What I Do: Colleen's Travel Beauty Emergency Kit

What to do when you forget to pack your favorite beauty products. Try a whole new look now with our Instant Makeup Makeover!

By Colleen Moody

Share
colleen moody
Elizabeth Griffin
Back Next

Colleen Moody, Web Editor at CosmoGirl.com

Colleen's beauty stats: Early 20s; thick, short, curly hair, never dyed before; clear skin with the occasional breakout.

"There is nothing more frustrating than going away for the weekend, unzipping your cosmetic case, and realizing you forgot (insert favorite beauty product here). These panic-stricken moments happen to me more often than I like to admit, which is why I've learned how to work with the basics when traveling. Here are the essential beauty products that double up when I have those 'oops!' moments on the road. Not only will they help you save face, you'll lighten your packing load by learning to bring only what you really need."

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer

"This heavy-duty concealer is great doubled as an eye concealer when I forget to pack my usual tube. It goes on light and won't look like you've added a batter of makeup to your face. I use it to hide blemishes, dark circles, and whatever else my face throws at me for the day."

$18, sephora.com

vo5 shampoo in vanilla mint tea
Drugstore.com
Back Next

Alberto VO5 Tea Therapy Clarifying Shampoo in Vanilla Mint Tea

"I never take my expensive shampoo on the road with me because if I leave it in the hotel shower, I'll be mentally kicking myself the whole way back. This VO5 shampoo is super-inexpensive and lathers up thick enough to use as a substitute to shaving cream for your legs. I also use this trick at home when I want to save some extra cash."

$1.49, VO5.com

Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick

"Forgot your blush? Don't panic! You can use your favorite hue of lipstick to solve this issue. Using your finger, lightly dab color from your lipstick onto the apples of your cheeks. It may not give you that allover color you love, but it will prevent you from looking washed-out in pictures. I find this creamy pink shade in Sweet matches my blush color the closest."

$22, sephora.com

Drugstore.com
Back Next

Maybelline Line Works Ultra-Liner

"Warning: This one's for the makeup pros only. For me, going out without mascara on is equivalent to leaving the house naked. I feel less confident about my look and, therefore, my self-esteem suffers. To fix this, I started using liquid eyeliner in case I run out of mascara or leave it behind on a trip. By very lightly brushing the wand on my top lids (the bottom ones will have to suck it up this time), I can achieve a faux mascara look. Just make sure not to use too much, or else you will be wearing it everywhere but your eyelashes!"

$6.29, drugstore.com

Drugstore.com
Back Next

Dove Ultimate Stay Smooth Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

"Forgetting your perfume on a trip isn't the worst thing that could happen, but having it definitely adds that extra kick to your outfit. If I leave my favorite fragrance behind, I dab my deodorant on my wrists to get the same effect. Dove has some great light scents like Wild Rose, so it doesn't smell like you took a bath in baby powder."

$4.99, drugstore.com

Return to Slideshow

Related Links