Minimalist makeup travel kit + my favorite travel bag

This post is all about my travel makeup essentials, how I pack my makeup for a trip, and the makeup bag I take with me. I have done quite a bit of traveling the last few months, so I wanted to give you a peek at what I take with me.

I have owned my Laura Mercier custom artist portfolio for over a year now and still adore it. It was limited edition and pretty pricey, but I have seen Laura Mercier come out with a few variations so I don't think it is gone forever. As an alternative, you could look at Trish McEvoy or Sonia Kashuk if the Laura Mercier isn't available. I have a full review of the Laura Mercier custom artist porfolio here if you want to see more pictures and how much makeup it can fit.

The makeup case has 4 mesh pockets - 1 large, 2 medium, and 1 small, that are magnetized so they come in and out easily. It also has a zippered brush page with a pocket on the back. Let's take a look at what I packed:

• Eyeshadow: Smashbox photo op eye trio in filter (mini size from a kit), Urban Decay Sin
• Primer: Too Faced shadow insurance (mini)
• Brows / Eyeliner: Anastasia Beverly Hills dipbrow pomade in medium brown (review here)
• Highlight: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlight in Champagne Gold (review here)
• Lips: Jack Black lip balm in grapefruit, Fresh sugar lip treatment in rose (mini)

• Practical necessities: Revlon tweezers, cotton rounds, cotton buds, flosser picks, and contacts

• Mascara: CoverGirl clump crusher extensions in black
• Concealer: NARS radiant creamy concealer in vanilla
• Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills clear brow gel 

•  Base: Skin79 BB cream in VIP gold
• Setting powder: Laura Mercier translucent powder (used for setting concealer) (mini)
• Blush: Hourglass Dim Infusion
• Bronzer: NARS Laguna (review here)
• Powder: Essence all about matt translucent powder
• Touch Ups: Essence all about matt blotting papers

Face Brushes:

• Real Techniques multi tasking brush
• Koyudo BP 010 tapered face brush

Eye Brushes:

• Chikuhodo Z-5 / for all over base eyeshadow color
• Koyudo BP 035 / for lid color
• EcoTools airbrush concealer / for setting concealer
• UBU concealer brush #21 / for under eye and face concealer (review here)
• Hakuhodo J521 / for tightlining and eyeliner (review here)
• Real Techniques eyeliner brush / for eyebrows (review here)

When I am flying, I make sure to separate out the liquids and gels (concealer, mascara, etc) into a plastic zip bag because I always take my luggage carry on. If your travel makeup bag doesn't have a section for brushes with a protective flap, I highly recommend a brush roll or something similar to protect the shape of your brushes.

I hope this was helpful! I love seeing what makeup and brushes other people pack - share yours in the comments!