In the past, I used to travel for business quite often and I was always on the hunt for cosmetics that consumed little luggage space and yet at the same time, provided all that was needed to look chic for any event; whatever and wherever it be. I have retained my interest in researching these travel essentials. While thee are many good options in the market, I recently grouped my favorites for my summer 2016 vacation:
It Cosmetics Eye lift
Delivered in a half inch radius silver tube each end contains a different eye product from It Cosmetics: The Bye-Bye Under Eye Concealer and the Hello Light Brightener fill the north and south of this presentation. The concealer is full coverage which I apply initially to different points and then with a brush spread it over the whole face for a lighter coverage if I don’t have a foundation on hand. Sometimes I mix a little bit with moisturizer for a “tinted moisturizer” version and use the highlighter if I need it on the under eye area and over the bridge of my nose. Usually I like to mix both products because my skin tone is not homogeneous across the face. I love that the ingredients include hyaluronic acid, niacin, vitamins A, C and E and it is formulated with peptides and hydrolyzed collagen. It is two products that can produce a third and fourth in just one slim, shiny tube. You can find it in QVC and Ulta.
Wander On the Glow Brush in Coral Rose
Also presented in a tube it has a wider one-inch barrel and a rather slick gold tone; this time the barrel houses a blush and an illuminator in corresponding stick versions. The blush can be used on the lips and cheeks and the illuminator can be used to highlight areas such as the bridge of the nose or the area around the canthus of the eye. Sometimes I use it as an eye shadow to proffer light to the center of the eye. It is easy to apply and again it is, at least, two products in one; the Coral Rose shade for the cheeks is adorable. As it is in the stick format it does not last as long as the powder version. This is a product for those of us that are constantly on the go. Given the chunky nature of the barrel, you can also use the side as a mirror to help with any touch ups. Lastly, it feels like cream to the touch but does not melt like the Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick; which I love too. You can find this travel essential at QVC, Sephora and Net-a-porter.
Lipstick Queen Cupid’s Bow in Nymph and Daphne
This is a lip crayon with a velvet feel and finish. Described as having a silk matte finish; to me there are other products in the market that are more consistent with this description. This said, I do like that it is a lip crayon format as it makes it easier to lip line and fill the lips with the same pencil. There are other lip crayons in the market that are very good such as Nars and Sonia Kashuk as well with diferent price points. Among the attributes I like about Lipstick Queen Lip Crayon are that: it is very high in pigmentation; the crayon is fine enough for a good lip liner; it has normal hydrating ingredients comparable to other lines but also contains tourmaline from metamorphic rock in Brazil known for its energizing and radiant qualities. As with all my other travel essentials I like how portable they are in this case and how easy is to convert the lip to a true matte without drying my lips. “Nymph” is a rosy-peach-nude color. It resembles the look I achieve with Nars Orgasm but without the shimmer. “Daphne” is a Rosy – Red that looks great in all complexions. I use one or the other according to the event and so far they have not melted, neither in the humid weather of Puerto Rico nor in the dry weather of Texas.
Christian Dior Eye Reviver 001
I chose this option after considerable deliberation as there are several options that I like from different brands because how versatile it is. This is the first eye shadow color for the Backstage Pros version Illuminating Neutral Eye Palette. It has a very luxurious packaging like Wander. The palette has a base color and four shades that go from matte and satin to iridescent and shimmery shades, plus a black liner. I love that I can use the black liner by itself or, if I wish, mix two colors to create a new dimension for the eyes. I can play with simple, contour, soft smoky or smoky eye with just one pallet. I can even use the base color to correct certain mistakes that I do. I love that these are without parabens sulfates and phthalates but with the same staying power of Dior shadows. I found it in major department stores and Sephora.
Tatcha Blotting Papers
In the past, I was a fan of Boscia Blotting Sheets until I found this Tatcha product. The sheets are made of 100% Abaca leaf. They do not distuurb makeup by adding build up or draw any hydration from your skin. They are perfect for humid climates, especially for combination or oily skin. Press the square sheets over your face and take away the oil over your skin without drying it. . The sheets are biodegradable, not tested on animals and are made in Japan. There are always in my purse to have them available. My skin gets quite oily. They are a “must have” for a special event, especially for photos. I found these initially in Space NK but Barneys also carry them.
Please feel free to let me know your favorite products for traveling in the comments section. There are many in the market now. It is very difficult to choose!
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