Hello, friends! As some of you may know, I've been out of town for the past few weeks doing a job in Connecticut (my family lives in New York). I had a hard time paring down what to pack into the one suitcase I was allowed on the bus ride here, so I figured I would share my struggle experience with you!
What I Packed:
Too much makeup? Not enough? It sure seemed like not enough when I was trying to choose what to bring with me.
A little about me - I only wear makeup when I wear my contacts, because when I wear my glasses: 1) I can't see what I'm doing when I have to take them off, and 2) Wearing glasses already signifies that I won't be putting much effort into my appearance that day anyway. Typically, glasses days are my longer days, since I try not to wear my contacts for longer than 10-12 hours a day. Working in theatre, many of my days are 12hrs+, so clearly I did not think this through. (college education A+++)
Tools
When I travel, I try to bring mostly cream products so I don't have to bring brushes. Not only are my travel brushes not as good as regular brushes, but if you bring makeup brushes, you also have to bring something to clean them with. And I was seriously short on packing space (and seriously short on time).
TWEEZERMAN ProCurl Eyelash Curler ($22) - I liked my Revlon one, but it wasn't until I got this one that I realized how much lash curlers can do! This particular one by Tweezerman isn't as rounded as my other one, so it fits my eye shape better, and helps me get to the root of my lashes for a better curl. Plus, it just looks so luxurious! (Read more: March 2015 Favorite Things)
SYSTANE Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops ($10.99 for .33 fl oz) - My eyes are chronically dry, so they water constantly. Not only is it annoying, but I'm always wiping tears away, which messes with my makeup. If I'm going to be wearing eyeliner or if I want my eye makeup to last, I'll be sure to put a drop or two in each eye. My eye doctor recommended these to me, and they're over-the-counter, so they're not too expensive. These drops aren't exactly a daily thing, but rather used on an as-needed basis. Sometimes I just need some relief if my eyes are feeling particularly dry! If you have the same problem as me, I highly recommend checking these out.
UNKNOWN BRAND Tweezers ($3) - These are a random brand that I found in Marshalls awhile ago. I didn't own a pair of tweezers, so I just picked these up. They're not as sharp as Tweezerman ones, but they work fine. If I left home for two months without a pair of tweezers, I'd come back looking a little angry, since I naturally don't have much of an arch.
Face
MARCELLE BB Cream in Golden Glow (about $22 for 1.6oz) - I'll be honest: I haven't worn this since I got here. It's a little too dark for me right now, so I figured I would at least mix it in with my moisturizer to make it wearable. However, the thought of wearing something else in addition to moisturizer on my face in this heat just kills me. Maybe if a cool day coincides with a day off, I'll wear this. (Read more: September 2014 Favorites)
BENEFIT FakeUp Undereye Concealer in Light ($24 for .12oz) - I liked this so much after my October 2013 Birchbox that I got the full size. After playing around with other concealers, however, I've noticed that this doesn't do too much for my under-eye circles. This provides the moisture of an eye cream, which my skin doesn't need in the summer, and not a lot of coverage. I haven't needed to set it with a powder, though. Plus, it doesn't crease under my eyes, which is awesome. I might go back to an under-eye brightener (like the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch) after I use this up . (Read more: 2013 Makeup Favorites).
PHYSICIANS FORMULA Conceal RX in Natural Light ($9.55 or $6.95 on Amazon for .49oz) - This concealer is crazy pigmented, so a little goes a long way (and by a little, I mean the size of a pin). It's very opaque, and has great staying power, even if I don't set it with a powder. I like this for covering acne spots, but it tends to crease under my eyes, so I tend not to use it for that. (Read more: April 2014 Physicians Formula Haul)
STILA Convertible Color Lip and Cheek Cream in Gerbera ($25 for .15oz) - I must sound like a broken record by now considering how much I talk about these. These blushes just give the most beautiful, natural glow to the skin. They're pigmented and buildable, but it's also easy get a natural look if you have fair skin. Gerbera is a beautiful pinky-peach color that's perfect for spring and summer. I would recommend this to fair to medium skintones. If you have dark skin, you might want to try the shade Gladiola. (Read more: Spring Product Picks).
PHYSICIANS FORMULA Conceal RX in Natural Light ($9.55 or $6.95 on Amazon for .49oz) - This concealer is crazy pigmented, so a little goes a long way (and by a little, I mean the size of a pin). It's very opaque, and has great staying power, even if I don't set it with a powder. I like this for covering acne spots, but it tends to crease under my eyes, so I tend not to use it for that. (Read more: April 2014 Physicians Formula Haul)
STILA Convertible Color Lip and Cheek Cream in Gerbera ($25 for .15oz) - I must sound like a broken record by now considering how much I talk about these. These blushes just give the most beautiful, natural glow to the skin. They're pigmented and buildable, but it's also easy get a natural look if you have fair skin. Gerbera is a beautiful pinky-peach color that's perfect for spring and summer. I would recommend this to fair to medium skintones. If you have dark skin, you might want to try the shade Gladiola. (Read more: Spring Product Picks).
