TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FEATURING SILVER BULLET, PETER THOMAS ROTH, DU'IT, FRANK BODY, CARMEX

So I have just come back home from a month away visiting my family in Denmark, and here's some of the things that were in my suitcase...

PRODUCT REVIEW: PJ MASKS ROLLING LUGGAGE FOR KIDS

When you go on a holiday there is always so many things you need to think about, especially for me, who is a serial over-packer. And this time, I am going to Europe for four weeks with my two little boys in tow. Tell me there is not a lot of things to remember bringing this time. Time to reduce the things I bring for my self, to make room for their stuff too! 

MAKEUP TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

When I go on holidays, one of the things I always tend to over-pack is my makeup. I mean, it is a necessity to bring a least 6-8 different lipglosses, eye shadows, blushes……isn’t it?? But after countless trips where I’ve only used a few of the items, when I went to Europe last month, even though I was away for a month, I decided to seriously restrict myself and narrow down the items to bring. These are some of the things that made it into my bag;

Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder and Refill-Me Refillable Loose Powder Brush*


 

Loose powder and powder foundation is the biggest no-no when you travel. I speak from experience, as believe me it can make such a huge mess in your luggage. But thanks to the new Refill-Me Refillable Loose Powder Brush, you can now bring your favourite powder foundation with you on the go. The brush has a self-contained locking mechanism that prevents spilling and it is so easy to fill thanks to the scoop provided. And the smart cap a protective sleeve helps ensure that the bristles of the bush stay in place too.
 

The brush holds a fair bit of powder, in fact you can fill the brush two times with one jar of Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder. The Amazing base, is just that – amazing. It not only gives your skin a fantastic coverage, easily covering any redness, blemishes and pigmentation.

And one thin coat is generally enough, but if you need it, you can easily build it up, all while it remains looking very natural. And having combination skin prone to the afternoon shine, I love that it stays put all day without fading, sliding, or settling into fine lines – but should you need it, it is so convenient to just pop into your handbag for a quick afternoon touch up.

And I love that it contains micronised minerals and pomegranate extract to help care for your skin while you wear it, and that it is free from oil, talc, dyes and parabens so it is very gentle on the skin, while it also offers Broad Spectrum SPF 20 and UVA P++ protection to keep your skin safe in the sun.

RRP: Amazing Base: $79 (10.5g), Refill-Me Powder Brush: $45 - Both available from Select stockists



Mineralogie Blush Bronzer in Harmony-Wallflower*

This blush bronzer duo from Mineralogie is the absolute perfect travel companion. It comes in a stylish round slim black compact with a large mirror and a powder puff, and while I do prefer to apply with a brush, the puff does come in handy when you are out and about. The Blush Bronzer has two shades, a dusty rose and a darker warm rose shade, so you can use them on their own or you can combine for your preferred look. The lighter shade is perfect as a blush, while the darker shade works perfectly for both contouring and as a bronzer. And as always with Mineralogie, it is made from the finest of mineral powder, that applies with a good colour payoff, yet without caking or settling into fine lines, and it stays put all. I cannot praise this Blush Bronzer enough, I’m simply so in love with it.

RRP: $49.95 – Available from select stockists and Mineralogie Online



Jane Iredale Rose Dawn Bronzer*

 

Alternatively I use a long time favourite Rose Dawn Bronzer from Jane Iredale (check out my full review here), which is a quad of golden bronze and copper-toned shades, and it is also a true multi-tasker. The long wearing powder is suitable to use on both the eyes, cheeks, and as a bronzer all over the face and décolleté for a nice glow, or using the lighter shades, it can be used as a highlighter. And it can even be used on the lips with a touch of clear lipgloss on top! It has a subtle shimmer that comes from 24-karat food-grade gold flakes, which gives a natural and subtle glow.

RRP: Price: $90.00 – Available from Adore Beauty


Jane Iredale Celebrate Eye Shadow Trio Palette*

This eye shadow palette contains three shades, a golden caramel shade, a dark chocolate and a pearl highlighting shade, and is absolutely everything you need to achieve a neutral smoky eye, and you can use the shadows on their own for a simple natural look, or combined for a more dramatic look perfect for nighttime. The colours are so well put together too, and just the shades that I normally will reach for. The shadows are extremely pigmented and are so easy to apply and blend, and they stay put all day without fading or creasing, and with no fallout. And I absolute adore the stunning slim line cold compact with the large mirror inside. I will cry the day I hit the pan on each of these colours.

