I’m leaving for Los Angeles tomorrow and I’m super excited! I’m going to visit a friend who has lived out there for a few years now. I already shared what I’m packing for outfits and what’s on my wish list of things to do while there – read about all that here. Today, it’s all about what’s in my travel makeup bag. When I travel, I pretty much stick to bringing favorites so I know I’ll be happy with the looks during my vacation.
makeup bag
I purchased a roll-up/hanging toiletry bag before our trip to Iceland so I could hang it the hotel and conserve space. It’s come in handy for multiple trips also saves space in my luggage too. In the bag, I’m bringing the Neutrogena Makeup remover wipes and the Olay Cleansing Wipes – so much more convenient that a separate cleanser. I’ll also store my glasses, spare on contacts, medications and vitamins, comb, and some nail polish remover pads in the bag.
Base and Concealer | For foundation I’m bringing the L’Oreal Infalliable Pro-Matte Foundation in 103, even though the color doesn’t quite match this time of year. This is the best foundation in my collection across the board: flawless finish, long wearing, demi-matte finish. For powder, I always travel with Mac’s Mineralize Skinfinish Natural – it’s hands down the best powder I own. The MSF will also be for touch-ups if needed.
I also decided to purchase the Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Setting Powder to add before foundation (the Wayne Goss method) since I can’t fit a primer in my liquid bag. I’ve heard great things about this powder, that it keeps matte all day, and it comes in a cute travel size. For concealer I’m bringing the Tarte Mariacuja Creasless Concealer because of it’s coverage and long wear time, and ELF HD Undereye Setting Powder to set it.
Bronzer, Blush, Eyes | I’m bringing my favorite Tarte Showstopper Palette because it has nearly everything I need in one medium size palette – you can see in the pictures it’s about the same size as a small Z Palette. I will bring one extra blush for my purse for touch-ups throughout the day, probably Nyx Dusty Rose that I always carry.
I’m bringing a few additional shadows just to have the options – I felt wrong not bringing a basic cream and black. Wet n Wild Brulee, ColourPop I <3 This, and Maybelline Color Tattoo Concentrated Crayon – Bronze Truffle. In my small Z-Palette I’m bringing Makeup Geek Eye Shadows in Shimma Shimma, Peach Smoothie, Grandstand, Corrupt, and one Coastal Scents Hot Pot in a bright blue for a pop of color.
I’m bringing Urban Decay Primer Potion for my eyes as it’s proved to be the best out of all in my collection. For brows the Nyx Microbrow Pencil and Nyx Control Freak brow gel are staples in my routine – both are great quality and come in at a great price. For eyeliner I’m bringing way too many – I’ll admit it: Stila Smudge Stick Damsel which is the best eyeliner in my collection, Jordana 12-Hour Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil Black, Rimmel Scandleyes in nude, and Maybelline’s Line Stiletto in brown in case I want to do a wing. I always use two mascaras, even when I travel. I’m bringing my trusty Maybelline The Rocket Waterproof and Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume Fushion. I’ll probably just toss the mascaras out on my way home so I don’t have to try and fit them in my liquid bag.
Lips | Because I just can’t cut back on lip color options – Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Honey, ColourPop Lippie Stix Topanga, ColourPop Lippie Pencil Clique, Milani Color Statement Matte Lipstick Matte Passion, Sigma Power Liner Initial which acts as a lipstick for me, and my favorite Blistex Silk & Shine.
Brushes & Tools | BeautyBlender – I always save the packaging in case I travel, brushes from Sigma’s Travel Kit, Sigma E20, F15 & F35, Real Techniques Setting Powder brush, pencil sharpener, tweezer, eyelash curler
Nails | Because my nails are still recovering from my last gel manicure, I did my own manicure for this vacation. After all, it’s only four days. I chose the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Redgy. This color is a bright coral orange depending on the lighting and I really enjoy the formula of these polishes. They don’t have the staying power of a real gel manicure, but they’re better than a lot of other brands I’ve tried.
liquids
It’s always a challenge packing liquids for air travel in a carry-on. I already told my friend hosting me for the weekend that we’re going to have to stop at Target when I get there so I can pick-up a few items – mostly conditioner for my hair.
In addition to any liquids mentioned above, I’m bringing the Deva Curl Ultra Defining Gel that I purchased only for traveling – it $10 for 3 ounces! I will say it’s really good, but I can’t become addicted to this due to the price. Garnier Fructis Leave-In Conditioner for my styling. Makeup remover, moisturizer, and my favorite Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner all in travel size containers. I also have my Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray for setting my makeup, a travel size Murad SPF, and my favorite scent Coach Signature.
what are we doing?
My friend has lived in Los Angeles for a few years now, so I’m excited to let her just show me around the town. I found this list of 25 Free Things to Do in LA and I’d love to try a few things here. There are few things on my wish list while I’m there:
- Hollywood Walk of Fame – You can’t go to LA without visiting this famous street!
- Magic Castle – My friend is bringing me to a magic show at the Magic Castle, which is what I packed my formal wear for. Should be interesting!
- California Donuts – I’ve been watching YouTube Beauty Gurus and Bloggers get treats from here for YEARS. It’s my turn!
- Santa Monica Pier – When I was in San Francisco, we took a drive down to Santa Cruz to see their boardwalk and also road the roller coaster there. Definitely looking forward to visiting another pier and seeing the ocean again!
- Hiking – Not sure where we’re going yet, but we did mention rock climbing at one point. I love getting a bit out of the city when traveling and see what nature is like in a new place.
- Eating Out – One of the highlights of traveling to new places is trying the different restaurants and foods the locals have to offer. I’d love to try some of the local vegetarian options and get some California sushi.
shop my travel makeup & essentials
