I have always been an overpacker. As a child, I would tote incredibly heavy bags filled with shit I didn’t need. I used to carry a DSLR, a laptop, and all my books and notebooks to school as a college freshman. Over time, I’ve learned to take only the essentials with me (usually), and on my last trip to Japan, which happened about two weeks ago, I thought I did a great job of streamlining everything—at least, when it came to my makeup bits.
I didn’t want to deal with a proper base, so aside from my moisturizer, I brought along the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (review), which I’ve been setting with the Le Métier de Beauté Eye Brightening and Setting Powder (review). I’ve also got a small bottle of the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer (review) and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Palette (review) for the rest of my face.
For eyes, I’ve got my MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork, the NARS NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette (review), and the Le Métier de Beauté Anamorphic Lash Mascara (review). For brows, I’ve got the K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow Pen, and for eyeliner, I brought along two options: the Happy Skin Eye Am Here To Stay (review) and Graymelin Control Sharp Liner (review).
For blush/lips, I’ve got two Addiction Cheek Sticks, in Tea Rose (review) and Revenge (review). Also for the lips, I’ve got the Dior Addict Lip Glow.
For tools, I’ve got a face brush and three eye brushes.
I was delusional when I thought this was streamlined, obviously.
After the experience, I kind of know what to cut out and what to leave in the bag, should I travel again with similar circumstances. Here’s the new and improved list o’ stuff:
— Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
— Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Palette
— NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
— Le Métier de Beauté Anamorphic Lash Mascara
— MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork
— NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Charade
— K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow
— Addiction Cheek Stick in Tea Rose
— Dior Addict Lip Glow
— Hakuhodo powder brush
I think this would be way more manageable and definitely enough to put on a “decent generic face” everyday on a trip away from home. To be honest, there was a day that I gave up on makeup altogether, so it’s not like it was high on my list of priorities.
What’s your beauty travel bag like? Do you end up not even using stuff you brought along?
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Softly Sometimes 
Nice picks ! I also take the hourglass palette and primer with me on the go =)
Glad to know it works out well for you, too 🙂
I always have over-packer’s remorse, so when I’m visiting family sometimes I don’t even take my makeup bag. We can give up on makeup together 🙂 Also, you’re really making me want that NARS duo…
Yay, high five! 🙂
Charade is really pretty; here’s a look I did with it: http://softly.nothingspaces.com/2014/03/24/fotd-neutral-natural-with-nars-charade/ Very easy to wear. 🙂
Dude, it’s okay. You’re fighting against a cultural heritage of overpacking. Random knickknacks we toss in “just in case” or supplies for worst-case scenarios fight for real estate with all the pasabulong for those on the other side, barely leaving any space for the things we actually need. It’s a curse!
Though your post did suddenly bring up a memory of my first day at Poveda. Everyone had adorable little purses and I had a fraying backpack crammed with ALL THE TEXTBOOKS and it was guaranteed I would never be cool. Huhu.
The Addiction Cheek Stick packaging is soooo cute.
I brought ALL my Full House (Stephanie) and Alex Mack books to my grade 2 field trip. Tell me that’s not messed up.
I know, I bring a zippable duffel bag (a huge one!) for all the pasalubong I end up getting. HUHU. My mom is the best packer, though, so I don’t know where I got this from. I really got told as a child to not bring so much shit around because I would never grow taller. FUNNY THING IS, THAT ALL THE WARNINGS I DID NOT HEED CAME TRUE.
Isn’t it so cute, though? :3
Hey Carina, oh this happens to everyone! I have definitely overpacked in the past, though now I kinda know better. Still, I won’t pretend my makeup bag is small whenever I go somewhere!
Me, too. I think we’re just improving… Haha. 🙂
My packing philosophy is the same as my daily bag philosophy: ref lang ang kulang. Haha! I brought a semi full face makeup to the beach and only ended up using a cheek and lipstain. I must practice restraint like your after photo here on my next travel.
Haha! I don’t think I’d bring a lot of things to the beach, though!
I’m in Japan now and I also overpacked my makeup >_< I should have brought the super basics only since I keep buying new makeup anyway lol
Hahahaha, it’s logical, but it seems so hard to do, yes? Can’t wait to see your haul!
I overpack even though I keep telling myself not to. I even pack in advance, just to make sure I am “in the right frame of mind” to only bring the necessities. But guess what? Last minute, I always end up changing my mind and bringing along more than I should! And I always end up regretting it because I end up with new hauls anyway. :))
Hahaha I usually overpack and edit, but I tend to STILL overpack.