It’s spring! That means you may be leaving soon for a vacation in the sun to chill, but not be chilly. Before shoving every makeup product you own into your carry on, there’s an easy way to travel lightly and still look amazing on your trip. Check out these TSA-approved packing list suggestions for simple, quick, and fun beauty routines on spring break.
THE CITY
From restaurant-hopping to nightclubbing to sightseeing, spring break in a big city takes lots of endurance. Make sure you pack travel-friendly beauty products that hold up under those downtown lights. Anything that protects skin and transitions your look from day to night is an absolute must when visiting cities that never sleep.
Here’s what you’ll need:
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Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray : This breathable mist locks makeup into place for up to 16 hours while preserving skin’s moisture barrier, so foundation stays strong all day long.
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Natasha Denona Mini Nude Eyeshadow Palette Kit : This travel-friendly palette features chic matte neutrals and bold metallic shadows, perfect for transitioning your eye look from day to night.
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Jouer Cosmetics Essential Lip Enhancer Shine Balm : I love how this hydrating balm infuses lips with skin-softening color that can build up from sheer to bold. Plus, you can wear it over your lipstick for added softness and shine.
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Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara : This travel-sized gem delivers 360-degree volume and a fanned-out finish that lasts all through a night on the town—thanks to film-forming technology that coats lashes from root to tip for a false lash look.
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Belif Aqua Bomb Cleansing Balm : After a fun-filled day, you can melt away makeup, impurities, and environmental pollutants from busy city streets with this silky cleansing balm. Nourishing ingredients like marshmallow root and lotus flower provide a clean slate without stripping skin of essential moisture.
THE COUNTRY
Camping, hiking, lake-hanging: that’s a country spring break. Keep your routine simple so you can enjoy everything nature has to offer—while looking natural.
Here’s what you’ll need:
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Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint : This lightweight but mighty tint holds a combination of skincare plus radiant coverage. The supercharged formula delivers a naturally radiant glow that hydrates, boosts antioxidants, and corrects your skin tone in a flash. It’s the perfect quick face routine for busy vacations.
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Jouer Cosmetics Blush & Bloom Cheek + Lip Duo: This multi-tasking cream color perks up lips and cheeks with a range of long-wearing pink hues. Press into cheeks and dab onto lips for a flush of color that’ll complete your clean girl makeup look.
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Nudestix Vegan Splashproof Mascara : Lengthen, separate, and hold for fluttery definition. This waterproof formula keeps lashes soft and lifted for budge-proof mascara on lake days.
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Evian Travel Trio : This travel-sized, purifying mist fits just about anywhere, providing head-to-toe relief from dry, irritated skin. Refresh after hikes under the sun and pack extras for your friends and family.
THE BEACH
There’s nothing worse than getting scalded on the first day of break and having to spend the rest of your trip buried under a bunch of ice packs. Make sure you stock up on sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen! Stay cool, cute, and protected with these beach trip staples.
Here’s what you’ll need:
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Bask Lotion SPF 50 : SPF 50 is a must on sun-drenched days, so slip this broad spectrum lotion into your beach bag no matter how overstuffed it is. I love how the water-based formula fully protects the face and body with a featherlight feel. Plus, it rubs in with zero white cast.
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Oribe Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray : Hair needs protection from harmful UV rays too. This formula’s UV filters help protect against the drying effects of the sun and guard against other environmental aggressors you may encounter at sea.
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Chantecaille Sheer Glow Bronze Face Tint : If going bare faced to the beach isn’t your thing, wear lightweight makeup. Start with a sun-kissed face tint that’ll make it look like this isn’t your first trip of the year (especially if you’ve been hibernating all winter). This one from Chantecaille glides onto the skin to plump and moisturize with anti-aging botanicals that offer a youthful, vacation glow.
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Verb Volume Dry Texture Spray : Believe it or not, beach hair can be your best hair…with the right products. If your hair goes flat after a day at sea, target your roots with this texturizing hair powder for a natural-looking boost of body. Plus, the formula’s pro-vitamin B5 keeps hair vibrant and hydrated after a long day of laying out.
THE TROPICS
Exotic destinations call for vibrant, fun makeup. However, it’s important to keep in mind the humid climate, not to mention the potential for sudden rain. Before you set sail, make sure your bags are packed with waterproof, humidity-beating products.
Here’s what you’ll need:
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Natasha Denona Mini Pastel Palette : This dynamic collection features 5 high-impact matte and metallic colors with pastel shades for spring-inspired eyes that complement any caftan.
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Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Beauty Light Wand : Get that tropical skin glow before you even step foot on the island! This highlighter-blush hybrid promotes dewy skin with a soft focus finish. It’s an instant golden hour glow at all times of the day.
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Hourglass 1.5MM Mechanical Gel Eye Liner : Along with packing your other waterproof staples, bring along a super precise, long-wearing gel eyeliner. This slim mechanical pencil allows you to create sharp clean wings and tightline with ease. Feel free to dive head first off the yacht knowing your liner won’t budge.
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Danessa Myricks Beauty Essential Eye & Lip Makeup Remover: Since you’re waterproofing your beauty routine on this trip, make sure you’ve got a powerful makeup remover. This one is specifically formulated for removing long-wear or waterproof makeup, and it’s sensitive skin friendly.
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R+Co Moon Landing Anti-Humidity Spray : A spritz or two of this spray keeps frizz away for up to 24 hours. Infused with deep conditioning vitamin E, frizz-calming Buriti oil, and a shine-inducing polymer blend, R+Co’s Anti-Humidity Spray is designed to work in the toughest humidity. Use after you style for a flexible hold with a satin finish.
Originally published on March 28, 2019, Last updated March 7, 2024.