My On-the-Go Beauty Routine

Being a girlie-girl can really suck when it comes to traveling.

I constantly want to pack endless outfits – you know, just in case – and wish I could bring my whole beauty routine with me on the road. Unfortunately, keeping my budget in mind usually means forgoing a checked bag. Who wants to pay $50+ each way just to bring a heavy suitcase along filled with things I probably won’t use?

Thankfully I’ve learned to be a more minimalist packer over the years. Coming up with a universal carry-on packing guide that mimics a capsule wardrobe was a serious help. But when it came to my makeup routine, I had to get creative. I don’t want to spend a ton of time getting ready, need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids, and am worried about all my makeup sweating off during the day.

After trying lots of products on my trips, I’ve come up with an on-the-go beauty routine that fits in my carry-on and does the trick without a lot of fuss. The products below are my tried and true personal favorites (nothing is sponsored or affiliated) that have served me well on my travels. Today I’m breaking down my beauty routine to help all those product-loving junkies learn my ways.

To level set – I am not a beauty blogger. I’m that kind of girl who definitely loves makeup, but never quite mastered things like baking and contouring. I prefer a more laid-back approach and try not to use too many products because I like letting my skin breathe. I’m no makeup artist and do not judge me for my inabilities. Okay…let’s proceed

Moisturizer and SPF Nothing can make a trip more miserable than a sunburn, so SPF is essential for me. I like to give my skin a dose of moisture and sun protection at the same time with Kiehls’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30. It absorbs quickly and is formulated to work with all skin types. Don’t think sunscreen is only for tropical destinations – I’m almost embarrassed to admit I’ve ended up sunburned in London! I have a one ounce bottle of lotion that is TSA-approved and goes in my liquids bag.

Brow Pencil and Gel Next up, I like to try and make my eyebrows look as “on point” as possible given my lack of makeup artistry. The Benefit Cosmetics goof proof eyebrow pencil is fantastic for filling in my sparse brows without being complicated. The unique shape of the pencil lets me build up coverage without it looking drawn on. I like to follow it up with the Benefit Gimme Brow+ gel to set my brows and fill in any little spots I missed. The pencil can be packed in your suitcase, but the gel needs to go in your liquids bag.

Mascara, Eyeliner, Undereye Gel, and Brighteners When I’m jetlagged, my tired eyes tend to show it the most. I spend the most time on trying to make them look brighter. A swipe of thrive causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener in the inner corners of my eyes makes me look way more awake than I am. The Twinkle Stick Highlighter from tarte does double duty – I use this as a cream eyeshadow and a blendable highlighter to get my glow on. For undereye circles, the dr. brandt needles no more gel depuffs eyes while offering some sheer color-correcting.

I line my waterline and just the outer corners of my upper eyelid with Maybelline’s Unstoppable Eyeliner in espresso. The chocolately brown means I don’t have to worry about raccoon eyes if it’s humid out. IT Cosmetics Superhero mascara gives my lashes some serious volume that stays, making me look wide-eyed and less jetlagged. I also found it doesn’t flake or melt during the day, even if I’m hiking the Andes in Colombia. The undereye gel, mascara and highlighter stick should go in your liquids bag.

Pressed Powder and Setting Spray

I prefer to not wear liquid foundations or concealers when I’m on the go, just because it feels heavy and I don’t want to sweat it off during the day. Instead, I embrace a more all-natural look and stick to tarte’s shape tape pressed powder, which has medium coverage and serious staying power. Since it’s a powder, it can be packed in your suitcase.

If I’m visiting someplace with hotter temps, more humidity, or I just think I’ll sweat a lot, a setting spray helps keep everything in place. A few spritzes of Urban Decay’s All-Nighter spray keeps my makeup looking fresh – no melted makeup for me! This does fall under the 3-1-1 rule.

Lip Balm Flaky, dry lips suck. During the day, I like to shy away from lipsticks or glosses in favor of something I don’t need to worry about reapplying. Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm soothes dry lips but also serves as a healing treatment on the go. It’s perfect for sudden rashes, minor burns, or scrapes, too. Pack this in your liquids bag, too

While I prefer a fresh, dewy look for the day, I like feeling a little more glam at night. Whether I’m hitting up a nicer restaurant or just enjoying the nightlife, it’s nice adding a little extra something to my look. I usually pack along these two products to do the trick!

Bronzer Cream Stick I like using trèStiQue’s Color and Contour bronzer stick to add a little definition to my cheeks. It’s also great for adding a darker shade to the creases of my eyelids. The cap hides a little brush, ideal for on-the-go application. Throw this in your liquids bag – if you’re worried about space, swap this with a powder bronzer instead.

Lipstick

A swipe of lipstick does wonders in adding some drama and glamour to a look. Pick your favorite shade and pack it along in your liquids bag whenever you need a boost of color. Lately, I’ve been loving Youngblood’s Mineral Crème Lipstick in Barely Nude.

I’m definitely not a makeup guru, but I am a junkie and enjoy getting a little dolled up every day. When I’m traveling, I need a routine that’s quick, long-lasting, and easily packable. These are my go-to products that can withstand my wandering adventures and get my seal of approval. Hopefully this post will come in handy if you’re looking for some new travel-approved products or just wanted to see how I juggle a beauty routine on the go!

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