Champion Jetsetter: My favourite Travel Minis

The question that I'm asked most when I travel with friends and family is " How do you have so many outfits

and only one suitcase?".

The answer of course is that, while their makeup and wash bag take up a third of

their space, mine takes up about an eighth. And even at that, I still have more cosmetics than they do.


Any beauty hoarder worth their salt is like a secret agent when it comes to travel. We physically can not go

anywhere without the convenience and choice that is available in our getting ready space. So I am drawn to

Minis like a cobra to a pungi. And since holiday season for us budget spenders is almost here, I thought I'd

share some of my fav's.

Urban Decay De Slick Makeup Setting Spray  15ml (approx €2.50)

Lets face it, makeup + sun = sweat. At home I usually apply primer and loose powder to make my makeup

last - both pretty bulky products. One spray of this before you start and one after application, a little

compact action, and you're good to go. If you buy a palette from Urban Decay, you usually get this free

or as an extra option too.


Nuxe Multi-Usage Dry Oil   10ml (approx €3.50)

The choice is in the name - multi-usage! Use it on your face as a makeup remover or to condition your

lashes, on your hair for taming or shine, on your cuticles for moisture, or on your body to highlight

collarbones/ shoulders/ shins etc.This stuff really is amazing, and a little goes a long way. This size bottle is

very affordable compared to the full size, and is usually stocked in pharmacies that have the full line.


Tresemmé Protect Heat Defence Spray  60ml (approx €2.50)

Humidity is another dreaded curse of the tourist. Even if your not styling - which I wouldn't suggest for night

life - your sunscreen may protect your scalp, but not your locks themselves. This is available almost

everywhere, I pick mine up in Boots.

Soap And Glory Flake Away Body Scrub  50 ml (€3.50)

I am ghost pale, there is no other way of saying it. But I don't want to be stared at around the pool the day I

arrive at my destination. The biggest mistake I make every year is that I wait till the night before my flight to

apply my fake tan. Then I wake up, shower, and realise that I missed a spot/ my legs are streaky/ I have

Fanta hands. A reapplication is usually necessary the first night of the holiday, so I always pack an exfoliant.

All Soap and Glory products are awesome - the original line smells of Chanel Coco Mademoiselle - , and

nearly all of the products have a mini or a set.


Champneys Spa Indulgence Distant Shores Body Butter  50ml (€3.50)

Hydration is key, especially with all the pool/sea action. Personally I don't like wearing perfume in hot

climates, maybe it's just me, but I think it overpowers. I like to use a scented moisturiser instead. This one

has it all - the passion fruit and mango is totally summer holidays, the oils still keep it fresh and invigorating,

and the blend together make it heady enough to act as your scent for the day. Oh ya, and the tub is hot

pink...what more can I say.


The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask 6ml (€2.50)

As I said, I can't go away without my comforts of home. Wednesday night is deep clean night, and Sunday

night is extra moisture night. Unfortunately my Una Brennan and Origins take up way too much space, so I

love sachet masks. There are some really good, affordable ones out there - the body shop ones are my

favourite, fast acting and effective - a plus, considering they're usually applied with a slightly tipsy hand... And

besides, who can really afford a facial in the hotel spa?!

Benefit Little Love Potions Collection   3g/15ml ( single items from €5.00 on eBay, sets in store from €34.00)

If you know that your travelling come summer, a good item to ask for for Christmas is either a beauty advent

calendar, or a sample gift set. They are invaluable when it comes to your travel makeup bag, or even your

everyday handbag! Most brands do them at Christmas. Benefit has them all year round. These two classics

and award winners, Hoola Bronzer and The Porefessional Primer, came in a collection I picked up in

September which is now out of stock. But there are plenty of other sets to chose from which include this

marvellous duo.


Do you get it? We're not magicians .......we just carry a shrink ray...:).

If you would like to see more posts about travel essentials, let me know in the comments and saying  Hi on 

Twitter.

Chat soon,

Ava