There is one thing about vacations that no one can really get away from: something unplanned for is going to happen. And this is why we tend to overpack, anticipating everything except the one thing that does transpire. With this in mind, let’s just step back and look at what we’ve decided to bring along with us. Have you packed the essentials? When it comes to makeup, the essentials are the things that you can do no wrong with and will be lifesavers when you suddenly need to pull off a fully made-up face in five seconds. Also, it saves you from slapping  on products might not really flatter you.

So if you are looking forward to traveling with a light and smart approach to your makeup kit, here’s a list of products that you should bring.

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream

Whether you’re just taking a six-hour car ride or stepping onto a plane, you’re face is going to suffer from a lot of dryness due to the changing temperatures while you are traveling. But since you’re on vacation, it would be a little off to have a poreless HD look while your companions are going au naturel.  Reach for the Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream (P2,000) for some light coverage that also provides instant relief for dry skin. With its color-correcting properties, you’re also giving your skin some much-needed attention.

Clinique. Available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source, Glorietta 4, SM Makati, and SM Megamall. For more information, visit their website. 

MAC Prep + Prime Lips

I tend to pack at least two types of lipsticks with me wherever I go. One would be in a bright, bold shade for an evening affair, the other being a nude lip for daytime activities. Either way,  it’s important to keep your lips hydrated and primed so that you can avoid touching up every five seconds (so against the chill vibe we are aiming for, right?)  The MAC Prep + Prime Lips (P1,200) is a thin twist-up tube that contains a clear lip primer you can use on its own for soft, pillowy lips that stay that way all day and makes sure you’re chosen lip color doesn’t fade as you drink the night away.

MAC. Available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source, Glorietta 4, SM Makati, and SM Megamall. For more information, visit their website.

K–Palette Lasting 2Way Eyebrow Pencil

You’ll need a product that can help you achieve any look easily. The K-Palette Lasting 2Way Eyebrow Pencil (P795) is a double-ended pen with an eyebrow pencil on one side and a sponge tip on the other that dispenses eyebrow powder. You can opt to just pencil and define your brows for a chic look, or powder to quickly fill in gaps without looking overdone, or use both ends of the pencil so you can pull off those Cara brows. Whichever you prefer, that’s three options in one thin product, so I don’t know how else you can spell travel-friendly.

K-Palette. Available in all Beauty Bar outlets and Rustan’s The Beauty Source, Glorietta 4. For more information, visit their Facebook page. 

Maybelline 24HR Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze

When have you ever used all 24 colors in an eyeshadow palette? To achieve an eye look that would be flattering on all skin colors from day to night, I recommend the Maybelline 24HR Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze (P399). The bronze shade would be enough to catch the light to give your eyes a little bit more dimension in the dark, while also giving off a natural sheen under the sun. With its creamy consistency and long-wearing formulation, you don’t need to use a primer, and you can easily pat this on your eyelids using a clean finger.

Maybelline. Available in all Watson’s branches nationwide. For more information, visit their website.

L’Oreal Miss Manga False Lash Mascara

There are a few mascaras out there that can give you full lashes without the help of an eyelash curler. In times I have nothing else on my face, I reach for the L’Oreal Miss Manga False Lash Mascara (P 500) without a second thought, and it hasn’t failed me once. The black-as-night formulation helps achieve solid tightlining. Waterproof and with zero fall-out, this mascara will handle everything you need even after your vacation.

L’Oreal. Available in selected Watson’s branches. For more information, visit their website.

Art by Dorothy Guya