Rummaging Through My Travel Bag

At the crack of 4 am tomorrow I will be dragging my ass out of bed to head for the airport. The ungodly 4 am wake up call is bearable, only because my flight will take me to my beloved state of California where I will remain for the next 10 days. 

In the spirit of traveling and blogging, I'd thought I'd share the contents of my travel bag with y'all. It's something beauty bloggers do, right?? 

Bag: Madden Girl by Steve Madden

Let's start with my tech gadgets: My Mac Book Pro was a combined Birthday/Christmas/Graduation gift from my parents and I can't part with it, especially on vacation. This baby comes with me everywhere- from trips to my grandparent's to a mother-daughter trip to Chicago this winter. Especially since more and more flights have wi-fi, leaving my computer at home was not an appealing option to me. Obviously the wall plug-in and my phone charger have a place in my bag as well. 

Next to be packed is an odd collection of literature. For this particular adventure I've opted to bring The Playing Games for Fun and Profit by Len Miller, The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff (both from my deceased grandmother's personal library) and a book of Sudoku puzzles my mom picked up for me. I like reading so I'm all up to learn how to gamble for profit (i think???) and maybe find a little spiritual enlightenment as well. 

Also accompanying me on my trip is a nifty little iPhone case/wrist wallet my sister gave me for Christmas. (I think it's from Charlotte Russe) And in it I have my IDs, (driver's license AND student) a Starbucks gift card and a $20 dollar bill in case of emergencies. The back is touch screen friendly plastic and I can use my phone without taking it out, which I find incredibly useful and a genius idea.

Hiding in the background there is a pair of yellow fuzzy socks with a cute little bird face on the ankle. (which you can't see, but take my word for it- they're cute) I have a circulation disorder and get cold incredibly easily so these are a must. The more body heat I can conserve, especially on a 7 hour flight, the better!

An explanation shouldn't be needed for these three.

1. While watching this helpful travel tips video featuring Louise Pentland and Hannah Hart, Louise suggested getting a see through make-up bag so you could avoid security rummaging through your bag for bombs. Conveniently, mine came with my backpack and is just big enough to fit the most basic of makeup essentials for the plane ride.
2. Up & Up Tapered Powder Brush. I needed new powder brush and just threw this in my cart at Target. It was literally the cheapest brush I could find at $1.99. I'm generally not too fussy with brushes, but this is an incredibly low sweep for me. I'm looking forward to all of the synthetic hair fall out on my face.
3. Mac's Studio Fix Powder. A recent purchase that I couldn't be more happy with. It's pressed powder which has more coverage and looks beautiful on my skin.
4. Sephora Blotting Papers. A freebie from my contour brush set and it seemed like a good idea to have in my bag in case an oily face arrises as the plane descends. I have yet to try them out, but they claim to smell of mint.
5. Benefit Creaseless Cream Eye Shadow. Another freebie, and while I don't think it's as creaseless as it claims to be, I figured why not carry it around in case I feel the need for a little bit of color on my eyelids. The shade is No Pressure! and is a nice shade of taupe.
6. Benefit Stay Don't Stray Concealer/Eyeshadow Primer. Yet another travel sized freebie! :) I think this works better as a concealer than a primer. It's tinted and lasts long. One dab of this little guy, and I don't feel like an actual concealer over top is necessary. As an eye primer, I'm in a committed relationship with Urban Decay's Primer Potion. 
7. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara. I did a first impression review of this mascara here. Today I curled my lashes and didn't wait between coats and it did yield much better results.
8. Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm. The absolute best. Incredibly hydrating and organic. I can't function without it.
9. Badger Headache Soother. I bought this at Ulta and love it so much. It's an USDA organic salve and works like a dream. All you do is rub it in wherever there's tension (also works on arthritic symptoms). It has peppermint and lavender oil and smells soooo incredible good. 

Hope you guys enjoying picking through my bag today!

x Clair