Eyes
CHELLA Highlighter Pencil in Ivory Lace ($18 for 1.4g) - I received this in an Ipsy bag and thought nothing of it, but I decided to pick it up again last month and I'm so glad I did! This little pencil is just slightly lighter than my natural skin tone, which makes it great for highlighting under the eyebrows without being too obvious. It's also quite opaque (which was originally the reason I tossed it aside), which makes it great for hiding little eyebrow hairs that are just growing in. Don't have time to tweeze? Just use this and you're good to go! (Read more: May 2015 Favorite Things)
MAYBELLINE Eye Studio Color Tattoo in Bold Gold ($7 or $5.83 on Amazon) - Since I was on a mission not to bring brushes, I brought solely cream eyeshadow on this trip. This is an antique gold color, which makes my blue eyes pop. (Read more: October 2014 Favorite Things)
LAURA GELLER BEAUTY Cool Lids Cream Eyeshadow in Silver Sands ($19 for .26 fl oz) - I received this eyeshadow sample in a Birchbox last year and I'm still obsessed. It's a beautiful silver-taupe color that comes out of the tube as a liquid (it feels like applying water to your eyelids, it's bizarre). It sets within 30 seconds or so, and then it doesn't budge all day! I don't use a primer with this or set it with a powder, and it maintains its vibrancy and color all day. I kind of want the full size, and one in every color. (Read more: August 2014 Birchbox)
COVERGIRL Flamed Out Mascara ($6.74 or $3.99 on Amazon for .37oz) - I've been using the mascara since November and I can tell it's on its way out. I absolutely hated it when I first opened the tube, but the longer I've have it open, the more I've seemed to like it. If you don't like wet mascaras, I would stay away from this (or open it and walk away for a month). I figured I would use it up on this trip, and then pack a second one to start. (Read more: GirlsCan Campaign)
THEBALM What's Your Type? Mascara in The Body Builder ($19 or $18.50 on Amazon for .4oz) - I got this in an Ipsy bag, which means it might be expired (since I cancelled my subscription two years ago). I've been wanting to try it, but it got pushed to the back of my stash, so I completely forgot about it. I've never opened it, and I'm almost out of my CoverGirl mascara, so here's to hoping it's still good!
LAURA GELLER BEAUTY Cool Lids Cream Eyeshadow in Silver Sands ($19 for .26 fl oz) - I received this eyeshadow sample in a Birchbox last year and I'm still obsessed. It's a beautiful silver-taupe color that comes out of the tube as a liquid (it feels like applying water to your eyelids, it's bizarre). It sets within 30 seconds or so, and then it doesn't budge all day! I don't use a primer with this or set it with a powder, and it maintains its vibrancy and color all day. I kind of want the full size, and one in every color. (Read more: August 2014 Birchbox)
COVERGIRL Flamed Out Mascara ($6.74 or $3.99 on Amazon for .37oz) - I've been using the mascara since November and I can tell it's on its way out. I absolutely hated it when I first opened the tube, but the longer I've have it open, the more I've seemed to like it. If you don't like wet mascaras, I would stay away from this (or open it and walk away for a month). I figured I would use it up on this trip, and then pack a second one to start. (Read more: GirlsCan Campaign)
THEBALM What's Your Type? Mascara in The Body Builder ($19 or $18.50 on Amazon for .4oz) - I got this in an Ipsy bag, which means it might be expired (since I cancelled my subscription two years ago). I've been wanting to try it, but it got pushed to the back of my stash, so I completely forgot about it. I've never opened it, and I'm almost out of my CoverGirl mascara, so here's to hoping it's still good!
Lips
NIVEA Lip Butter in Smooth Kiss ($3.42 for .59oz) - I use this every day before I leave the house. It's kind of my "lip primer" in a way, since I always use it before applying lipstick or gloss. It works well for daily use. If your lips are chapped, I would recommend Aquaphor (as always) but otherwise it's a good pick! The only con is that it's packaged in a tin, so make sure to wash your hands! (Read more: Lip Balm Bonanza, Part 2)
REVLON Colorburst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti ($8.49 for .09oz) - The Revlon Lip Butters are one of my favorite lipstick formulas, since they're moisturizing and comfortable to wear, yet also provide good color payoff. They're not extreme-color-kapow! but they're definitely visible. The color Tutti Frutti is a beautiful coral color, so it looks nice with the Stila blush I brought with me. Plus, since it's not ultra pigmented, it doesn't look overdone for everyday. They seem to be phasing this color out, so if you're can't find it, Juicy Papaya is close but a little more pink. (Read more: Beauty Profile Tag)
CYNTHIA ROWLEY BEAUTY Creamy Lip Stain in Valentine ($20 for .17oz) - I figured this itty-bitty lip gloss would be perfect for travel, since it's so tiny (and cute). I wouldn't call this a lip stain, but perhaps a slightly-longer-lasting lip gloss. I'm obsessed with this hot-pink-red color right now! I kind of want to get the Revlon Lip Butter in Wild Watermelon, and pretty much any other lip product that's this color. (Read more: July 2014 Birchbox)
What was Packed as an Afterthought:
Because I had four days to unpack my college stuff and pack for this trip, things were a little hectic. I made lists, but even then, there are things that I forgot about until the last minute. Here are some things I forgot when initially packing my makeup, but afterwards decided I should slip in my suitcase.
