There seems to be two types of female backpackers: those who make space in their packs for makeup, and those who don’t. While I completely love and respect my fellow women who forego makeup on the road (or at home), I fall firmly into the former. I just can’t seem to go anywhere without my Studio Fix.
My travel makeup routine varies when I’m on the road. If I’m at the beach or hiking, I’ll rarely put on anything more than lip balm and sunscreen during the day. But when I’m out at night or in a city (especially in Europe), I like to put on a little bit more.
While my makeup packing list might look like a lot, it actually takes up very little space in my backpack and I usually never spend more than 10 minutes getting my face on. That’s why these products, along with my travel packing essentials, always come along with me.
Face
- Primer (Murad Oil Control Mattifier) I’m allergic to most primers, but my skin is oily so I like to put on a little something to help my makeup stay. This mattifier is my can’t live without product. It has SPF, controls my oil production, and acts as a primer without making me break out.
- Foundation (MAC Studio Fix) I didn’t bring this with me to Southeast Asia and I majorly regretted it. Some people will say the powder formula is too heavy for humid climates, but I find that anything liquid based immediately melts off my face, while Studio Fix has the staying power I need without looking cake-y.
- Blush (Milani Baked Blush in Berry Amore) I likea dark pink blush with a little shimmer and am currently obsessed with this inexpensive option that my sister (the makeup guru) introduced me to.
- Blush brush
- Makeup setting spray (Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray) I like this for extra shine protection and staying power if I’m going to have a long day or I’m going out at night.
Brows
- Tweezers My eyebrows are unruly and even though I’m pretty bad at plucking I always carry tweezers to hold me over between waxes.
- Brow powder (Anastasia Brow Powder Duo) Yes, I fill in my eyebrows while backpacking.
- Brow brush
Eyes
- Eyeshadow Primer (Urban Decay Primer Potion) This stops my shadow from creasing or melting off, and actually makes the colors show up slightly more vibrant against my olive toned skin.
- Eyeshadow (Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette or Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Palette) Palettes are a great travel option because they offer a variety of colors, but are organized and don’t take up a lot of space. I was traveling with Naked 2 palette which had a great combination of natural shimmery hues and darker matte options, but I got this Coastal Scents palette for Christmas and it might be coming with me this spring! The only thing I don’t like compared to the Naked palette is that it doesn’t come with a brush.
- Mascara I’m not picky about mascara and will usually pick up whatever drug store brand is around. Make sure to grab a waterproof variety if you’ll be spending a lot of time around water or in a humid climate.
- Eyeliner My search for the perfect black eyeliner is still ongoing, but get something that is long lasting and self-sharpening so you can ditch the messy sharpener.
Lips
- Lipsticks (MAC Ruby Woo, Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Showy, Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Celestial) A bold lip is a fast, easy way to look put together, especially if you’re in a hot climate and don’t want to worry about eyeliner running down your face. Luckily, lip products are small so you can carry a few without taking up too much space. These three are my current faves: a matte red, a creamy matte hot pink, and a more neutral pink-y orange gloss.
- Lip balms I usually carry at least two lip balms with me, a minty Chapstick for everyday use and something with at least SPF30 (Neutrogena makes a good one) for days at beach or hiking. I’ve burnt my lips more than once and the healing process is painful and unsightly. Never again.
Nails
- Clippers
- Cube Nail File I like the use a cube nail file that has a side for buffing and shining. It’s like a free, quick manicure you can give yourself.
- Polish (O.P.I. Koala Bear-y) I keep one bottle of polish with me (usually a hot pink) at all times, especially if I’m going to be wearing sandals a lot. Only carrying one color saves space and means I can give my toes a touchup without having to also bring a bottle of nail polish remover.
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What are your can’t live without products for traveling? Or do you even bother with makeup at all?
love it, my fave OPI is cajun shrimp.. cant live without it
Rachel of Hippie in Heels recently posted..Chikmagalur Homestay & Trekking the Highest Peak in Karnataka
Just looked that one up and may have to buy it…
I love these kinds of posts! I am also a huge fan of Murad Primer for my super oily, acne-prone skin! I love that it has sunscreen so I don’t have to bother (usually) with additional sunscreen on my face (unless I’m snorkeling in Panama and burn my forehead). I also use the UD Eyeshadow Primer and the Studio Fix compact. Great minds think alike! For eyeshadow and blush, lately I’ve been loving Urban Decay’s On The Run travel palette. It has everything I need and I love the colors. I’m definitely going to check out the UD setting spray. Thanks for sharing!
Kristin McNeil recently posted..Top 10 things to do in Seoul
Oooh, now I’m going to have to check out this travel palette as we seem to have extremely similar tastes in makeup! And I burned the shit out of my face snorkeling in Malaysia so I completely agree- use more sunscreen on those days
I’m impressed by your dedication to beauty! When I’m traveling, I’m lucky if I add eyeliner to the mascara/sunscreen combo I’m dedicated to.
Polly Barks recently posted..[giveaway] Welcome to #girlandVA
haha well it still usually takes me less than 5 minutes to do my makeup in the morning so it’s not as much dedication as it seems
It sounds like I need Murad primer in my life because my skin is so oily, but the one that is usually fine at home (Maybelline’s Baby Skin) does not work with Medellin, at all. My face is usually a big greasy mess at the moment. My make up is pretty minimal as it looks like a child has done if I go OTT, but it’s nice to have a few basics to pep yourself up.
Naomi recently posted..The Essential Capurganá and Sapzurro Travel Guide
You should try it! It’s not 100% effective, but it has helped me look less like a greasy disaster day after day!
Nice list! I can’t live without Paula’s Choice Shine Stopper. I have incredibly oily skin and it’s the only thing that’s worked for me–ever. I’m usually a huge skeptic when it comes to beauty products (and well, everything) but this stuff is a miracle worker! And no, I’m not in any way affiliated with the company lol.
Jenna recently posted..Boston in the Off-Season
I’ve heard really good things about Paula’s Choice so I might have to try that when my Murad runs out!
Ain’t no shame in filling in your eyebrows while backpacking. I do mine to go to the grocery store! Riga is a small city and I run into the same people all the time. I use a lot of MAC products, they are great! I’ve also become addicted to Cover FX Mattifying Primer with anti-acne treatment. It works better than anything else I’ve tried! It doesn’t contain sunscreen, but I take care of that with CeraVe day lotion. I have very sensitive skin and this stuff has been a miracle!
Heather recently posted..My Favorite Cafes in Riga
haha I’m glad you agree
MAC is really great. I used to strictly only use their products but my sister has forced me to broaden my horizons. I’m going to check out this primer though! Sounds very promising.