Journal · Beauty tips · Travel
Travel makeup kit: what a makeup artist packs (and what to do when you forget)
We’ve all been there: you arrive at the airport, only to realise you’ve forgotten your favourite primer. Years ago, that happened to me. Luckily, a little pink beauty truck came to the rescue. Here’s that story, plus how I build a travel makeup kit today, so you look and feel like yourself wherever you land.
By Corrie Elle, founder and lead makeup artist · Updated October 2026 · 5 min read
The short version
- A good travel makeup kit is small, multi-use and packed around one look you love.
- Keep liquids, creams and gels in your carry-on in containers of 100 ml or less, inside one clear bag.
- Protect powders with a cotton pad, and decant favourites into minis instead of bringing full sizes.
- Travelling for a wedding or honeymoon? Pack your exact lipstick shade and a small touch-up kit.
Beauty on the go: the airport rescue
So, there I was at the airport, only to realise I’d forgotten my POREfessional primer from Benefit. With no time to race to Duty Free in the hope that they’d carry the line, I thought I was out of luck.
Just then, I stumbled across the cutest little Benefit vending truck at the Philadelphia airport, and I was extremely excited! It was packed with Benefit goodies, and it even had “Hello Gorgeous” written on the mirror at the back, as if in lipstick. Honestly, it was the perfect reminder that a well-planned travel makeup kit saves a lot of stress.
What to pack in a travel makeup kit
After years of travelling for weddings and shoots, I keep my personal travel makeup kit simple. Below are the essentials I recommend.
Base and glow
Face
- A skin tint or foundation in a mini size
- Concealer, which also works as a quick fix
- Cream blush that doubles as a lip colour
- Blotting papers, especially for hot places
Definition
Eyes and lips
- One neutral palette or a single matte shade
- Mascara, ideally in a travel size
- Then your favourite lipstick, as well as a liner
- Plus a tinted balm for flights and beach days
Prep and finish
Tools and care
- A hydrating moisturiser and SPF
- Primer, so your makeup lasts all day
- Finally, one fluffy brush and one small blending brush
- Micellar water or wipes for removing makeup
Tip: pick one look you love and pack only what it needs. In other words, if you won’t wear it at home, you won’t wear it on holiday.
How to pack makeup for travel
Packing well means fewer spills, fewer broken compacts and less time at security. So, here’s my method.
01
Choose multi-use products
First, look for products that do two jobs, such as a cream blush for cheeks and lips, or a bronzer you can also sweep into the crease.
02
Decant into minis
Next, pour liquids into small, leak-proof bottles. Sample sizes are perfect, and they keep your bag light.
03
Follow the liquids rule
Then place liquids, gels and creams of 100 ml or less in one clear, resealable bag of about one litre, so security is quick. (See the CATSA liquids rule for flights from Canada.)
04
Protect your powders
After that, press a cotton pad inside each powder compact, which helps stop it from cracking in transit.
05
Keep it in your carry-on
Finally, keep your travel makeup kit with you, rather than in checked luggage, so it’s ready for a fresh look when you land.
Travel makeup kit tips for long flights
Cabin air is very dry, so I keep makeup minimal on board. Instead, I focus on skincare: a rich moisturiser, a hydrating mist and lip balm.
Before landing, I add a little concealer, cream blush and mascara. As a result, I look fresh in minutes, without a full face of makeup sitting on dry skin for hours. Heading somewhere hot? Read my guide to summer wedding makeup.
Travelling for your wedding or honeymoon? In that case, pack your exact lipstick shade and a small touch-up kit, and read my tips on destination wedding hair and makeup.
Travel makeup kit: your questions
For more beauty tips and real weddings, follow us on Instagram.
Can I bring makeup in my carry-on?
Yes. Solid products, such as lipsticks and powders, are usually fine. Liquids, gels and creams must be 100 ml or less and fit in one clear bag, although it’s always worth checking your airport’s current rules.
What should be in a travel makeup kit?
Generally, a light base, concealer, a cream blush, mascara, one neutral eyeshadow, your favourite lipstick and a few tools. In addition, add moisturiser, SPF and makeup remover, and you’re ready.
How do I stop powder makeup from breaking when I travel?
Press a cotton pad inside the compact before closing it, and pack it between soft items. Alternatively, choose cream products, which can’t crack.
Should I wear makeup on a long flight?
Ideally, keep it light. Focus on hydrating skincare during the flight. Afterwards, add concealer, blush and mascara shortly before you land.
Travelling for your wedding? Let’s plan your look.
Tell us your date and destination. Next, we’ll design your look at your trial at home, then make sure you’re ready, wherever your wedding takes you.