by Aliana Moss
Are you getting ready for a summer getaway? Perhaps you have a big trip planned or a mini weekend escape. Whether you’re waking up in a cobblestone city in Europe, exploring an island for beach life at its best, or road-tripping through the California coast, beauty doesn’t have to take a backseat to adventure. In fact, that’s part of the fun about travel — creating a beauty routine to match the rhythm of your destination.
Here are a few globe-trotting beauty tips and product must-haves for looking fresh from takeoff to touchdown:
Multi-tasking is a must.
Opt for products that do double (or triple!) duty — think a tinted moisturizer with SPF, a balm that goes from lip to lid to cheek, or a brow gel that tames while it tints. Your skin and your suitcase will thank you!
Mini beauty, major impact.
Travel-sized heroes like dry shampoo, micellar wipes, and roll-on perfume make beauty on the go chic and clutter-free. A solid cleanser or shampoo bar makes it easy to skip carrying liquids. Look to your favorite brands & products for travel size versions and sets – this time of year there are plenty!
Destination dictates the glam.
Beach escape? Go bronzed and dewy. City break? Keep it classic with a crisp cat-eye or statement lip. Hiking in the Alps or camping the coast? SPF, a tinted lip balm, and a swipe of waterproof mascara will have you ready with minimal effort.
Hydration is non-negotiable.
Planes, trains, and climate changes can wreak havoc on your skin. Arm yourself with a hydrating mist (hello, mid-flight refresh!), a barrier-repairing moisturizer, and an under-eye mask for those red eye flights to early sightseeing mornings.
Check out these pack light makeup picks:
- Caudalie Mini Beauty Elixir – for a refreshing pick me up & reset.
- Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches – perfect for post-flight recovery.
- Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50 – sun protection that doubles as a highlighter.
- Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint – breathable, buildable, and SPF-packed.
- Dior Forever Skin Perfect Stick– does double duty as a foundation + concealer.
- Milk Makeup cream blush + lip color – one product, endless glow.
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip & Cheek Glow – romantic, buildable color perfect from early morning to late summer nights.
- Laura Mercier Mini Caviar Stick Eyeshadow – long lasting color that can layer, line & define.
- Neen Pretty Extra Mascara Mini – mini size, big impact, this clean formula layers and lasts.
- Mac Stack Waterproof Mascara Mini – for water + humidity proof lush lashes.
- Real Techniques Travel Fantasy Mini Brush Set – budget friendly brush set with all the essentials made mini.
Travel Friendly Bath & Body Delights:
- Drunk Elephant Baby Bar Travel Duo with Case – This on-the-go cleansing bar is great for all skin types and perfect for travel
- Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil – for multi purpose head-to-toe hydration and a sun-kissed sheen.
- Kitsch Pack Light minis – limit your liquids while still nourishing your tresses with these bar shampoos & conditioners.
- R&Co Death Valley mini – make your ‘do’ last those extra days so you have more time for play.
- Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer Self Tanner –this double duty moisturizer also gives you a tan glow.
- Caudalie Vinotherapist Hand & Nail Repairing Cream – keep your mani lasting your entire trip with this nourishing hand & nail moisturizer that’s never greasy.
Packing Pretty: How to Find the Perfect Travel Makeup Case
The perfect travel makeup case is like the perfect travel companion — reliable, stylish, and makes you feel like your best self. Whether you’re chasing sunsets in Greece or commuting to your next staycation, pack smart — and pretty. There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-packed travel makeup case. But not all makeup bags are created equal. So how do you find the one? Here’s your ultimate guide to choosing a travel makeup case that’s stylish, functional, and wanderlust-ready.
1. Know Your Travel Type
- The Minimalist: A small zippered pouch with room for essentials (SPF, lip balm, concealer, multi-stick).
- The Weekend Wanderer: Look for a medium-sized case with removable pouches and a wipeable lining — ideal for quick trips and carry-ons.
- The Beauty Maximalist: A structured, multi-compartment case with room for full-glam looks, brushes, and backups.
2. Functionable and Fashionable
- Compartments are everything. Look for elastic brush holders, mesh zip pockets, and adjustable dividers to keep products secure and organized.
- Water-resistant lining is a must — spills happen (looking at you, exploded setting spray).
- Clear cases are TSA-friendly and great for quick visual scans when you’re rushing to get ready.
3. Materials Matter
- Vegan leather is chic and easy to clean.
- Hard-shell cases offer max protection — especially for glass bottles or luxe palettes.
- Soft fabric cases are lightweight and easy to pack, making them better suited for short trips.
Top Travel Makeup Case Picks
- Beis Cosmetic Case: Luxe, structured, and includes a mirror and brush holders — a favorite for organized glam on the go.
- Viln Purley Travel Toiletry Bag: Great for longer trips or shared bathrooms; it unfolds with plenty of compartments.
- Away The Large Toiletry Bag: Perfect for weekend escapes to organize all your essentials in a compact case.
- Truffle Clarity Jetset Case: Sleek, clear, and minimalist — ideal for TSA lines and overhead bins.
- Relavel Professional Makeup Train Case: Adjustable compartments, durable exterior — for the beauty pro on the move.
Pro Tip:
Can’t find a travel size version of one of your essentials? Try downsizing by depotting to smaller travel jars or palettes. Your shoulders (and your airline baggage fees) will thank you.
Remember: the best travel beauty secret is confidence. Let your skin breathe, your freckles peek through, and your style reflect the freedom of wherever you are. Beauty should move with you — effortlessly, joyfully, and globally.
Bon voyage, beautiful!
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IG: @alianamoss
