How to Pack Light for Vacation

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My parents both work for the airlines so I think I'm an expert traveler by now. I've mastered how to pack light for a vacation and thought I'd share some of my tips with you.

1. Invest in a roller bag that can fit in the overhead bins of the airplane (10 x 16 x 24 inches). It's SO much easier not to check luggage if you don't have to. Want to save at least 30 minutes at the airport? Please invest in one. I promise the limited space will make up for it by saving you tons of time.

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2. Make the most of your other personal item. Most airlines allow one carryon bag and one personal item (purse, backpack, etc.) I usually bring a huge purse and put all of my makeup, toiletries, curling iron, straightener, book or magazine, iPod, phone, snacks and other things I want to grab quickly during my flight.

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3. Start making a list early of things you CAN’T forget. I usually start one on my cellphone and add to it as soon as I think of anything. Check it over before you’re done packing to make sure there’s nothing you’ve forgotten. Earplugs, cellphone charger, camera charger and IDs are things that are always on my lists.

4. I usually get cold on the plane so I bring socks and a sweater (if I'm not wearing them already) to keep me warm.

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5. Keep jewelry and belts off until after you're through security and wear shoes that are easy to remove. No one likes waiting behind the people who forget about this. Also - take your laptop out of your bag and place it in the tray before going through the scanner!

6. At least a week before you leave plan out your outfits. I know, I like to have options too but it will keep your over packing to a minimum. I always pack a few backups but usually end up sticking to what I originally planned out. You’ll save room and time in the morning because you’ve already planned out your outfit for the day. I usually try on each outfit as I pack to make sure I don’t forget anything like a belt or the right accessories.

7. Pick shoes that can be worn with multiple outfits and try to wear your bulkiest pair to the airport. This will save a ton of room!

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8. I promise that whatever you forget, you can most likely purchase at your destination. It’s not worth stressing about! After all, you’re on vacation – relax and enjoy it!

Do you have any tips to add? What is your favorite place to travel to?

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?