What’s in My Every Day Travel Makeup Bag?
- Gigi Goes
- Dec 1, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
I love makeup, but I hate carrying a full Sephora store in my suitcase because makeup gets heavy. (You know exactly what I'm talking about.) After way too many international flights, airport naps, and “why does my skin look like this?” moments, I’ve finally built a travel makeup routine that’s tiny, fast, and shockingly effective.
This is everything I actually pack: the real, reliable, jet-lag-proof, humidity-surviving lineup that lives in my travel pouch. These are also the basic items that I rely on at home. (Be sure to find the shades that work for your skin color.)
BASE PRODUCTS...
If one product had to represent “I tried today,” it’s this primer. It smooths everything out, pores, texture, travel stress, and gives me that soft-filter vibe before I’ve even actually woken up. Plus, it’s vegan and travel-friendly.
When I travel, I want “skin but healthy,” not “foundation but cracking.” This tint is weightless, breathable, and makes my skin look alive even after a red-eye flight. It evens out tone without covering my actual face, which is perfect for days walking around Istanbul or Kolkata in unpredictable weather.
This little stick is magic for dark circles. I swipe a tiny bit of the Dark Peach shade right under my eyes before concealer, and it instantly neutralizes the blue/purple tones that show up after long flights (or short sleep).
This one is potent. A tiny dab brightens dark circles, spot-conceals, and hides any “I had three hours of sleep and a simit” situation. It blends beautifully on top of the Glossier tint and doesn’t crease throughout the day.
This is the powder I didn’t know I needed. It blurs, mattifies without flattening, and genuinely extends makeup in humid climates. The Warm Honey shade adds just enough warmth to make my skin look lively, not dull, especially over tints or foundations that tend to whiten my skin color. (My skin tone is really hard to nail.)
EYES...
This pencil is my ride-or-die. Fine tip, natural strokes, smudge-proof, and it never breaks in transit. Brows make such a difference on long travel days, and this pencil gives me shape and fills in gaps without looking drawn-on.
This liner is bulletproof. Rain? Tears? Harsh Istanbul wind? Airport chaos? Still perfect. The tip is sharp enough for clean wings, and the formula is dark and glossy without smearing. There's a reason this liner has the ratings it does.
The drama mascara. Lengthens, curls, separates: everything a mascara should do. It makes me look awake instantly, which is… rare, when I’m several time zones from home.
For smudgy, soft definition, this pencil is unbeatable. Feline is a deep carbon black with a creamy glide that makes it perfect for tightlining, smudging along the lower lash line, or doing that effortless “I woke up like this but hotter” smoky look.
CHEEKS
A tiny dot = a healthy glow. “Puff” is the perfect cool pink that freshens up my entire face in seconds. It blends with fingers (very airport-bathroom-friendly) and never gets cakey. A tube also lasts a lifetime.
LIPS
Listen. I like trying lip color. But somehow I always end up liking my natural lip color the most (and I don't have to get lipstick on everything). So this is my ride or die. Simple but essential. I carry one in every bag, but the travel pouch gets the nice one. Minty, hydrating, and perfect under any lip color. Also the only thing that keeps my lips alive in airplane air. (And I have tried many a lip balm.)
This OG liner is elite for travel days. It gives me that naturally defined, softly-plumped lip look without screaming “I tried.” The formula is creamy enough to glide, but firm enough to stay put through coffees, airport snacks, and long days exploring a new city.
WHY THIS EDIT WORKS FOR TRAVEL
Everything is finger-blendable (no full brush kit required- hallelujah)
Nothing leaks or explodes
It survives humidity, heat, and wind
It takes 5 minutes to apply (10 if you like taking your time in the morning like I do)
Every product is lightweight and carry-on friendly
These shades stay consistent in different lighting, which huge for photos
This is my “dependable in every country” routine. I’ve tested it across continents, climates, and chaotic mornings, and it works. The next time you see me, ask me to open my makeup bag. The above items will all be in there.
Good luck and may makeup ever be in your favor.
Hugs,
Gigi
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