After September’s fashion week, I packed my suitcases for the longest trip I’ve ever been to. Over the course of this different climate zones vacation, I reconsidered my travel skincare routine and travel makeup look. I also discovered a few new beauty tips that I want to share with you. Read up if you are planning a long trip and need to figure out what to pack.
Lesson 1: You Only Need One Palette
If there is one type of makeup products I’m the most excited about, it’s eyeshadow palettes. I always stay tuned on all the new launches and proudly display my collection in the beauty room.
As it turned out during my long trip to Europe, it’s totally possible to make it through almost two months of makeup by using… just one palette!
And I’m not even talking about a 16-shades ABH Soft Glam Palette or the limited edition LORAC palette. Believe it or not, but I managed to make things work with just one four shades YSL Couture Eyeshadow Palette.
I didn’t film any tutorials for Instagram so it was okay to do the same makeup over and over again. But the idea here is that it’s totally possible to not get bored by using all the same shades over and over again.
Having just one palette on me not only saved me a lot of space in a suitcase. It also helped to appreciate quality over quantity when it comes to picking eyeshadows.
Lesson 2: Sheet Masks Are Overrated
Another major confession here: I took a dozen of sheet masks on my trip but ended up using regular ones – those that came in a tube. Don’t take me wrong: I still love applying my favorite sheet masks while at home. But these are most valuable before I’m about to apply a full face of makeup.
I figured what I really need while on vacation are hydrating and detoxifying masks – that’s it! So, next time I’ll be saving my sheet masks for the days when I’m getting ready for the event or while on the airplane and pick just two travel-size masks for vacation.
I used Eve Lom Rescue Mask weekly to deep clean my skin and purify all the imperfections.
It features honey-infused kaolin clay which works perfectly for my combination, acne-prone skin.
It tingles a bit after application but a few minutes later it delivers so many benefits that it’s worth getting through an initial refreshing sensation.
I feel that this mask not only deeply cleanses my skin but also helps it to look more “alive” even when I’m very tired.
When my skin felt dehydrated, I applied Kat Burki Complete B Vital Face Mask
. It’s the most gentle and effective hydrating mask that I used in a while.
Straight out of a tube the mask looks like a thick cream, but when applied on the skin it transforms into a clear, glossy-looking serum. I have combination skin and I found this mask suitable both oily and dry patches of my skin.
Lesson 3: DIY Manicure Rocks
I used to be the biggest proponent of acrylic nails for long trips. These last for a long time and look so photo-friendly. There is a side effect though. If something happened to one of the false nails, there is no way to fix the problem immediately. So you end up having a half-perfect manicure. Not to mention that gel or acrylic nails cost around $100 and are able to ruin your natural nails after just one application.
This time around I decided to try something else – to bring with me a set of gel nail polish by Essie and a manicure kit. My new strategy proved to be more convenient and reliable.
My manicure always looked fresh, even if I broke a nail or two. It also gave me more space for creativity.
Since I packed two shades of gel nail polish (red and light blue), I ended up switching my manicure so it looks a bit different.
The manicure set (especially, scissors) ended up being handy not only to refresh my manicure but also to remove tags from new clothes. In other words, after trying a DIY approach to vacation nails I regretted all the years I’ve been torturing my nails with gels and acrylics.
Lesson 4: The Underslept Lashes
During my trip, I ended up taking so many flights in one month that I haven’t taken in years. I’m taking all the precautions for making myself look presentable even after a long flight. But oftentimes I still look pretty beat up the morning after a flight.
Usual skincare tricks only helped that much and I started experimenting with makeup trying to find the solution for fixing my puffy under-eye situation.
My favorite concealer and foundation combined with a color correcting fluid worked miracles for fixing the under-eye discoloration.
The trick that really made the difference was applying false lashes. Even when I didn’t have time to wear any other makeup.
There is something about the sharp eyelash line that immediately makes your eyes look more open and awake.
False lashes are also great for distracting people’s attention from puffiness and under-eye circles.
Of course, it’s crucial to pick lashes that don’t look too dramatic if you want to create the illusion of natural-looking lashes. The favorite pair that I ended up using way too many times while on vacation is Eyelure Texture No 117 False Lashes. As always, I applied them with my favorite Duo Lash Glue that lasts all day.
Lesson 5: Red Lip Is Universally Flattering
Being a makeup junkie, I packed an entire makeup bag full of different lipstick shades. I was thinking of every shade that I could possibly need while on vacation. From three versions of nudes to a collection of purple, pink, and red lipsticks.
I ended up wearing just two lipsticks during my trip. Too Faced Melted Liquid Lipstick in the shade Lady Balls for everyday wear so I don’t need to reapply the product during the day.
Estee Lauder Pure Love Lipstick in 300 Hot Streak for going out, so I could “eat” my lipstick and easily reapply it on the go.
Maybe it’s just my obsession with red lipsticks, but on this trip, I proved to myself one more time… Red lipstick is universally flattering regardless of what type of outfit you are wearing and for which occasion.
Next time around, I’ll be packing just one red lipstick and my favorite lip balm. And I’m certain that it would be more than enough.
There you have it: beauty tips I learned while traveling for more than a month. Next time packing for a long trip, I’ll make sure to be a more efficient packer and travel light. At the end of the day, if I save space in my suitcase, I can shop more while traveling!
