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Packing makeup in my carry-on for security is a well-oiled process for me. As someone who *thinks* they’re organized, I get antsy seeing people scramble with their things for airport security. Once I’m out of the long line and into the mini line for my designated scanner, I’m watching what those ahead are doing: shoes off or on; laptops out or not, hands-overhead scanner, etc. That’s on top of the planning I do at home. No belt, no hat, no service. I wear dark socks to not show airport floor dust. I go for slip-on boots or shoes, I always sport a carry-on bag with a very accessible laptop sleeve and enough room for my neck pillow (I refuse to loop it on the outside for risk of accidentally touching said airport floor). I pack any full-size liquids in my checked bag. So, yeah, I’m not schlepping in and out a cheap ol’ plastic bag of expensive miniatures of my home regime.
The secret to not travelling with liquids is to, well, not travel with liquids. Another way is to get a Nexus card. I have accrued a beauty program of products I love and reserve for jet-setting around the globe (when I can). While very rarely do I shop for a trip, I’ve found these because they piqued my curiosity on the shelf. So they’re good for me and my skin. And maybe they can work for you and your beauty bag – and not a sandwich baggie. I hope these can elevate your trips through the clouds.
I have a disclaimer, though. While I have never had issues, on a recent trip with a friend, she declared she has had to show her balms. Plus, rules change often. So, before you travel, to be sure, just check out the two airports you’ll be travelling from (more than two – lucky you!).
Travelling without liquids
No liquids or plastic baggie required. Here are some alternatives to your liquid beauty faves.
Nudestix Pinkglow Stax Set, $49, at shoppersdrugmart.ca
Powder to cream blush, shadow and lippy
This set includes two mirrored compacts: a powder-to-cream blush, shadow and lip colours that stack with a magnetic click. The baked-like texture starts dry but it hydrates skin as you blend, blend, blend. I love the buildable pigments and the prettiest flush.
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Patrick Ta Major Brow Shaping Wax, $34, at sephora.ca
Brow styling soap
It was in the chair of a British makeup artist when I discovered soap brows, and I’ve never gone back. The soap bar-like, tacky feel gives you so much control and is easy to use – if you don’t use too much. This one though contains good-for-your-brow ingredients to support new growth, soften and condition the hair.
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Laurel Skin Eye Balm, $104 at detoxmarket.ca
Eye balm for dark circles and puffy eyes
Nothing makes me look like I came from the spa more than this eye treatment. The plant-based rich and gentle balm helps soothe puffy and/or dark eyes. A must pack for overnight flights.
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Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Powder Foundation, $54, at sephora.ca
Powder foundation compact
If you’re going to try a powder foundation, then you do it with Fenty Beauty, known for its range of shades and inclusivity. So of course the brand has multiple ways to wear foundation. This one comes in 50 shades and is very buildable and stays put. It doesn’t sit in fine lines and blurs imperfections.
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Dermalogical Daily Microfoliant, $28, at dermalogica.ca
Dry cleanser
If you’ve never heard of this product, know that it is an icon. Like with a salt shaker, you sprinkle a dash in your pam and slowly add water to make a paste to cleanse your face. But don’t be scared of the exfoliating claim, as it is gentle enough to use daily on your trip.
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Shiseido Camellia Multi Relief SOS Balm, $32, at thebay.ca
Solid moisturizer for face body and hair
Whether it’s destination or airplane climate causing dryness, a good multi-balm should do the trick for face, lips, elbows, feet, flyaways, wherever. While not on label, I often use the leftover balm in my hands after applying on my skin on the ends of my hair or along my hairline for flyaways.
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Clé de Peau Beauté The Concealer N Stick, $98 at holtrenfrew.ca
Concealer Stick
The powdery texture on this concealer is easy to use when you don’t have a vanity or a brush for full application. The coverage is solid and is good for redeye tired eyes and unexpected stress pimples. It lasts for six hours to hydrated – almost as long as an overseas flight.
Neutrogena Mineral Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Face & Body Sunscreen Stick, $23, at shoppersdrugmart.ca
Sunscreen body stick
Easy to pack: check. High enough SPF: check. Solid application: check. This SPF 50 sunscreen stick is a dream to apply. You don’t feel it moving along the body or around the face like with its liquidy cousins like sunscreen lotions and creams. That said, I do to rub it into hard to reach spots. This one contains 21.6% zinc oxide mineral sunscreen for both UVA/UVB protection.
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Briogeo Style + Treat Dry Shampoo Powder Puff, $38, at sephora.ca
Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoo
You may not pick up an aerosol dry shampoo spritzer again. The puff applicator is like putting on body face powder, you just pat the sponge where you want it to go and comb it through. The powdery stuff contains biotin and peptides for hair health and starch to absorb oil. You may also like its light, sweet scent, too.
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The Haircare Travel Duo, $24, at helloeverist.com
No liquid shampoo and conditioner
After using an Airbnb-supplied shampoo and conditioner that sent me to a salon for a washout, I swore never to rely on my hosts ever again. And Everist is the perfect solution. The disk like containers sit nicely at the bottom or the side of my makeup bag, and the lack of water allows me to control how intense I want the shampoo and conditioner to be. It’s very luxe.
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Trinny Londond Lip Treat, $36, at trinnylondon.com
Lip balm pot
Lip balm for a carry-on? Ground breaking, I know. But this stuff is loaded the good stuff (hyaluronic acid), both hydrating and leaves a pretty shine. It also locks in moisture, so you don’t have to keep going back into the overhead compartment to retrieve it from your bag to apply it again and again. It can also be worn under your favourite lipstick or gloss, too.
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TANIT Fresh Mint Toothpaste Tablets, $23, at well.ca.
Better than gum
These are a life, rather, mouth saver. When gum won’t cut it, I head to the loo, chew on a toothpaste tablet and swish some water. I still pack regular ol’ toothpaste for the hotel, but these are perfect after an inflight nap.
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And depending on where I’m headed, I’ll reserve an early morning trip to the pharmacy near my stay to load up products on as souvenirs. It’s something that the editor of Old-ish preaches and I listen. It’s a way to scoop up souvenirs that bring you that Madeleine de Proust feeling.