RRP: $82 – Available from Select Stockists 


Covergirl Bombshell Intensity Eyeliner*

This liquid eyeliner is tiny, the smallest one I have ever seen, so it is perfect to pack when you are going on holiday, and of course perfect to pop into the handbag for touch-ups. Not that you need to carry it around as the liner gives you a colour saturated line that stays put all day, without smudging or fading. And thanks to the felt tip, it is easy to draw both a thin line or a bold one depending on occasion and preference.

RRP $8.99 – Available from Priceline




Lancome Grandiose Mascara*

This mascara is so unique thanks to its revolutionary swan neck brush that makes it easy to reach and coat even the smallest of lashes – well it does take a little while to master, but once you have, it gives the lashes lots of volume and an amazing lifted and fanned look with a natural curl, all without the need of an eyelash colour – and the finish is jet black and glossy up, lasting all day without irritating the eyes. It is not cheap, but when you like me are hopeless with false lashes and have little time to yourself thanks to a little toddler, this mascara means that false lashes and lash curlers are no longer necessary, so completely worth every cent! (and don't forget to check out my full review here)

RRP: $54 – Available from Lancome Counters, and from Lancome Online




Mary Kay True Dimensions Lipstick in Berry a la Mode*

This lipstick in Berry a la Mode from Mary Kay comes in the most luxurious looking silver packaging, and it not only gives your lips the most stunning full intensity warm red shade that is perfect for day and nighttime wear, although particularly suited for nighttime. It is very long wearing, but unlike most other long-wearing lipsticks, it is feels amazing on the lips. And thanks to the advanced formula, that contains anti-ageing ingredients that cares for your lips to helps them look younger, fuller, plumper and firmer. And with a whopping 14 shades in the range, there is sure to be a match for everyone!

RRP: $28 (3.3g) – Available from Mary Kay




Lanolips Lip Ointment with Colour SPF 15 Rhubarb

This lip ointment from Lanolips is nothing short of amazing. With its contents of over 60% Ultra Pure Medical Grade Lanolin and vitamin E, it is perfect for those long haul flights as it keeps your lips soft and hydrated, all without being sticky. And the colour Rhubarb is a lovely warm red shade that gives just enough colour on the lips so you know it is there, yet without you feeling too made up, and the glossy finish is lovely for both daytime and nighttime wear too. As an added bonus it comes with SPF15 so you know your puckers is protected from the harsh sun.

RRP: $13.95 (12.5g) – Available from David Jones, Priceline and Adore Beauty



Real Techniques On Location Travel Essentials*


 

The set contains an Essential Foundation Brush, A Multi Task Brush and a Domed Shadow Brush all presented in a case that closes with velcro, keeping your brushes organised and safe on the go, while it can convert into a stand for each reach.

All the brushes are made from plush taklon bristles and they are extremely soft. The Foundation brush has the perfect size to apply liquid foundation and it gives a nice even look, but I have also used it for concealer which it is also perfect for thanks to the slightly pointed tip that fits perfectly under the eye. It comes with a golden shaded shaft.

The Multi Task Brush comes with a bright pink shaft and is intended for use with both powder, blush and bronzer. It is a very dense brush and it picks up powder very easily, and distributes nicest and evenly. But I have to admit that while I love using it with both powder and bronzer, I personally find it a little too big to use with a blush, and I would prefer to use a slightly smaller one, but while I was on holidays, it did cover all my needs!

Finally, the Domed Shadow Brush comes with a purple shaft and it is designed for shading and defining the eyes, but I do find that it is a little too big and fluffy for defining, but it is perfect for shading and blending out eye shadow.

The brushes are all of amazing quality, so a fantastic buy, I definitely want to add more Real Techniques brushes to my collection!

RRP: $39.95 – Available from The Beauty Office 

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

So there you go, these were the key makeup items that made it into my makeup bag on my Europe trip.

Have you tried any of these products? How much makeup do you take with you on holidays? Are you a serial over-packer like me?



