I wouldn’t say I wear makeup often. Moisturizer is usually all I need for a day… unless there are cameras or meeting new people involved in which case I like to put my best face forward. And when you’re traveling in Europe for 6 weeks, you can bet there will be a lot of picture-taking and people-meeting so carefully packing my makeup bag was crucial. Like the rest of my packing, I only wanted to bring things I would most definitely use and were very versatile. These products fulfilled both requirements. Here’s what I brought and my recommendations for fellow travelers:
- Moisturizer – Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream
I absolutely love this stuff. I usually put it on right after I’ve gotten out of the shower when my face has that dry, itchy feeling. Yes, it’s very thick, but you really can’t beat how moisturized and soft it leaves your skin. One of my absolute must haves. - Concealer – Sonia Kushak Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette
This kit is perfect and is such a life saver when it comes to dark eye circles or a surprise pimple. It gives great coverage without feeling greasy or cakey. (Edit: Unfortunately, it went missing while I was in Barcelona so it looks like I’ll be making a stop at Target soon.) - Foundation – L’Oreal Bare Naturale Powdered Mineral Foundation
I definitely prefer powder foundation over liquid and this product is just as good as any of the higher end brands but at a fraction of the cost. I apply it using a Clinique brush since the one it comes with is pretty useless. - Bronzer – MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
For those days when I’m looking particularly pale. - Blush – NARS Orgasm Blush
Not much to say here as it’s reputation precedes it. Classic. - Lash and Brow Mascara – Rimmel Style & Shine
I hear it might be discontinued which would be a shame since this is a really awesome product, especially for the price. It’s great for keeping your brows in place as well as giving you natural, long looking eyelashes. - Eye Shadow – Rimmel SpecialEyes Duo Eye Shadow in Biscuit Box
I go for neutral eye shadows in browns and taupes. If I’m going out, I’ll put on some purple. I’ve been using this Rimmel color for quite some time now. I love that it pretty much can go with anything. - Eyeliner – Maybelline Stylish Smokes in Charcoal and Maybelline Line Stiletto
Eyeliner is a must for me. While I’m not partial to any particular brand, I can’t live without my MAC 266 brush. It’s perfect for applying eyeshadow as an eyeliner. I prefer this so much over using a pencil or liquid liner (although when combined with liquid liner, it creates an especially dramatic look). - Mascara – Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara
I usually use Cover Girl Lash Blast but this came in a tiny little tube that was perfect for traveling. - Lipstick – Various MAC Lipsticks
I like my natural lip color so I usually don’t wear anything but when I do, I love me some MAC. Especially in shades of light pinks.
