There is nothing I love more than putting on makeup after a long day at the beach to head out to dinner. Frankly I just love doing my makeup in summer so much more anyways! So if you’re packing for your next warm-weather getaway, here’s my curated list of summer travel beauty essentials makeup items I never leave home without-lightweight, long-wearing, and travel-friendly.
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It Cosmetics CC Cream // YSL 24hr Blush // Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops // YSL Waterproof Mascara // SPF Lipgloss // Similar Makeup Sunscreen Spray // Charlotte Tilbury Setting Powder
As someone who doesn’t use a lot of makeup, I had this horrible habit of suddenly packing ALL the makeup I owned whenever we would go on a trip. That eyeshadow palette I haven’t used in years? I have to bring it! I really don’t know what comes over me. After frankly being annoyed by this kind of over packing, I’ve finally narrowed my makeup down to the things I use, and that make me feel beautiful. Plus they things that actually work in the heat, don’t take up too much space, and keep me feeling fresh and confident all day.
Summer Travel Beauty Essentials
Lipgloss (with SPF!) | I didn’t used to think about SPF in lip products until my lips got burned a few summers ago. Sunburned lips are not cute and they hurt way more than you’d think. Now I make sure every summer trip starts with a good gloss that not only looks amazing, but also protects.
I’ve found a couple that check all the boxes: sheer color, not sticky, flattering on everyone, and SPF built in. I throw one in every bag so I’m never without it. Favorite #1 / Favorite #2
Lipstick | You know how they say millennials can’t feel put together anymore without lipstick? That’s so me! I love a good lightweight, long wearing lipstick especially for summer when my makeup is more minimal. My two favorites are Nars and Armani. When I travel in the summer, I’m not trying to do a full glam look every day. But I do love having a lip color that pulls everything together—something that makes me feel put-together even if I’m just wearing tinted SPF and mascara.
They’re creamy but not heavy, and once they’re on, they stay on. I’ve worn them through Aperol spritzes, beach walks, and three-hour train rides and still looked like I put in effort. Nars and Armani are my two go-to’s. These are the best lightweight, long-wearing lipsticks for summer. Favorite #1 / Favorite #2
Long Wearing Blush | A little blush goes a long way-especially when you’re tired, jet-lagged, or just want to look more awake. I love long-wearing formulas that actually stay put, even when it’s humid or you’ve been out all day sightseeing.
I usually go for cream or liquid blushes in the summer because they blend so easily and give that “I just got back from the beach” flush. These two are my current long-wearing blush for summer favorites because they look super natural, layer well, and honestly just make me feel cute. Favorite #1 / Favorite #2
Bronzer | Is it even summer if you’re not faking a little sun-kissed glow? I always travel with bronzer, always. It brings life back to your face, especially after a long travel day or when your skin is looking a little dull from sunscreen build-up or plane air.
I look for bronzers that blend easily and don’t have that overly sparkly, fake-tan vibe. These are the two I keep going back to because they give warmth and definition without being obvious and will achieve that summer bronzed look. Favorite #1 / Favorite #2
SPF (A Non-Negotiable) | This is the most important thing in my beauty bag. No matter where I’m going, I never skip sunscreen. I used to hate the way SPF felt under makeup, but there are so many good formulas now that feel like nothing on the skin-and even make your skin look better.
These two are my holy grails: they layer beautifully under makeup (or work great solo), don’t leave a white cast, and keep me protected while I’m wandering around new cities or hanging by the water. Favorite #1 / Favorite #2
Mascara (Both Under $10!) | I love a good luxury mascara moment, but for summer travel? I want something that works and won’t make me cry if it dries out by the end of the trip. These two mascaras are both under $10 and honestly perform better than some of the pricey ones I’ve tried.
They’re long-wearing, don’t smudge (even in sweaty weather), and give me those thick eyelashes that I love! Favorite #1 / Favorite #2
Brows | Brows are one of those things that can instantly change your whole face. Even when I’m wearing basically nothing else, a little brow gel or pencil makes me feel put-together. Especially on a beach day!
I like products that are quick, foolproof, and have real staying power. These two are tried and true. Whether you’re going for a feathered, fluffy look or just filling in sparse spots, you can’t go wrong. Favorite #1 / Favorite #2
SPF Tint | If I could only bring one face product with me on a summer trip, it would be a tinted SPF. It’s skincare and makeup in one, and it’s perfect for mornings when you’re getting ready in five minutes flat.
These ones even out your skin tone, give you that fresh-faced glow, and protect you from the sun, all without feeling cakey or heavy. I wear them every day when I travel, and I love that they make my skin feel good too. Favorite #1 / Favorite #2
A Few Extras | If you lean more towards the oily side, I love this matte creme for an oil-free complexion! I also love the Nars Creamy Concealer for brightening my under eyes or concealing any spots. I wear shade ‘custard’.
Summer travel beauty is all about keeping it simple, fresh, and fuss-free. You don’t need a million products-you just need the right ones. These are the beauty essentials that make me feel like my best self on the go. They’re light, reliable, and give me that easy summer confidence without weighing down my bag (or my face).
If you’re heading somewhere sunny soon, I hope this list helps you pack smarter and feel a little more prepped. And if you’ve got any holy grail summer beauty essentials I should try, drop them in the comments, I’m always excited to try new items and add one more to my lineup!
Shop My Summer Travel Beauty Essentials
Bare Minerals Tinted Moisturizer // Brow Lamination // Nars Matte Lipstick // YSL 24hr Blush // Mario Bronzer Stick // Saie Liquid Blush // Waterproof Mascara // SPF Lipgloss
Looking for summer travel inspo? Check these guides out:
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