Philadelphia Beauty Blogger Angela Malicki

Traveling is an exciting and rewarding feeling that I look forward to, but packing cosmetics on the other hand is not. For may years I’ve streamlined packing cosmetics down to a science making room in my carry-on for luxury finds. In my previous post I’ve shared how to get ready for a trip and preparing mentally for it. Packing cosmetics has been a challenge for many people and I’m here to share with you my essential secrets. Avoid getting your cosmetics tossed during TSA check-in. While traveling to Athens from Paris I had my bag inspected by customs before boarding. The associate removed my Diptyque body cream as it was over 3 ounces. I had no choice but checking my carry-on. I’ll never do that again! If you are and OVERPACKER, read my latest post on avoiding those habits HERE.
Packing cosmetics when traveling shouldn’t add extra pounds to your luggage. Be mindful and carefully select your items based on your trip. In 2010 while traveling to Greece for 2 weeks I overpacked soo much make-up that I never wore it as it was so hot. I learned my lesson and there I refuse to overpack again.convenience
Simple make-up products to take when traveling or even use on the daily should not be complicated. You can keep all your beauty products together in one little bag or a large toiletry bag for convenience. I shared in my post HERE what I take on a long trip and the convenience of packing only the basics. Below are make-up essentials that will make you carry-on must lighter.

10 Travel Make-up essentials
Foundation
Depending on the season and location where I’m traveling, I like to pack a lightweight medium to full coverage foundation. My go-to is Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Filter or YSL All-in-one-tint. Both are easy to apply with a brush, beauty blender or fingers.
Concealer
Concealer is the most important piece of make-up especially when traveling and for daily use. I at times just use concealer instead of foundation. My favorite ones are NARS creamy radiant concealer, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Concealer or Trish McEvoy Instant Eye Lift. All these concealers are perfect in shade and help brighten dark circles and reduce the appearance of puffiness.
Brow Pencil
OK I did say that concealer is the most important piece of make-up, but brows are the holy grail of the face. Brow pencils are a great way to fill in and shape the brows quickly and precisely. Brow pencils come in different textures and applications. I prefer Anastasia Brow Wiz or Dior Backstage brow styler. Both are fine tipped and have a brush on the end. Mine lasts for a couple months and never breaks on me.
Bronzer
Bronzer warms up the skin and gives it shape and definition. There are different forms of bronzers, from cream, liquid and powder. When traveling I usually take my Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand as it’s easy to blend and looks great on the skin. I sometimes layer it with my Trish McEvoy Bronzer in Dual Resort.
BEAUTY TIP: Use you bronzer as eye shadow for a more natural look.
Highlighter
Highlighter is something that can be used in your foundation if it liquid for a glowy look. Chanel Les Beiges Sunkissed is perfect for under and over make-up. Another go-to is Becca Champagne pop powder highlighter. I also use it as eyeshadow for convenience.
Cream or Powder Blush
Blush completes the overall make-up look and gives your skin a nice youthful boost. I use blush on my lids and cheeks in powder or cream form with a brush. Like Megan Markle, NARS Orgasm blush is one that I grab
Eye Liner
It is a amazing how one stroke of eye liner can change the shape of your eyes. Eye liner is a make-up medium that can be used in many ways. A kohl pencil can smudged for a un-done eye look. Gel liners are meant to last and do not allow wiggle room for smudging as they dry quicker. I apply my gel liner in my waterline or in between my lashes for a full lash look. Liquid eye liner is more precise and the darkest of them all. Liquid liner comes in different forms from a felt pen, brush application, or in a pot.
Powder
When I travel I love taking a pressed translucent to set my make-up, reduce shine and it works when I need a mirror to apply my lipstick. Not all powder compacts have the puffs, using a brush is best suggested and you can use the same brush for bronzer and blush if cleaned in between. One of my go- powders are CHANEL Les Beiges, Bobbi Brown Sheer Pressed Powder and Sisley Blur Powder.
Lip Liner
When traveling light, I try to streamline my lip options. Using a lipliner can be used as a full lip tint when you fill the entire lip. I sometimes use my cream blush as a lip color too. Trish McEvoy has amazing 2 in one lip and cheek products. My favorite combo is Pink Beauty Booster Lip and Cheek by Trish McEvoy with Whirl Lipliner by MAC.
Mascara or False lashes
Full fat lashes never go out of style and right mascara can deliver those results. Lately I’ve been pacing lashes with me when I travel as I like how bold my eyes look. If that is not an option for then here’s my pick for the best mascara. You cannot go wrong with CHANEL Le Volume Mascara or Dior Pump and Volume Mascara. Both deliver bold results and easy to apply. I like to pair my mascaras with a lash primer for a thick and long lash effect.
How to store you make-up when traveling
Make-up bag options that don’t take a lot of space in your weekender or carry-on bag has been hard to find. When I travel I usually take my Trish McEvoy planner or the Louis Vuitton Toiletry bag in the size 15. If I’m carrying a larger handbag, I usually keep my makeup wit me for convenience and accessibility. .
I’ve seen a few women carry their make-up in beauty ziplock style bags that are alittle stronger than the clear ones. I found them at Costco recently (they were sold out by the time I wrote this blog) and liked the patterns along with size options, you can find them HERE. As a result if you make a mess they can easily be replaced and disposed.
What about skincare Ang? I like most women, collect deluxe samples thru the years. I have a drawer full of samples including packets of haircare. You can also find TSA sized bottles at your local drug store or Target.
Looking forward to traveling this year and packing light for my long flight. I’d love to hear about your packing tips and the beauty products you take with you.
Thanks for reading my blog, XO, Ang
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