BAREMINERALS Multi-Tasking Concealer SPF 20 in Bisque ($19)
BAREMINERALS Multi-Tasking Concealer SPF 20 in Bisque ($19)
After taking these pictures, I remembered that summer is hot (I have a Bachelor's degree). I figured powder would be a good idea, so I quickly threw this in my bag, along with a little push-up travel brush. Although I think this is a great concealer, I didn't realize that this shade is is slightly too light for my skin tone. Either I've gotten tanner since I last used it (which would mean skin damage :( ) or I just didn't notice the shade difference, since I was previously just using it as a spot concealer for acne spots. Either way, this is basically going to sit in my makeup bag and collect dust until I get back in July. R.I.P. (Read more: March 2015 Favorite Things)
AQUAPHOR Lip Repair ($4.99 or $3.75 on Amazon for .35oz)
I'd almost forgotten that I don't go anywhere without Aquaphor. My lips are less likely to get chapped in the humid Northeast summer than cold, windy winters of Boston, but I figured I'd bring it just in case. It also makes a nice nighttime lip balm. (Read more: February 2015 Favorite Things)
EGYPTIAN MAGIC Skin Cream ($38 for 4oz)
I can't believe I've been using this since winter! It certainly lasts forever. I find it to be a bit more hydrating than the Nivea Lip Butter, so I've been using this every night before bed. I've also been using it on my cuticles. It's kind of like a dense Vaseline, though more hydrating. (Read more: Winter Skincare Tips, Part 2)
AQUAPHOR Lip Repair ($4.99 or $3.75 on Amazon for .35oz)
EGYPTIAN MAGIC Skin Cream ($38 for 4oz)
What I Should Have Packed:
A pencil sharpener, specifically my ESSENCE Dual Sharpener ($2), would have been a good idea. It has two slots, with one being big enough to fit my Chella highlighter pencil--which, by the way, I didn't sharpen it before I left. Let's just hope it lasts awhile before it gets dull. Whoops.
I can't seem to find a link for this, so I'm starting to wonder if the rumors of its being discontinued were true. However, I did find that Essence has a slightly different sharpener out for the same price here.
What I Should Have Left at Home:
I don't know what possessed me to think that I would be wearing any kind of foundation product, even BB Cream, in 80 degree weather and 100% humidity. This has also been living in my makeup bag, untouched and unloved. And since I haven't been using that, I haven't been using my Jouer Primer either.
When I left, I wasn't aware that my little Cynthia Rowley Lip Stain was basically empty. I've been scraping the sides for weeks, but since I'm not getting much on the wand, it might as well be a sheer gloss. Perhaps if I went in and popped the stopper out, I would be able to get a little more out of this. Though, it is freakishly tiny, and I have used it a lot, so it might just be *gasp* empty. R.I.P.
Taking a concealer that's too light for my skin tone probably wasn't the most efficient way to pack. Oh well, maybe I'll be able to use the bareMinerals Concealer to set my undereye makeup concealer in the fall.
Due to the fact that it's drying out, I probably could have left the Maybelline Color Tattoo home to die. It's also being overshadowed by the gorgeous Laura Geller eyeshadow I brought. I've only worn the Maybelline shadow once since I've been here, and while putting it on, I wished I was wearing the other one.
Lessons Learned:
On this trip, I thought I was going to magically become one of those people who wear makeup every day. Much to my surprise, that still hasn't happened. Why do I keep thinking it's going to happen? (Much like "fetch," it's never going to happen). Plus, it's summertime, aka the season of makeup meltdown, so really I've been trying to go as light as possible.
In general, I discovered that I am 100% okay with wearing the same makeup look for weeks. I packed products I really like, so I enjoy using them often. I could become a minimalist if I wanted too---really I could--stop laughing at me!
In general, I discovered that I am 100% okay with wearing the same makeup look for weeks. I packed products I really like, so I enjoy using them often. I could become a minimalist if I wanted too---really I could--stop laughing at me!
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Disclaimer: All products were purchased by me. Some links are Amazon Affiliate links, but no one clicks those anyway tbh.