Awwww so great you enjoyed it, Heather!
Thank you for reading, Miri! Yep, it was hard to travel for that long – but I enjoyed it!
Agree – such fabulous palette indeed!
Awwww thank you for your kind feedback!
So great it was helpful! Thanks for reading!
Thank you for reading! Yes, I love regular masks better!
Thank you for reading! Yes, gel nail polish is so great!
Thank you for reading! xoxo
Awww thanks, Ashley!
Thank you, Alya!
Yes, red lipstick is the absolute best! I can’t imagine my life without it!
Thank you for reading!
Awww thank you so much!
Thank you so much, Tina! So glad you enjoyed the post!
That’s a great point — it’s important to pick a palette that will not break while traveling!
This was such an interesting read – sounds like its been such an eye-opener with all of your travelling!
Heather xx
https://www.hefafa.me.uk
Thank you for sharing your lessons, Katya! I admire that you managed to travel for one month in a row!!!!
Have a wonderful week.
XO
Miri
https://currentlywearing.com
This was great to read. I loved this YSL palette, so beautiful shades.
Nina’s Style Blog
LOVE this guide! So real! Love the red lipstick your wearing! The shade is stunning.
https://www.facebook.com/MissGeorginaHart/
I also adore palettes and take them with me. Great post, nice lessons ))))
My Fashion BLOG by Maria
Completely agree that sheet masks are overrated! They never do anything for me! Loved the post!
The Leach Life | theleachlife.com
I need to the Essie gel polish, I keep hearing great things about it. Thanks for all of your tips.
Brooke
pumps and push-ups
Fab!! Thank you for all the tips!!
http://www.stephyttravels.com
Such great skincare tips, lady- I love a red lip, always!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Great tips! And totally agree, a red lip is forever fab!
Alya / moorizzla xx
I love red lips, so completely agree that that’s one of the two lipsticks you need to bring while travelling! Great tips!
Marije | thegfguide.com
I love your tips! Such an amazing post. :)
Shoot for the stars
Such a great tips!! you look fantastic!!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: MES VOYAGES A PARIS
These are great tips! Your makeup looks flawless here! I am still in search of the perfect red lip color for myself!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Thank you, Nina! I’m currently obsessed with all things YSL, including the palette! I just purchased a few lipsticks by the brand at Duty Free — so excited to experiment with them!
Hope you are having a fabulous day too! xoxo
Thank you, Amy Ann! I think some of these tips might be handy even if you are not traveling too! For instance, I’m planning on keeping my two masks rule when I’m back to NYC too!
Thank you for stopping by! I hope you are having a wonderful day! xoxo
Exactly! I feel that packing light in terms of makeup helps to become more creative! Especially when you are traveling and have a bit more time to play with makeup. I was surprised to learn that I can create an entire month of looks (not all of them repeats of previous looks) with just one palette!
I think when I’m back to NYC I have to start taking the same approach to all the palettes that I already have in my collection. Try to create new looks with makeup that I already have instead of purchasing all the new palettes!
…The new ABH palette looks so cute though… Oh my, I’m such a makeup junkie – it’s unfixable!
Thank you dear! Really appreciate your compliment!
It was challenging to use just one palette, but to be honest it was enough! It’s so awesome that we are on the same page here! Why overpacking, right?
Yay! Thanks for reading, darling! xoxo
Kevyn Aucoin’s new concealer is absolutely the best! I highly recommend it!
Thank you for stopping by, Elise!
Awww thank you so much dear! xoxo
Thank you for reading, darling!
Thank you for the sweet feedback, Shannon! Yep, red lips is absolutely essential!
Thank you for stopping by, April!
Such a great review, thanks for the tips.
April of: https://thepromdichic.wordpress.com/
IG: @Aprilnunezzz
I LOVE this post! The tips are so unique & useful. I totally agree with having one palette on hand too. It’s a major time & lifesaver…. & when all else fails, a red lip will never let you down!! xx Shannon || http://www.champagneatshannons.com
Thanks for sharing these great tips! They are so helpful!
xo, Joling
http://lovejoling.com/
great tips hun and you look stunning!
kisses from the sandpit ❤︎
http://www.mahryska.com
These are great tips!! I need to get some of that under eye concealer!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
These are such great tips! I want to try this hydration mask now!
District of Chic
Yes to only one palette! Haha. I’ve learned this lesson many times before, and now I only travel with one. :)
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com
It’s so hard to only pick one palette when I travel. But I got too many colors of shades which get broken because of the travel.
And i love to bring a lot of differents shades of lipsticks.
xx,
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com/
Fab tips, that palette looks gorgeous – and you look lovely in this post too!
Helpless Whilst Drying
I agree so much with this and great post. I have done the whole pack everything you can think of and then only need one palette and at most two / three lipsticks. When you are on holiday your approach to makeup is a bit different and its’ not so important to try several shades of red on the lips! I find a dark colour and a good mixing colour normally work for me .
franklyflawless.com
Great tips! I haven’t done any long travel, but I imagine these are really helpful.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Great helpful post dear! Love the YSL palette !
Thanks for sharing all these tips !
Have a great start to your week beautiful!
Nina
xox
http://www.thecrispylipstick.com