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TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

As you might have read by now, I am about currently in Europe, more specifically in Denmark visiting my family, along with our 15 month old boy, so that he can meet the rest of the family. Needless to say that I’m enjoying my time.


Getting here was pretty exhausting through, it is a long way to travel with such a little one, trying to keep him entertained all the time, but luckily he was very well behaved and got lots of attention from both flight attendants and fellow travellers too.


Travelling just the two of us suddenly meant that packing was a bit of a challenge, having to suddenly fit enough stuff for both of us into the one suitcase. And well, my boy needed the stuff he needs, including toys, so it meant that I sadly had to restrict the amount of stuff I took along, including shoes, makeup and skincare. It called for very smart packing. Here are some of the things that made the cut;


Benefit Radiant Skincare Set*

  

To get me started, the Radiant Skincare set from Benefit is an excellent choice. It includes Refined Finish Facial Polish to exfoliate and purity the skin while minimising the pores. It also contains a Foaming Clean Facial Wash to remove makeup and keep your skin clean and clear, as well as a Moisture Prep Toning Lotion that removes any remaining makeup while revitalising and keeping the skin hydrated and ready to absorb moisturiser. Next in the box is Triple Performing Facial Emulsion SPF15, which is an oil-free gel that helps keep your skin moisturised and the Total Moisture Facial Cream that provides both immediate and long-term hydration to the skin, perfect for long-haul flights that always seem to wreak havoc with the skin. Finally, it contains It’s Potent! Eye Cream that helps fade dark circles and help smooth fine lines. The products come in the perfect travel sizes so they are perfect to bring in your hand luggage on your flight to make sure your skin stays in top condition. The products smell absolutely amazing and come in the cutest small retro-style bottles and jars, all packaged in a clear sip-cosmetic case – Simply all you need for radiant skin on your holiday!

RRP: $24 – Available from Myer

 

MediK8 Beta Cleanser*

My skin has always been prone to breakouts, and I know from experience that it can be difficult to keep up a good skincare routine when you’re on holidays, doing weekly face masks etc., so a good cleanser is absolutely vital in keeping my skin clean and clear. And the Medik8 betaCleanse™ is absolutely perfect to use as the second cleanse at night, to give the skin a deep cleanse, as it both cleanses deep down every pore, is antibacterial and gently exfoliating the skin at the same time. The cleanser contains beta hydroxy acid-salicylic acid with a novel niacinamide, tea tree oil and chlorhexidine gluconate blend to help improve the appearance of problematic skin, whilst helping prevent future breakouts, and all while being extremely gently on the skin and not stripping the skin of its natural oils. The liquid turns into a soft and light foam when you pump it out, and after massaging it into my skin, I like to leave it on the skin while I brush my teeth for a deeper clean before rinsing it off. It comes in a handy 40ml pump bottle so it is perfect for travelling.

RRP $13.90 (40ml) – Available from Advanced Cosmeceuticals or call 1800 242 011 to enquire



Gillette Venus Snap with Embrace*

 

 
Being away for a few weeks of course I cannot neglect shaving, and this funky travel-sided shaver from Gillette is both ever so cute and absolutely perfect. This new razor has a very compact mini-handle, while still featuring the best Gillette Venus 5-blade you’ve become accustomed to, which is surrounded by a ribbon of moisture to keep your skin soft and smooth. And while the handle is so small, you still get the perfect grip. And what’s better is that it comes in a nifty little compact container so you can just pop it into your bag (suitcase that is, as they don’t allow shaving blades in carry-on luggage!) so you can continue to have super smooth skin while on holidays. And you don’t have to buy special blades as the mini-handle is interchangeable with the standard Venus Embrace blade refills.

RRP: $15.95 – Available from Priceline, from Rouge Mag Online and from November also from select pharmacies and supermarkets 



Skindinavia Makeup Primer and Finishing Sprays*
 

 

It doesn’t matter how good a foundation you use, a good primer is always vital for a flawless finish. And the new travel sized Makeup Primer Sprays from Skindinavia are absolutely brilliant for travelling. The small 20 ml bottles come in two varieties, the No More Shine Makeup Finish is an oil-controlling makeup setting spray that helps my makeup stay put in the periods when it is greasy and nothing stays put past lunchtime, as it helps controls shine and absorbs oil over the face and t-zone and thus preventing the makeup from slipping. The finishing spray is a superfine mist that helps set the foundation quickly, and it helps prevent your foundation from fading or settling into fine lines. A quick spray during the day is perfect for refreshing the makeup.

