For those that know me, know I like to be efficient about what I pack. Of course, that doesn't always work out.... But here are a few things I like to do to be a bit more efficient in how I pack.
1) Make a List
Ideally, I like making a list of what I need to pack for my makeup. Because my makeup routine and style changes with the seasons, and sometimes just my mood, I do make new lists every time I go
somewhere new. This helps me to figure out what I really need. :) Like, do I really need both bottles of moisturizer?
2) Go Small
With all of the carry-on restrictions with air-travel, carrying travel-sized items of everything is just a good idea. As well, it saves space, and you don't have to worry about losing a whole bottle of your favourite night-cream. If I can, I decant my favourite items into smaller containers. Small containers are really cheap to find as well. usually I hit my local dollar store them.
A lot of makeup companies give sample sized things when you buy a certain amount from them. Keep those little items for when you travel! Also, save those sample packages that you get in the mail and in magazines, especially if you're just going away for a weekend. I have a large zipper plastic bag that I've stored all my sample packs in. I just take out what I need for my next trip.
3) Re-purpose
I have a fairly basic makeup/skin routine, but even then, I know I won't bring everything that I usually use. So I re-purpose a couple of items as needed. I use a pencil for both lining, and for my brows. I just use a brush to blend it in as needed. Lip colour can also be used as cheek colour too.
This goes for your tools as well. If you don't have a good travel set, and plan on bringing your full-size brushes, take a look at what brushes you really need to bring. Can your brush be used to do something else too? This will cut down on the number of brushes you need to bring.
4) Palettes Are Your Friend
Quite a few makeup companies have these awesome small palettes that contain lots of eye colours, as well as cheek and lip colours! I have one from Sephora that I used for many trips before I decided to rely on my small Z-palette instead. I try not to take too many different packages along my trips, so I find palettes to really help with that. Make sure you find one that has shades and textures that you will use. In other words, don't buy that pretty sparkly palette if you don't wear sparkly makeup on an everyday basis.
5) Test!
Test out the makeup you want to bring on your trip. Make sure you really do have everything and haven't cut out that one thing that you know you'll regret leaving behind.
6) Lay Out
So lay out everything the night before, so you can just pack it up when you've finished using it. Again, make things easy for yourself!
So that's my general advice on packing for travel. Any other suggestions?
