Make-up Travel Essentials: The Illinois Edition

Last week my sister and I spent some time in Illinois visiting family. The hardest thing about packing a suitcase is deciding what NOT to bring. I love my skin care and my make-up collection keeps growing, so deciding what tidbits to leave at home for a week took some real thought. So today’s post will be the makeup (and one skin care item) that were the essentials. These are the products that I took with me on my trip that were easy to use, versatile and just got the job done. 

Shisiedo Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+. The texture of this actually feels quite powdery, so I was able to use this as a make-up primer as well. The high SPF protection ensured that whether I was out just running errands with family, visiting Lake Michigan, or spending a day in Chicago just exploring, my skin was will protected from the sun. This served me well as a primer, which is great because it’s always nice to have products that can double up. It’s a great way to save space. 

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15. I've been trying a TON of tinted moisturizers lately (a collective post on those soon). On this trip I had a bit of a dilemma figuring out which one to bring. The day before I left, the Chantecaille Just Skin arrived in the mail and I made my decision. I figured it was a good opportunity to give this a test drive. It's perfect for those light makeup days when I just want to even out my complexion but not look too made up. It's perfect for plane rides or running errands with my family here because it's low maintenance but still looks beautiful on the skin. The added SPF 15 is always a pleasant bonus.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation. I wanted to bring a base product on my trip that provided more coverage than a tinted moisturizer but still wouldn’t look heavy. Not only is this the most travel friendly packaging for a foundation, its pretty low maintenance as well. Because foundation dries down nicely and doesn’t make you look too dewy or to matte, you can save yourself a step and save some room in your travel bag and skip the powder. It also wears longer than the Chantecaille Just Skin, so when I knew I was going to have a longer day out and about; this was my base product of choice.

butter LONDON Cheeky Tinted Hightlighter. I actually picked this item up while I was in Illinois in the shade Pence. I love illuminating products that make my skin look like it's glowing without making me look like a greasy disco ball. This is a beautiful warm gold that isn't too brassy. I mixed this in with my foundation or tinted moisturizer for a healthy, warm glow. The packing is also sleek and very travel friendly, no leaks here.

thebalm Hot Mama Blush. This has got to be my all time favorite blush. I wanted to bring a blush that pretty much went with anything and this one always fits the bill. Plus I own this in the sample size so it takes up virtually no space in my makeup bag. Also, because this has a golden sheen, I didn't have to bring a highlighter with me. I also took Benefit's Dallas with me because it's a neutral shade that goes with almost any makeup look, but I really only reached for Hot Mama.

NYC Sunny Bronzer. This is my go-to Bronzer, so there was no doubt in my mind that I would be taking it on this trip. It's easy, quick, fuss free and almost impossible to overdo. It adds just enough warmth to the face so I don't look pasty. My makeup on this trip has pretty much been my standard makeup look, but simpler in some ways. This was a not a Kat Von D Shade & Light palette trip. I didn't need to contour the living day lights out of my face. The NYC Sunny Bronzer provides subtle definition and nothing more.

NARS Lip Gloss in Striptease. Oh NARS, you and your cheeky names. I only brought three lip glosses with me but this was the only one I wore, minus one or two days. It's easy and goes with almost everything. It's a warm, peachy nude that doesn't wash me out. The color is not extremely opaque, which makes it versatile and low-key.

These were my standout products from my trip to Illinois. When you travel, what are your most reliable products?

-Alana

Top 5 Spaces and Places of Summer 2014

Hola

You know - I spent a good amount of time traveling this summer. When I actually sit down and think about it - this summer was hands down the most eventful.  I think the reason being is that I didn't have expectations for it ha. I literally thought I would be studying for the GRE all summer (which reminds me .... I need to start that up again) but I embraced just being in the moment. As a result - I was able to appreciate every space and place I inhabited this summer. 

5.)  Haw River Ballroom - Saxaphaw, NC

photo courtesy of Our State

I had the pleasure of seeing Johnnyswim in concert with a friend. This awesome venue is located in the backwoods lol - you definitely should've seen our faces as we wandered into the woods to find this place. The ballroom is the former historic cotton mill. Reasons why I love this space : it took my breath away, it is a building that is revitalized, and the vibe of this place is super comfy and laid-back. I will be talking about this place for a while.

4.) Dome in Meredith College's Math and Science Building - Raleigh, NC.

Photo taken by me :)

I had the pleasure of visiting THIRTEEN NC private institutions this summer in a span of one week. I had the best time learning about so many new schools, meeting professionals with a passion for students, and seeing how unique each school truly is. One of our stops included Meredith College which is an all-female school that prides itself on preparing its students for careers. I LOVED it's motto - Going Strong! I took a lot of photos throughout this week but this is my favorite. Reason why I love this space: this dome is PERFECT. The lighting and energy just flowed in this building. If I were a student here - this would be my study spot. 

3.)Shenandoah Joe and Paracoffee, Charlottesville, Virginia 

Paracoffee

Shenandoah Joe

I am a HUGE coffee lover and I LOVE coffee shops as well. One thing I love about Charlottesville is that there are so really cute coffee shops. I really truly appreciate that these people serve fair trade and I love supporting local businesses. Reasons why I love these spaces: I LOVE COFFEE...duh...Cool vibes, awesome owners, and unique set ups.

2.) Lover's Leap & Mabry Mills, Patrick County, Virginia

These two places are hidden gems in the mountainous hills of Patrick County. I visited them both with my co-worker. I was so glad that she asked me to go along with her. Lover's Leap is overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and many lovers have sketched their initials into the stone wall that protects us onlookers from falling. Mabry Mills was at one point a community hub for citizens of Meadows of Dan. It operated as a gristmill and sawmill. The people of this community were self-sustaining and it was so awesome to visit the cabin/ walk inside the mill.  Reasons I love these places: Lover's Leap and Mabry Mills truly represent the beauty of nature. Definitely had zero phone service but I was able to just be in the moment. 

1.) New Orleans, Louisiana

I was given the opportunity to visit New Orleans a few weeks ago and it was soooo awesome I couldn't pick a picture, so I will post all of my favorites lol. Reasons I love this place: I loved the French inspired culture, beignets, the gumbo, jazz, pralines, the colorful French Market, the balconies. This place was incredibly beautiful

I was truly grateful for all of the amazing things I saw this summer. Like I said - I didn't pressure myself into having this ideal and amazing summer. I literally just decided to be in the moment. I truly believe that is why this was one of the best summers yet.

<3,

Tonyette