My Makeup Bag Essentials: How To Pack for 10 Days Away

Makeup bag on the left and skincare/hair product bag on the right

Ever since I backpacked around Southeast Asia for 3 months, I've become such a great packer.  Before backpacking, I was TERRIBLE.  I would literally pack my entire wardrobe and all my makeup in the biggest suitcase I could find even if we were only traveling for 3 days.  Seriously, I'm not kidding.

Since I had to carry everything on my back for 3 months, I realized how little you truly need to still look good and feel like yourself.  Plus, the benefit of going to Toronto and not Southeast Asia is I can still buy all my needed toiletries if I've forgotten anything, LOL.

The cosmetic bag I chose to use is not the nice new Sephora one I posted about last week but a matching set I bought at Winners.  I chose these two bags because I they match (obviously) and they are small enough to fit in my carry-on suitcase.

Best part of this little bag is it came with the travel makeup brushes.  Yes, I am bringing a few of my own but to include 5 brushes (and fairly decent ones at that) is a pretty good bargain.

At the bottom of the makeup bag are my face items.  They include (from left to right) my ecotools powder brush, Almay Smart Share Anti-Aging Skintone Matching Makeup in Light, NYX Color Correcting Concealer Palette, BH Cosmetics Studio Pro Perfecting Concealer palette, my Bon Voyage Dual-Sided Mirror and Maybelline Fit Me Powder in Classic Ivory.

The next group of items are my blushes and highlighters.  They include (from left to right): Model Co Highlighting Trio in Champagne, Peach Bellini & Bronze, Benefit Ooh La Lift, Pixi by Petra Beauty Blush Duo in Rose Gold, Sweet Lei Lani Color Tides Mineral Blushers in Star Fish and ELF All Over Color Stick in Persimmon.

I found packing the eye shadows to be the hardest part.  Especially because I didn't have room to bring my Chocolate Bar palette or anything.  I settled on the following items (from left to right) Coastal Scents Glamour Eyes Eye Shadow Sampler, Benefit Air Patrol Lid Primer, LOC One and Done Shadow Stick in Day Trip ,NYX 3 Color Shadow Palette (created for IPSY), City Color Eyeshadow Trio in Falling Leaves, Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner, Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara and Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer.

For my lips, I packed (from left to right) Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural in N50, Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint in Classy, Mirabella Love Velvet Lip Pencil, Jersey Shore Spa Pumpkin Spice Moisture Rich Hydrating Balm, tre'Stique Mini Matte Lip Crayon in Nantucket Nude and Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie in Maverick.

Also in the bag are the following items (from left to right) Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Lip Pencil, Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Soft Brown, a spoolie brush I made, a sample of Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme, a L'Occitane nail file, a Forever 21 Brush and Comb set, Davines OI All-In-One Hair Milk and a sample of Clean Reserve in Blonde Rose.

The last item in my makeup bag is a clear little pouch filled with my headbands, bobby pins, hair elastics and clips.  I don't wear my hair up a lot but it's always nice to have these items just in case.

My skincare/hair product bag is a lot smaller and therefore I had to be very choosy about what was coming with me.

First, I always bring a selection of sample moisturizers.  Mainly because mine are too big to pack and also because it's a great way to find new brands that might actually work well.  I also packed a coconut face mask for a relaxed night in at the in-laws.

Besides the sample packs of moisturizers, I am only bringing this group of skin care items.  They are (from left to right) Clarins Bi-Serum Intensif Anti-Soif, pur-lisse Pur-Delicate Gentle Soymilk Cleanser, Acure Brightening Facial Scrub, Mitchell and Peach Fine Radiance Face Oil (x 2), Elizabeth Arden Prevage Hydrating Fluid, Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner, 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream and Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Overnight Firming Mask.

Hair products!  From left to right, I packed Moroccan Oil Treatment, Co Lab Dry Shampoo, SG Play It Big Firmer Hair Spray, L'Occitane Cleansing and Softening Shower Oil with Almond Oil, Sebastian Professional Color Ignite Multi Shampoo, L'Oreal Excellence Conditioner, L'Occitane Verbana Body Lotion and Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Salt Spray.

And of course, no toiletry case is complete without a toothbrush, deodorant, toothpaste and dental floss.

There you have it ladies!  I will say that all my sample/trial sizes from Sephora, Ulta, Birchbox, Luxebox, Ipsy and LipMonthly really helped.  Everything I packed (except the toothbrush, toothpaste deodorant, powder, concealer and foundation) were from these monthly subscriptions.

    

Which Is Your Best Brow Look?

