Three images side-by-side. The first is Parc Guell in Barcelona. The second is a photo of hands taking a picture on an iPhone.. The third is a building inside the Summer Palace in Beijing.

I’ve been a makeup enthusiast for well over a decade, so my makeup collection is maybe a little over the top. However, I’m also pretty dedicated to packing light, and I’ve worked hard to minimize my travel makeup bag to just the essentials. Here’s a quick list of easily packable makeup, plus a few options to throw in if you want a little extra glam. Bonus: it’s all affordable!

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IN THIS POST

TRAVEL MAKEUP TIPS: What’s in My Travel Makeup Bag?

ADD A LITTLE EXTRA: Transition from Day to Night

FAVORITE MAKEUP BAGS

Travel Makeup Tips

The name of the game for travel makeup is versatile, long-lasting, and quick. No matter what your routine usually is, try and find products that will do double duty, so you can pack a bit less and not have to worry about your makeup bag taking up 30% of your suitcase. Maybe lipsticks can double as cream blush, or try bronzer and highlighter as eyeshadow!

As much as I love makeup, when I’m traveling I’d rather spend my mornings sleeping in or exploring than getting ready. I’ve narrowed down my everyday travel makeup bag to 10 products that make me feel polished without taking much time to apply. But of course, sometimes you want to go out for a fancy dinner or explore the nightlife in a new city, so I always bring a few extra products that can spice up my look from day to night…because despite what Cosmo says, travel is basically the only time you ever really need to do that, right? 😂 I’ll also show you a few great makeup bag recommendations that will keep your products organized without adding bulk to your luggage.

So, without further ado – what’s in my travel makeup bag?

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
This hydrating, medium coverage, long-lasting concealer wears beautifully, doesn’t crease, and can be built on top of existing makeup if you need a bit more coverage throughout the day.
J.cat Aquasurance Powder Foundation
I’m always a stan for powder foundations, but they work especially well for travel since they are quick to apply and last forever. This powder is hydrating and silky smooth and can be applied lightly for a day look and built up for the evenings, plus it’s a great touch-up product to take in your purse.
- Honorable Mentions: MAC Studio Fix Powder • Maybelline Superstay Powder • NYX No Filter Powder
BareMinerals Mineral Veil SPF 25
I use this is a super simple setting powder under my eyes and anywhere that I get a little extra oily. It controls creasing and has SPF 25 so you can touch up the sun protection when you’re out and about – which is super important all the time, but especially while traveling.
Revolution X Patricia Bright Face Palette
I love multi-purpose products, so finding a good face palette that can knock out your blush, bronzer, and highlighter all in one will save so much space. This palette is super sturdy, has a big mirror, and contains a matte blush and bronzer along with a blingy highlight. It also comes in several shades for different skin tones. I’m ✨ pasty✨ and use the shade ‘Moonlight Glow’.
- Honorable Mentions: elf Bite-Size Duos • Revolution Pro Sculpt and Glow Palette • Covergirl Trublend Serving Sculpt Palette • elf Blush/Highlighter/Bronzer Palettes
NYX Micro Brow Pencil
Simple, long-lasting, precise brow pencil; the shade ‘Taupe’ is perfect for my blonde hair. If you’re a beach bum, or just tend to sweat a lot, a brow pomade might be a better choice for waterproof brows.
NYX Control Freak Brow Gel
When I tell you that I’ve bought literally dozens of these...I’m obsessed. They weren’t kidding when they named it Control Freak, my naturally wild brows don’t budge with this stuff.
L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara
I literally will never use another mascara ever again. Nuff said.
Catrice Dewy Glow Fixing Spray
The BEST setting spray for powder foundation, this stuff brings my skin to life and makes my makeup last forever. My one gripe is that it doesn’t have a twist-off lid, so transferring it into a travel size bottle means spraying it into a bottle 395728753 times…there’s got to be a better way, right?
- Honorable Mentions: NYX Dewy Setting Spray • Flower Beauty Seal the Deal Setting Spray
Burt’s Bees Lip Balm
Gotta love that classic minty-fresh balm to keep your lips hydrated when you’re spending all day outside. Burt’s Bees also carry balms with SPF, which is even better!
elf Bite-Size Shadows
These super-compact quads are perfect for travel AND ya budget at only $3.You can take 3 or 4 of these and they’ll still take up less space than a full-size palette, but they pack the most beautifully pigmented, buttery smooth punch.
- Honorable Mentions: elf Mad for Matte ‘Summer Breeze’ Palette • LA Girl ‘The Nudist’ Palette

ADD A LITTLE EXTRA

THROW IN A FEW MORE PRODUCTS TO transition your looks.

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
I have a mini of this concealer and it lasts me months, so it's a good way to try out a luxury product on a budget. Shape Tape is super full coverage so it can add a bit of extra zhuzh to your daytime looks (or just brighten your eyes if you’re feelin’ a lil hungover).

Ardell Demi Wispies (+ lash glue)
Who doesn’t love a lash? This will instantly add some drama to your look, look great in photos, and sometimes I’m just in the mood to feel a lil extra.
Blotting Sheets
I like to blot my face before adding powder, otherwise, I tend to feel a little cakey! I’m not loyal to any brand, so I just snag whatever is affordable and accessible.
NYX Epic Ink Liner
It’s really hard to find a brush tip, super black, matte liquid liner and this one definitely takes the cake for me! Throwing on a wing and lash will make you look instantly ready to go out.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss ‘Supernatural’
This is literally the best lip gloss at the drugstore. There are tons of shades of the Super Lustrous gloss, so you can definitely find one that will work for you. Supernatural is the perfect neutral pinky-nude for me!
- Honorable Mention: elf Tinted Lip Oil ‘Nude Kiss’

Favorite Makeup Bags

Tartan + Twine Pencil Case
90% of the time, this is the bag I use, it's small and compact but fits about 15 products PLUS tools, so it’s a great space saver. The material is durable and easy to wipe down, and the zipper has never failed me.

NYX Black Large Makeup Bag
This has been TRAGICALLY discontinued but it’s one of the best makeup bags I’ve ever used. It’s super durable, fits a TON, and has a separate zipped off area for your brushes and tools. You can sometimes still find it on Poshmark or try something similar here.
Sonia Kashuk Organizer Makeup Bag
This medium-sized bag is sturdy and has compartments for all of your tools and small makeup items. It’s a pretty good dupe for the NYX bag and is easy to travel with and keep clean.