I’m not what you would call…the most organized of peoples. I hate to admit that, but there are many layers of “organized chaos” in my life. People think I’m joking when I dedicate almost all my Friday nights to just cleaning out my closet– without it ever completely being done. It’s a big priority for me every weekend though. So you can iamgine how my makeup stash(es) look like. I finally resigned to having a random bag just dedicated to traveling so I won’t have to pack and re-pack my makeup for every trip, but it usually ends up a mountain of a mess where I can’t find jack when I need it. Recently, however, I’ve been introduced to a game-changer: Mocha Moon’s Perez Beauty Case. You just have to see to understand:

I can see everything I have and make sure I take everything I need at a glance. Here are some of the deets:
1) Two transparent removable pouches that fit easily in your purse, handbag, or carry on for touch ups
2) Soft, sleek faux leather for the ultimate product that looks good and feels good to the touch
3) Lightweight design holds all your makeup and saves some serious space in my carry one
4) Organization Bands that eliminate digging and put makeup and makeup brushes at your fingertips, and helps ensure you don’t leave anything behind!
5) Compact size: 4″ x 7 ½” x 4″

And in case you’re wondering what makes up my essentials for a bachelorette party weekend in Miami:

From left to right: 1) Benefit See & Be Seen Sasha perfume vial; 2) Benefit Laugh with Me Lee Lee perfume vial (BOTH which I’ve already gotten a ton of compliments on..these smell heavenly and are a perfect size for travel); 3) Buxom mini lip polish in April; 4) Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in RS 404 – Disco (magenta) and 5) RD 203 – Portrait (nude beige)

From top to bottom: 1) Laura Geller Inkwell Waterproof Gel Liner (This does NOT smudge — even after a day at the pool); 2) Bobbi Brown lip liner in Soft Rose; 3) It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer in Tan; 4) Japonesque Heated Mini Lash Curler; 5) BareMinerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener; 6) Laura Geller WOW Factor All in One Mascara in Black (you have no idea — this gives so much gloss to lashes and body without getting clumpy…love); 7) Joey Healy Brow Structure Clear Set.

Assorted: 1) Lancome Hypnose Star (another mascara that coats lashes like no other); 2) Nanoblur (a European-craze that’s come stateside: pore-blurring and line-reducing in one); 3) BeautyRX Skincare by Dr. Schultz Gentle Exfoliating Eye Therapy Cream; 4) Reach total care plus whitening mint floss; 5) Laura Geller Lip Pops Lush Waterproof Lip Gloss in Palazzo (this tastes like candy too!)

Left to right: 1) Bare Minerals Precision Face Brush; 2) Smashbox blush brush (was part of a set); 3) Benefit High Brow Glow; 4) Lise Watier Feline Eyeliner HD; 5) LaVaque Tweezers; 6) Anastasia Covet Waterproof Eyeliner in Noir (new obsession and the latest from the brand!); 7) Joey Healy Duo Brow Brush; 8 ) Anastasia Covet Waterproof Eyliner in Azure; 9) It Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Eyeliner in Brown

Assorted Mess: 1) BareMinerals READY SPF 20 Foundation in Golden Tan; 2) Laura Geller Dream Creams Concealer & Highlighter Palette in Regular/Tan; 3) Laura Geller Ombre Baked Blush in Peach Blossom; 4) Lise Watier Portfolio; 5) Joey Healy Luxe Brow Powder in Raven; 6) BareMinerals Correcting Concealer SPF 20 in Medium 1; 7) Benefit Hellow Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup in Beige; Make Up For Ever Sculpting Kit in 1; 9) Ruby Kisses HD Set N Forget Setting Powder in Banana; and 10) Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip Shine in Wink (the latest from Burt’s and something you all NEED to own…post on this soon!)

Seriously, these are all some of my current favorites — what are some of your travel essentials? And let me know if you have any questions about the products above .

x
Shy
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We’re all allowed at least one diva product, right? Like those things that you won’t actually melt without, but life just feels better when you have it? Well, yeah, Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir spray is mine.

I wanted something that helps me freshen up while traveling, and I found this from Caudalie, which has slowly made its way from my travel bag to my everyday purse. The toner spray ($18) is a radiance-inducing blend of grape, rosemary, peppermint extracts and vitamin E to soothe skin and tighten pores. I’ll spray it before/after plane rides and when I need a pick-me-up. You can also use it to set your makeup (sort of the same reasons I love MAC’s Fix+ Spray ($10), which a very jet-lagged Mickey Contractor put me on after spending a whole day with him in Toronto for the IIFA awards). But even the scent of Caudalie’s feels like it has some relaxing aromatherapeutic benefits (it smells a little lavender-y to me!). Yes, I’ve also devised a way to discreetly apply before take off and after landing (window seats, FTW!).

