Traveling can be stressful – for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned traveler or if this is your first time. Before you even get to the airport, you have to prep, plan, sort, and pack everything you need for your trip.

And once you get to the airport, you’re worried about your luggage – will it make it to my destination, or will my makeup and beauty products break and leak? Not to worry, I’m here to provide you with some well-tested tips to help reduce your stress level when it comes to packing your beauty products.

How to Determine What Makeup You Need to Take

The question you need to ask yourself before you begin packing:

• Do you like to wear a full face of makeup, or do you prefer minimal makeup?

If you answered yes to either option – the tips in this blog post will help you narrow down your options for your next trip.

Top 9 Tips for Traveling with Makeup

• • Tip 1: Find the Right Makeup Bag for You
  • Tip 2: Plan Your Outfits FIRST
  • Tip 3: Make a List & Bring ONLY items you LOVE
  • Tip 4: Pack Multi-Purposed Products or Smaller Palettes
  • Tip 5: Use Makeup or Baby Wipes to Remove Makeup
  • Tip 6: Pack Mini/Sample Sized Products, or Use Reusable Travel Bottles
  • Tip 7: Use Reusable or Ziplock Bags
  • Tip 8: Bring 1-2 Hair Tools or Mini Tools
  • Tip 9: Review and Reduce

Tip 1: Find the Right Makeup Bag for You

If you’re like me, you like your beauty products to stay sorted and organized. I keep my hair and spill-able (foundations) products separate from my other makeup items. That way, they’re easy to find and sort. To do this, I have two small to medium-sized bags that I separate these products into.

Below are some examples of makeup bags:

• Amazon Makeup Bags:
  • Travel Makeup Case with Adjustable Dividers
  • Toiletry Bag Travel Bag with hanging hook (Water-resistant)
  • Large Makeup Bag Zipper Pouch
  • Water-Resistant Makeup Bag
• Misc. Makeup Bags: 
  • Vera Bradley Makeup Bags (I use 1-2 of their cases when I travel)
  • Hunter Toiletry Bag
  • L.L. Bean Hanging Toiletry Bag
• Ulta Makeup Bags: 
  • Tartan & Twine offer a variety of matching makeup bags

Tip 2: Plan Your Outfits FIRST

Packing your makeup and beauty products should be the last step in your packing process. Why? Having an idea of what you’ll be wearing during your trip will help you plan out what makeup you’ll need.

• Are you planning on going to a special event?
• Will you just need to pack your everyday makeup?

Knowing this before you start packing your makeup will help you create the perfect list for travel.

Tip 3: Make a List & Bring ONLY items you LOVE

I love a good list. It helps me stay organized, focused, and remember all of the items that I need for traveling. Below are examples of different categories you can add to your list:

• Skincare (Morning/Night)
• Sunblock
• Primer
• Foundation
• Concealer
• Blush
• Bronzer
• Highlighter
• Eye Makeup (eye shadow, liner, mascara)
• Eyebrows products
• Hair products

Tip 4: Pack Multi-Purposed Products or Smaller Palettes

Palettes and products you can use for multiple steps are perfect for traveling. Do you have a palette that has a blush, bronzer, and a highlight? If so, pack it, and leave the individual items at home. Not only does it save space, but you can streamline your makeup process.

I also recommend thinking a little bit outside of the box when packing. Here are some ideas:

• Eyeshadow / Highlighter: Is there a shimmery eyeshadow that you can also use as a highlighter, or vice versa?
• Bronzer / Eyeshadow: Add your bronzer to the crease of your eyelid, and swipe a neutral shade in the center to create a simple, everyday look
• Lip / Cheek Stains: A cream blush can be used for blush, eyeshadow, or can add color to your lips!

Tip 5: Use Makeup or Baby Wipes to Remove Makeup
(If you want to bring face wash, make it travel sized)

One of my favorite hacks, when I’m traveling, is to use baby wipes to remove my makeup. Not only are they more affordable than makeup wipes, but I have them on hand since I’m usually traveling with a toddler!

I also usually pack a travel size of face wash to help remove anything the wipe may have missed.

Tip 6: Pack Mini/Sample Sized Products, or Use Reusable Travel Bottles

Traveling doesn’t mean you have to leave all of your favorite hair products at home. Invest in reusable travel bottles, so you can take your favorite shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and gels with you! Sure, you can also buy travel-sized products, but it’s more cost-effective to use reusable travel bottles.

Tip 7: Use Reusable or Ziplock Bags

Ziplock or reusable bags are a must for traveling. Even though I put all of my liquid products in makeup bags, I also put them in ziplock bags to add an extra layer of protection in case anything spills.

Tip 8: Bring 1-2 Hair Tools or Mini Tools

Here are some questions to ask before you pack any hair tools:

• Mini Tools: Do you have a mini straightener or hairdryer? Now’s the time to use it!
• Hair Dryer: Will the place you are staying have a hairdryer? If so, try to use that and skip packing your own for the week
• Hot Hair Tools: How do you plan to wear your hair during your trip? If you plan to wear your hair both straight and curly, can you use your straightener to curl your hair?

Tip 9: Review and Reduce

Now that everything is set aside to be packed, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I need all of this?
• Is anything missing?

Once you feel good about what you’ve set aside – pack it and add it to your suitcase.

I know these tips will help reduce your stress level the next time you have to pack for a trip! Do you have any additional tips? Let me know in the comments below.