Greetings from Seattle! For Fourth of July Weekend, Luke and I flew up to visit his sister and meet up with some friends in The Emerald City. I’ve always wanted to visit but never have so I was super excited about the trip! We’re only here for three days but our schedule is jam packed with plenty of fun activities. I tend to overpack my makeup and toiletries but this time I was determined to keep things to a minimum.
My biggest mistake is that I always pack all my favorite go-to products without thinking of any specific looks and whether or not I have travel-sized versions of them (I usually don’t). This is such a shame since I have so many sample and travel-sized products I’ve saved up just for short trips like this. I made sure to definitely utilize them in packing. This would cut down on space considerably especially in regards to the liquids and creams – something super important since I’ll only be taking a carry-on with me and, thus, can only bring what can fit in the regulation 1 quart-sized resealable bag.
To help me choose what specific products to bring, I first thought about what we would be doing during those three days. Since we’re planning on doing mostly outdoor activities like hiking and sailing, there’s really no need for me to bring much makeup or hair styling products. My priority ought to be in taking care of and protecting my skin meaning I should be sure to bring lots of products with high SPF.
I also kept in mind that since we’d be staying with Luke’s sister and not at a hotel, I wouldn’t need to bring things like shampoo or toothpaste. One product that is missing from below but I am definitely bringing with me in deodorant!
LIQUIDS & CREAMS
Nourish Organic Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser – I accidentally took a photo of the wrong product (I did NOT take the Clinique Moisturizing Lotion with me as shown in the photo, I already had another moisturizer – whoops). It’s too bad too because this cleanser comes in the cutest little tube. It’s 100% natural organic and contains hydrating cucumber, high-in-antioxidants watercress, and soothing aloe vera ingredients – perfect if my skin somehow still gets a little burned and sensitive from the sun.
Clinique Clarifying Lotion – I LOVE this toner! I have a travel size of another toner that I usually bring with me on trips but I’m honestly just not a big fan of it. I’d much rather just put some of this Holy Grail product in a little travel container. My cleanser and moisturizer are constantly changing, but my toner has stayed the same for years. If there’s any trace of dirt on your face, this stuff will pick it up. I’ll just be astounded sometimes what I will find on my cottontball with this stuff after I’ve thoroughly cleansed my face and feel so clean. It can be a bit drying so regardless if you have sensitive skin or not I do recommend you follow it up with a good moisturizer.
Befine food skin care Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 – I’ve actually never used this product so I can’t say anything about it (yet). I received a sample of it and have been waiting for the chance to take it traveling with me so I could try it. I’ve heard good things about Befine products and although I could do with a little more SPF, I’m sure I could mix in a little sunblock and it’ll be fine.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70 – Probably the most important thing I’ll need during this trip! I’m sure our hosts will have sunscreen on them, but it was important to me to have some specifically for my face and to just carry around with me in my bag. Now that it’s summer, I feel like I should always be carrying around a little tube of sunblock on me! What I love about this stuff is not only the high SPF but the fact that it feels so lightweight and non-greasy – very vital for anything that’s going to go on my face especially in hot weather. It also absorbs very quickly into your skin and won’t leave it with white streaky marks – yay!
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+with SPF 50 – While most days, I’ll probably go bare-faced with just the moisturizer/sunblock combo, I’m bringing this little guy with me for when I want to clean myself up a little (maybe for a mini photoshoot while exploring the city?) and want a little coverage on my skin without the heaviness of a foundation. PLUS it has SPF 50 – score!
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – I don’t plan on wearing much eye makeup but since I am prone to oily eyelids, a trick I like to do to control the oil is apply this glorious primer on my lids then put a neutral eyeshadow over it.
Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector – I’ve been using this stuff for about a month now and it’s quickly becoming a favorite product. I get terrible dark eye circles and used to use a corrector then concealer then a brightener all on top of my eye cream and foundation – that’s a lot of products! Now, I just apply this over the two latter and – boom! – my under eyes look bright and awake! Such a great product. Even on barefaced days, I’ll probably use a little bit of this to just take care of those under eyes.
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara – Another product I’ve never used but it’s Urban Decay and comes in the perfect travel-sized tube. Can’t go wrong.
Elizabeth and James Nirvana White Rollerball – I considered bringing one of my many much smaller perfume sample sprays that I save up for trips like this but instead decided to go with a rollerball of this floral and super feminine scent. I don’t know if I’ll have an appropriate occasion to wear it but I’ll consider this my one “well, you never know” item.
Formula X Nail Polish in Wingwoman – You might recognize this from my latest Ipsy bag! Update: I’ve totally fallen in love with this nail polish! The formula is absolutely incredible! I applied two coats with NO top coat and a week later, my nail polish has still yet to chip! Crazy! I usually never travel with nail polish, but I’m bringing it along for any little touch ups I might need, plus the size is so tiny and perfect for travel!
NON-LIQUIDS & CREAMS
Dermalogica Daily Exfoliant – This stuff is so amazing! I really want to buy the full-sized so I could use this all the time! When mixed with water, this powder creates an incredible exfoliant that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and super soft! The outdoors can be a bit rough on my skin and since it’ll probably be taking a good beating with all the outdoor activities, I really want to make sure I’m taking excellent care of it. This will be the perfect little bit of pampering for it!
Chanel Eyelash Curler – A girl’s gotta curl her lashes! Especially when they’re as short, flat, and sparse as mine.
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in “Brunette” – Still my go to product for brows and one of a handful of products that I’ve hit pan!
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette – Like I’ve stated, I’m not planning any fancy eye looks so this little palette with it’s pigmented neutral colors is perfect for my “basic” needs.
Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in “Park Ave Princess” – I’ve been giving my Nars Laguna bronzer a break and trying something a little different lately. This golden bronzer has a velvety, powder texture that applies nice and smooth and looks great on those with pale skin (like me). I also like using it with the Benefit kabuki blush brush for contouring by applying it just underneath my cheekbones and along my jawline, hairline and temples. Not sure if I really need it but it’s compact and easy to travel with enough that I don’t mind packing it along. Also it’s waterproof!
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in “Blonde” – One of my all-time favorite, total HG products! Unfortunately, it’s also limited edition but they tend to bring it back every now and then so look out for it. I like to use this as a blush on my cheeks. I feel like it just totally transforms my face, giving my cheeks the prettiest pink glow that no highlighter or blush could do alone. This is a full-sized product that I bring with me no matter where I go.
the balm Mary-Lou Manizer – My favorite highlighter, this is some potent glow in a compact. Definitely want to make sure you use this in moderation and always tap out your brush before applying or there’ll be seeing you in space. Since I already have the MAC Skinfinish on my cheeks, I usually brush just a light amount above it on my cheek bones. I’ll also put some on the bow of my lip, my brow bone, the inner corners of my eyes, and a tiny bit on the bridge of my nose.
Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment – My Big in college taught me to apply this super moisturizing lip treatment before putting on red lipstick and she was a makeup pro so who am I argue?
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in “Native” – One of my latest purchases that I’ve been using quite a bit! I love the texture and application – very creamy and smooth. The color is great too – I like how it ups the natural pink color of my lips. Plus, my/your boyfriend doesn’t have to worry about everyone seeing lipstick on his face if he kisses you as it’s just sheer enough.
Revlon Lasting Finish By Kate Lipstick in 107 – I have a good amount of high-end red lipsticks yet I can’t get enough of these Revlon Kates when it comes to the color! I bought this randomly during a trip to Idaho to make a cut on my lip less noticeable and it’s become one of my favorites. Gorgeous deep red color with a lovely scent.
