I have always been into beauty but in the past I was a complete makeup hoarder. I would cram 2 large makeup bags into my suitcase, which would add an extra 5 kg to my weight. Trust me, it was a major problem at flight check-ins. We’d be off on the side removing some of the items from the luggage and moving them to carry-on. So embarassing! I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.

Over the years I’ve learnt my lesson and managed to streamline what beauty products I carry with me on my travels. So here’s a list of all my essentials, that you can possibly adopt:

The Basics

First and foremost, you have to carry sunscreen to protect your face and body from the sun. Play around with different sunscreens until you find the right one for your skin type and ones that don’t leave a white cast.

One of my personal favorites is by Banana Boat – Natural Reflect 50 SPF, which is a 100% naturally sourced sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and is proven effective against sunburn & long term skin damage.

An amazing moisturizer that suits your skin type. Heat and humidity can get a little intense at times so applying a good moisturizer to control the oils or flaky skin will avoid noticeable problems. After experimenting with different moisturizers i’ve finally found one which accommodates my insanely oily T-zone and dry skin.

My new found favorite is the Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel. It does wonder as soon as you start applying the gel – you’ll already start to feel the difference. The Hydroboost water gel instantly quenches and leaves my skin smooth and the oils are in control. For people with really dry skin should try the Neutrogena Hydroboost water cream.

Definitely carry a mosquito repellent, a small but flexible umbrella and sunglasses (these can mostly be packed right into your hand carry).

Makeup kit

Most of us love enhancing our natural features using cosmetics. But having it melt right off is just flat annoying. After constant trials of products, I’ve finally found a handful of which are suitable for all weather conditions.  Here are some of the products I simply have to carry:

 The POREfessional by Benefit is absolutely amazing as the oil free formula gives a great texture after applied on the skin and minimizes my extremely large pores and makes applying foundation or BB cream effortless. Applying a little amount of this product makes the makeup last so much longer.

My preference is a build-able foundation over BB creams and nothing beats the Makeup Forever HD Foundation. Since this isn’t a matte foundation, I find applying a powder on top really necessary.

I’ve tried several powders in the past which hardly kept me matte all day. The Ben Nye Luxury Powder does the trick, it keeps my skin matte throughout without making my skin look cake-y.

Bahama Mama by theBalm is ideal for both contouring and bronzing. Perfect in achieving a healthy glow without leaving a muddy look.

A little goes a long way with the Mary-lou Manizer also by theBalm. I use this everywhere on my face – cheek bones, cupids bow, nose, inner corner of my eyes, and under my brows. It has an incredible glow without looking overly done.

Carrying the perfect eye shadow palette is crucial. I always go with a neutral earth tone palette which I’ve created using my favorite colors. It allows me create light, heavy, day and night looks without carrying too many products.

When on vacation, nobody wants to walk around looking like a panda. It’s so necessary to pick eyeliners and kajals which last and are matte. They’re Real Push Up Liner by Benefit  is one of the smoothest and longest lasting products i’ve used. For my tightline and waterline I find using a kajal is easiest. The Colossal Kajal by Maybelline once applied becomes smudge proof.

Maybelline the Magnum Volum’ Express Waterproof is the ultimate mascara for length and volumizing. Of Course waterproof is necessary.

I have to admit when it comes to lipsticks I carry slightly too much. Having the right shades is absolutely crucial. Here is a list of my top to go lipsticks for travel – Wet n Wild’s Mocha-licious, NYX’s Tokyo and Morocco, and MAC’s Honey Love. My go to lip liners are Red and Spice by MAC.

I’ve never had my makeup last all day before, well rarely, the Urban Decay’s all nighter spray is divine. Not only will your makeup be long lasting, it also creates the perfect dewy look.