beauty

'I'm a beauty editor. Here's every single product I took to Europe (that fits in one makeup bag).'

You are looking at a chronic overpacker. A makeup hoarder. With a bathroom masquerading as a skincare bazaar

I am the girl who has everything, can find nothing and sits on the floor in a puddle of tears when she's forced to choose what's going in her suitcase. But I decided this year was different.

SO. 

You can trust me when I say I have finally conquered the ultimate Europe beauty list that all fits IN. ONE. MAKE UP. BAG. 

That's right ladies and gentlemen, you can stuff everything in the one little vessel (including all your haircare bits) and go on the road. 

I took these items with me for a month-long trip in Europe last month, and they didn't fail me. In fact, I didn't have one meltdown about missing something I 'needed'. 

It was immaculate. 

Here, let me take you through the packing list, and the little additions that will ensure you have a full beauty routine that is lightweight and portable. 

Thank me later. 

The best makeup bag to take to Europe. 

Holme Make Up BagImage: Holme

ADVERTISEMENT

I am of the opinion that most makeup bags are gaslighting me: they look roomy until the products are in it. 

The Holme Make Up Bag is a completely different ballgame. It's compact but has two segments (one for makeup, one for haircare/skincare), that feel like Mary Poppins' bag. You can just keep putting products in it somehow! 

At just $55, it's a smarter buy than getting a bunch of $20 ones that won't go the distance and won't hold your stuff. 

This bag is a pocket rocket.

The best travel containers for Europe. 

You're just not going to get your full-sized shampoo and conditioner in one bag no matter how hard you try, so it's time to buy mini, or decant. 

For minis, I suggest looking at brands like Ouai and Benefit, who sell some darling little mini products for your beauty bag. The waiting line aisles at MECCA and Sephora are also a goldmine. 

ADVERTISEMENT

But if you're looking to save money and try an old faithful, I recommend getting four silicone bottles (Shampoo, Conditioner, Cleanser, Body Wash), one plastic jar (Body Cream), and some perfume atomisers to slim down your packing weight.

I got all of mine from Kmart for under $20.

Kmart Travel Solutions Silicone Bottles 2 Pack, $5.50  

Kmart Travel Solutions Silicone Bottles 2 PackImage: Kmart.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kmart 5 Pack Travel Solutions Stackable Jars, $3  

Kmart 5 Pack Travel Solutions Stackable JarsImage: Kmart.

Kmart OXX Travel 2 Pack Perfume Atomiser, $5.50

Kmart OXX Travel 2 Pack Perfume AtomiserImage: Kmart.

ADVERTISEMENT

The ultimate beauty packing list for Europe. 

Check off this list before you print your boarding pass. You won't regret it. 

  • Primer

  • Tan Drops

  • Foundation

  • Concealer

  • Contour

  • Blush

  • Highlight

  • Eyeshadow

  • Eyeliner

ADVERTISEMENT

  • Eyebrow Pencil

  • Eyebrow Gel 

  • Mascara

  • Setting Spray

  • Powder

  • Lip Liner

  • Lip Stick

  • Lip Gloss

  • Lip Sunscreen

  • Brushes

  • Sunscreen

  • Cleanser

  • Moisturiser

  • Actives

  • Bodycare

  • Shampoo

  • Conditioner

  • Hair Oil/Hair Protectant

  • Miscellaneous

  • Perfume

  • Medications and analgesics 

So, what actually was in my Europe makeup bag?

BASE

Holme Beauty Base Primer, $70

ADVERTISEMENT

Great for no-makeup days, and beach days, this primer will even the skin tone without adding coverage.

Holme Beauty Base PrimerImage: Holme Beauty.

Morphe Hot Shot Sun Drops, $26  

As you get a tan, these drops become a lifesaver to warm up your foundation.

Morphe Hot Shot Sun DropsImage: Morphe.

ADVERTISEMENT

Too Faced Born This Way Multi-Use Concealer, $63  

I skipped foundation in favour of this concealer, a little goes a long way!

Too Faced Born This Way Multi-Use ConcealerImage: MECCA.

ADVERTISEMENT

CONTOUR

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand, $60

Bronze up and add shape with this contour wand that blends quickly (great for when you're in a hurry).

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour WandImage: MECCA.

ADVERTISEMENT

BLUSH

Morphe Huephoric Rush 3-In-1 Silk Blush, $24  

An all time favourite blush that blends well and is a nice dewy formula.

Morphe Huephoric Rush 3-In-1 Silk BlushImage: Morphe.

ADVERTISEMENT

Benefit Benetint Rose Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain, $42  

Great for no makeup days and as a lip tint for all day wear.

Benefit Benetint Rose Tinted Lip & Cheek StainImage: Benefit.

ADVERTISEMENT

NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush in Dolce Vita, $56

An alternate blush in a trustworthy formula, again, great shade range.  

NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush in Dolce VitaImage: MECCA.

HIGHLIGHT

Kevyn Aucoin Lighting Stick in Soft Light, $96  

ADVERTISEMENT

The only highlighter worth having.

Kevyn Aucoin Lighting Stick in Soft LightImage: MECCA.

EYESHADOW

Makeup By Mario Master Mattes™ Eyeshadow Palette, $102  

Go plain and simple on the eyeshadow, plus you can use the darker shades as liner.

Makeup By Mario Master Mattes™ Eyeshadow PaletteImage: Sephora.

