It’s easy enough to admit you need a holiday once in a while, so you hop online and look for the best deals to experience your next getaway. You scroll through Google and find your European holiday awaiting for you, you book your flights for the European summer and all of a sudden you’re jetting off next year to escape the winter blues.
This was much of a reality for myself last year and decided to book a European holiday in the hopes of soaking up the sun and escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Before I could grasp the sweet reality that I was finally escaping Winter, July was already here and I needed to start packing. ASAP.
I’ve always loved packing, well over packing (I am actually quite good at it) but with that comes weight restrictions – how was I meant to fit a months worth of clothes, shoes, toiletries and makeup into a measly 23kg? Well, I did it and I’m going to show you how you can do it too!
Before packing:
1. Before you start packing, please make sure there are no travel restrictions on the products you are wanting to take with you overseas.
2. Find a makeup bag that is a suitable size for you to take overseas and make sure it isn’t too big that it takes up half of your suitcase! Remember, this post is helping you to take the bare minimum.
3. Purchase any empty travel friendly bottles and/or containers that could come in handy when packing your favourite moisturisers and haircare products.
Start packing:
The truth is, everyone’s makeup routines are different – not one person has the same products in the same order and applies their makeup the same way. Although this is the case, I am going to take you through what I packed when I went away and the essentials I deem relatable to most.
Base:
Primer – if you’re anything like me, the heat gets you sweating like crazy. During the summer months I can barely keep anything on my face besides sweat… as gross as that sounds, it’s the harsh reality of the sweltering summer. A good primer doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and definitely goes a long way when you’re on holidays – you are always on the go anyway – right?
Foundation/powder – depending on the coverage you want when overseas you can opt for a liquid or powder foundation. I bought both with me (typical!) – had to bring the liquid for those insta shots and the powder for those days where you’re just feeling meh.
Concealer – this is optional, but if you’re travelling a fair distance, chances are jet-lag is going to set in quicker that you think. Jet lag = under eye bags. Long story short – this is when you may need the concealer!!!
Face:
Bronzer/contour – ever heard of one size fits all? Well that’s the same concept with bronzer/contour. It’s quite simple really, and no i’m not talking about those palettes that come with everything (that’s cheating!) 2 brushes – 1 product, that’s it. Choose a bronzer that you love, bring a big fluffy brush for the bronzer application and a dense angled brush for a contour effect and bob’s your uncle. Too easy I say!
Blush – A lot of blush just isn’t my scene. But if you’re a big blush fan you can find so many on the market that come in the tiniest of packaging! I took a blush with me (just to be on the safe side) and safe to say I forgot it was even there!
Highlighter – Okay so now on to the most vital product! That moment when you’re taking pics for the gram and the sun hits your face and BOOM that highlight is poppin’. This is when this product comes into play! Grab your favourite highlight (no matter how big or small) and throw it in (not literally!!!) you won’t regret it!
Eyes:
Mascara – Surely when you think of a European summer the first thing that comes into mind is the beach! But the only problem is mascara and water don’t exactly go hand in hand, so go out and invest in any waterproof mascara (recommended is down below) and you will never have to worry about the dreaded panda eyes another day in your life!
Eyeshadow – this is when you gotta play it smart. Bring a whole palette and take up infamous amounts of space or bring the bare minimum and face the eyeshadow blues. It’s up to you really but if there was one tip I would give it is to bring a smaller palette with you and use colours from your bronzer and/or blush to use as well – at least you have some variety!
Eyeliner – I have to be honest, I didn’t use my eyeliner once whilst I was away but it’s really personal preference! A pencil liner or a felt liner is probably the safest option to opt for – it’s the size of a pencil! Where can you go wrong! No excuses for it taking up too much room…
Eyebrows – If you don’t have your eyebrows feather tattooed like every other Instagram blogger, do not fear there is always a remedy! A brow pomade is your new best friend it is literally like a temporary tattoo for your brows, it will stay with you through thick and thin (pun intended)! Try making this baby come off in the ocean, I bet you it will win every time!
Lips:
If you’re a regular traveller you’ll know that your lips get dry whilst up in the clouds, it is a good idea to pack any sort of lip balm to top up your lips when they’re not feeling as good as they should!
In terms of other lip products – a lip liner and liquid lipstick is all you need – I think! First line your lips and then apply the liquid lipstick and you should be set for the whole day! Who said you have to pack every lip product in your collection when you have the perfect combo in 2?
Set:
This is where my secret and best tip comes into play! What if I told you, you can save room and weight in your luggage but you don’t have to sacrifice a makeup product? Sounds good, huh! This is when my favourite product comes into play! Have you heard of those products that claim to be a primer and setting spray in one? Yeah, well it’s time to invest in one of those! It has definitely been one of the best makeup purchases I have ever made and I can (almost) guarantee it will be yours too!
Check out the products below to see what I took away with me from my recommended list!
Product list (in order as mentioned above):
Primer/set: Too Faced hangover 3-in-1 – RRP $46.00AUD
Foundation: Mac Pro longwear foundation – RRP $58.00AUD
Powder: Rimmel stay matter powder – $11.95AUD
Concealer: Maybelline master conceal – $15.95AUD
Bronzer/contour: TheBalm Bahama mama bronzer – $29.95AUD
Blush: Rimmel mono blush – $10.00AUD
Highlight: TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer – $29.95AUD
Mascara: Benefit Roller Lash – $42.00AUD
Eyeshadow: Too Faced natural eyes palette – $55.00AUD
Eyeliner: Maybelline hyper sharp wing – $17.95AUD
Eyebrows: Anastasia Beverly Hills brow pomade – $32.00AUD
Lips: Natures Own paw paw lip ointment – $3.29AUD
Where can I purchase the products you mentioned above?
Priceline
Mecca Maxima
Sephora
You are now ready to pack for your European getaway, I hope you have a wonderful time and take plenty of snaps to remember the fun times you shared!
Stay beautiful,
Alyce xx
*DISCLAIMER: all opinions are my own and all pictures were taken by me. I am not sponsored in any way and the links posted are NOT affiliate links.
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