By the time you’ll be reading this, I’ll be on my way to South America (my very first time, yaay!). I have been eager to go, especially Buenos Aires where I’ll be for Thanksgiving — it may be my first turkey day out of the country! But I’m ridiculously excited .

It might be a little quiet here…I’m not taking my laptop with me (I know…I’m chartering unknown territory without my laptop which I’m usually glued in front of updating this thang). But I am taking my camera and I’ll try my best to update you all while I’m there. If you don’t hear from me, trust I’ll be eating lots and lots of steak. Otherwise, I’ll be catching up on my trip after I land. While we’re talking about it, anyone have amazing recommendations for Buenos Aires specifically? On another note, I’m starting to feel like a packing pro. I’m ONLY taking my little carry-on bag and started thinking of the few things that are starting to be my travel-musts.

1. My new Heys USA 26″ 4WD Metallica Hardside Spinner carry-on.

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I can’t claim to be the best packer, but I can say that I’ve made significant strides in overcoming the need to pack my entire apartment for a trip. When it comes to rounding up my makeup and skin products, I stress. For one, sifting through all the different products and shades while you’re still trying to figure out what exactly you’ll be doing on your trip is just not fun. Second, I used to think this whole “all your liquids have to fit inside this little baggy if you want to take in on board or else we’re gonna throw it away right in front of you and crying won’t help” was just crap. But I realized that it forces me to pick and choose what I really need. And for my current trip to Miami, it kinda looks like this:

{What? I’m a beauty writer. Leave me alone} Anyway, since it’s a combo of some of my old and new faves, I thought I’d share.

Left to Right:
1. CERAVE AM and PM moisturizers (in little travel capsules), $14 each
2. MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight Face Illuminizer Gel, $29
3. MARIO BADESCU Enzyme Cleansing Gel, $12 for 8 oz.
4. SMASHBOX Photo Finish Primer, $16 for .5 fl oz.
5. MD SOLAR SCIENCES Tinted Mineral Screen sunblock, $24
6. MEHRON Celebré HD Pro Cream Foundations, $9 each

I already told you all how much I love Mario Badescu and CeraVe face products. I think these little travel capsules are so clutch for a short trip. You can fit a lot of cream in it and it’ll last you longer than you think. I was sent Make Up For Ever’s Uplight to experiment with and what I found was the only illuminizer I ever liked using (that doesn’t look tacky, doesn’t crease, and since it’s water-based, won’t irritate my skin). More on this soon! I usually like to take one primer with me too, something I can wear under my makeup to help it last longer and look more even. I decided to go with Smashbox Photo Finish (good for pics!), and the small size was perfect for traveling. I also recently got introduced to MD SolarSciences when they sent me their Tinted Mineral Gel. It’s perfect for Miami because it’s not greasy AT ALL, water-resistant, goes on super smooth, and doesn’t make anything I put on top all gooky. I’m pretty particular about my sunblock, and I’m putting this up there with Neutrogena (another fave of mine).

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Since you guys failed me miserably with packing tips (except you Jess and Anika..I see you!), I learned a couple things on this trip I wanted to share!

1) Divide and conquer. If you’re traveling with friends, you all don’t need your own tube of toothpaste and bronzers. Plan ahead of time so you don’t have to bring your whole makeup drawer (except mascara…it transfers bacteria way too easily).

2) Condense the important stuff. I was so sad thinking of leaving my Koh Gen Do finishing powder behind since the jar is massive. But I was able to find these little travel jars so it was easier to condense and carry. They shouldn’t be more than $0.99 at mass retailers. I found some here too! They’re also good to condense you favorite moisturizers.

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I’m a terrible over-packer. I need to get better about it, and I’m trying. When I went to Boston, I managed in only a backpack, which was an accomplishment for me! Though, when you think of it only being a 2-day trip, I guess not so much.

I’ve tried to juice it down to my essentials, but it’s not easy! Thought maybe you guys can dispense a word or two of wisdom for me: When you travel, what bare essentials do you take with you? Your makeup essentials especially (though i totally wouldn’t advice on more than just that)!

x
Shy