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After a 3-year long hiatus, I’m finally back overseas. I love travelling, but admittedly have never been a great packer — especially after a few years out of practice. I’ve been religiously watching TikTok content detailing influencers who manage to head off on a 3-week long trip with carry-on only, and it’s left my inspired to streamline my own suitcase.
Beauty has always been my pain point, but considering my go-to makeup routine is already super minimal and I’m heading somewhere hot, I made it a personal mission to keep things as pared-back as possible. I ended up bringing 10 products, and one week in I’ve used them all without feeling like I’m limited. And so in the spirit of sharing (and, for anyone else who might be heading off) I’ve detailed every single makeup product I packed below: all flexible, multi-purpose, heat-proof and easy to use.
Keep reading to shop.
read more: I’M A BEAUTY EDITOR, AND THIS IS MY TRICK TO MAINTAINING A GOLDEN GLOW WHILE TRAVELLING
Chanel Les Beige Water Fresh Tint
This is the best base product for holiday skin as it has enough coverage to even out tone but is sheer enough to allow real skin to shine through. It’s lightweight, very hydrating and has a luminous finish (great for hiding signs of jet lag). I love the fact the shade is adaptable as well — great for any beachside vacation where you’re sure to get some colour.
Chanel Les Beige Water Fresh Tint, $110. SHOP NOW
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Concealer
I love this product all the time, but it’s especially great for travel as it doubles as a foundation when buffed in all over (it also affords more coverage than the Chanel Tint). It has a semi-matte finish that holds up in humidity, but true to its name leaves the skin glowing and fresh.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Concealer, $68. SHOP NOW
Diorshow Mascara
This is a long-time makeup favourite of mine, which is why it’s the only formula I packed. The plush brush is soft and deposits just the right amount of product for a full, fluffy, fanned lash effect. It’s not waterproof so I wouldn’t wear it swimming, but doesn’t flake or smudge in the sticky European summer heat.
Diorshow mascara, $62. SHOP NOW
Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlighter Stick
A clear, glossy highlighter is essential because it imparts a dewy sheen, and can be used on the cheeks, nose lips and eyelids. This one from Westman Atelier is packed with skin-nourishing ingredients, and the handy stick format is quick and easy. I like to add it to the tops of my cheek bones and on my eyelids for a glass skin effect.
Westman Atelier Lit up highlight stick in its lit, $72. SHOP NOW
Chanel Healthy Glow Gel-Cream Bronzer
I debated bringing this as it’s bulky, but I’m very particular with bronzers and this is hands down my favourite. It’s also a great multi-purpose makeup formula! It’s a gel-cream that blends beautifully on the skin, and can be used to warm up the face, contour the eyes or sculpt certain features. I like buffing it into my hairline, temples, across the underside of my cheeks and jawline, plus in the crease of my eye. The melting texture is undetectable, and the shade is warm and flattering (not muddy, orange or fake).
Chanel Healthy Glow Gel-Cream Bronzer, $91. Shop now
Ilia Multistick Blush
One good cream blush in a flattering shade is all you need on holidays, and I’ve opted for this one from Ilia. It blends nicely, doesn’t require multiple brushes, and the deep berry shade is really flattering (think skin that’s slightly sunburnt, only without the sun). It doubles as a lip tint, too.
Ilia Multistick in All of Me, $51. SHOP NOW
Kosas Air Brow Clear Lifting Gel
I got my brows tinted and shaped the day before I left so I could keep my routine as easy as possible. This clear gel fluffs and provides hold, but without that stiff, laminated look or flaking.
Kosas Air Brow Clear Lifting Gel, $36. SHOP NOW
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops
Another bronzer (I know) but I love this — especially on holidays. It is essentially a bronzing liquid that can be added to SPF or moisturiser for a makeshift skin tint, or into foundation/concealer to warm up the shade. It’s versatile and will make all your other products go further. I love the way it adds glow, too.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops, $54. SHOP NOW
Mecca Max Zoom Shadow stick in Espresso
I hardly take on elaborate eye makeup looks in real life, so know it’s likely I won’t whilst on vacation. Instead, I’ve packed this rich chocolate brown shadow stick. It can be used lightly on the lash line for subtle definition, or layered for a smoky, night-time eye. It blends really well with fingers, too — no brushes required!
Mecca Max Zoom Shadow Stick in Espresso, $19. SHOP NOW
Dior Addict Lip Glow Original
This is such a classic product, I think I’ve been using it for the past six years. I love that it’s hydrating, comfortable and leaves my lips looking full but natural. It’s got just enough colour to feel done without being fussy. It really is all you need!
Dior Addict Lip Glow original, $60. SHOP NOW