Note though, that its formula does contain alcohol/fragrance which might not mesh all that well with the especially sensi-types. If you’re into something even more light, consider some good ol’ Evian Mineral Water Spray ($11). Granted, it doesn’t come with all the skin-awakening ingredients, but is refreshing all the same.

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By the time you’ll be reading this, I’ll be on my way to South America (my very first time, yaay!). I have been eager to go, especially Buenos Aires where I’ll be for Thanksgiving — it may be my first turkey day out of the country! But I’m ridiculously excited .

It might be a little quiet here…I’m not taking my laptop with me (I know…I’m chartering unknown territory without my laptop which I’m usually glued in front of updating this thang). But I am taking my camera and I’ll try my best to update you all while I’m there. If you don’t hear from me, trust I’ll be eating lots and lots of steak. Otherwise, I’ll be catching up on my trip after I land. While we’re talking about it, anyone have amazing recommendations for Buenos Aires specifically? On another note, I’m starting to feel like a packing pro. I’m ONLY taking my little carry-on bag and started thinking of the few things that are starting to be my travel-musts.

1. My new Heys USA 26″ 4WD Metallica Hardside Spinner carry-on.

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I can’t claim to be the best packer, but I can say that I’ve made significant strides in overcoming the need to pack my entire apartment for a trip. When it comes to rounding up my makeup and skin products, I stress. For one, sifting through all the different products and shades while you’re still trying to figure out what exactly you’ll be doing on your trip is just not fun. Second, I used to think this whole “all your liquids have to fit inside this little baggy if you want to take in on board or else we’re gonna throw it away right in front of you and crying won’t help” was just crap. But I realized that it forces me to pick and choose what I really need. And for my current trip to Miami, it kinda looks like this:

{What? I’m a beauty writer. Leave me alone} Anyway, since it’s a combo of some of my old and new faves, I thought I’d share.

Left to Right:
1. CERAVE AM and PM moisturizers (in little travel capsules), $14 each
2. MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight Face Illuminizer Gel, $29
3. MARIO BADESCU Enzyme Cleansing Gel, $12 for 8 oz.
4. SMASHBOX Photo Finish Primer, $16 for .5 fl oz.
5. MD SOLAR SCIENCES Tinted Mineral Screen sunblock, $24
6. MEHRON Celebré HD Pro Cream Foundations, $9 each

I already told you all how much I love Mario Badescu and CeraVe face products. I think these little travel capsules are so clutch for a short trip. You can fit a lot of cream in it and it’ll last you longer than you think. I was sent Make Up For Ever’s Uplight to experiment with and what I found was the only illuminizer I ever liked using (that doesn’t look tacky, doesn’t crease, and since it’s water-based, won’t irritate my skin). More on this soon! I usually like to take one primer with me too, something I can wear under my makeup to help it last longer and look more even. I decided to go with Smashbox Photo Finish (good for pics!), and the small size was perfect for traveling. I also recently got introduced to MD SolarSciences when they sent me their Tinted Mineral Gel. It’s perfect for Miami because it’s not greasy AT ALL, water-resistant, goes on super smooth, and doesn’t make anything I put on top all gooky. I’m pretty particular about my sunblock, and I’m putting this up there with Neutrogena (another fave of mine).

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Since you guys failed me miserably with packing tips (except you Jess and Anika..I see you!), I learned a couple things on this trip I wanted to share!

1) Divide and conquer. If you’re traveling with friends, you all don’t need your own tube of toothpaste and bronzers. Plan ahead of time so you don’t have to bring your whole makeup drawer (except mascara…it transfers bacteria way too easily).

2) Condense the important stuff. I was so sad thinking of leaving my Koh Gen Do finishing powder behind since the jar is massive. But I was able to find these little travel jars so it was easier to condense and carry. They shouldn’t be more than $0.99 at mass retailers. I found some here too! They’re also good to condense you favorite moisturizers.

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I’m a terrible over-packer. I need to get better about it, and I’m trying. When I went to Boston, I managed in only a backpack, which was an accomplishment for me! Though, when you think of it only being a 2-day trip, I guess not so much.

I’ve tried to juice it down to my essentials, but it’s not easy! Thought maybe you guys can dispense a word or two of wisdom for me: When you travel, what bare essentials do you take with you? Your makeup essentials especially (though i totally wouldn’t advice on more than just that)!

x
Shy