Packing for a trip is something I look forward to each summer, especially when it comes to tackling the challenge of how to travel with less beauty products. It’s easy to fill our cosmetic pouches to the brim, but how much of it will you actually be using?
After experiencing the handle of my suitcase break off on my way to the airport, I knew I had to start packing lighter. Since then, I’ve found ways to bring less products with me without compromising my choices and I’m excited to share how you can too.
How to Travel With Less Beauty Products
1) Bring Suitable Products Bring suitable products that will work with the climate. For example, use powder formulas for places that are hot and humid, and cream products for places that are cold and dry. This ensures you won’t be carrying extra products that have no use for and you won’t have to do any extra shopping and add more products to your bag.
2) Customized Palettes We all want choices, but rather than carrying each product individually, look for compact options. Many brands offer face, eyeshadow, and lip compacts. This allows you to carry several color options in one palette. If you can’t find a compact that suits your needs, you can create your own.
Did you know? Magnetized compacts can be purchased on Amazon or at your local drugstore. ColourPop and MAC Cosmetics offer single refills on powder foundation, blush, bronzers, highlighters, eyeshadows, and more. You can customize your own palette to your liking and easily bring all your favorites in a single palette.
3) Invest in Quality Products When you invest in higher quality products, you can rely on one product versus several products to do the same job. Using a good primer and setting spray is absolute key in ensuring your makeup lasts all day.
4) Versatilite Products Many brands have versatile products that have more than one use. Such as bronzers that double as an eyeshadow, liquid blush that doubles as a lip tint, and primers that doubles as a hair frizz tamer. The next time you’re at a beauty boutique, play around with these products and see which works best for you.
5) Touch Up If you’re using a good setting spray, chances are you’ll only need to bring a lip product for touch ups. This is wonderful because you can leave your makeup bag at the hotel and have extra room in your purse for other things! However, I recommend carrying blotting sheets to increase the longevity of your makeup.
6) Say Yes to Minis Traveling with mini-sized products is ideal, especially if you’re only bringing a carry on. I recommend saving your samples and seeing which boutiques offer mini-sized products whenever you’ve got a trip coming up. Most places are happy to give out free samples and minis if you ask!
My trips have been much more enjoyable since I’ve been packing only what I need. You won’t ever catch me checking in luggage again for a long time. Are you travelling this summer? Are you a heavy or light packer? What are some of your must-have makeup products while travelling? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
These are great tips for traveling with less makeup! I’m currently visiting my parents, and I was able to fit my makeup into 1 makeup bag. I decided not to bring any eyeshadow palettes because it is so warm here, but I definitely recommend a primer and setting and I LOVE the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray! I also have blotting papers that I carry with me.
That’s great that you were able to fit it all into one bag, it makes travelling so much easier! Thank you for reading Karalee!
Ooh I love this! I currently don’t have anything booked for the summer but I’m hoping to go travelling and I really want to pack light. I love the idea of making sure everything you bring is versatile – and I think a good setting spray and primer do sound like a must! Thank you so much for sharing x
Thank you for reading Ceri! I hope you get to go on a trip soon!
Great tips! The art of traveling light is an important skill to learn.
It makes packing and travelling so much easier! Thank you for reading Wendy!
I think that having a color coordinated wardrobe when traveling would be a huge help in deciding what palettes and makeup to take. I usually never need much, so I love that you break down each necessity a little further and expand on your reasoning. 🙂
Yes, that’s another great idea! Thank you for reading Jaya!
i love that you are making the conscious decision to pack lighter during your travels. i love packing a very curated collection of makeup when i’m traveling because it saves space and makes getting ready a lot quicker.
That’s great that you have a system in place that makes it much easier for your travels! Thank you for reading!
Summer is the best time to pack light since clothing items aren’t as heavy. We try to pack minimally and focus on essentials, like sunscreen and moisturizer.
Sunscreen is a must! Thank you for reading!
During the summer I try to avoid make up if I can. Or wear as minimal as possible, so if I need to travel I can only take a small amount. Thank you for sharing your suggestions for travelling!
Lauren
That’s also a great idea! Thank you for reading Lauren!
I’ve also been trying to pack lighter also. These are great ideas for packing only the essentials.
Thank you for reading Janera!
I’ve really downsized my travel makeup and have it down to a small bag now as we often just travel with a carryon sized bag. These are all great suggestions on how to maximize this space!
That’s great to hear Jodie! Maximizing space gets so much easier overtime as we continue to only bring what we need!
I definitely need to make travelling with makeup less of a hassle, I always travel with too much! I definitely need to bring more versatile with what makeup items I take with me x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I hope you find some versatile products! Thank you for reading Lucy!
Packing light is something I’ve learned through the years. I try to pack things that I know I’m going to use and leave extra room for buying souvenirs.
Exactly! I love bringing home gifts and souvenirs. Thank you for reading!
This is so timely. Packing for a trip this week. Great tips.
Thank you for reading! Safe travels!
My niece would like this!
I’m glad! Thank you for reading!
This post was so useful to me. I’m going on a trip to Amsterdam next month so packing light is definitely something I need help with. I am prone to taking extra eyeshadow etc. when I travel as well, but this year I’m going to try my best to reduce how much I take away with me. I LOVE the All Nighter setting spray too!
It’s so easy to overpack, especially when it comes to makeup. I hope you have a wonderful trip to Amsterdam! Thank you for reading Kelly!