Makeup Essentials| The Holiday Edit

Whether you’re going for just a weekend or for a week, packing can be a pain. We need to travel light but also want to look best with our #noFilter Selfies. I’ve my holiday to Spanish coasts planned for a week and I’m ready with my checklist that’s going to help you for your travel too 🙂

Makeup Bag – I like to keep my makeup bag separate from skincare as it is easy to quickly get ready before heading out. Clear bags are best if you can get one.

Blotting Product – Whether you like blotting papers or blotting powder, you should have your blotting product ready at all times when you head out specially in summer. I like to carry Murad MattEffect Blotting Perfector* (Post Here). Its a multi purpose product that can be used as a primer, as a makeup – setting product or as a blotting product. It has liquid to powder formula that doesn’t leave residue or make my skin look cake-y that powder can make. Its perfect for all skin types and is great for staying shine-free in hot weather.

SPF: SPF is essential if I go on a holiday or not. I use retinol and chemical exfoliation in my skincare routine on rotation which means I need to take sun protection seriously. I don’t skip SPF but a formula that works well under or over makeup is a winner. Ultrasun, La Roche Posay and The Bodyshop SPF products are great. Ultrasun have some amazing options for Family which means my kid and husband are also protected in Sun and I do not need to buy separate products for everyone. I really like La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible face Mist* as its easy to top up your spf by just spraying it (even over makeup). Its great for Combination to Oily skin. Though my skin is Combination to Dry but I can test this in hot weather of Spain. It doesn’t leave any residue which is one of the major criteria to look for if you wear makeup.

Tinted Moisturiser (preferably with spf) – Travelling with foundation is a strict No No for me! I like my skin to breathe. Even on normal days, I prefer tinted moisturisers, bb or cc creams. I like the formula of Urban Decay Naked Skin One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector (Post here). The shade Medium is a tad bit dark for me but it blends well and doesn’t look too dark when blended. I am carrying VLC water canvas creme to Powder foundation* as well because its not a foundation but a ‘my skin but better’ product for me. Its more of a skin perfector which works great for lighter base.

Concealer & Corrector – I don’t think I will be wearing concealer and corrector during the day but I like to keep these for emergencies. I’m currently loving Cover Fx Correct click* in Orange as a corrector for under eyes darkness. Its very creamy and stays put all day. Its pigmented and corrects all the darkness. This correct click doesn’t crease which is a plus. For concealer, Urban Decay Naked skin weightless concealer or Nars Radiant creamy concealer are my top picks. If you need concealer only for brightness, Maybelline Instant Age rewind is an amazing drugstore option.

Blush –  A blush is a must for me as my skin can look flat if i don’t add any colour. I like Nip & Fab Blusher Palette* (Post here) as its not too big plus its super pigmented. All four shades look amazing on my skin and the blush stay all day.

Low maintenance Eyeshadows: You shouldn’t carry large eyeshadow palettes if you’re traveling. I prefer low maintenance eyeshadow sticks or an easy to apply eyeshadows that don’t require precision or brushes. I am travelling with couple of colourpop eyeshadows (that I had almost forgotten and have not used in months) and my favourite VLC pearl x eyeshadow in Etherea* (Its a palette in a pan with most stunning holiday shades perfect for beachy tan looks). I am also carrying a Burberry Smoke and sculpt pen in Pale Copper (Post here) for the effortless look. Kiko eyeshadow sticks are also an amazing inexpensive option.

Bright lips: Bright lips will instantly lift your photos. Thought I am not carrying all my lip products bright, I am definitely carrying Mac Flat Out Fabulous or any Coral lip shade. I am also travelling with two of the Perricone MD lipsticks in No lipstick lipstick and Super Berry from The gift of Lip Perfection set* for those quick effortless moisturized lip look . These lipsticks have good pigment and they stay through couple of drinks while keeping your lips moisturized. I will do a detailed review on these soon.

Bronzer: I’m carrying two bronzers because summers are incomplete with bronzers right? Mahogany Naturals Traces of Bronze* give beautiful sheen with the bronze effect to my skin. Its great for applying on your shoulders and collarbones too. If you like matte bronzers, Urban Decay Beached Bronzer in Bronzed and VLC Sun matte bronzer in Sun kissed* (Post here) are my top picks.

Highlighter/Glow product: Highlighter and Holiday go hand in hand for me..Yes glow , glow and glow that even Gods of Glow can look at me! I love Mac Cosmetics Whisper of Gilt which was recently re-launched in Nutcracker Sweet Copper Face Compact with Pleasure model blush. Kiko Eyeshadow in 208 or Makeup Forever Pro fusion light illuminator are great options.

Nail Polish: Metallics or foiled nail polishes look amazing for holiday. I wear neutrals on most days so a different shimmery or metallic change looks great. BarryM Molten metal nail polishes are a great inexpensive options.

Nail polish remover: No matter how tightly you secure the cap, there is always a chance of spillage. Its best to carry nail polish remover pads when you travel. This will save you from going over your liquid allowance.

Mascara: Waterproof mascaras are my best friend for summer and ofcourse holidays. Maybelline lash sensational – waterproof mascara is my favourite from drugstore.

Hope you enjoyed my travel picks. What are your essentials? Let me know in the comments.

Until next time…

Ash