As you may have already figured out, I seem to be on the road a lot. Travelling for work, visiting friends, etc. Throughout the years I’m proud to say that I’ve become quite an efficient packer, but my makeup bag is always heavier and more full then my suitcase has room for. On this trip, 3 weeks in Alberta, I decided to cut down and only bring the essentials, things that can be used in different ways in order to eliminate certain products. So what is in my travel bag you ask? Let’s see:

Face: 4 products and 2 brushes have gotten me pretty far in the past 3 weeks. I’ve come to realize that I don’t really need much more while traveling. I start off by using Benefit The Porefessional Pro Balm as a base and primer. I got a sample size from sephora a few months ago and it’s lasted me ages! Perfect travel size. Next I use the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum which I apply with the realTechniques expert face brush. I’ve been following the hype about the Healthy Mix Serum and when I finally decided to try it out I think I got the wrong colour for my face. But this foundation is really buildable, and maybe I have a bit of a tan now, because it’s working wonders. The last two products are from MAC so are a little bit more pricey. I got them both as gifts. The first is the MAC Select Cover-Up in NW20. It’s perfect for brightening under my eyes. It makes the biggest difference. And finally the MAC Sunbasque Sheertone Shimmer Blush with the MAC 168SE Brush which is the most wonderful summer colour, somewhere between a blush and bronzer and giving the perfect glowy finish!

Eyes: 3 products and 1 brush. That’s all I need. First is the Lancome Colour Design Sensational Effects palette. The packaging is really compact and has a tiny amount of each shade, perfect travel size. I have 4 shades in the palette: Filigree, Model, Chic, and Couture. The first two are quite shimmery, perfect for dressing it up a little bit. And the second two are matte and together make a great smokey eye. The 4 colours really work well together and can easily be worn for work, everyday, and even for going out at night. The perfect travel foursome. I always bring along the Quo All Over Shadow Brush for that one. I love Covergirl Lash Blast Volume mascara. It doesn’t clump and can be reapplied in a few hours without caking onto the previous application. And finally, the Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner in Black. This is a liquid eyeliner pen and is incredibly simple to use. It has a felt tip that is not too thick or too thin. It’s perfect for simple thin lines for work and everyday, but is also perfect for thick liner and winged liner, great for going out and really dressing up the look. I’m a sucker for thick and winged eyeliner lately, but love having the option of normal thin lines. This is perfect, I don’t need to bring like 5 different liners.

and finally Face: My face is something that I’m not willing to compromise for, so I’m okay with lugging around bigger bottles and packages if I have to. The first is the Biotherm Biosource Tonifying Exfoliating Cleansing Gel. Not only does is smell like heaven, but it makes my face feel like heaven. Definitely one of the best face cleansers I’ve found in a long time. Next is the Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 which I have been using for years. Its a great toner and I’d be lost without it. A small bottle of the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion goes a long way. I find that my hands get really dry on the road, but it’s also perfect for all over body lotion. Who wants to travel with massive bottles of body lotion? Not me. And finally the Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment Cocoa Butter. I don’t go anywhere without this. 100% the best lip conditioner I’ve ever found, and I love the smell. Absolutely amazing. I put it on before bed and wake up with the softest lips. Perfect!

Other then that, I usually have a lipstick or two in my purse (currently Revlon Lip Butter in Sugar Plum and Revlon Super Lustrous in Mink). I’ll admit that after three weeks I’m excited to return home to a bigger variety, but for three weeks or longer on the road, these products are all I need. The perfect travel bag combination that can all be used in several different ways for several different looks.

Do you travel a lot? Whats in your travel bag?