Makeup for Your Vacation

Need some makeup help for your vacation getaway? As a stylist and self-proclaimed makeup junkie, I've found that the best makeup for a vacation getaway is simple, small, and easily tossed in your handbag. You'll definitely want to choose lightweight formulas that don't add shine or oil. Use powder whenever possible, to avoid leakage in your luggage and to prevent security snafus at the airport. Stick to a neutral pallet to coordinate with your vacation wardrobe, but consider bringing an accent eye shadow or lipstick to liven things up a bit. And don't bring your most expensive products in case they get lost or broken. Here's the basic components of a great vacation cosmetic bag.

Tinted moisturizer with SPF. Forget heavy foundation formulas because your skin needs to breathe. A lightweight, oil-free tinted moisturizer with SPF can be worn on the beach and on a date. Products with a sun barrier, such as zinc, are less oily than products with a chemical sunscreen. However, SPF made from zinc has a white sheen to it, making you look a bit ghostly in the light of a camera's flash. You can combat this with a bit of bronzer in all the right places. Tinted moisturizer helps even your skin tone, but lets your skin shine through. It's easier to match to your skin than your typical foundation, too.

Mineral powder foundation. Mineral powder foundation is great for oily skin. It is a lightweight, buildable coverage with a very low, naturally occurring SPF. It's a great way to top off your tinted moisturizer or wear all on its own.

Concealer. Find a concealer that does double duty. A concealer made with salicylic acid will both cover and treat your blemishes. Bonus, salicylic acid also helps prevent shine from creeping through your makeup.

Small eye shadow pallet. Look for a small eye shadow pallet with mostly neutral shades. Taupe, bronze, and pearl are great choices for your laid back, summer look. Add some smoulder with a deep bronze or even a funky accent color.

Bronzer. A good bronzer can be used all over the face for a little extra color, or it can be used to contour the face. I like to use bronzer as a blush for a soft, flushed look.

Eye liner. Summer time sweat calls for waterproof eyeliner, no matter what. You can find waterproof eyeliner in all your favorite shades and types. For a smouldering summer eye, I recommend a deep bronze color.

Mascara. Again, waterproof is a necessity! Even if you wear no other makeup, waterproof mascara will help open up your eyes and make you look more awake - something we usually all need on a lazy vacation afternoon!

Lipstick. Lipstick is great because you can use it on your lips or your cheeks. It makes a great cream blush, in a pinch. And matching cheeks and lips are pretty and chic right now, so go ahead and test the water, if you dare.

Gloss. A clear gloss is the most versatile because you can wear it your lipstick or alone. For poutier lips, just dab the gloss right in the center of your lips.

Makeup remover pads. Unless you want to come home from vacay with irritated, pimply skin, make sure you wash your face every single night. Makeup remover pads or cloths are a great way to get rid of your makeup at the end of the day. You won't have to worry about your eye makeup remover leaking on to your fabulous vacation clothes in your suitcase.

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