Vacation Make Up What to Pack when You're Traveling

Don't go makeup artist crazy whenever you go away. You don't have to tote along all your favorite lipsticks, blushes and shadows. After all you're just getting away to relax - not shoot the next Victoria's Secret catalog. Start with the basic necessities and then add some easy to pack, easy to wear make up extras. Surprisingly enough the least amount will give you the most gorgeous looks for both day and night.

First consider your skin when you travel. Yes, you can pack a big hefty tube of sun block or tanning lotion however these are made solely for the body . Carry sunscreen made exclusively for the face and lip balm with SPF 30 in it. Remember to pack smaller bottles of your everyday toner and lotion or you can buy travel bottles and fill them up with your everyday skin routine. You can nix the toner depending on where you go. It and a lot of sun exposure may dry out skin. Consider just moisturizer which will keep skin supple , especially after a day of sunning and swimming. What to wear on top of that? The best bet is minimal make-up. I usually just go with a blush stick such as e.l.f.'s new all over color stick followed by a quick all over sweep of Clinique's brush on bronzer. Both are easy to stow in any make up case. If you want to accentuate your tan a little more pack a tube of liquid bronzer with it, using it as a foundation. You can use this also with a swipe of pale bronzer such as e.l.f.'s Healthy Glow. bronzing powder in Luminance, a sparkly peach or a pink powder blush such as Benefit's Dandelion. Finish off with a slick of clear gloss or if you're heading outside again , lip balm.

Usually vacations mean a mix of active days and glamorous nights. That can mean a change in make up, especially with the eyes and mouth. Powder eye shadows can be great however their pans have a tendency to fall apart (unlike bronzer and blush pans which are manufactured more sturdily). The result is messy dustings all over the hotel room's bath and/or your make up bag. Liquid or crème eye shadows are the best for traveling. Carry along a couple of tubes of Cover Girl's Shadow Squeases . They're small but pack a whole lot of color . Another plus is that they're easy to apply -just a gentle squeeze and a very creamy gel comes through the foam tipped applicators. Swipe across the eyelid and presto you're done. Clarins also has liquid shadows that hold up from sultry days to steamy nights. A more therapeutic choice is Maybelline's Cooling Shadow/Liner pencils that can be used as a shadow and an eyeliner. They have cucumber and aloe extracts, perfect for soothing travel weary lids. To amp any of these up a notch for evening, bring along either a bronze or pewter eye pencil. Another make up bag essential is a good waterproof mascara. Cover Girl 's Lash Exact is long lasting and stands up to anything. It'll take you through ocean splashes right up to your motel's night time pool parties

You don't need much for your lips when you're on holiday . Get a good lip balm such as Burt's Bees or Carmex for when you're out in the sun. You want something that won't be eaten off as well as a strong coating to protect lips from those ever present UV rays. These can also be used on lids to prevent sunburn too. Pack only one lipstick and gloss, making sure they compliment your wardrobe. A moisture rich SPF 30 infused lipstick can be used during sightseeing and shopping excursion. You can use it again in the evening with a slick of gloss over it or just use the gloss. Try Revlon's Moisturous Lipcolor that is a non melting gel formula . Their color range is fantastic and can work with any outfit. For gloss. I tend to go with the Ulta brand Super Shiny Lip Gloss. It has the right amount of shine without looking too plastic. You can also eat with it on and not have it come off on your food. Other good take along are Loreal's Colour Riche Gloss and Sephora's Super Shimmer Lip Gloss, both great for evening glam.

The most important items in any travel cosmetics case are make up remover and cotton pads. You can use any brand of remover such as Maybelline' s or Loreal's (again I think Clinique is the best here) and cotton pads. Target carries their own brand of ten in a small container. Use this with remover to have a fresh face before washing up for bed. There will be no telltale traces of mascara , blush or eye shadow left on your pillow come morning.

Don't go make up artist crazy when you pack your getaway cosmetics bag. Keep it light and simple. Take along the essentials and one or two extras You will still have a sophisticated palette for your vacation days and evenings .