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Hacks on How to Travel Light with Your Beauty Products

We’ve all been there: TSA‘s impossible rules, the possibility of your very expensive makeup being shattered or spilled while you’re 30,000 feet in the air… Trust me – been there, done that. I’ve unfortunately learned the hard way that people who work at the airport don’t care about your extremely limited-edition near-$50 Becca eyeshadow palette.

Harsh reality? Definitely.

If you’re sick of not being able to cram all your favorite products into an already-overstuffed suitcase, here are some tips for how to travel light while still bringing some killer products with you.

Grab Free Travel Sizes

Sephora has been a life-saver when it comes to collecting travel products – specifically perfumes. Instead of packing your favorite scent that only comes in an 8 fl oz. size, shop around Sephora, and find a more expensive one that you like; I’m talking Valentino, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent – the smells that could definitely put your VS Pink fragrance to shame. The sample size they give for free is minuscule, barely takes up space, and is TSA-friendly (meaning less than 2 fl oz.).

Sign Up For Freebies

One of my favorite parts of being on mailing lists for beauty stores is that they send you emails when you are eligible for free things for your birthday. Here’s the thing: companies don’t want to give out full sizes of their prestigious products, which turns out great for you when it comes to traveling. The impressive thing is, these stores will give you amazing products from prestigious companies. I got cream Milk blush, Dior mini mascara, Kat von D black mini liner, a mini setting powder from Bare Minerals… There’s half of a makeup routine right there.

Keep an Eye Out For Online and In-Store Deals

At Ulta, specifically, there are so many opportunities for free gifts in the store, meaning if you buy a certain amount of products from one brand, you could be given something travel-size for free. These offers are also available online and can be available for any brand sold – even skincare and hair care.

 

Realistically Plan Out Your Trip

If you’re going to be gone for a weekend, you may not need your new Morphe 35-shade eyeshadow palette and a full set of Jeffree Star lips colors. This is a chance to reevaluate the products that you’ll need that line up with your outfits or whatever else you’re coordinating with. Take a look around at a makeup store that already sells mini versions of larger things such as eyeshadows and contour palettes. Those are typically things that aren’t included in free samples, but the purchase is worth it – especially if you’re tight on space.

 

Find a Good Makeup Bag

One of the best things about packing light is that you don’t need to use as many little bags for things. Instead of using one bag for eye products, one bag for face products, etc., invest in a large, waterproof tote that you can store in your luggage or carry-on. Not only will this cut back on packing space, but all of your stuff will be in one place.

Traveling is already a hassle – don’t let packing beauty products weigh you down. With these tips, you’ll be able to (hopefully) bypass a good number of TSA restrictions and free up a lot of space in your bag for other things.

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About the Author

Emmie Pombo is a latte and tattoo-loving Tennessean who specializes in mental health and beauty writing. She holds a degree in Journalism and a certification in Makeup Artistry and Airbrushing. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.