What I packed for my work trip to Europe…In summer.
I’m recently back from a work trip to Europe, where I looked after eight bridesmaids for a friend’s wedding, in seriously hot, humid weather.
I’ve travelled a lot for work over the past 18 years, mostly to warm climates, and this was the lightest I’ve ever packed.
Naturally, the products that made the cut were water-resistant, waterproof, and multi-use and importantly, compact. I’m talking cream eyeshadow sticks or crayons. These are easily in my top three go-to products of all time.
Before you pack, make sure you understand your skin type, how it behaves in the climate you’re travelling to, and the kind of looks you’d like to wear while away. Know the finish you’re after for most occasions - for example, for a formal event, I like a velvet finish with highlights placed strategically, while for a beach bar, I’ll go for a radiant glow, minimal coverage (if any), a defined eye, and a pop of colour.
TIP: Skin types - dry, dehydrated, combo or oily
FINISH: dewy, satin, velvet or matte
Before I go on a full beauty tangent, here are the key products that helped me achieve long-lasting, heat-proof makeup in the Euro summer:
The Secret Skincare Solar Serum 50+
My go-to SPF. Lightweight, sits beautifully under makeup, and gives skin that healthy bounce.
Trinny London BFF Cream
I wear Medium (available in five shades). A sheer, radiant base that doubles as skincare.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer
Comes in 26 shades. Evens out tone, smooths texture, and stays true in colour. Long-wearing, lightweight, sweat- and humidity-resistant, and you barely feel it on.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Smoky Shadow - Equal fav. Beautiful, workable long long-lasting formula. Very versatile either as a liner or shadow. wont budge even in the most humid, hot conditions. LOVE.
Shade picks: Earth, Volcano, Cinder
Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick
A creamy, mature-lid-friendly formula that sets to a long-wearing, smudge-resistant finish. I can’t stop using these. I always pack both a matte and a metallic.
My Fav Shades..Relic, Opulent, Brocade, Nector, Faun, Flax , Noble.
L’Oréal XXL Mascara + Primer
A great two-in-one. I also use the primer through brows - the fibres add density before I go in with pencil or powder. A must if you’re skipping falsies. Dries clear.
TIP: mix mascara on the back of your hand w a drop of Aqua Seal to make it waterproof.
Sisley Phyto Teint Nude
One of my all-time favourites. Water-weight texture, sheer coverage, and skincare built in. Looks and feels like fresh skin. My clients love it as much as I do.
NARS Soft Matte Pot Concealer
Beautiful on its own or as a touch-up over sheer bases. I’ll spot conceal after applying a BB or tint, or use it through the T-zone for contrast against a dewy perimeter.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Seal
A pro’s secret weapon for humidity. Mix a drop into your foundation, lip liner, eyeliner, or cream cheek colour, and it becomes waterproof and transfer-resistant.
Revlon Semi-Permanent Brow Ink
Looks intense, but is very manageable. Use the fine brush on its side for light, hair-like strokes. Precision is all in the Q-tip clean-up.
Make Up For Ever HD Palette
These are genius. Choose your ideal palette and you’ll have complexion, blush, lips, sculpt, and glow all in one. This one’s my go-to for lips and cheeks.
Trinny London Trinity Sticks
No surprise here - I love these. I have three shades and use them constantly. Dual-ended with a sheer glow on one end and creamy matte pigment on the other. Use solo or blend - eyes, cheeks, lips. Perfect for on-the-go summer colour. In order of my preference… Mustique, Venice, New York - However, I must say, it’s difficult to choose.
TIP: Mix with a drop of Aqua Seal on the back of your hand for extra staying power.
L’Oréal Glotion (shade 04)
This shade matches me perfectly, but the lighter options are just as gorgeous. An absolute multi-tasker - face, body, décolletage, bronzer, eye. If I’m rushing: this across cheeks, a swipe on lids and nose, plus a bold lip and mascara - that’s a three-product face done.
Sprays
I layer sprays strategically. Hydrating mist during skincare prep, then a setting spray between each step to lock things in. For extreme heat and humidity, I use Kryolan Ultra Setting Spray.
I hope this helps streamline your packing. From here, you can always add lashes and layer up or down depending on the event.
Any questions? Use the > Questions widget - I’ll get back to you there.
Mx
