Beauty Items to Pack for a Summer Vacation

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. PR Samples. Affiliate Links.

The most daunting task for me when it comes to vacations is preparation and packing.  I’m well known for over packing; just read my piece on Essence.com.  This time around, I am sticking to just a few items because lugging heavy luggage isn’t fun (for the husband), and luggage fees are just insane these days.  But, does that mean my skincare and beauty regimen will suffer? Nope!

I’m sorry, but, I am not one of those people who will just use any old thing found in a hotel bathroom on my skin; I’m picky like that.  When I travel, I still like to look cute, which means sticking to my skincare regimen, and packing items that will enhance my natural beauty.  A lot of the items I pack should have a dual purpose, for example, a tinted moisturizer with SPF.  The products should be lightweight and compact, thus allowing them to all fit nicely in my clear Zuca bag.  Below are my picks for beauty items to pack for summer vacation.

Skincare

LUSH Cosmetics Dark Angels Cleanser – Detox, cleanse, and oil-control all in-one. This is one of my favorite cleansers.  The small container is perfect for traveling, too.  And, it’s another multitasking product, as it can also be used as a body cleanser. (Read review)

CLEANSE by Lauren Napier – These are perfect for travel since they come individually wrapped.  I can use them post flight, in my bed at night to remove makeup, on the beach… you get it. I can whip these wipes out anywhere, anytime I feel my face needs cleansing. (Read review)

Dermalogica  Solar Defense Booster –  This over the Skindinavia Makeup Primer Spray with the Makeup Finishing Spray on top for my no makeup days out roaming the streets or chilling on the beach.  Either way, my skin will be protected from the harsh UVA/UVB rays.  (Read review)

Roloxin Lift – A special treat for my skin post flight or for my birthday dinner out on the town – whatever town we end up traveling to– when I need my skin to look its best.  It too, comes in a small packet, which makes it excellent for travel. (Read review)

Makeup

Skindinavia Makeup Primer Spray | Oil Control – This is a silicone-free makeup primer spray for us oily girls (or boys) that can be worn alone or with makeup to keep oil at bay. It can also be mixed in with mascara, eyeshadow or brow product to create budge-proof makeup.

Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray | Oil Control – A must-have for setting makeup, especially in the summer, is setting spray.   While on vacation, in the heat, and humidity, who needs their makeup sliding or caking? Not me! This is where this Finishing Spray comes in handy.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer – I love multi-tasking products. The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer has become my go-to moisturizer and “foundation” for the summer.  It keeps my skin moisturized while evening my skintone, and providing a healthy-looking glow. It also has SPF, and is lightweight. No one needs heavy makeup in the heat or on the beach. (Read review)

LA Girl Pro Concealer – Shades: Fawn & Toffee – These are my go-to, budge-proof concealers to hide my under eye circles and blemishes. Plus, if I lose them, I wouldn’t even mind since they’re only $1.99-2.50 each. (Read review)

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder #7 – I love this bronzer! I can use it alone, of course, I will not skip the SPF, or I can use it over my tinted moisturizer for a more polished look. The compact isn’t large, which means it can fit in my purse.

Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade – My go-to brow product and it’s great to use as eyeliner. (Read review)

UD Primer Potion when coupled with my Urban Decay Naked Palette will allow the eye shadows to last throughout the day and through the heat.

tarte lights camera splashes mascara (waterproof) – I love, love, love tarte mascaras! This one will last throughout the day, and even during my frolicking on the beach.

Sephora Collection Brush set:  This is a great set for travel in that it includes all of the necessary tools to apply minimal makeup effectively, and precisely.  The set includes the following: Pro Airbrush Concealer Brush #57, Pro Flawless Airbrush #56, Pro Angled Shadow Brush #13, Pro Crease Brush #10, and Pro Smoky Liner Brush #24.

Body

L’oreal Paris Advanced Suncare Silky Sheer Lotion SPF30+ – I have sunscreen for my face covered, but, I also need to make sure my body is protected, too.  This sunscreen goes on light, it isn’t heavy like most sunscreens I’ve used, and it doesn’t have the strong sun block scent that most sunscreens have.  And it’s water resistant for up to 80-minutes.

Degree with Motionsense Invisible Solid – I just started using this deodorant this summer.  NYC heat and humidity is crazy when it’s high, and this has helped me keep fresh and smelling clean during those days, so I am confident it will function the same while away. My favorite scents are Sexy Intrigue and Shower Clean. They’re $3.88 at Walmart.

For my perfumes, I will probably pick up the travel perfume atomizer.  I am not travelling with a full-size bottle of perfume in my checked luggage. Imagine if one of them breaks?

Lips

Carmex – For some reason, when I’m away on vacation I do not use lipstick or lip gloss; I let my skin do the talking so it’s just straight carmex for my lips.  If I do end up bringing a lipstick, it will probably be my go-to shade for the summer, BlackUp Cosmetic’s RGE34M (matte orange), MAC Girl About Town, and/or MAC Call My Bluff.

Tell me, what beauty items vacation with you?

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. PR Samples. Affiliate Links.

New York City makeup artist, beauty and mom blogger . I immensely enjoy helping myself and others feel beautiful inside and out, which is why I started this blog and my YouTube channel. If you have a beauty or makeup related question, contact me. Your question could be featured on the site! I also accept guest post submissions, check the guidelines. ***Brands and PR firms sometime provide press samples of products for review consideration. These brands are not guaranteed a review on Makeup by Kim Porter Blog, nor do we accept payment of any kind for our reviews. For more on our disclosure policies, please see my terms .