Favorites: Must-Have Makeup!
The 13 Items I Use Daily - At Home + Abroad
This post contains some affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. More Info Here
This year has been jam-packed with travel! From spring in Belgium where I tucked in two side trips via train to Amsterdam and Paris to a month in Ankara plus a 20-day trip in southeastern Türkiye and summer in Istanbul, Pompeii, New York and Lesvos, I have been around. Traveling with makeup is usually heavy and space consuming so I have pared my bag down to these key items! Now, they are pretty much the only items. Before we cover the makeup must-haves, a few disclosures on what else I do to before the makeup!
Skincare
I am pretty minimal, but consistent. I wash my face morning and night and moisturize directly after. I never leave without an SPF of some kind on (particularly that dream BB fresh!) and I prefer a pretty clean look and feel over heavy makeup. I am admittedly selectively cheap, so I am currently using L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Day + Night Creams (under $16 each).
Semi-Permanent Makeup
I am super active which means water, sweat, workouts, travel, you name it! I decided a few years go to get my eyebrows and my eyeliner done and I cannot recommend Arden Gate Studio enough! In fact, I’ve had friends go in with no to minimal eyebrow hair and leave with gloriously and natural-looking results! The eyebrow process is pretty simple and relatively painless, the powder eye liner was.. intense but 100% worth it!! You do have to get it touched up and filled back in over time as the face delightfully renews cells regularly! Let her know if you go on my referral!
Magic
Growing up in Orange County, CA I saw a lot of fillers and med-spa treatments that were not my thing. I respect everyone’s choice to do what they want in any form and fashion, but I admittedly grouped them all together as “NOPE”. Now that I am older and wiser, I found NuBella Med-Spa in Irvine (they also have other locations in CA and AZ) and I cannot recommend them enough. I’ve only seen Nurse Kayla - but I love her approachable, friendly demeanor and her naturally beautiful look. I don’t do regular facials but I am a fan of ways to rehydrate, restore and enhance my skin subtly. If you book, please let them know Rose Cameron referred you :)
The Makeup List!
Venus Visage Teeth Whitening Pen (note - use both the 10% + 20% coupon now)
This thing is amazing. I’ve had my teeth professionally whitened multiple times at great cost and varying amounts of discomfort. This little pen works in half an hour, can be used daily or throughout the week, doesn’t hurt, takes 2 minutes and works like MAGIC. If you do anything, do this!
Dior Rouge Satin in 999 The Iconic Red (buy now)
The only lipstick you will ever need from here on out. This gorgeous classic red stays, and stays and stays! It looks and feels luxurious on and if you’re looking for a 1-minute way to pick up your look and look effortlessly chic, a bright red and a clean face is the way to go!
Thank Me Later Eye Primer (shop now)
What is the point of nice makeup when it’s sliding off your face or sinking into the creases of your pretty eyes? None. There is no point. Help it stay on through sweat, life, fun, dinner, whatever you’re getting up to! This takes one second to apply and truly works.
Maybelline Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream (add to cart!)
SPF, tinted moisturizer, lightweight and will smooth skin/redness and can be applied easily with your fingers. Does it get better? Nope! I use this everywhere I go. I’m a medium-deep in summer for what it’s worth!
ILIA - True Skin Serum Concealer (check price)
I picked this up in NYC and I really like it - I tend to have genetically gifted under eye circles and a little paw-print chicken pox scar along with 43 years of imperfections. This natural-feeling cruelty-free concealer is great at staying on and looking nice!
e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick (shop now)
Want a slightly sparkly glow on your eyelids? Cheeks? Lips? Shoulders? This one little stick does it all! Doubling as blush, bronzer, eyeshadow and more - I love a good multi-purpose item!
Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (check price)
Talk about a quick fix - after years of buying and hating cheap powders, I finally settled on this classic by Mac and I never need to search for anything else!
e.l.f. Ultra Precise Brow Pencil (under $6.00!)
Easy to use and goes on great! Even though I got my brows tattooed, I later had a mole removed that left some scarring - I need to go back in for a touch up and this is a great literal fill-in!
e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel (add to cart!)
Paired with the brow pencil or used alone, this is a great way to get a finished clean look without a lot of work or makeup!
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara (10% off subscribe coupon!)
I am showing an Yves Rocher above, but I’m open to many mascaras and this is a great under $10 option that is actually waterproof but washes off easily with soap!
Maybelline Hyper Precise All Day Eye Liner (<$10.00)
I got powder eyeliner tattooed for a subtle effect 24/7 but I love to add a crisp wing tip when I’m feeling fancy! This is super easy to use and stays put (especially when paired with the Thank Me Later primer above). Brows + Liner + Gloss = done!
Yves Rocher Lifeproof Eyeshadow Stick (not available in USA)
While not available in the USA - I’d try to find something similar if you can! I tend to break eyeshadow palettes while traveling and this little pencil travels great!
REVLON Lip Gloss, Super Lustrous The Gloss (pick your color - I have Fatal Apple!)
Simple, non-sticky, not annoying, lasts a long time and adds a pop of color! Swipe on and pair with a clean face for a fresh look on the go!
Travel Makeup / No Makeup / Permanent Makeup As Shown Below:
Few hours of sleep, just off the train in Paris - lipstick, earrings, scarf, who’s tired?
Traveled to hot Türkiye, pulled hair back, nice necklace on, t-shirt and bright lipstick - Istanbul dinner-ready!
Bed at midnight, up for the train at 5am to Amsterdam - sunglasses + lip + scarf, done!
Running, sweating, no makeup on Lesvos *except permanent makeup
Direct light, working out, no makeup on Lesvos *except permanent makeup