Ever wondered what is the best shape for your eyebrows? Ever wondered if you could pull off the thick-I-want-to-be-Lily-Collins-look? Check out this guide to find your perfectly shaped eyebrows!

My Road to BB Cream

Check out my glowing skin?  Yes, I am sitting at my desk at work

I've heard the term "BB Cream" for a couple of years now.

I've heard it mentioned in magazines, books and even seen it featured on commercials yet I never gave it a passing thought because, until recently, I've always been a foundation/concealer/powder kind-of girl.  Yes, these three products have always been an integral part of my morning makeup routine.  In fact, these three products together create the "Christina" my family and friends have come to know and love.  However, a few months ago, something changed.

Two months ago I decided to start wearing less makeup.  And since wearing less makeup, my skin looks fantastic.  Since my skin looks fantastic, I go without makeup sometimes.  (It's been an amazing circle of events, actually.)  I decided to start wearing less makeup because I knew I wouldn't be able to carry my normal makeup routine while backpacking nor wear it in 42 degree temperatures without my face melting off.  So, the hunt for an all-in-one product overtook my life.

After searching high and low for a few weeks, listening to friend's reviews, and reading other blog posts, I discovered two of my "can't-live-without" products AND am finally able to go without foundation, concealer and powder.  My two favorite BB Creams are Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew BB Cream and Marcelle BB Cream Anti-Aging SPF 20.

Why two you ask?  I bought both with the intention of wearing them separately.  However, since I am so pastey pale, I began blending the two together (as one was a bit dark for me) and love the way they both feel on my skin.  I get the sunscreen and anti-aging properties of the Marcelle BB Cream and the texture and glow of the Garnier brand.  (I do, still use a bit of concealer should I have a blemish BUT no more powder for this gal!) 

Sometimes, you just want to post a picture that makes you feel good!

After what seems like such a long road, I finally understand the "less-is-more" phrase.  Not only is my skin in better condition than it ever has before but I am beginning to see makeup in a whole different light.  Plus, my back will definitely be thanking me in the months to come.  (No heavy backpack for this gal...) 

It's safe to say that I will never be a 3 product girl again!

What is your favorite BB Cream ladies?  What made you try a BB Cream out?

 

Choosing the Best Wedding Makeup

This one little decision is literally ruling my life at the moment.

Not only are there so many choices BUT how do I know what look I want captured for the rest of my life.  Whew, big decision right?  I know that I'm putting way too much emphasis on this little detail but lets recap a couple things: One, I am beyond obsessed with makeup and two, my wedding colors are the color shadow trend of the summer.  (Turquoise, indigo, yellow and coral.)

So, yes, this decision is important.

Since we're not having a formal wedding (think vintage backyard picnic theme) I know that ultra classic makeup isn't the look I want.  On that note, here are a few samples of makeup "themes" I'm tossing around my head.

Indigo Eyes 

Photo courtesy of www.thekit.ca

Sigh, this look is absolutely gorgeous!  Yes, I know that less is more but man, there's something so edgy in the idea of me sporting this look while in my lace wedding dress.  Hmmmm.

Peacock Trend 

Photo courtesy of www.bronzebudgetbride.com

Though the "peacock" isn't playing too heavily into my theme (aside from my shoes, sash and jewelry) I am really liking the idea of wearing some peacock-inspired makeup.  Not only would my blue eyes pop but it adds just the right amount of shimmer.

Traditional Vintage 

Photo courtesy of www.sheknows.com

I know I said I wasn't traditional but I do like the classic bright lips BIG lashes look.  Of course, my lips would be fuchsia and not red but still, this look could also really work.

Ethereal Makeup

Photo courtesy of www.bellasugar.com

Love the bold cheeks!  Actually, love this whole look.  I know that less is more on your wedding day and really think that this makeup style promotes that saying.

Simplistic Style 

Photo courtesy of www.junebugweddings.com

Could this be the vintage, simplistic, natural look I have been after?  Could be.  I must say, her bangs are really what makes this look work.  (Lucky for me I do have big bangs...)

What is your favorite wedding makeup look?

Tropicana Eyes

Tropicana Eyes by redlipgloss on Polyvore.com

 
There is something so fascinating about lagoon-inspired colors.  They are beautifully rich in tone (almost resembling the richness of a peacock) and make me wish I was on a permanent beach vacation. 

The best part of wearing colors like this is the fun they add to any outfit.  Whether you're relaxing in capris or a long maxi skirt, wearing tones like this on your eyes attracts attention; in a good way!!

What are your thoughts about lagoon/peacock eye shadow colors?  How have your pulled the look off?

XO