I am the worst for overpacking and my recent 4 day trip to Malaga was no exception, I vastly overpacked. I literally took 7 eyeshadow palettes and didn't use a single one, so I thought I would share what I should have packed vs what I actually packed. My biggest concern is not having enough options, I had enough clothes in my suitcase for two weeks and I did not need it. So my advice is to go for your favourite pieces, your most comfortable sandals. Do not forget your flip flops or your sunscreen and please do yourself a favour and leave the mascara and cream contour palettes at home. You will not need them, Living in England I always forget how the heat makes me feel. I hate anything heavy on the skin so keeping it very basic and easy was an absolute must. I would have saved myself so much time and energy and if I had packed more thoughtfully instead of taking as much of my life with me as possible. I think you just get bogged down with wanting to look "good" and society dictates that this involves long lashes, flawless skin with an all over glow, perfect hair and a million other things that aren't worth our time. You go with the best intentions but it took everything in me just to apply the It Cosmetics CC+ SPF 50 Cream in Tan on my face every day for my requisite sun protection. So just toss all your vanity into the sea and be beautiful just the way you are, to quote an extremely sappy Bruno Mars song.
Obviously, you need your normal shit like toothpaste, deodorant and if you don't trust hotels try and cram in some conditioner and shower gel. I do trust most hotels and prefer to buy a cheap bottle of shower gel either in duty free or a random pharmacy rather than fussing around with empty plastic Primark bottles or buying extortionately priced travel size products. On top of this I packed my trusty Jo Malone perfume because I like the idea that a fragrance can take you back to a holiday and my It Cosmetics CC Cream as mentioned. The only other items I used on my face were the NYX Highlight and Contour Palette which not only contains contour and warm bronzer pans but also a beautiful highlight and setting powders. The Nars Light Reflecting Setting Powder is so compact that it was easy to take with me and kept my skin looking soft and diffused.
For brushes I am genuinely embarrassed I packed so many, truthfully I only needed these 3 and that is this fat Blank Canvas Cosmetics FO1 Quick Brush with the hot pink handle. I love this for foundation. I used the Real Techniques Multitask Brush to set my face and the Bdellium Tools eyeshadow blending brush to contour my nose and add some bronzer to my eyes on the days that I felt like it. I did use one other brush another from Bdellium Tools to contour and overall bronze my face and neck. As for cleansing and makeup removal I packed my Emma Hardie Amazing Moringa Cleansing Balm, Rio Rosa Mosqueta Cream Cleanser and Nude Skincare Exfoliating Brightening Powder. These three got my skin perfectly free of makeup. I even bought my Nip + Fab Glycolic Night Pads. All of this added to the weight of my suitcase of course but most of them aren't considered liquids.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this post. What do you guys struggle most with when packing? Do you too pack a bunch of shit that you never use or have you become packing experts? I forgot to mention that I also packed some Vaseline and face wipes, I took several lip products but in the end all I needed was a lip balm (Burt's Bees). I tried to switch off completely this trip and not check my socials as much. I would love to hear what your travel essentials are so please share them in the comments below. Hope you have a fantastic week. Take care.
What do you pack when you go on a break?
I always find myself overpacking too and then i end up not using anything! I love the bdellium tools blending brush , it is great for travel.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.clairetalksbeauty.com
It is such a great brush x
DeleteI say to myself I'm going to need like three products but at the end of the day I over pack just to be safe.
ReplyDeleteBernie, xx
The Style Fanatic
Yes, same!
DeleteThey all are perfect! I love NARS! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletehttp://violettedaily.com
Thank you for reading x
DeleteI really want to give the CC cream a go, but to my knowledge, it's only available online and I really want to give it a swatch first!
ReplyDeletetipscapsule.blogspot.com
There aren't many shades, I think both Medium and Tan would work for you x
DeleteI love Jo Malone perfume and NARS makeup :D You took some great products on your trip.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
Thank you Kim x
DeleteI ALWAYS end up over-packing makeup when going on holiday. I'm away for almost a month in August so you can imagine the in-necessary amount of things I'll be taking with me 'just in case'... haha!
