10 Travel Makeup Products We Swear By When We're on the Go

Packing for a trip is like an extreme sport. Not only do you have to be super selective with what you choose to bring, but you have to be strategic with the way you layer your clothes and shoes to fit everything in the perfect place. Once you have that figured out, you have to curate a collection of travel-approved makeup and beauty products to go along with it. Size constraints limit the products you can pack in a small carry-on (for some airlines, a personal item is all you get), and you also don’t want to pack anything that could spill and ruin everything in your bag. 

Whether you’re trying to keep your bag under the weight limit or are sticking with the basics and carrying on, you’ll want to check out this list of travel-approved beauty essentials. From compact products to multi-use liquids, (all under 3.4 ounces, of course), these are the products we pack every time we take a trip. 

Travel-Friendly Makeup Products 

Here is a list of all the makeup products that you’ll need for travel, and a step-by-step routine that ensures you use them efficiently. Remember the goal is to pack effectively so you’re not bringing anything you don’t need. 

1. Primer

Pack: L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Pore Minimizer

If you’re traveling somewhere hot and tropical, this means you’re more prone to smudging, melting makeup, so makeup primer is not a step you want to skip. The Prime Lab face primers help to extend your makeup wear for up to 24 hours. If large pores aren’t a skin concern of yours, try the redness-reducing, brightening or matte options from the Prime Lab line. 

2. Foundation

Pack: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder or the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation. 

It may be beneficial to travel with powder foundation because you know it fits the size requirement for a carry-on and you don’t have to worry about spillage. The Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder is one of our favorites, it has a long-wearing formula and provides the skin with flawless, buildable coverage, plus it’s waterproof, transfer-resistant and lasts for up to 24 hours. 

If you’re loyal to liquid foundation, try the True Match Super-Blendable Foundation. At one ounce, it’s TSA-approved for your carry-on, and the buildable coverage makes it versatile for any occasion during your travels. Just consider wrapping the glass bottle in something soft — those TSA agents aren’t always delicate with our things.

3. Concealer 

Pack: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage

Concealer is definitely a travel staple, especially if you’re dealing with jet lag and the dark circles that tend to accompany it. We like this one with a full-coverage formula because it has a long-wearing finish that can also double as a foundation if necessary. Just dot it all over your face and blend with a makeup sponge or stippling brush.

4. Bronzer

Pack: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer

Bronzer is a staple for a vacation makeup look because it gives the appearance of tan skin though you can skip the sunbathing and risk of sun damage. We love this formula because it provides the perfect dose of sun-kissed-looking color and it has a long-wearing formula. 

5. Blush 

Pack: L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip and Cheek Tint

Like bronzer, blush is also a vacation makeup staple because it gives your skin some color. If you want to save room in your makeup bag, try this liquid blush that doubles as a lip tint. It’s more than small enough to easily stow in your carry-on bag or personal item and it easily blends with your fingers so you don’t have to pack additional makeup tools. 

6. Eyeshadow

Pack: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow

Instead of lugging around a huge eyeshadow palette with upwards of 12 shades (and only using two), go for a compact eyeshadow quad, like the Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Boudoir Charm. This neutral palette gives all the tools you need to create a single eyeshadow look or a dramatic smoky eye. 

7. Eyeliner

Pack: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner or the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner 

Eyeliner may not take up a ton of room in your makeup bag, but there’s no sense in packing something for your trip that you won’t use. If you prefer dramatic eye looks, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner. This gel liner includes a built-in smudger — and you can even use it to create a quick smoky eye with just one product. If you prefer a sharp wing, go for the liquid eyeliner formula with the felt tip. 

8. Mascara

Pack: L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Washable Mascara

As for what mascara to pack for your trip, we love a formula that does it all, which is why we love this Telescopic mascara. This new version of the cult-classic adds length, lift and volume, thanks to a double-hook bristle brush that lengthens and defines the lashes while keeping them separated and free of clumps. 

9. Lipstick

Pack: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Matte Lipstick and the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract

On vacation, your lip makeup usually goes one of two ways: Bold so you can go minimal with the rest of your makeup, or barely there for something hydrating and casual. For something bold, we recommend packing the Colour Riche Intense Matte Lipstick. One swipe provides intensely pigmented color, plus the slim bullet applicator doubles as a lip liner so you have one less thing to pack. 

For the days when you want a barely-there lippie, reach for the Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract. This lip balm-lipstick hybrid provides a subtle wash of color with a comfortable, hydrating slip. 

Next: The Best Passport Makeup for a Great Travel Photo

Photographer: Stephanie Price