My Travel Essentials

Last weekend I had the opportunity to get away for the weekend. My dear friend had an extra ticket to the Dave Matthews Band concert in Connecticut and asked me along. As I was packing for the trip, I thought it might be fun to do a travel essentials post.

It is tough whittling down a giant makeup collection to just the bare bones! I like to travel very light, so I have to figure out exactly what makeup I'm going to actually use, and leave all the rest of my little friends behind. Nothing extraneous, just the few items I am going to need most often. So basically four categories: skincare, tools, foundation, and frosting (eyeshadow, mascara, lip gloss, etc).

In my search for the perfect makeup storage system to replace my current one (a giant tupperware bucket just doesn't cut it anymore!), I purchased Joy Mangano's Better Beauty Case Deluxe Set from HSN. It comes with an extra large roll-up case that I think will be perfect for storing my makeup, but also comes with a medium size case that fits perfectly in my duffel bag, and even fits in a large purse. I was excited that I would be able to use it for the weekend, and the four sections of the case fit my organization needs.

Each little triangle section is a different category. From right to left, I have my skincare, then tools, then foundation, then frosting. The bonus is that each little triangle is actually removable, so I could have stuck any particular section in my purse at a moment's notice. I loved this little case and was so glad I decided to pick it up off HSN.

So what's inside it, what did I deem worthy enough to travel with me? Quite a bit actually!

Skincare:

-bareMinerals Purifying Facial Cleanser (travel size): I don't like it as much as the Foaming Cleanser, but I love that it's a travel size

-bareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer for Combination Skin (travel size): smells delicious and does a great job

-Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Hydrating (travel size): not my favorite primer ever, but the small size is excellent for travel and it does a decent job

-Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion: the only eyeshadow primer that actually works for me, I would not leave home without it

Tools:

-bareMinerals Flawless Application Face Brush: perfect for applying bareMinerals Mineral Veil, Warmth and Rose Radiance

-bareMinerals Full Flawless Face Brush: for bareMinerals Original Foundation

-bareMinerals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush: for bareMinerals SPF 20 Concealer

-e.l.f. Studio Blush Brush: good for blending

-e.l.f. Studio Eyeshadow "C" Brush: great basic eyeshadow brush

-e.l.f. Essential Smudge Brush: haven't used this one much since I just got it, but it's a great brush for bringing eyeshadow under the eye

-e.l.f. Essential Blending Eye Brush: this is a fantastic brush for smoothing out harsh lines and contouring in the crease

Foundation:

-bareMinerals Original Foundation in Fairly Light: my favorite everyday foundation

-bareMinerals SPF 20 Concealer in Bisque: fantastic concealer, covers everything

-bareMinerals Warmth All-Over Face Color: a subtle bronzer that adds a hint of color

-bareMinerals Rose Radiance All-Over Face Color: I use this as my everyday blush

Frosting:

-Benefit They're Real Mascara (travel size): not usually my everyday mascara, but definitely one of my favorites. Love the travel size option.

-L'Oreal Infallible Gel Lacquer Liner 24 Hour in Blackest Black: got this in my last ULTA haul and I absolutely love it. It came with a great applicator brush, and it glides on the lid effortlessly. This is a definite staple.

-NYC IndividualEyes Custom Compact in Midtown Mauve: this is a little palette that has four really wearable colors. Including a primer and highlighter, this palette can be worn so many different ways, making it the perfect travel companion (I did not use the primer as I had my Urban Decay primer)

-NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss in Eclair: another standout from my last ULTA haul, I am so glad I took the advice of other bloggers and tried this. It is a fantastic lip gloss and I love this color

Wow, looking back that is a long list of "essentials"! Everything I brought easily transferred from day to night looks, was easily transportable, and allowed me to keep with my beauty routine even on the road. The case was perfect for travel and I look forward to using it again in the future.

PS The Dave Matthews Band concert was awesome! I had never seen them live before, and I am so grateful to my friend for letting me tag along! We had such an amazing time. Thanks, Jen!