What's in my Travel Makeup Bag...

I commute... a lot. And I often crash couches. Therefore I have mastered the art of balancing essential makeup needs with volume and weight. If bulkiness wasn't an issue I would carry my entire vanity with me everywhere I go! But for my shoulder's sake I have downsized to absolute essentials.

So here is what I pack on the go if I won't be home a couple days:

Lush Tea Tree Water

Chanel Vitalumiere foundation

Makeup For Ever HD powder

Dior Amber Diamond

Clinique Airbrush Concealer

Makeup For Ever Smoky Lash

Maybelline Define-a-lash

Maybelline quad in Chai Latte

Carmex

Rimmel lipstick in Crush

MAC blush in Gingerly

Lately I've been into having a fresh, awake looking face. Not too much makeup because it just cakes up while I'm running around at work anyway.

So I always pack the basics: lightweight foundation, setting powder, blush, lip balm, lipstick and mascara. 

An illuminating under eye concealer like Clinique's is essential for me. And lately highlight has been my best friend for creating a healthy glow that would otherwise be nonexistent (lol). 

I also think it's important to have groomed eyebrows so I'll always have my eyebrow pen with me, that doubles as eyeliner. If I carry eyeshadow I'll bring a palette of shimmery neutral colors. It keeps things convenient and organized.

Lastly, I'll never be without a facial mist. My favorite is still the Lush Tea Tree Water. It's such an amazing refresher after a long day of work. And I like to tone my face in the morning with this mist before I do my foundation. 

As for brushes go, these 4 are more than enough to do my entire face.

From left to right: 

MAC 138: I use this for setting powder, blush and bronzer. I could even highlight with this but I'm addicted to my 109 for highlighting at the moment. It's an everything brush so it's great for travel.

MAC 109: My highlight brush. <3

MAC 217: An all purpose eye shadow brush. I usually just pack on eyeshadow with my finger n blend out with this. I don't always think eyeshadow is essential to carry with me, but if I were to bring a quad I'd also bring this brush

MAC 266: Use this for eyeliner and to fill out my brows.

Ok wow that was like writing an essay. It really isn't that much makeup. The trick is to not bring more than you'll actually use. And pack travel versions if possible. I love how my powder is in mini form :D


xxx

I Got A New Jacket! ....and my favorite makeup item lately...

I can't deny that I have a weakness for coats. I went to Aritzia and the moment I slunk my arms into this beautiful wool and cashmere blend I decided it must be mine. I call it my luxury robe (lol) because it really looks like one. 

I like its simplicity, and how I can easily dress it up or down, and it's just so cozy :D 

Anyway I'm not usually into the outfit posts but I snatched up my sister's tripod and did my best catalogue pose:

Lookin fresh to death

Also, on a makeup note I've been wearing Dior Amber Diamond pretty much every day. I'll use it to highlight my cheek bones, brow, inner corner, upper lip, bridge of my nose... basically my whole face! But I never end up looking like a disco ball because this powder is so finely milled it makes your skin look luminescent and not glittery. 

I apply it with my MAC 109. This brush is fabulous btw. It's just so versatile. When I first got the 109 I used it for contouring. Then I used it for foundation. But it's amazing for highlight too!

Don't I have that candlelit glow?

Anyways I guess that is all for now...

xxx