This is a common question on the well glossed lips of makeup artists and influencers alike: how do I get to that shoot, that client’s home or that holiday destination with all my fave products all in one piece? There’s nothing worse than rocking up to a job with broken eyelines, cracked eyeshadows and a leaking makeup bag.
To save you that kind of heartbreak, let’s take a look at a few tricks of the trade you can implement to make sure your makeup is the best travel companion you’ve ever had.
What makeup should I bring travelling?
As you plan your next trip, you might not know what kind of makeup you’re going to need when you get there. What you’re going to need on a tropical beach is a little different from strolling the streets of your favourite city, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and make a list of all the essentials.
First things first, remember that if you’re flying on a plane, there are weight restrictions. You can either find travel-size versions of your must-have products, or invest in some quality small jars and containers to take them with you. But to get you started, here are a few basic tools we think you might like to pack:
- Makeup brushes
- Travel-size eyeshadow palette
- Foundation, mascara and a pop of coloured lipstick, and
- Something to keep all your faves in place, like a makeup case.
Creating your very own travel makeup station is one of the best ways to make sure you’ll have everything you need whilst out on the road. Another great tool to keep in your handbag or carry-on luggage is a travel makeup mirror with lights.
Best travel makeup mirror with lights
We all know how unpredictable lighting can be when you’re out and about, especially in hotel bathrooms, notorious for low lighting. You can drop the Compact LED Mirror 001 into your travel makeup kit easily as it’s the size of a blush compact but packs a powerful punch from its LED lights.
However, if you want something a little bigger, the Allure Spotlight Mirror can slide into your carry-on easily. Its adjustable brightness controls mean you can dial up or dial down the intensity of the LED lights, and because it can rotate and tilt in different directions, you’re sure to find your best angle no matter where you are.
[How to pack makeup for travel
Making everything fit the way you’d like it to when you’re traveling is an artform – but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Your travel makeup station might be as simple as the Marble Cosmetic Case, which has plenty of room for your daily faves, like foundation, eyeliner and other toiletries you might need while away from home.
For professional MUA’s, the XL Cosmetic Case might be a better option. It’s two main zippered compartments have multiple inserts designed to keep all your tools and materials secure and organised. It also has a clip on strap for carrying, a fold out table mirror and even a spot in the back to store your business cards.
How to protect makeup brushes when travelling
One of the most fragile items you’ll need to take extra care with when travelling are your makeup brushes. It’s not complicated to learn how to pack makeup brushes for traveling, but to keep them safe while in transit, pop them in an old sunglasses case. It will keep the bristles from getting bent and pushed out of shape.
Similarly, to keep your compacts intact, put a cotton pad inside, and for your eyeshadows, put a cotton ball in the lid to keep them in place. That way you’ll avoid spillages and arrive at your destination with usable makeup!
Create a travel makeup station
If you know you’re going to need more than just the essentials on your next trip, grab yourself a makeup trolley on wheels. This small roller trolley is any MUA’s BFF. The large flap rolls out to give you a few different clear compartments, perfect for storing stick-on eyelashes and compacts. Plus the removable makeup cases are perfect for keeping your lipsticks and other essentials separate and neatly packed.
Other items to pack...
As with any adventure, there might be a few sneaky items you forget to pack or don’t even realise you might need. To keep your face or your client’s faces clean and clear, make sure you keep a pack of makeup wipes in your travel makeup station. Eco-friendly and biodegradable wipes are our go-to, or even a box of tissues will do.
Remember we mentioned lighting before? If you don’t have space for a mirror with lights, the Beauty Ring Light DUO is a great alternative. You can use it for when you apply makeup and also in front of the camera to make your selfies pop. It’s USB chargeable too, making it super portable and versatile, perfect for long haul trips.