However, that first morning in Tokyo when I was about to get my makeup, I discovered a boo-boo. The makeup pouch which contained my eyeshadow primer, concealer, lip and cheek tint, cream blush, contour, and highlight powder and my hair serum was all the way in my bedside table way back Manila. LOL. I was left with just the basics. Well, at least better thaan nothing, eh?
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| Surviving my travel face with the makeup I have |
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| travel must-haves that I would pack on my next trip |
I was surprised and amused as our hotel in Japan was aware that there are female guests who are very particular with their skincare. Beauty travel kits containing eye cream, serum, cleansing oil, day cream, night cream, and other beauty paraphernaila are being sold at the front desk for 500 yen. However, if you're like me who already has her own personal stock of beauty products with her, read on for my essential beauty travel must-haves.
Brow pens - I was so relieved I didn't forget my brow products. In fact, I had two with me! There was one in my handbag and another in my check-in luggage. Brows have gotten so much attention now whereas during the 90s, us titas would pluck them to death. My two brow products in hand are Happy Skin Perfect Brows Long Lasting Liquid Pen (Php 399) and Maybelline Tattoo Brow Ink Pen. They are both pen-type brow liners which give natural-looking brows for #kilayislife realness that looks like I had my brows professionally microbladed. I super love that both brow products are long lasting and waterproof. I actually bought that Maybelline Tattoo Brow Ink Pen after reading the post of the lady who gave birth in EDSA. If her brows can withstand a baby shower, labor, traffic, and childbirth, they can last you the entire day.
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| Still have my brows intact and shine-free freshness thanks to my trusted products |
2-in-1 powder foundations - I didn't have concealer with me but I was relieved that my Maybelline White Superfresh Two-Way Cake gave my skin an even finish while covering imperfections. It's also got UV protection because I forgot my face sunblock too at home. I normally use the small refill packs which cost less than Php 200 to bring with me to travel because they save so much space and could even fit your jeans pocket.
Eyeliner- This was my emergency purchase. I needed my eyeliner to make the eyes pop because without my primer, my eyeshadow palettes were practically nonsense. LOL. Thankfully, Japan was the land of K-Palette and this 1-day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyeliner gave my eyes its much needed definition as well as give me effortless double-winged cat eye when I felt like going a bit extra with my makeup.
Alcohol-free toner - My skin would be drier so I needed toner that's gentle to the face. Even if it's a temperate country, toner helps prep the skin for makeup and care for it after a long day by cleansing and soothing the skin as well as balancing the pH level. Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner (I got this cute little travel-sized containers from the Beauty Bar K-Beauty event) cared for my skin without the sting.
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| Atomizer bottle from Beabi holding a bit of my MAC Fix+ Lavender |
Lipsticks - I was so glad I had my lipsticks with me. I don't bring my super duper limited edition lipsticks with me when I travel and if I did, I guard them with my life. Lipsticks brought color to my face since I practically had zero coloring products. Thankfully, those bright lippies made my face pop in photos but I also thought, hey, I can use my more neutral lipsticks as cheek cream blush too! I just blended them with my fingertips, makeup tools I automatically never forget.
Lip and cheek tint - I super love Happy Skin's Kiss and Bloom Water Lip and Cheek Tints from the KathXHappySkin collection (Php 299) for their universal shades flattering for every complexion. Sadly, I forgot my little tube in this trip but this definitely will make my travel kit in my next destination, whether it's a personal vacation or a work trip. It's super perfect and easy to apply.
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| Simple Micellar Cleansing Facial Wipes |
Micellar wipes - Sometimes after a long day, it can get too tiring to remove makeup from your face. Even if this is a temperate country where you don't sweat, you should! I discovered Simple Micellar Cleansing Facial Wipes (Php 249 for a pack) a few weeks ago and they are so making my travel kikay kit next time. These micellar wipes lift off dirt, grime, and makeup off your face without leaving any harsh ingredients, making this safe for those with sensitive skin. Even if this is gentle on the skin, I have proven that this can remove waterproof mascara and the hardiest brow makeup known to man. Best of all, it does not leave and slick oily residue. I can take this with me on the plane if I want to remove makeup that's been sitting on my face in long-haul flights.
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| Simple's newest product, the mask sheets (Php 89 per piece) give the skin its needed TLC in just 15 minutes |
Cuticle balm - It's not just your face that gets dry. You also can get dry nails and cuticles. I super love Posh Nails Cuticle balm (available at Posh Nails branches) because it made my nails look pretty decent for those IG photos even if I didn't have polish on. Best of all, it smells like chocolate!
Going on vacation does not mean your beauty routine needs to go on vacation too. You can still have your supple skin while on vacation and look good and glowing without bringing your entire bathroom using space-saving and multi-purpose products that really work. Although I did forget a chunk of my intended makeup to bring, I was able to pull off a good beauty and makeup routine that includes not just skin care but makeup and nail care. When I travel again, these (and a more complete beauty kit) are going in my bags.
Store Directory:
Beabi
See www.beabi.com.ph for store details
Happy Skin
happyskincosmetics.com; facebook.com/happyskincosmetics; instagram.com/happyskin_ph
K-Palette
available at beauty bar, SM Department Stores, Rustan's Department Stores; instagram.com/kpalette_ph
Maybelline
Available at all leading department stores and drugstores nationwide; maybelline.com.ph
Posh Nails
See poshnails.com.ph/location for store details;