Alright, let’s talk travel and makeup—because we all know the struggle of packing your kit without worrying about smashed powders, cracked palettes, or leaking liquids. Whether you’re headed to a destination wedding, a client shoot, or just taking your makeup on a trip (let’s face it, we’re all guilty of over-packing), I’ve got you covered with the best tricks I’ve picked up over the years. 🤩
- Invest in Some Good Travel-Friendly Cases
Okay, this is non-negotiable. I’ve tried stuffing makeup into Ziplocs or throwing it in my carry-on without any protection, and—spoiler alert—it never ends well. 🙈 You want something sturdy, like a hard-shell case or a makeup bag with dividers. The dividers are a game-changer! It keeps everything in its place and prevents those annoying spills. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to clean powder all over everything. - Bubble Wrap Is Your Best Friend
Now, if you have any fragile products (hello, glass bottles or pressed powders), wrap them in bubble wrap or those cute little air pillows. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just enough to cushion them. This trick saved my blush palette from an untimely demise more than once! 😂 Plus, it’s cheap and you can recycle the bubble wrap from online orders you’ve already received. I know you’ve got some lying around. - Use Travel-Sized Bottles for Liquids
If you love your foundations, serums, or facial sprays but can’t bear to leave them behind, get yourself some travel-sized bottles. These babies are lifesavers. You can grab them on Amazon or even at your local drugstore. Fill them up with your faves and make sure the lids are tightly sealed. I’ve had a few “accidents” with leaking foundation bottles, so I always double-check the seal. If you’re worried about leakage, stick them inside a sandwich bag—just in case! 🧴 - Keep Your Brushes Safe (And Clean)
There’s nothing worse than your brushes getting all squished in your bag, especially the delicate ones you spent a small fortune on. Try using a brush holder or roll. These roll-ups keep everything in place and separate, so no bristles get bent out of shape. If you’re in a rush, I’ve been known to just wrap them in a soft towel—better than nothing! And please, please clean them before your trip. You’ll be grateful when you don’t have to stress about germs or dirt while on the go. 🖌️ - Mini Makeup Kit for Touch-Ups
If you don’t need your whole kit, pack a mini version for your daily essentials. It’s less overwhelming and easier to organize. Think about what you actually need: foundation, concealer, mascara, and maybe a lip gloss or setting spray. That’s it. I always end up overpacking and then realizing I don’t even use half of the stuff I brought. Keep it simple, and you’ll have more space for the important stuff (like snacks or extra shoes, am I right? 😜). - Protect Your Palettes (With Press-and-Seal Plastic Wrap)
This one’s a life-saver for the eyeshadow palettes. If you’re traveling with a palette that’s prone to breaking or losing its shape (we’ve all had that “oops” moment with shattered eyeshadows), wrap it up tightly in some press-and-seal plastic wrap. It keeps the powder from shifting around and potentially ruining your whole palette. Plus, it gives you that extra layer of security when you toss it into your bag. 🙌 - Don’t Forget About The Clear Bag for the Airport
Okay, this one’s for the airport crew. You know the drill: liquids in a 3.4 oz container or smaller, and all in one clear bag. You can get these from the dollar store or pick up a fancy one on Amazon that’s a little more durable. I’ve learned the hard way that if you don’t follow the rules, you’ll be that person getting stopped at security. Ugh. So save yourself the hassle and keep your makeup organized and airport-friendly. - Label Your Products!
Sometimes, the “mystery liquid” at the bottom of your bag is just your setting spray leaking into everything. 😭 But if you label your bottles, it can save you from that dreaded moment of, “What’s this? Is it moisturizer? Or did my foundation spill?” Plus, it’s always nice to know what you’re dealing with when you open your kit at the hotel or on-site. Sharpie or a label maker will do the job! - Keep the Tools You Need, Ditch the Extras
Okay, it’s tempting to pack your entire collection of lipsticks, glosses, and powders, but really, you only need the essentials. Think about the look you’ll be doing and what tools you’ll actually need for that. I love multitasking tools for this reason—like a blush that doubles as eyeshadow or a stick foundation that can also work as concealer. Less is more, my friend. 💅 - Check and Double-Check Before You Go
You know that feeling when you’ve reached your destination and you realize you forgot your favorite product? Yikes. 🤦♀️ I’ve done this way too many times. Make a checklist! Yep, it’s old-school, but it works. Write down everything you need and go through it before you leave. I also recommend doing a quick “product check” the night before your flight so you have time to replace anything you might’ve missed.
There you go! With these tips, you can travel with your makeup like a pro. Whether you’re on a business trip, working a wedding, or just jet-setting for fun, your products will be safe and ready to go. 🌍✈️ And if all else fails, remember: a little bit of organization goes a long way. So, pack smart, stay calm, and enjoy the journey. 😘
