If there’s one thing I didn’t make an exception about when I was travelling (aside from my straighteners and a pair of jeans) was makeup. I’d read quite a few “hardcore” posts before I left extolling the virtues of travelling makeup-free, but, quite frankly, that was the last thing I would have wanted to do. Whether I’m travelling for a year or a weekend, I will always pack some makeup, even if it’s only a little.
Firstly, travelling tires you out and moving accommodation, bumpy bus journeys and long flights can leave you looking exhausted and washed out. A little concealer and blusher can help revive you and make you feel a heck of a lot better.
Secondly, there are many women out there who don’t like to go out in public without makeup on because it gives them a sense of confidence. I am not one of these people (sorry if I’ve ever bumped into you in the supermarket looking like a bag lady), but I am not going to judge anyone for wanting to make themselves look and feel good.
If you’re travelling long-term or with carry-on luggage only, lack of space can be a real issue when packing your usual makeup bag. So, baring this is mind, I’ve put together a compilation of some of best makeup palettes on the market right now that can help ensure that you still look flawless without having to lug your whole bathroom cabinet with you.
NAKED On The Run from Urban Decay: This is a fairly new palette by the folks behind UD and they’re marketing it as the “ultimate travel kit for Naked junkies”. Don’t worry, people, they’re not talking about un-clothed drug addicts here – they’re referring to their ridiculously popular NAKED eyeshadow palettes. This little kit comes with 6 eyeshadows, a bronzer, blusher, lipgloss, mascara and eyeliner, meaning that it can almost replace your whole kit for shorter trips.
Full Exposure Palette by Smashbox: This palette just contains eyeshadows, but offers almost every shade you’d need to take you from daytime to evening if you only wanted to pay special attention to one area of your makeup (neutrals to smoky colours and shimmer). Plus, it comes with a mini mascara, so that’s one less thing you’d need to pack in your makeup bag.
Bobbi Brown Face Palette by Bobbi Brown: If you’re prone to uneven skin tone, red patches or just fear getting mozzie bites / sunburn / white circles around your eyes from your sunglasses (delete as appropriate) then this little palm-sized palette is the perfect cover-all. It contains a concealer, skin corrector, foundation stick and pressed powder, as well as a mini brush for application. In fact, forget travel, this is actually the perfect little companion in any handbag.
Natural Glow Shadow and Blush Palette by Barry M: This is one of the cheapest palettes available and, for the price, is a very handy piece of kit. It contains 6 different eyeshadow shades and a matte blusher, as well as a couple of mini applicator brushes, so if you’re the kind of person who likes a little hint of colour on your eyes and cheeks without going full-on mascara, liner and lippie, then this is the perfect accessory that won’t ruin your travel budget.
Do The Bright Thing by Benefit: Another all-in-one beauty kit, this collection comes in a cute pink box and contains everything you need to brighten up a dull, jetlagged complexion. Including a face primer, powder, mascara, highlighter, eye pencil and powder brush, this bottles in this kit are small enough to include in your carry-on, so you can step off the plane ready to face the paps. Or your Mum. Same same.
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