When it comes to your base makeup, the simpler it is, the better. This means finding foundations that won’t require too much effort or tools to apply. In this case, powder foundations are a great option for a quick effortless look before going out to sight-see. They are also weightless and tend to stay put longer than liquid foundation (always a plus). Better yet, they are easy to bring around and touch up wherever you go, which is ideal considering that most powder foundations are compact enough to easily fit into any purse.

Below are three we recommend.

This is a medium to full coverage foundation that blurs the skin for that touched-up effect. It is heat and humidity resistant, which is a requirement when you are travelling to warmer countries. They also provide a sponge, so you can simply use it to apply the product onto the face for a more intense coverage.

Get yours here.

Bareminerals has owned the powder cosmetic game for the longest time, and those who use their products swear by them. Their pressed foundation is a cult favourite for those who like their loose powder version but require something more travel-friendly. It is dermatologist-tested and lasts up to 12 hours. It provides a natural finish as well as vitamins to enrich the skin.

Get yours here.

When it comes to drugstore powder foundations, the first thing that comes to mind is the Maybelline Fit Me foundation. It’s a much-loved product, boasting shine-control for a matte finish. It also contains SPF 32, and we all know the importance of sun protection. This particular one sold on Guardian comes with a sponge that has its own designated compartment in the pan.

Get yours here.

When it comes to eyeshadow palettes, we want to leave the large, expansive ones at home. Instead, opting for more compact palettes with a set colour story is not only easier around to carry, but they can transform doing your eye makeup into a quick process. We recommend palettes with wearable colours for an effortless look throughout your whole vacation.

Here are three we recommend.

Natasha Denona is well-known for its mini eyeshadow palettes, and this one is a neutral one with both matte and metallic shadows. It is designed so that all the shadows are in one line, making it a slim and very travel-friendly palette that won’t take up too much space in the purse. It has two metallic shades, two matte shades, and one duo chrome eyeshadow for those who want that extra bling in your eyelook.

Get yours here.

For fans of all things shimmer, this eyeshadow palette could be the go-to for your travel needs. With a mix of pinks and browns, these colours are for those who want to brighten up their eye look. It comes with a double-ended sponge applicator; it has a thicker side for base applications and a thinner side for more precise placement of the shadows.

Get yours here.

Canmake is loved for their cream cheek products, but their eyeshadow palettes are equally as good. For this particular series, we recommend taking a look at all the palettes they offer to choose the one you like best. They cover neutrals, pinks, oranges, and purples. Each palette comes with five shades and a mirror so you can touch up easily on the go. It also comes with its own double-sided sponge applicator.

Get yours here.

Here is what we always ask for in our mascaras: smudge-proof, non-flaky, and volumising. However, when we are travelling, there is one more checkbox we need to tick off: long-lasting. We want mascaras that will not go anywhere or wear off after a few hours so that we have one less thing to worry about.

Here are three we recommend.

This mascara is the waterproof version of Urban Decay’s popular Perversion mascara, which promises to lengthen, curl, and volumise the lashes. It is water-resistant and smudge-proof, meaning that you can sight-see in the sweltering heat and not worry about having grey lines running down your face. You also don’t have to wiggle the wand or carefully change the angle of it. All you need is a few good swipes, making it a great option if you just want to enhance the eyes and leave the hotel room.

Get yours here.

Benefit Cosmetic’s They’re Real! Mascara is a cult-favourite among beauty lovers. This is great for those who want jet-black, dramatic lashes without having to put on some falsies. The unique wand shape helps to easily coat the eyelashes on the inner corners of the eye. It also takes a bit longer to dry, so you can layer it up as much as you want.

Get yours here.

When it comes to mascaras, many overlook KissMe, Heroine Make. Among fans of drugstore products, this one is known to never move until you take it off. The wand is also thinner than many others, which makes it suitable for smaller Asian eyes. Despite being sweat-proof and smudge-proof, you can easily remove it with cleansing oil or facial soap.

Get yours here.

Tinted Lip Balms

If you are travelling to a cold country, lip balms are a must to protect against cracked and painful lips. To reduce the number of products you bring (lip balm, lipstick, lip liner, etc), opting for a tinted lip balm will not only moisturise your lips but also provide that pop of colour you need to finish off the look.

Here are three we recommend.

The Chubby Color Lipstick set may be called a lipstick set, but it comes with five nourishing tinted lip balms that will both hydrate and bring colour to your lips. The coverage is sheer but can be built up to an intense colour, meaning that one lip balm can give you various lip looks..

This set may come with five, but for vacations, we don’t recommend bringing all of them.

This series of lip balms give a natural finish, which basically means that your lips will still look like your lips, but just better. It boasts eight-hour moisturisation and comes in six different shades for you to choose from. It is 100 per cent natural and is certified Clean at Sephora.

Get yours here.

This rosy lip balm is created with rose oil and rose water, and promises to soften and moisturise the lips while providing a nice wash of colour. Despite its price, it works well to keep the lips supple (and kissable!) for any travel selfies you want to take.

Get yours here.

Tinted brow gel

With how much brows can change your face, it’s understandable that you’d want to spend time creating the perfect ones. However, when you are up late and your travel plans are being compromised, a tinted brow gel could be your lifesaver. Not only can they allow you to style your brows, they also add colour to them, filling them in for you.

Here are two we recommend.

This product is described as a mascara for the brows and provides styling with a hint of colour for natural everyday brows. It has a lightweight formula that will help you forget that you are even wearing it on your brows in the first place.

This gel is a little different. It comes with a doe-foot applicator that allows you to spread a generous amount of product onto your brows. Afterwards, you can use the spoolie provided to blend the products in and style your brows the way you like. For those that want a little more edge to their brows, there is an angled brush on the other side of the spoolie that will allow you to create the perfect sharp brow end that you like.

Get yours here.

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