When I am ditching boxes of contacts (which, you know, allow me to see) I know one thing is a staple in my suitcase - makeup.

I have spent way too many hours of my life watching youtube beauty tutorials to give up on makeup now, even if I am gallivanting the globe with one carryon bag. So, through much trial and error, I have figured out the absolute necessities.

Click to read: My travel essentials

YOUR ESSENTIAL BACKPACKING MAKEUP PACKING LIST:

- BB CREAM WITH SPF

This is my number one must have for travel makeup. BB cream is basically liquid gold. It moisturizes, protects, and conceals. When you don’t have room for a lot of foundation and brushes, BB cream is the solution.

I often blend BB cream under my eyes in place of concealer when I have dark circles. Get a cream with SPF and you literally do not need anything else.

Favorite: Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream with SPF 35.

- MASCARA

As you probably know, the way a few coats of mascara can turn you into Gigi Hadid is practically the 8th wonder of the world.

Favorite: Benefit "They're Real!" in brown

- BROWN EYESHADOW

Brown eyeshadow is an incredibly flexible piece of makeup. Apply it lightly for a soft look. Apply it heavier for a darker look. Apply it wet for a smokey eye. Use a thin brush and apply it as an eyeliner.

Favorite: "Roach" by Urban Decay

- STATEMENT LIPSTICK

This is my second must have for travel makeup. A bold lipstick can completely transform a look from day to night. When backpacking in Europe I would wear jeans, a black tank top, and black booties during the day. When I went out at night I would wear jeans, a black tank top, black booties, and a bold lip. Done.

Favorite: Mac "Violetta"

- MOISTURIZER

Keeping your skin consistently hydrated is the key to looking fresh and bright when you do not have a lot of makeup. To do this, drink an excessive amount of water and moisturize every day. Moisturizer also doubles as a makeup remover - apply after applying eye makeup to clean up any fall.

Favorite: Clinique Ultra Moisturizing Gel

- SAMPLE-SIZED CONCEALER

Go to Sephora and ask if you can have a sample concealer. Do you know how many samples Sephora will give you if you just ask? Sample concealers are the perfect size for carry-on travel. You have security for when you really need it, but it wont take up a lot of room.

- BRONZER/ILLUMINATOR

A small duo for whenever you want to do something a little extra. The illuminator can be used to blend eyeshadow.

- EYESHADOW PRIMER

Because I never apply eyeshadow without it.

Favorite: Urban Decay Primer Potion

- FACE WASH WITH MAKEUP REMOVER IN IT

I bring a normal face wash as well, but I find I wash my face after I remove my makeup anyways...so might as well do it all at once.

Favorite: Neutrogena Naturals face wash with makeup remover

- DUEL EYESHADOW BRUSH

For applying and blending.

- MINI POWDER BRUSH

For bronzer and illuminator, but it wont take up a lot of room.

OTHER TIPS:

Use your fingers when in a pinch. When I first heard Michelle Phan say, "Use your fingers," in regards to eyeshadow application 10 years ago I couldn't believe it... but now I totally get it. It is the best way to apply makeup quickly.

Click to read: My travel essentials

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