Tip-full Tuesday: What to Bring on a Summer Trip?

Christine sent me the following question:

"Hi Sara! I have a family trip scheduled this summer and I have been told by my mother that I can't bring ALL of my makeup....so what beauty products would you bring or suggest I bring on a Summer trip when space is limited? Thanxx for your helpp! - xo Christine C."

     Can I just say that today's question is awesome? I used to struggle with this very thing when I would travel. It can definitely be difficult to pick and choose what to bring, especially on a longer trip when you don't know what kind of a makeup mood you will be in. But I have finally gotten the selection down to a reasonable amount of products!

First, ask yourself this question: What kind of a trip is this? If you are going to be at the beach the entire time - your choices will be different than if you're planning on traveling around New York or London. Is this a leisure vacation or an active business trip?

If you're going on a summer vacation and plan on taking it easy most of the time, it's easy to pair down your beauty products to the bare essentials. For "take-it-easy" trips or trips involving camping or hiking, I pack:

Day Products:

• Facial Cleanser
• Makeup Remover
• Sun Screen (current favorite: Neutrogena Age Shield with Helioplex)
• Tinted - Moisturizer
• Water-Proof Mascara
• Tinted Lip Conditioner/Chap Stick

Evening Products:

• Eyeliner Pencil (twist up) OR liquid liner
• Pressed Powder Compact with powder puff
• Medium Pink Lipstick (can be used as a cream blush and a lip color)
• 2-4 NEUTRAL shadows (2 if they are in separate containers, 4 if they are in a quad):
• Highlight Color
• Medium Color - can be applied lighter to the lid and heavier to the crease to create depth and drama.  
• MAC's 252 Large Shader Brush (for small eyes, bring a smaller shader brush, like MAC's 242 or 239)

 All of this can be packed easily into a small makeup bag AND allows you the ability to get playful with your makeup for going out at night while not clashing with any of your wardrobe.

For bigger city travels, I pack:
 Day Products:

• Facial Cleanser
• Makeup Remover
• Sunscreen
• Moisturizer/Tinted Moisturizer
• Full Coverage Foundation ([High end] Face Atelier or [low end] Revlon Color-Stay)
• Pressed Powder Compact with powder puff
• Blush (Nars: Amour)
• Blush Brush
• Waterproof Mascara
• Tinted Lip Conditioner/Chap stick

Additional Evening Products:

•  Lipstick
• Eyeliner Pencil (twist up so you don't need to worry about a sharpener) OR Liquid Eyeliner
• MAC's 252 Large Shader Brush (for small eyes, bring a smaller shader brush, like MAC's 242 or 239)
• 1 highlighter shadow, 2 medium shadow, 2 dark shadow
• one set in brown neutrals
• one set in grey/black neutrals

Again, all of this can be packed easily into a small makeup bag and still allows for diversity in your looks.

If, for whatever reason, you can only pack a couple things - and it happens - I pack:

• Facial Cleanser
• Sunscreen
• Tinted Moisturizer OR Foundation
• Powder
• Eyeliner
• Mascara
• Lip conditioner, chapstick OR lip gloss. 

No additional brushes, most of it can fit in a ziplock baggie.


     As far as other beauty products, if you have the room - remember lotion and pack your own shampoo and conditioner. Chances are what you use is better for your hair than what is given at most hotels/motels.I use Unite Eurotherapy's Volumizing Shampoo, Volumizing Condition, and their Moisturizing Repair Treatment.
     I highly recommend Unite Eurotherapy's products. For many reasons: Quality products, Cruelty-Free, 100% Vegan, Color Safe and Free of: Sulfates, Parabens, Gluten, Sodium Chloride, DEA, and Mea,
You can get them online or in salon's that carry the product.


Hope that helps your packing!

Lipstick and Loves,
                Sara