Summer Makeup Bag Essentials for Vacation

Packing and traveling light for summer vacation includes the makeup bag! Since powders and sweat rarely combine well, light and creamy makeup products that offer a range of coverage while never feeling thick or cakey in the heat are key. I lean towards high-end makeup that doesn’t clog your pores, but I also love a high-quality, affordable steal that does the trick! From mascara to setting spray and everything in between, here are ten essentials in my summer travel makeup bag.

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Merit - The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick

I love this concealer stick, which works like a buildable concealer that can be a replacement for thick foundation when the temps are sky high. It’s perfectly named as it gives your face enough smoothness and color correction without looking heavy or splotchy. And since it's a stick, it's one less liquid to worry about packing for your summer getaway!

L'oreal Voluminous Burgundy Mascara

I was skeptical at first, but I have Tiktok to thank for this summer beauty hack. This inexpensive mascara gives beautiful volume and makes my already long lashes look longer without looking like "too much." If you're doing a more natural summer makeup look, this burgundy mascara isn't as harsh as a black or deep brown mascara, and instead really compliments the soft makeup look. I swear it doesn't look red when you're wearing it! 

Merit 1980 Eyebrow Pomade Gel

Quickly and easily keep your brows looking groomed with Merit's awesome 1980 eyebrow gel & the strong hold clear brow gel. Instead of taking the tip to pencil in the perfect brows, lightly brush through them with the colored brow gel, then keep them fluffy and in place with the strong hold clear brow gel, and you’ll instantly look more pulled together and refreshed. The color blends in seamlessly, and the clear brow gel basically makes it sweat proof.

Hero Rescue Balm

Oops! Did you get too much sun? Reach for this amazing rescue balm is the champ at color correcting redness and you're good to go. I have sensitive skin and I've used this for two summers straight, and haven't had any irritation with it! Whether you're want to cover your pink undertones, make red acne spots look less angry, or cover up some skin irritation from too much summer sun, the Rescue Balm is here to help. Though it goes on green, it somehow magically turns into the perfect shade for covering redness on your face!

Fenty Cream Contour Stick

Another tool that doesn’t require a brush, the Fenty Beauty Match Stix is perfect if you want to add a bit of contour to your makeup look. The shades are cool-toned so that you never look muddy and orangey. Dot a few places you’d like to create shadows and smudge with your fingers or a brush. 

e.l.f. Shadow Stick

I love an easy shadow stick for just a bit of shimmer on the eyelids in the summer. Forget powder eyeshadows, just dab a bit of this and maybe the multi-stick on your lids, and you’ll get an easy summer shimmer that will stay all day. I actually keep two of these in my bag - one in shade Magnetic Pull for a bit of darker depth and one in shade Champagne Crystal for a nude highlight color. 

Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush

If you try to protect your face from burning in the sun but still want that sun-kissed pink/peachy color, pop on a few dabs of this Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush. I swear by it for quick and easy blush, which you can blend with your fingertips, but it also works as a beautiful eyeshadow or lip shade in a pinch! If you have fair or pinky skin like myself, the Beverly Hills shade is literally perfection.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

I've officially joined the Summer Friday cult. I thought it was over-hyped until I bought the iconic gloss in two shades - Vanilla (clear) and Vanilla Beige (nude tinted) - and I'm officially a convert. I've worn it every day since. This lip balm is truly the only lip product you'll need all summer long. It gives enough color to look alive without being a stark shade you must maintain all day. It's super hydrating, smells (and tastes) amazing, and gives just enough buildable color and glossy shine to complete any look.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer

Sometimes if the product is good enough, it’s worth the splurge! Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer is perfect to top off your summer glow with a natural sun-kissed glow look. With no glitter or orange hues and only a hint of shine, it’s the perfect summer bronzer.

Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray

If you need a makeup look that will stay all day, this Urban Decay setting spray will make your makeup stay through the heat, sun, and rain. I’ve used this to keep my makeup fresh throughout photoshoots in Italy in July and full days at Disney World in May. It will stick through just about anything!