Whether you are headed out the door for a day or for a week, most women can attest it is a necessity to be cautious when traveling with makeup.

Below I have complied a list of my current tips and hacks for traveling with makeup. I’ve also linked several products that I use daily and that have made my life at home and on the go much easier!

First things first, you need a reliable bag that can safely transport your overpriced mascara and lipstick 5 lipstick shades (or is that just me?) from your starting point to your ending point. 

Throughout college and prior to accepting my current job, I would typically travel with anywhere between 2-3 small zipper bags (think the free “makeup” bags you get when you spent too much at the Clinique counter). I was not packing efficiently and my makeup was always completely disorganized whether I was at home or on the go.

When deciding on the right makeup bag, first consider what is most important to you.
My must have checklist includes: pockets/zippers, dividers and an easy to clean material.

> Pockets/Zippers: allows you to secure items so they won’t shift during travel

> Dividers: makes for easy organization and accommodates a variety of products

>Easy to Clean: think nylon, PVC (durable clear plastic), polyester, etc.

I stumbled upon my perfect solution: Ellis James Designs Makeup Train bag. This bag is also available at Amazon! I’ve posted about this bag before (click here), and seriously ya’ll this bag has been a game changer! I am not just promoting this bag for travelers, this bag is also equally amazing for keeping your makeup organized at home and at your fingertips! When at home this bag sits out on my bathroom sink and also can be zipped up and stored neatly. 

The ideal bag will vary depending on your style preferences and makeup quantity. 

Because I am a bag lady, I have come across several other adorable, functional makeup bags that I have linked below:

• Large Lux Animal Print: Hollis $95
• Medium Lux Animal Print: Hollis $45
• Small Lux Animal Print: Hollis $35
  
  
• Mini Makeup Train Case: Ellis James $19.95
• Tall Cosmetic Bag: Ellis James $29.95 (also available at Amazon)
• Large Cosmetic Organizer: Ellis James $29.95 (also available at Amazon)
• Hanging Toiletry organizer: Ellis James $36.95 (also available at Amazon)
  
  
• Travel Makeup Train Case: Amazon $28.99
• Hanging Cosmetic Bag: Amazon $24.99
  

I’ll be the first to confess I am an over-packer.
Whether I’m headed out overnight or for 2 weeks, ya girl needs her options! 
What I’ve learned from all my travel experience is: makeup is typically an area you don’t need quite so many options. Have I packed all 3 of my Naked Palettes before? Yep, sure have! On this same trip did I maybe use 3 shades? You bet!

Prior to your trip, mentally review your daily makeup routine. Spend more time making a mental list of your daily beauty routine and focus less time on your evening look or spontaneous opportunity that might pop up.

When it comes to packing for your evening makeup look or “just-in-case”, think about the possibilities you can create with your everyday makeup. For example, when in a pinch, I will use my contour palette as a quick and easy eyeshadow substitute. I will use the contour on my eye lid, the bronzer in the crease of my eyelid and the highlighter on my brow bone and in the corner of my eye. The “ShapeShifter” palette I had been using from Urban Decay has been discontinued, but below is a very similar version from SMASHBOX at Ulta and at Sephora.

Pro-Tip: Adding additional eyeliner or bronzer to your lid can take your day look right to a night look without the excess of an additional eyeshadow palette. Adding a red lip can also transform your look in seconds!

Cut down on the quantity of makeup products by investing in products that are multifunctional. This coincides with my suggestion of using my contour palette as an eyeshadow palette. 

This also includes makeup brushes and tools.
For example: A beauty blender is a soft sponge that is tapered at one end. It works both with wet and dry products. With my beauty blender, I use one side, dampened to apply my concealer (here is the travel size) and I use the other end to apply my setting powder (I love this one from Laura Mercier). My favorite beauty blender thus far are these from Amazon. Best part, they are only $8.99 for a pack of 5! 

Another way to cutdown on space?
Consider ditching your makeup remover wipes. Instead of packing bulky facial wipes that are wasteful, take up space and are quick to dry out, consider trying out a reusable makeup remover pad. I highly recommend Face Halo.

I previously did a review here on reusable makeup remover pads!

The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination only to find your beauty products have exploded in your suitcase. If you have a product in question, I recommend packing it inside a ziplock bag just to be safe. 

Lotions tend to withstand the pressure change better than foam pumps. I personally have tried traveling with my St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse several times and each time it has exploded (the first time I did not have it inside of a zip lock baggy! Eeeek!)
Instead of dealing with the reoccurring mess, I have switched to the Classic Bronzing Lotion when flying. Works well and leaves no mess!

Can you bring makeup in your carryon? Yes! However, there are some stipulations. 

Liquids
Any liquid toiletries/makeup in carry-on luggage must abide by the TSA Liquids Rule: each liquid container must be 3.4 oz (100ml) or smaller and fit in a quart-sized ziplock bag. [Protip- with TSA PreCheck you do not have to remove the ziplock from your bag during security checks] 

If your products or the containers are larger than 3.4oz (regardless of the quantity inside, it must be in checked baggage)

Powders
According to TSA, you don’t even need to remove powders from your bag unless the container is over 12oz (350 ml). If the container is over 12oz, the powder container needs to be placed in a separate bin and TSA may pull the items for further screening. 

Solids
Feel free to pack as much of these products in your carry on. 

Being on the go doesn’t mean you have to cancel your beauty routine! You just may need to modify it so you can glow as you go without the added baggage 😉 



-Ronnie