ReplyDelete- Nicole xx
Lipsticks and Louboutins
Haha I think my head would explode, trying to pack for a month x
DeleteI always over pack! Clothes, shoes and makeup! I have been learning not to take as many items. I've found taking one palette that has eyeshadow, bronzer, highlighter and blush helps a lot!
ReplyDeletexx Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Definitely x
DeleteGreat picks! I always take my It Cosmetics CC Cream with me on vacations - especially to places I know I'm going to get darker! It's such a gem!
ReplyDeleteNicole | The Glam Surge
Agreed, total lifesaver x
DeleteI love how sleek the Jo Malone perfumes are for traveling!
ReplyDeleteVanessa x | www.springlilies.com
They are lovely x
DeleteI used to be an over-packer but not so much anymore! I never wear makeup during the day on a beach holiday but in the evenings, I'm all about bronze & gold tones xx
ReplyDeleteBeautylymin
Love a bronzey look in the summer x
DeleteI can't help but over pack! You know, what if I decide to do a bronze smokey eye on vacation??? But you're right I never do ;)
ReplyDeleteTasha Juli
stylesplendorbliss.com
I know, we all fall victim to this haha xxx
DeleteGreat picks! I really wanna try Jo Malone perfumes x
ReplyDeletehttp://www.erinazmir.com
Thank you x
DeleteI one time embarrassingly overpacked all of my makeup for my trip to Hawaii 2 years ago, and ended up only using 5 things. It was too hot and muggy to cake myself with all of the makeup. These days, I try to pack light (if it's gonna be hot), just use 1 blush, 1 palette, 1 bronzer, etc. or use a face palette so that I don't bulk up my bag with more items.
ReplyDeleteHannah
Floraful
Smart decision x
DeleteGood pictures, have a good day
ReplyDeletehttp://elegant-e.blogspot.com/
Thanks
DeleteI wish I had a break. I highly need one away from work and family! I'm pretty impressed you don't take that much. Good choices!
ReplyDeletehttps://ahleessa4realz.blogspot.com/
Oh no, I took so much more than this!
DeleteWhat great and useful products!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day :)
Rosanna x
Rose's Rooftop
Thank you lovely x
DeleteGreat post and products. Love the Jo Malone.
ReplyDeleteGemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
Thank you Gemma x
DeleteI tend to pack too many products while on holiday but I end up using minimal makeup and sometimes only sunscreen. But I will pack 5-6 lipsticks in case I need them haha!! x
ReplyDeleteYiota
pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com
Haha, me too x
DeleteLooks like great products to travel with :)
ReplyDeleteEnclothed Cognition
Thanks Keri x
DeleteI feel you when it comes to overpacking especially when it comes to clothes. For makeup and skincare I do know what I want to bring as I have such a boring makeup routine.
ReplyDeleteNathalie
www.nathalie-alexandra.blogspot.com
Oh really, I always pack too much. Too many clothes, makeup, shoes even. It's a joke haha x
Deleteomg me too, I'm over-packer. I jsut can't choose the basics that I will need during the trip. because of "What if I need" , I always over pack and I end up not to use those products at all, haha
ReplyDeleteYep haha glad I am not the only one x
DeleteLove the sound of that NARS setting powder. I'm such an overpacker too, I irritate myself!
ReplyDeleteThe Makeup Directory
It's lovely! Xx
DeleteI love the IT Cosmetics CC cream, especially for the summer! And the NYX contour kit is my go-to, such a great product.
ReplyDeleteerinkanee.com
I love both x
DeleteI always overpack haha I find that the thing I hate forgetting is deodorant!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
I always pack deodorant I just wish they weren't so bulky!
DeleteI'm a big fan of the nyx contour kit! I'm definitely curious about that CC cream, I do need to try it out.
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
They are both great products, definitely check out the CC cream if you can x
DeleteI struggle with all the toiletries I need to take with me and lipsticks is a big weakness of mine too x
ReplyDeletefranklyflawless.com| Dior Giveaway
I think half my suitcase was cosmetics and beauty x
DeleteI always pack more than I need however I find that palettes really help to keep things down! With palettes you have all the colours you need but at the same time can arrange them neatly and stay organised during travels! :)
ReplyDeleteLayla xx
http://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk
I always pack over :) I like the look of the NYX contouring palette, seems promising x
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