Okay so last week I was prepping for this weekend getaway to the coast and ugh – my usual makeup bag felt like a brick. Saw all those Tiktok videos about “smart travel makeup bags” and thought, let me actually try this myself instead of just doomscrolling.
Step 1: Dumping Everything Out
First I literally tipped my whole vanity drawer onto the bed. Found like 3 half-used foundations, 5 lipsticks in the same coral shade, and way too many single eyeshadows. Felt kinda embarrassing honestly.
The Brutal Elimination Round
Started picking products based on these rules:
- Multi-use or bust: Grabbed my cream blush that works on lips too, used a brown eyeliner that doubles as brow pencil.
- Size matters: Ditched full-size setting spray for a travel bottle, pressed powder instead of loose one that explodes.
- “Will I actually use this?” test: That glitter eyeshadow palette from 2019? Left behind.
Packing Hacks That Worked
Watched those Tiktok hacks and tried three:
- Put cotton rounds INSIDE the compact case – saved so much space!
- Used contact lens cases for liquid foundation/concealer (genius)
- Wrapped brushes in my socks inside the shoe – zero damage
The Final Test
Stuffed everything into this tiny quilted bag I got free with a perfume purchase. Zipped it up – barely fit in my palm! At the hotel I timed myself: full makeup done in 12 mins flat with no missing products. Even did evening touchups without opening my suitcase.
Real talk though? Still packed two lipsticks too many. But for a first try? Call me impressed with those little life hacks.
