6 Must-Haves for Your Travel Cosmetic Bag

It’s not easy to pack a suitcase or an overnight bag. And even though they tend to be tiny, it’s not any easier to pack a cosmetic bag. What should you include? What could you possibly leave behind? If you can’t decide, start with these 6 must-haves for your travel cosmetic bag:

1. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is probably the number one must-have for your travel cosmetic bag because it’s the most important product you can put on your skin. But with so many types on the market, which one should you buy? Look for a sunscreen that is labeled “broad spectrum,” which means that it protects against multiple types of ultraviolet rays. It’s also recommended that you use an SPF of 30 or higher. But beware of these harmful chemicals that may be used as ingredients:

• Parabens
• Oxybenzone
• Homosalate
• Octinoxate

If a sunscreen contains any of these ingredients, don’t use it. Instead, look for a sunscreen that contains organic ingredients that are safe for both your skin and the environment.

2. Blotting Paper

You never know when you may break into a light sweat, so you should also pack some blotting papers in your cosmetic bag. With a quick wipe, you can wick away sweat and oil, and get rid of the pesky shiny spots they leave on your face. Blotting paper is definitely an essential if you travel to a warmer climate or have oily skin.

3. Eyeshadow Palette

Whether you love to rock a smoky eye or a natural rosy tone, your eyeshadow can fade throughout the day. Pack a palette in your cosmetic bag so you can apply touch-ups whenever you need to. Choose a palette that’s small enough to travel but includes a wide variety of shades so you can create versatile looks on the go.

4. Eyebrow Pencil or Gel

Don’t forget about your eyebrows—they frame your face and highlight your eyes. You can always bring your trusted eyebrow pencil, preferably one with a spoolie brush on the end to help you blend the makeup into your brows. Or, you can opt for a pigmented gel that fills in the lighter areas with color, and also keeps your eyebrow hairs in place all day long. Go for the gel if you have thicker brows.

5. Mascara

It’s all about long thick lashes now. Falsies are in! But when you travel, you may not want to fuss over false eyelashes. Instead, bring a tube of mascara that is designed to add volume and length to your lashes.

6. Lipstick

If you’re like us, you grew up with a grandma who never left home without lipstick— make that 20 tubes of lipstick! All of that lip color will weigh down your travel bag, but you can carry more than one color with a double-sided lipstick. Whether you just want more choices throughout the day, or want different looks for day and night, a double-sided lipstick will suit your needs and leave more space in your cosmetic bag.

If makeup is a passion of yours, you may be interested in a career as an esthetician. At Salon Success Academy in California, we offer an Esthetician program that will train you in the art of skincare, facials, and of course, makeup. Don’t wait—call 877-987-4247 today to learn more.