Vacations are meant for rest, relaxation, and a little indulgence—not for lugging around a suitcase full of makeup or spending half your day blending, baking, and contouring. Personally, when I travel, especially to warmer destinations, I leave the heavy makeup routines at home. After all, who wants to spend 20 minutes on a full face only to have it melt away under the tropical sun?
Instead, I stick to a routine that’s simple, lightweight, and designed to make me feel put together without overthinking it. Most of my days are spent lounging by the pool or soaking up the beach air, so the only time I bother with makeup is when I’m heading out for sightseeing or dinner. And even then, my routine is all about enhancing rather than covering up.
Keep the Base Bare and Breezy
The first thing I ditch on vacation? Heavy foundation. Nothing feels worse than cakey makeup in humid weather. Instead, I keep it light by only concealing the areas that really need it. A skin-tone-matching concealer, like the Makeup Revolution IRL Longwear Concealer, is perfect for covering dark circles or little blemishes. It gives me just enough coverage to feel confident without masking my skin completely.
For the rest of my face, I reach for the Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Powder. This product is a true multitasker—it smooths out imperfections, minimizes shine, and doubles as a foundation substitute. Best of all, it’s buildable without ever feeling heavy. A quick swipe across my T-zone and cheeks, and I instantly look more polished without any effort.
Set and Forget
To keep everything in place, I lightly dust on a setting powder. If I’m feeling extra bright-eyed, I’ll add a touch of banana powder under my eyes—Sacha Buttercup is my favorite—but this step is totally optional. The goal here isn’t full glam; it’s more about looking awake and fresh, even after a long day in the sun.
Brows Frame the Face
If I only had five minutes to get ready, I’d spend two of them on my brows. They instantly frame your face and make you look pulled together, even with minimal makeup. I like to fill in any sparse areas with a trusty brow pencil—NYX makes a reliable, affordable one I always pack in my travel bag. A few strokes and a quick brush through with the spoolie, and I’m good to go.
A Flush of Color
Vacations are the perfect excuse to play with a little color, especially when you’re working with such a pared-back routine. I’ve been reaching nonstop for the Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Color Fuse Talc-Free Powder Blush with Fermented Arnica. Not only does it give the cheeks the most gorgeous sun-kissed flush, but the formula is also hydrating—something my skin appreciates after a long day in the sun. It’s lightweight, buildable, and has just enough glow to make you look like you’ve spent the afternoon basking seaside.
Why Simple Wins
I love makeup as much as the next person, but vacation is all about balance. The fewer products I pack, the less I have to fuss with, and the more time I can actually spend enjoying myself. This routine strikes the perfect middle ground—it’s quick, lightweight, and gives me that fresh-faced confidence without sacrificing comfort.
So if you’re planning your next getaway, leave the 20-step makeup routine at home. A few thoughtfully chosen products are all you need to look (and feel) your best while still leaving plenty of time for lounging by the pool or strolling through town.
Vacation Makeup Must-Haves
- Makeup Revolution IRL Longwear Concealer
- Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Powder
- Sacha Buttercup Banana Powder (optional)
- NYX Brow Pencil
- Haus Labs Color Fuse Talc-Free Powder Blush
Pack light, keep it simple, and let your skin breathe—after all, the best vacation glow doesn’t come from a compact, but from soaking up the sunshine.
