Experts share how to pack a beauty kit that covers all the bases.
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Going on vacation is all fun and games until you get to thepackingportion of the trip.
At that point, it quickly becomes a game of What can I bring?
Photo:Carol Yepes/Getty Images
and What must I sadly leave behind?
The Calpak Medium Clear Cosmetics Case is a great pick.
“I love the ‘free’ ones from cosmetic specials like Clinique and Lancome.
Bright colored bags make it easy to find your makeup in your bag.”
This helps protect the bristles and keeps things more sanitary, too.
For example, a lightweight BB cream or foundation, cream blush, and mascara.
When in doubt, identify your desert island essentials and pack those.
I do like to steamline when I travel, notes Patinkin.
Your body likes consistency, notes Matthew Waitesmith, a professional makeup artist withArtis.
You want reliability and ease.
McAlpin has a little trick that has kept her leak-free.
“Only fill liquids three-quarters full, then squeeze out the air and secure the lid.
A change in air pressure can cause liquids to expand, creating leaks.”
By not filling it to the brim, you leave room and reduce the chance of leaks.
(But pack it inside a resealable plastic bag just in case!)
If any of your liquid products are over 3.4 ouncesthe TSA cutoff sizedecant them in a travel-size container.
Alternatively, buy the travel-sized versions of your faves, Lo suggests.
When you run out of the travel-size product, you could refill the packaging with your full-size product.
Protect Delicate Makeup
The pain of seeing your favorite powder products broken is real.
Avoid the distress by packing delicate items very well.
you’re free to do so with a fine bubble wrap (avoid anything too bulky).
It also helps to sandwich your makeup bag, says Morgan.
Put your makeup bag in the middle of your suitcase with clothes surrounding it, she says.
This sounds super funny, but it is the best way to keep things from shifting around and breaking.
I typically like to put it in the middle with clothes underneath and on all sides.
This has helped to avoid breakage.
She says that a lighted makeup mirror can help squash this issue real fast.
Think Vertical
McAlpin swears by hanging-style personal care kits.
“Just label it with permanent marker on the lid.”
For fragrance, for instance, you might soak cotton balls with fragrance and pack in small leak-proof containers.