RRP: $14 (20ml) each – Available from Skindinavia


bhave Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner and Riot Control Oil*

 
 

You are probably getting fed up with me raving about these products (you can see my review on the Rescue shampoo and conditioner here and the Riot Control Oil here) from bhave, but regardless how many other fantastic hair products I use, it is like my hair is ‘at home’ with these, simply behaving better, and looking and feeling so much nicer and healthier, and it is like it is getting heathier and healthier for each day I use the products. My hair is easier to comb and knots less, so I feel I damage it less when I comb it. And the Riot Control Oil not only controls my flyaway hairs and smooths it down, but it also makes the dry ends look stronger and healthier while giving my hair an amazing lustre and shine. 

RRP: Products above from a travel set, but full sized products available individualy; Shampoo and Conditioner, each $43.95 (300ml), Riot Control $48.95 (100ml) - Available from Select Salons


Lady Jayne Tangleze*

 

And of course you cannot neglect your hair. I have long thick hair and always carry around a hairbrush, which is usually quite bulky. But thanks to the new Tangleze from Lady Jayne that is a thing of the past. You see, the hairbrush fits into the palm of your hand, and it has a clever cover so you can protect the bristles from getting bent and damaged in an already overfilled handbag.

The Tangleze is surprisingly good on long hair, as it has dual-length bristles that quickly and easily, and very gently brushes the hair, and clears any tangles you might have, and in both wet and dry hair. All without the need to pull or drag at the hair, which is so much better for the hair, preventing damage and split ends. And the hairbrush is superlight (leaving room for another couple of lipsticks, guilty, you can never have too many lippies in your handbag, LOL), and it comes in a super cute and girlie black and hot pink colour combination.

 RR: $12.95 – Available from Priceline, and select pharmacies and variety stores

 

Philips VisaPure Facial Cleansing Brush*

I have previously reviewed (you can see my review here) this facial cleansing brush, and while I have to be honest and admit that I have a few different I rotate, this one was my preferred choice to take away. Now, I wouldn’t normally take it with me on short breaks, but going away for a month, I simply feared my skin would start breaking out so much that I knew it had to make the trip too. So the reason I picked the VisaPure is that its design is a lot slimmer than other brushes. The brush is both rotating and rotating cleansing deep down every pore, while still being so gentle that it can be used twice a day. And as a bonus it is also waterproof so it can also be used in the shower.

RRP: $199 – Available from Myer and The Shaver Shop



Philips DiamondClean Black Edition Toothbrush*

  

As fittingly named, this toothbrush has been called the James Bond of toothbrushes! With its sleek matte black and chrome finish, it is simply the coolest and most stylish electric toothbrush I have ever seen. The toothbrush has a digital display that illuminates showing the five brush settings from Clean, White, Gum Care, Sensitive, and Polish. It is so high tech that it has been clinically proven to remove up to 100% of plaque from hard-to-reach places compared to a manual toothbrush, and to improve gum health in only two weeks.It is also clinically proven to whiten teeth in one week. WOW, that is impressive.

And when on holidays I know that I tend to eat a little naughtier than I otherwise do, a few more ice creams, a little more dessert, and of course, being in Denmark I cannot go past an authentic Danish Pastry. So this toothbrush was an absolute must in my suitcase to ensure my teeth stayed clean and healthy. And what’s even better is that the toothbrush comes with a cool black travel case with funky lime-green lining, and the case also doubles as a USB charger so you can charge it directly from your laptop. Nothing short of brilliant. 
RRP: $299.95 – Available from The Shaver Shop, Harvey Norman, Myer, David Jones and selected national retailers



Mary Kay Thinking of You Pendant Perfume*
 

I have also previously reviewed this pendant perfume from Mary Kay (see my review here), and as I mentioned at the time, it is perfect for taking with you for adding a little fragrance during the day. And also doubling as a necklace, it was the perfect travel companion too. It has a lovely fruity scent and has a pretty good staying power, plus it looks stunning too, for both day and nighttime wear.

Available from Mary Kay

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
 

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