What's in my travel bag

Bioderma

I am traveling to Austin to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. It will be the first time we see each other since I left for graduate school here in Oregon back in July. I am ecstatic to spend time with him and rest for a little bit before my actual coursework starts on Tuesday (even though I am bringing homework with me but that's besides the point...)

I haven't flown in a long time so it was exciting to pick and choose what items I could bring with me. I tried keep it as simple as possible so, no eye shadow palette this time! Instead, I am re-purposing some staple items in order to get the most out of my makeup bag.

Here's what I'm taking:



I got this makeup bag as a GWP on my last Nordstrom online order. I like it a lot! It is sturdy and the "Make it up as you go" is adorable (I love puns!). This Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Golden Mosaic (deluxe sample) serves as two things: a bronzer and eyeshadow palette. As mentioned in my other post, I am trying to finish my Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso and with that in mind I am bringing with me. I got this Burberry Lip Cover in Primrose Hill Pink as a Christmas present and it is such a lovely summer color. I am also taking this deluxe sample from a Sephora birthday gift, the Make Up Forever Rouge Artist Natural in N9--love the slight brown-ish nude. As far as eyeliners go, Sumita Beauty Kala Contrast Eyeliner Pencil and L'Oreal Silkissime eyeliner in Plum made the cut. My trustworthy e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit is coming with me as well. The newest addition to my makeup collection, the NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder is carefully packed away in its pouch as we speak (my thoughts on this later!)


Miscellanous items include my Covergirl Clump Crusher mascara (love!), my favorite Chanel Aqualumière lipgloss in Pink Pivoine (LE), Bioderma cleansing water and boring items like deodorant and toothpaste (Sensodyne!!!!). 

I'm not even going to bother to feature my brushes because they are a) uneventful and b) in need for a serious weekly wash. 

Now, off to a great Labor Day weekend :)

- Linda



Misty Business: A look into Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist with Rosemary.

skincare
Recently I read an Into The Gloss article about facial mists and, being relatively new to the concept it was definitely intriguing and fascinating. I currently own only Avéne Eau Thermale spray that I use mostly every day after washing my face. Even though I love it and will continue to use, I find it does not set my makeup as good as I want it to.

One of the items from the ITG article that caught my eye instantly was the Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist with Rosemary ($28). Supergoop! already has an impressive range of effective sunscreens and I've been using their Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil for a long time. On my last trip to Sephora I picked this up among some other repurchases, such as the Sephora brand cotton pads and the Clinique eye makeup remover.



This setting mist has SPF 50, which I believe is incredibly important. Over the last few years I have been incorporating sunscreen religiously into my skincare routine and have seen vast improvements. The slightly-strong scent of rosemary and mint is my favorite--although it does have a sunscreen-y aroma to it.

It is described as a "matte finish three-in-one: sets make-up, controls oil and delivers UV photoaging protection." Now, ever since I moved to Oregon the thought of using sunscreen every day was sort of an eyebrow-raising thought, but the summer is still here and with that, lovely Oregon sun and seemingly perfect temperatures. I like to walk around a lot and even when I am not wearing makeup I will spritz this on my face.

My nose turns red easily when I am not wearing sunscreen and when wearing this did not happen, so I can speak for its effectiveness in the sunscreen department. My makeup seemed to stay in my face and not my belongings, which was a nice change. Oil control was also a pleasant surprise. My face is usually horribly oily by the 1-hr mark but with this it was not until after five hours that I started to see significant shine.

Even with the ever-present sunscreen smell (that thankfully disappears after a minute), I am pleased to say I was right in my intuitions and will continue to use this whenever I am having a long day of meetings and classes. This works quite well, and I'm even considering getting the travel sized version.

- Linda