Save or Splurge: A Multi-Tasking, Travel-Friendly Beauty Edit
Our columnist, Sarah-Jane Froom is a professional makeup artist with over 15 years of experience, notably serving as the International Makeup Artist for bareMinerals. Her diverse career encompasses TV presenting, global press events, editorial photo shoots, and collaborations with high-profile celebrities and fashion brands.
When it comes to packing for your next adventure, the key to a flawless beauty routine is minimalism. Choosing small, multi-tasking products means you can leave heavy palettes and bulky bottles behind while still creating a fresh, glowing look. Also products that will hydrate, protect, and enhance your natural beauty.
Start with skin-first essentials that combine multiple steps in one product. Then, finish off with a few multi-use items to give you a polished, radiant look. Here’s how to pack light while looking your best, whether you’re on a city break or heading to the beach.
Step 1: Base / Tint / SPF
Save: Typology – Tinted Serum SPF 50
A lightweight, sheer tint with built-in SPF protection. It’s vegan, reef-safe, and perfect for a natural glow. It’s in a 30ml glass bottle for easy packing.
Use for: A flawless base and sun protection in one.
Splurge: Ultra Violette – Daydream Screen SPF 50
A sheer, hydrating tint that gives skin a luminous finish. Packed with skincare benefits for a glowing, protected complexion. A beach-to-bar glow with full sun protection!
Artistry tip: Massage into skin using fingers, allowing the formula to melt into your complexion for an even finish. A small amount is all you need – the tints are light and buildable.
Step 2: Cheek / Lip / Eye Tint
Save: Beauty Bay – Cream Blush Stick
A versatile, vegan cream stick in a variety of stunning shades. Use on cheeks, lips, and eyelids for a pop of natural colour and a quick, effortless flush across lips, cheeks, and eyes.
Splurge: Milk Makeup – Lip + Cheek Mini Stick
This is an iconic creamy formula that melts into the skin for a natural finish. It’s only a 6g mini size – ideal for travel.
Use for: A multi-tonal glow with hydrating colour.
Artistry tip: Apply directly to cheeks, lips, and eyelids. Use your fingers to blend into skin for a seamless, monochromatic look.
Step 3: Conceal / Brighten / Sculpt
Save: 3INA – The Concealer Pen
A brilliant lightweight click-up pen with medium coverage. Perfect for brightening the under-eyes, covering redness, and sculpting.
Use for: Quick touch-ups and a fresh-faced look.
Splurge: Jones Road – The Face Pencil
A multi-purpose pencil to conceal, brighten, and sculpt your face. Has a creamy texture that blends easily into skin.
Use for: Highlighting, contouring, and a natural finish.
Artistry tip: Dab under eyes, around the nose, or on any blemishes. Blend with your fingers or a sponge to create an even, lifted look.
Step 4: Eyeshadow / Liner / Brows
Save: KIKO Milano – Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick
A stunning, smooth, blendable eyeshadow stick that sets quickly. Use as eyeshadow, liner, or to define the brows.
Use for: Quick, long-lasting colour for lids or liner.
Splurge: Victoria Beckham Beauty – Lid Lustre (Mini)
This is a luxe shimmer eyeshadow with a gorgeous, sophisticated finish. Available in travel-sized pots.
Use for: A stunning glimmering lid that catches the light.
Artistry tip: For a natural look, swipe the eyeshadow stick directly across your eyelids and blend with fingers. Add more layers for intensity or use as liner. For extra glamour, apply the shimmer eyeshadow to the centre of your lids.
Step 5: Multipurpose Balm (Lips / Skin / Gloss)
Save: Dr. Lipp – Original Nipple Balm (4ml Mini)
A stunningly rich balm that hydrates lips, brows, and any dry patches. Small, travel-friendly pot.
Use for: A hydrating gloss or cheekbone highlight.
Splurge: Summer Fridays – Lip Butter Balm (Mini)
This is a nourishing balm that doubles as a glossy topper for lips or eyes. It gives a smooth, glossy finish with a luxurious feel.
Use for: A fresh, glossy glow.
Artistry tip: Apply the balm to lips, high points of your cheeks, or even as a dewy eyelid gloss. It’s the perfect all-in-one product for a fresh, glowing look.
Step 6: Bronzer & Highlight Duo
Save: e.l.f. – Bite Size Face Duo (Bronzer + Highlight)
A compact with a blendable bronzer and highlight for a stunning fresh glow. It’s small enough to fit in any travel bag.
Use for: Sculpting and adding a glow without the bulk.
Splurge: Hourglass – Ambient Lighting Mini Bronzer & Highlight
A soft-focus glow for a lit-from-within finish. It’s travel-sized and perfect for any complexion.
Use for: Buildable glow and sun-kissed radiance.
Artistry tip: Sweep bronzer or use fingers to blend across your temples, cheekbones, and jawline. Apply the highlight to the tops of your cheekbones, nose, and cupid’s bow for a soft glow.
This simple step-by-step guide and product recommendations should give you everything you need for a flawless, travel-friendly beach-to-bar beauty routine. Whether you're heading to a warm destination or exploring a city, these multi-tasking, hybrid products will make your skin and makeup routine effortlessly beautiful.
