Having a ton of makeup is a blessing and a curse when it comes to traveling.
With so many options, but so little room, it can be stressful figuring out what you need to pack. And, what you don't need to pack.
That's why in this post, you'll learn all the travel makeup bag essentials you need to have prepped & ready for your next big trip!
Top Makeup Bag Essentials
About to go on a big vacation?! Or, just going on a quick weekend getaway?
Check out these top 11 makeup bag essentials so you have everything you need to look your best while on-the-go.
1. Tinted Moisturizer (with SPF)
A tinted moisturizer is the perfect combination of moisturizer meets light coverage foundation meets sunscreen.
What's not to love about a product that hydrates, protects, and enhances your complexion?!
Having a tinted moisturizer is a great hack to have if you don't necessarily want to pack three separate products (moisturizer, foundation, & facial sunscreen) all in your makeup bag.
Plus, a tinted moisturizer gives the perfect light coverage while making your skin look & feel AMAZING.
In need of a tinted moistuirzer? Check out the Elta MD SPF 44 Tinted Moisturizer.
It's super hydrating, acts as a strong facial sunscreen, plus gives a nice light to moderate coverage.
2. Concealer
Concealer is another must-have makeup bag essential.
Whether you struggle with dark undereyes, or need to cover up a breakout, it's always good to have concealer on hand.
This is especially true if you are only packing a tinted moisturizer and need a bit more coverage to cover any blemishes you may have.
Need a recommendation? Check out the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer.
It truly lasts all day long, plus gives a nice medium, buildable coverage to easily cover any blemishes you may have.
3. Mascara
Check out: Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara
Mascara is truly an ABSOLUTE must-have makeup bag essential.
Mascara can transform your makeup look and instantly make you look more put together.
This is especially good if you don't want to pack all your eye makeup products, but still want to make your eyes pop.
Plus, who doesn't love having super long lashes?!
The Benefit Roller Lash Mascara is life-changing. It helps make your lashes super long without looking too flakey and messy.
So, if you love a mascara that gives very long and defined lashes, be sure to check out this mascara!
4. Eyelash Curler
Check out: Revlon Eyelash Curler- $4.89
Using an eyelash curler!
An eyelash curler is truly a game-change when it comes to achieving longer, more voluminous lashes.
This is especially true if your have straighter eyelashes.
I personally always will curl my lashes before applying mascara to really make my lashes standout.
You can easily find an eyelash curler at Ulta or on Amazon.
I've been using my Revlon Eyelash Curler for nearly 10 years (haha!) and it still gets the job done.
5. Perfume
Don't forget to pack your go-to perfume in your makeup bag.
Who doesn't want to smell AMAZING?
Perfume or having a signature fragrance in general is sometimes forgotten about or considered not that important.
But, a couple sprays of perfume can instantly make you feel more attractive + confident.
Consider having a travel size amount of your signature perfume.
This way you won't have a big perfume bottle taking up space next to your other makeup bag essentials.
Need a signature perfume recommendation? The Chloe Eau de Parfum smells beautiful.
It has more of a subtle floral scent that is nice and feminine without being too overwhelming.
6. Bronzer
Check out: Benefit Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer-$35
Bronzer is a really versatile makeup product that's another travel makeup essential.
Bronzer not only can be used to add warmth to your complexion, but it con also be used to contour your cheeks, nose, forehead, etc. to look snatched.
Plus, bronzer can even be used as a great neutral eyeshadow.
Just don't forget to pack your makeup brushes to apply your bronzer (& blush to be discussed next!).
Need a bronzer recommendation? The Benefit Hoola Bronzer gives a gorgeous, natural sun-kissed look.
The product is super blendable, and the product itself lasts for years!
7. Blush
Blush gives a nice pop of color that can help lift & enhance your face.
If you're looking for a pop of color to your checks to look more alive, be sure to pack your blush as another top makeup bag essentials.
The Nars Blush in Orgasm gives a gorgeous peachy pink look with a hint of shimmer to perfect your makeup look, even if you have limited products in your bag.
8. Lip Gloss
Check out: Too Faced Mini Lip Injection Lip Plumper- $18
Lip gloss is another absolute travel makeup bag must-have.
Not only does lip gloss help hydrate your lips & can make your lips pop, some lip glosses even have a plumping effect to naturally make your lips more voluminous.
So, if you want to make your lips look temporarily a bit more poutier, consider getting a lip plumping lip gloss.
Need a recommendation? The Too Faced Lip Injection Lip Plumper works AMAZING.
While it obviously is temporary, you can certainly notice the difference after applying.
And, it gives a nice glossy look to complete your makeup.
This specific lip gloss also has a mini size which is a perfect additional to your makeup bag essentials.
9. Setting Spray
Check out: Morphe Setting Spray- $17
A setting spray is always good to have on hand, whether it be as part of your daily makeup routine or while on-the go.
A setting spray helps lock in your makeup look all-day. Plus, it can be super hydrating to apply.
The Morphe Setting Spray is my go-to setting spray that keeps my makeup looking flawless all-day.
10. Makeup Remover
Check out: Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover- $7.41
While not a technically a makeup product, having makeup remover + cotton rounds packed is certainly one of the top makeup bag essentails.
There's nothing worse than forgetting to bring eye makeup remover!
If you have more sensitive skin, the Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover works great at effortlessly removing any stubborn eye makeup, while also not irritating the skin around your eyes.
Just don't forget to pack cotton rounds for your eye makeup remover too!
11. Nail File
Check out: Crystal Glass Nail File-$8.97
Again, not a makeup product, but certainly a makeup bag essentials must-have: a nail file.
The last thing you want is to chip a nail and not have a nail file on hand!
My personal fav nail file is a glass nail file, rather than a traditional nail file which can sometimes be rough on your nails + promote breakage.
You can easily find a glass nail file off of Amazon.
Bottom Line: Makeup Bag Essentials
Whether you are about to go on your next weekend getaway, or beach vacation, there are soooo many makeup products you need to remember to pack!
Now you know all the makeup bag essentials to pack before your next trip to look & feel your best!!
