5 Things: Packing Light & Streamlining Those Cosmetics.
I never thought I would say this, but in recent months I’ve actually become very good at packing light. Who knew this day would come. As I’m jetting off today, I thought I’d write up some tips on how to keep your cosmetics streamlined when you travel…
Be Realistic
I am always tempted to pack a couple of face masks or more than one serum, as I often get dull or blemish-prone skin at the most inconvenient of times. I have, however, come to realise that it’s just not necessary – for starters, unless you’re off on a spa break or similar, you’re probably not going to have the time and if you do, chances are you’ll want to spend that half hour doing something more worthwhile on your trip. Keep to the essentials and you’ll thank yourself later when your case is light and travel-friendly.
I’ve also learnt that I only need one of everything – that means no packing three different blushers and four foundations. You’ll learn to live without your usual long-winded routine!
Multi-Use Products Are Gold
So I may have said that more than one blusher is a no-no, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cheat a little. I tend to pack products that serve more than one purpose, such as lip and cheek duos or highlighting primers and concealers. There’s so many travel-size duos out there, so raid your stash and see how you can double up. If you love hair oil, aim for one that works on skin, hair, hands and body so you can make the most of it, or go for coconut oil instead of cleanser and body lotion. It’s little things like this that will really reduce the size of your travel makeup bag.
Hoard Those Samples
I often get samples with purchases or get a free Gift With Purchase at beauty counters when I’m splurging, and I always save them for trips away! I keep a bag in my bathroom cabinet that contains hundreds of perfume samples, mini-size shampoos, tiny moisturisers and more. As tempting as it is to crack them out whenever, it really does help to save them for travelling. If you can’t wait, see if you can at least save the packaging for some hardcore decanting at a later date.
Decant, Decant, Decant
Yup, I’m a big fan of decanting my products! I snapped up a good sized set of empties from MUJI a little while ago and I’ve never looked back – the tower of products you can see there is just amazing. I clean it out after ever trip and use acetone to wipe away the Sharpie pen so I’m ready for my next getaway. These mini tubs are ideal for serums, primers, spot cream, hand cream and other items you only need a little blob of for a week or so away.
I usually pack hand luggage only so it’s handy to have some 30ml and 100ml plastic bottles on hand for hair products and other essentials so you don’t have to buy mini sizes – just decant your daily essentials in to the small bottles. Yay!
Make Note of Amounts
I know it may sound a little weird, but I really wasn’t sure how much shampoo, salt spray, foundation etc. I would need per day – it actually took me a couple of trips away to get this right. When you come back from a weekend of travelling or a week’s holiday or whatever, try and remember how much you used and make a mental note of it. That way you won’t run out or pack too much product for next time – it’s the little things, eh.
Do you have any tips for travelling light?
