So, I’ve noticed that as I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten crankier when it comes to traveling. Not the visiting or seeing new places part, but the actual getting there part. It’s not as bad with car trips, in part because that typically means my sweet furry angel is with us, but more so air travel. Schlepping to and from the airport, breathing gross airplane air. Ugh. And don’t even get me started on trying to fit my multitudinous beauty products into that dumb little quart-sized plastic baggie. And then, once you get where you’re going, having to squeeze everything onto those dinky little hotel shelves. It’s the worst.
Having done a decent bit of traveling over the past few months, I’ve started homing in on a few thoughts that make travel a bit more beauty-addict friendly. Since I’m not likely to ever get my wish of being able to Samantha my way wherever I want to go via a cute little nose twitch, I figured I’d better figure something else out. For those who don’t recognize that reference, YouTube yourself some episodes of Bewitched. You won’t regret it.
Ok, my first and best tip is, run do not walk to the nearest location where you can buy a hanging makeup travel bag. All the clear little compartments make locating items on the go so much easier and being able to hang the bag handily on a door or towel rack means never having to worry about hotel shelf space and all that dreaded repacking ever again!
As you can see, I don’t necessarily care to limit the # of products I pack for a trip, but I do like to make things as easy on myself as possible. I mean, really, my life is too short.
So, here are a few other strategies I like for doing just that.
I really don’t like having to bring a bunch of different brushes with me, so I tend to choose products that come with their own applicators, like the doe foot wand in this Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector. Alternatively, I’ll go for products I can apply with my fingers. The Colour Pop Supershock products are nice for this because they’re creamy enough to blend on with fingers, but powdery/slippy enough that they don’t get streaky. Also, cream eye products are great for this, and I tend to choose ones that are also long-lasting, like the ELF Smudge Pots and the Trish McEvoy 24-Hour Eyeshadow + Liner.
Speaking of long-lasting, this is another route I like for travel-friendly beauty. I hate (I’m talking loathe here) carrying purses, so when I’m out for the day touring a new city or hopping from visit to visit, I can only carry what fits in a pocket. For that reason, I gravitate toward either products that I know are long-lasting and wear well, like these new Colour Pop Ultra Matte Lippies, or for assistant products that increase longevity, like my Too Faced Shadow Insurance.
Though I’m not into limiting myself product-wise, I do appreciate that space is at a premium during travel so I enjoy good multitaskers, and also products that come in travel-friendly sizes. It’s quite handy having the brow brush at the end of the Pur Minerals wand I use as my inner rim brightener. The ELF mineral powder is great both as a concealer and an all over setting powder. And, of course, the sample size of my beloved Pur Minerals Disappearing Act Concealer!

Well, I hope some of these tips make your next trip a bit more manageable! Please do share any hints you’ve discovered…
*These are only my opinions, formed through my personal experience as a consumer. I am not a medical doctor, an aesthetician, or a health/beauty professional. There is no guarantee what effect, positive or negative, these products may have on anyone else.
**All products were purchased by me from brands that, to the best of my knowledge, are cruelty-free.
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