Fashion Week Beauty Must-Haves!

So, after eight straight Fashion Week seasons — I am a certified expert in packing for Fashion Week.

Which is no small feat: let’s face it, it’s easy to over pack. For many seasons, I’d cram every beauty product I could possibly want into a giant case, and then I’d get to the hotel and unpack them, and four or five days later, as I was packing them up again, I’d realize: I only used a handful of all those products.

Because, you know what? Fashion Week isn’t the time to try the random sparkly glitter eyeshadow that you’ve never used before. Fashion Week is the time to stick to your essentials, to pull out a few tried-and-true looks, and to keep your beauty routine streamlined and well-planned.

Fashion Week is the very worst time to have your skin react to a new product, or to realize that glitter eyeshadow doesn’t photograph quite as well as it looks in the mirror.

So now, my beauty case is a lot smaller. I stick to my essentials, the products that I love so much that I couldn’t possibly leave them at home. I add a few short-on-time necessities (makeup wipes, eye remover pads), and throw in an extra lipstick or two. But for the most part, I stick to my favorite products.

Even though I didn’t make the trip this September, I plan to again in February! So with that in mind, here’s what I’ll be packing:

Simple Skincare Radiance Cleansing Wipes: These are the first thing I reach for whenever I pack for a trip, whether it’s for Fashion Week or work or a vacation. When you’re too exhausted to take off your makeup at the end of the night (which, let’s face it, sometimes happens), they’re nothing short of lifesaving.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette: I like bringing a palette of eyeshadows so I have some variety, but with colors I’ve tested and love. This one is a few seasons old, but their Ammo Palette is pretty similar for colors.

Lancome Flash Bronzer: I always try to get a spray tan before Fashion Week, but sometimes my skin needs a little touch of bronze a few days later. This lotion is subtle, easy to apply yourself, and never streaks.

Polish Touch-Ups: If I get a gel manicure beforehand, I don’t bring polish with me, but if not, I like to make sure I have colors that work for my fingers and toes. Chipped nail polish is completely inevitable when you’re traveling and navigating the city, so backups are key!

Simple Skincare Foaming Cleanser: I love how gentle this product is! It’s amazing for removing all the city dirt and grime that accumulates on my skin. Despite how much I love makeup wipes, I’m religious about washing my face with real cleanser twice a day, so this bottle is always a must-have.

Makeup: Again, stick to daily essentials with makeup. A favorite mascara, concealer, and lipstick are must-have essentials! For lipstick, I like to pick an everyday soft pink shade, and a bold coral or red for night!

Those are my streamlined Fashion Week must-haves! What’s in your beauty bag for a big trip?