ADVERTISEMENT

MASCARA

Benefit Fan Fest Fanning & Volumizing Mascara, $49  

This mascara is so good, you simply have to have it.

Benefit Fan Fest Fanning & Volumizing MascaraImage: Benefit.

ADVERTISEMENT

EYEBROWS

L'Oréal Paris Brow Artist Skinny Definer, $19.99  

Add some definition to the brows with a skinny pencil.

L'Oréal Paris Brow Artist Skinny DefinerImage: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel, $48  

Set the brows all day, even in the European heat.

Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter Clear Brow GelImage: Benefit.

ADVERTISEMENT

SETTING THE FACE

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, $56 (I had the mini one!)  

This stuff will glue your makeup to your face.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting SprayImage: Charlotte Tilbury

ADVERTISEMENT

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder, $91 (Again, go mini!)

For when you want to set your face but don't want to look cakey! This formula is SO finely milled.

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder,Image: MECCA.

BRUSHES

Holme Beauty Brush Number 3 (Foundation), $41 

ADVERTISEMENT

The best brushes ever are Holme, including this one for foundation and other base products.

Holme Beauty Brush Number 3 (Foundation)Image: Holme Beauty.

Holme Beauty Brush Number 4 (Contour), $43 

This has a slightly narrower head which is good for blush and contour.

Holme Beauty Brush Number 4 (Contour)Image: Holme Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

Holme Beauty Brush Number 2 (Highlight), $37 

Highlight and set with powder!

Holme Beauty Brush Number 2 (Highlight)Image: Holme Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

MAC 217S Blending Brush, $49 

Will do everything you need for your eyes — lay down lid colour and blend in the crease.

MAC 217S Blending BrushImage: MAC.

ADVERTISEMENT

Benefit Dual-Ended Angled Eyebrow Brush, $39

The best liner and eyebrow-shading brush. Comes with a spoolie!

Benefit Dual-Ended Angled Eyebrow BrushImage: Benefit.

ADVERTISEMENT

LIPS

Lanolips Sun Balm SPF 30 Tropical Lip Balm, $14.95  

Always bring sun protection (alongside all the other slip/slop/slap methods like wearing a long-sleeve shirt, hat, and sunglasses).

Lanolips Sun Balm SPF 30 Tropical Lip BalmImage: Lanolips.

ADVERTISEMENT

Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Versatile Chestnut, $37

A deep chestnut colour that lasts for hours and blends so easily.

Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Versatile ChestnutImage: Sephora.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Iced Coffee, $42

ADVERTISEMENT

Smells so good you'll want to eat it, plus your lips look so juicy.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Iced CoffeeImage: MECCA.

Kylie Cosmetics Lip Liner in Lure, $26  

Pouty every day look? This is it.

Kylie Cosmetics Lip Liner in LureImage: MECCA.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kosas Wet Stick Moisture Lip Shine in Malibu, $42

Light and bright for daily wear, and super moisturising.

Kosas Wet Stick Moisture Lip Shine in MalibuImage: MECCA.

ADVERTISEMENT

MISCELLANEOUS

Benefit Brow Grooming Tweezer & Brush, $39

You never know when you'll have a stray eyebrow hair (or accidentally walk into a European cactus bush like I did)!

Benefit Brow Grooming Tweezer & BrushImage: Benefit.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ere Perez Eco Sharpener, $18

Those lip liners will need it!

Ere Perez Eco SharpenerImage: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

CLEANSER

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser, $24.99

Decant this and you're good to go! Such a lovely formula and great for those with troublesome skin.

CeraVe Blemish Control CleanserImage: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

SKINCARE

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion, $25.99

A simple moisturiser is the best bet. I avoid most active skincare when I'm in the sun more.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising LotionImage: Supplied.

SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+, $68

A no brainer! (As aforementioned, make sure you reapply and use other forms of sun protection too!)

ADVERTISEMENT

SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+Image: Adore Beauty.

Sundae Let's Get Tropical Whipped SPF50 Sunscreen, $34.99

Ditto!

Sundae Let's Get Tropical Whipped SPF50 SunscreenImage: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

BODY CARE

Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Body Lotion, $50

Nothing worse than skin gone scaly in the sun. This will also have you smelling like a dream.

Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Body LotionImage: Sephora.

ADVERTISEMENT

HAIRCARE

OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo, $29

So good for when your hair is a little more fragile from being in the salt water or chlorine!

OUAI Fine Hair ShampooImage: Sephora.

ADVERTISEMENT

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner, $68

Give it back some nourishment with this moisturising conditioner.

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture ConditionerImage: MECCA.

ADVERTISEMENT

Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, $54

Heat protection and anti-frizz, I never leave home without it.

Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil,Image: MECCA.

ADVERTISEMENT

PERFUME

Jennifer Lopez ONE Limitless Eau de Parfum, $50

I get so many compliments on this and it's so affordable.

Jennifer Lopez ONE Limitless Eau de ParfumImage: Supplied.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist, $41

Lychee, light, sweet perfection. This will have everyone asking what you're wearing. Plus, it layers well!

ADVERTISEMENT

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 68 Perfume MistImage: MECCA.

Featured image: Supplied / Cassandra GreenAt Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Calling all Australians aged 18+! We want to hear from you. Complete our survey now to go in the running to win a $50 gift voucher.

00:00 / ???