What's In Your Travel Makeup Bag?

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I recently got back from a (much needed!) week-long vacation. One thing I always stress out over before traveling is what to pack. I never know how many outfits to bring or what I’m going to feel like wearing during the trip, so I try to bring extras of everything in order to give myself some options.

I used to try to bring all sorts of different eyeshadows, eyeliners and blushers in order to create any kind of makeup look I want, but I ended up packing so many products that it just got to be too much. In recent years I’ve cut down on the amount of makeup I bring on trips, but I’ve been able to figure out which products to bring so that I don’t feel limited.

Here’s what I brought with me:

•    Urban Decay Naked Palette
•    Garnier B.B. Cream in Light/Medium
•    Benefit Erase Paste
•    Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in #3
•    CoverGirl Clean Pressed Powder for Sensitive Skin in Classic Ivory
•    CoverGirl Clear Mascara
•    CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara in Very Black
•    MAC Kohl Eyeliner in Smolder
•    Avon Ultra Luxury Eyeliner in Dark Brown
•    MAC Gel Eyeliner in Blacktrack
•    Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Dollface
•    Tarte Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess
•    Stila Lip Glaze in Kitten
•    Tarte Lipsurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain in Lucky
•    Avon Fruity Juice Lip Gloss in Tangerine
•    Laura Gellar Spackle Under Makeup Primer
•    Tarte Eyelash Curler
•    Brushes (Foundation, Blush, Powder, 3 Eyeshadow and Eyeliner)

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when trying to decide which products to bring on a trip:

1. Pick one foundation/B.B. cream/tinted moisturizer that you know works for you and bring just that. There’s no sense in trying to bring several different foundations. If you’ve got one go-to product, bring that and be done with it.
2. Try to avoid packing single eyeshadows; this will just bulk up your makeup bag. I bring one eyeshadow palette with me – from that I can create a whole bunch of different looks.
3. Do you have trial sizes of anything? If so, pack them! 
4. Think about the climate in your destination. It’s July and I traveled to the east coast, which is known for bouts of high humidity. That combined with the fact that I spent most of my time outside walking around meant that I had to bring powder (which I don’t normally wear) and a face primer. Going somewhere chilly? Skip the powder and think about bringing a creamy foundation or thicker face cream.
5. Lip products can change your whole look. I bring at least three different lip products -- one pink, one neutral and one wild card (something in the red/orange or purple color family). Lipsticks or glosses usually come in small packages, so it’s not hard to bring more than one.
6. Sometimes blushers can come in large packages, so I avoid bringing multiple products if possible. I usually bring one pink or peach blush and a bronzer. The bronzer I am currently using works with just about any makeup look, so it was a must-have for me on my trip.
7. If you have products that do double duty (like a stain that can be used on your cheeks and lips), bring it! These products will help maximize space in your suitcase.

What are your makeup must-haves when you travel?