How-To Guide for Packing Makeup While Backpacking

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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've 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 carry-on bag.  

Through trial and error, I have figured out the absolute necessities.

YOUR ESSENTIAL BACKPACKING MAKEUP PACKING LIST:

backpacking makeup

1. 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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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: "Lost" by Urban Decay

4. 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. 

5. 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. 

6. SAMPLE-SIZED CONCEALER

Go to Sephora and ask if you can have a sample of your favorite 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. 

7. BRONZER/ILLUMINATOR

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

8. EYESHADOW PRIMER

Because I never apply eyeshadow without it.

Favorite: Urban Decay Primer Potion

9. 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.

10. DUAL-ENDED EYESHADOW BRUSH

For applying and blending.

Favorite: My favorite brush came with my Naked 3 palette. 

11. MINI POWDER BRUSH  

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

OTHER TIPS:

  • Use your fingers when in a pinch without brushes. It's the best way to apply makeup quickly.

Click to read: My travel essentials

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HAPPY GALLIVANTING!