Planning a trip can be exciting yet daunting, especially when it comes to packing. Deciding what items to pack and which ones to leave behind can be a real challenge. You want to make sure you have everything you need without overpacking, often leading to indecision and second-guessing.
When it comes to travel, simplicity is key. Gone are the days of hauling around a bulky suitcase crammed with clothes and toiletries that rarely get used. Instead, create a travel makeup capsule wardrobe—a compact collection of beauty essentials that will allow you to look and feel your best while taking up minimal space in your luggage.
Putting together a travel makeup capsule will allow you to travel light without sacrificing your beauty routine. By carefully choosing a selection of versatile makeup products, you can streamline your beauty routine and simplify the packing process—no more worrying about how to fit everything into your suitcase!
How to Pack Makeup for Travel
When deciding what makeup to pack when travelling, it's important to only include only the very best beauty products. That means prioritising reliable, high-quality, multi-use products that won't leak or take up too much space in your luggage. From selecting the perfect products to mastering space-saving techniques, this is how to pack makeup for travel.
Use a Travel-Friendly Bag
To keep makeup safe and organised while travelling, choose a travel-friendly makeup bag with a space-saving design that can easily fit into your suitcase or carry-on bag. It should be large enough to contain all your essentials without risking a busted zip without sacrificing valuable luggage space.
Opt for a compact travel-friendly makeup bag that is leak-proof, water-resistant, and easy to clean with multiple compartments or pockets to keep your beauty products organised and easily accessible. If flying, invest in a transparent bag that complies with TSA regulations for carry-on luggage. This will make going through security quicker and easier.
Choose Multi-Purpose Products
When it comes to selecting which beauty products to pack, versatility is key. Multi-use beauty products are perfect for simplifying your routine, allowing you to pack lighter by minimising the number of items you need to pack.
Double duty products, such as tinted moisturisers, lip and cheek tints, and multipurpose balms eliminates the need to pack multiple single-use products, saving both space and weight in your luggage. Consider investing in a makeup palette containing everything you need to create a range of looks using just one compact item.
Stick To Neutral Colours
Sticking to neutral colours when packing makeup for travel will allow you to simplify your routine, save space, and maintain a polished appearance with minimal effort—without sacrificing anything you need to look and feel your best wherever you travel.
Neutral colours are versatile and adaptable, making them ideal for quick and effortless application. Opt for a mix of neutral matte and shimmer shades that can be used to transition from a subtle daytime look to a dramatic night-time one; ensuring your beauty look remains appropriate regardless of your destination of itinerary.
Top Essentials For A Travel Makeup Capsule
When packing makeup for travel, focus on multi-purpose products with easy-to-wear formulas that can create a variety of looks while taking up minimal space in your luggage. By packing these versatile makeup essentials, you'll be able to create a range of looks while travelling without weighing down your luggage.
Mascara
A trusty mascara is sometimes all you need to look more lively than you feel, especially when travelling. E.L.F. mascara, particularly Lash It Loud, is just as effective as any of the more expensive luxury brands. The whole range is budget-friendly and cruelty-free plus there are waterproof options too for travel plans that involve a dip in the water.
Custom Makeup Palette
Save space with a custom makeup palette that combines all your eyeshadows, bronzers, blush, and brow products into one compact case. Tropic have a build-your-own customisable makeup palette with refillable, interchangeable pans. The ability to pick and choose exactly what you need make it possible to travel light without having to sacrifice beauty products.
Liquid Blush
For a fresh-faced glow even while travelling, pack a multi-use liquid blush that doubles as a lip tint. It might be all you need after a long day spent in the sun. For a lightweight easy-to-apply liquid blush, try the By Beauty Bay range. These multi-use liquid blushes can be applied to the lips and cheeks for a flush of colour.
Setting Powder
A setting powder creates a shine-free, flawless finish and ensures makeup stays put throughout the day. A translucent formula will blur imperfections and mattify the skin without feeling heavy on the skin. The Revolution Pro Hydra-Matte Setting Powder is a great choice for a travel capsule as it infuses skincare with makeup into one ultra-fine powder.
Lipstick
A lipstick can elevate a travel outfit with a single swipe—no matter how many times it's been worn! Opt for a buildable formula in a classic natural shade to make it easy to wear without requiring frequent touch-ups. The E.L.F. Hydrating Core Lip Shine is the perfect 2-in-1 lipstick, combing a tint of colour with a moisturising balm.
Lip Balm
It might not be necessary to pack a lipstick and a lip balm, especially if you pick one that can do both. But if dry lips is something you struggle with or lipstick isn’t your thing, packing a nourishing lip balm instead will keep your lips hydrated no matter the climate. Nothing beats the Superdrug Vitamin E Lip Balm. It's cheap, vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free.
Cleanser
Ensuring your skin feels fresh and clean is essential when travelling. Pack an effective makeup cleanser capsule that allows you to effortlessly remove makeup without being harsh on the skin. The NIOD Low-Viscosity Cleansing Ester gently removes makeup and facial impurities, and can be decanted into a smaller pump bottle more suitable for travelling.
Makeup Brushes
When travelling, pack only the essential makeup brushes and leave the rest at home. A versatile selection includes a powder brush, blush brush, eyeshadow brush, and liner brush—all housed in a portable case for easy storage and organisation. The Zoeva Vegan Brush Sets contain soft, synthetic brushes that are gentle on the skin and provide a flawless application.
Makeup Bag
Keep your travel beauty essentials organised and accessible in a compact yet spacious makeup bag. Look for durable, water-resistant fabrics that can withstand the rigors of travel. The MUJI range of makeup cases are minimal in style and compact in design. Available in a variety of sizes to suit any travel makeup capsule, no matter how big or small.