What I Packed in My Makeup Bag for France
When I travel, I’m that person who packs her makeup bag like it’s a mini pro kit — a curated edit of products I know will perform, photograph beautifully, and keep up with everything from sightseeing to dinners out.
For my recent trip to France, I packed strategically: a mix of skincare-prep heroes, glow-boosting complexion products, versatile eyes, and wear-all-day lips. Here’s everything that made the cut.
The Bag Itself
ETOILE COLLECTIVE | Vanity Case – Sturdy, spacious, and perfectly organized so I can see all my products at a glance. This is hands down my favorite travel makeup case.
Prep & Skin
London weather can be unpredictable, so I wanted my skin to stay fresh and hydrated no matter what.
CAUDALIE | Beauty Elixir – The ultimate refreshing mist for in-flight hydration and a midday pick-me-up.
POV BEAUTY | Drip It & Glaze It – For glossy, plump lips and a healthy, hydrated base.
SUMMER FRIDAYS | Lip Butter Balm – The only balm I trust to keep my lips comfortable during long travel days.
KOSAS | DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen – SPF is non-negotiable, even in London’s cloud cover.
Complexion
A mix of glow and staying power was key:
DIOR | Forever Skin Perfect Stick – Perfect for quick touch-ups.
HOURGLASS | Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation SPF 30 – Gives that lit-from-within finish without feeling heavy.
TOWER 28 | Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer + YSL | Touche Éclat Awakening Concealer – A dream team for bright, hydrated under-eyes.
WESTMAN ATELIER | Sun Tone Hydrating Matte Bronzing Drops + MAKEUP BY MARIO | SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer – For warmth and definition that looks natural.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY | Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow Blush Stick + RARE BEAUTY | Soft Pinch Liquid Blush – Longwearing color that survives a day of exploring.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY | Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder + MAKEUP BY MARIO | SurrealSkin Soft Blur Setting Powder – Set without ever looking cakey.
Eyes
Kept it versatile so I could go from minimal to smoky:
NATASHA DENONA | I Need a Nude Palette + MAKEUP BY MARIO | Master Mattes Cream Eyeshadow – Endless eye looks.
VICTORIA BECKHAM BEAUTY | Satin Kajal Liner + LANCÔME | Idôle Ultra Precise Eyeliner – Smudge or sharpen as needed.
SHISEIDO | Eyelash Curler + YSL | Lash Clash Mascara – The curl + volume combo I swear by.
Lips
I always overpack lip products, and this trip was no exception:
PATRICK TA | Monochrome Moment Precision Lip Crayon – She’s Humble
RARE BEAUTY | Kind Words Lip Liner – Humble
CHARLOTTE TILBURY | Hot Lips 2 – In Love With Olivia
From matte nudes to glossy pinks, I was covered for every outfit and mood.
The Final Touch
ONE/SIZE BY PATRICK STARRR | Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray – Locks everything in.
If you’re building your own travel makeup bag, start with your ride-or-die products — the ones you trust in any light, weather, or time zone. You can shop all of mine from this trip here.
xo,
Caitlyn
