Four Essential Beauty Products for Any Trip

My birthday was last week, and several beauty suppliers sent products to try. I decided to write about my favorite beauty products of the month hoping that you get a chance to try out the new products as well, if they sound like something you might want to test for yourself.

Do you pack too much or not enough beauty products when traveling? (Photo: www.beauty411.net)

I have been a nomad lately, traveling from here to there while living out of hotels and friends’ apartments, so I decided to feature good travel products. The one thing I realized is that I either pack everything I own, or not enough. I can’t seem to find a happy middle.

I am always fearful that I won’t have the necessary cover-up for a new blemish, or that I will not have the right shade of red lipstick for a client dinner. These things might seem silly, but it really is a matter of packing everything or nothing, so I have learned to keep it to the basics. Whatever undeserving spectacle happens because I did not pack the right thing, I will be just fine (and so will you!).

Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser is pure and gentle around the eyes.
(Photo: Sephora)

One necessity for everyone’s travel bag is a good face wash. There are a range of face washes from oily to dry skin, to acne prone, to blemish free and more. Since you don’t want to spend an hour deciding what mood your face might be in, pack a good quality makeup eliminating face wash that is sensitive around the eyes. Try Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser. Yes, philosophy is much more than a beauty brand, but this brand does a great job keeping their products as pure as Socrates’ pursuit of wisdom.

Tarte’s Maracuja Creaseless Concealer covers dark circles, is waterproof and won’t crease. (Photo: Sephora)

The next must-have for your makeup bag is under eye concealer to hide those dark circles from staying up late perfecting your PowerPoint presentation. Try Tarte’s Maracuja Creaseless Concealer. It won’t crease and covers your dark circles up, making your look like you perfected that PowerPoint two weeks ago and have slept soundly ever since.

Smashbox’s Photo Finish More Than Primer Blemish Control is a primer that protects from blemishes. (Photo: Sephora)

Next, pack a good facial primer. A primer makes sure you don’t have to reapply your makeup throughout the day, and the best one I have found thus far is Smashbox’s travel size Photo Finish More Than Primer Blemish Control. It does double duty by also protecting your face from any red bumps that might occur due to weather, makeup products, etc.

Laura Mercier’s Smooth Finish Foundation Powder includes moisturizing agents to keep your face hydrated. (Photo: Sephora)

The last thing you need is your powder or foundation, depending on which you prefer as your go-to makeup. For me, I use powders since foundations tend to get too oily. My powder of choice is Laura Mercier’s Smooth Finish Foundation Powder. It goes on like a powder, but doesn’t look caked on since it finishes like a liquid (but it is mostly a powder).

And there you have it! Essentially the only products you really need when traveling to feel and look polished for work outing and client dinners. Of course, you look beautiful without any makeup, and going natural is the best way to feel great about yourself. The more you try it, the more comfortable you will feel getting by on only the essentials.