With a lot of traveling, comes a carefully curated bag of makeup for all occasions. While I tend to go overboard sometimes, depending on the trip… I do have a few staples that are always within reach.

Sunscreen: There are plenty of different options out there for sunscreen but I BEG of you, please find one that is Reef Friendly. While there is no actual regulatory organization overseeing these “reef friendly” “reef safe” stamps on products – you can be more aware by ensuring you’re reading the ingredients.

PADI has a great blog post about it here. Your basic take-aways are:

• Avoid sunscreens containing: avobenzone, butylparaben, ecamsule octinoxate, oxybenzone or 4-methylbenzylidine camphor.
• Choose a physical sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Nanominerals make the product easier to apply, but ecotoxicology research has determined nanoparticles are not reef-safe.
• A sunscreen labeled “biodegradable” does not mean it is reef safe or non-toxic.

Is it more expensive – It might be. Is it better for everyone. YES. Your skin is nothing to mess around with, it’s the largest organ of the human body. Why wouldn’t you want to protect it with the best products?!

Some of my favorite options are listed here. And yes, you’ll find all the affiliate links there for easy shopping (I also may receive commission from it – so, thank you!).

Makeup-wise, my husband HATES watching me pack because I always have so much “crap” shoved in that little makeup bag. BUT I’ve dwindled it down to a few basics that can get me through any trip and I add or subtract based on the events we’re attending. For example; Our recent Girls Trip at Beaches Turks & Caicos; I packed tinted sunscreen, moisturizer, vitamin C serum, and mascara. For this upcoming Liveaboard trip in the Maldives, I have skincare only – no makeup at all (who am I trying to impress? hubby’s there already!).

For our Bridgerton Themed Global Sales Conference earlier this year? You bet I had a full array of makeup and accessories.

So here’s that basic visual, and I’ll go through a few of my favorite brands. Keeping it simple with neutral tones that can work for day or night.

Eyeshadow: This one pictured is Distributed by Jasmine La Belle from Target/Walmart/I don’t remember. And it’s great because it was cheap and I don’t mind if it gets smashed up in transit. For a splurge: Try Tarte’s Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Moisturizer not pictured: e.l.f Daily Hydration Moisturizer in a 2.5 oz bottle (perfect travel size!)

Foundation-ish, I’ve never really been a foundation girl and only for events – not on island (no use wasting good makeup!) I splurged for this one because I wanted quality; Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua with Broad spectrum spf 15. It’s buildable and doesn’t make my newly bronzed skin look funny color wise. It’s also super light because it’s a sunscreen makeup, not an actual foundation. Another Option I’ve used: Almay Smartshade collection.

Concealer & Powder: both by Physicians Formula; Butter Glow Concealer has an awesome lipstick like applicator PLUS a sponge – two for one! Natural Defense Finishing Powder is light, airy, and doesn’t look caked on. It’s a nice light dusting.

Eyeliner: KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner – this stuff is MAGIC. I’ve worn it in the ocean scuba diving and it doesn’t even budge. Get the Felt Tip if you wear contacts – it’s super easy to use.

Mascara: Benefit Bad Gal Bang Waterproof – again, this has been in pools, the ocean, scuba diving, etc. and it DOES-NOT-RUN.

Lip Oil (can also be used as blush): Jelly pong pong cosmetics – this probably came in an old Ipsy bag to be honest.

Dry Shampoo Options: Target usually has travel sizes of these to test out first, but I do love the Not Your Mother’s Options; Clean Freak, Plump for Joy and Beach Babe. Alternate option: I Dew Care Dry Shampoo – I used this all through our South Africa Honeymoon and it was the bomb.com.

After Bite: for those pesky mosquitoes! Stops the itch pretty quickly and is about the size of a marker so it easily fits in a purse or pocket.

Hair:

• Goody invisible hair ties – for your braids, twists, etc. Tip: instead of pulling them out of your hair (and all that hair that breaks/comes with it), try heating up a curling iron or a straightener and tapping while the iron is hot to the hair tie. It should break easily and be removed easily!
• Real LIfe Mermaid Hair Tie – I’ve used this multiple times while on a dive and it’s awesome. There are two elastic circles at each end where you pull your hair into a ponytail and then wrap the long piece around the tail/braid you’ve created and secure at the bottom.
• Shampoo/Conditioner (if I have to bring it): Scuba Screen – eco friendly and reef safe! 10% off with code: mermaidmel. there’s also an awesome leave in conditioner spray that I use on the boat after dives.
• Leave in Conditioners: Sun Bum leave in, It’s a 10 leave in
• Scalp Sunscreen Spray: Sun Bum – Coola

Don’t Forget your toothpaste & toothbrush! Or try some swish and rinse options like Magic Gargle for those long plane rides.

Happy Traveling!