This case actually fits a surprising amount of stuff- much to my delight!
Underneath all of the goodies there is actually a generously sized zipper compartment that is affixed to the lid with snaps, and since it is removable- it is all the more user friendly. All of the items that are shown here were actually stowed away in the zipper compartment- a well thought-out feature that prevents them from rattling around in the case itself. Before getting into the details of the contents, I must preface it by saying that at first blush (pun intended) there may appear to be no rhyme or reason to my choices. However, there is some method to my madness. The obvious omission of many of my favorite items is not without some thought. I basically broke what I took with me into two categories: 1) things that I am testing out, and 2) things that I am either, a) trying to make a dent in, or b) just think that I need to use more often (and may have been neglecting lately). One of the hazards of beauty blogging is that one can easily amass a ridiculously large stash, and then subsequently end up neglecting much of it. Silly consequence, I know.
The items stored in the zipper pocket are tools, a mirror, an eyeshadow palette, and a perfume oil.
From left to right:
1) Tweezerman magnifying mirror (suction back to adhere to a large mirror or window). I think the magnification is 10x, and trust me when I tell you that one has no business evaluating pores, pimples, or anything else found on the face with this degree of magnification because it is very easy to lose perspective and literally make a mountain out of a mole hill. Really beware if you have a penchant for picking and plucking- it is very easy to become obsessive about, well literally nothing! I usually have it affixed to my master bathroom mirror which is flooded with natural light from the adjacent window-- this does me no favors in making skin discoveries that can never again be unseen. My sister and husband both discovered my mirror, and subsequently cursed me for their trip down the rabbit hole. BEWARE, just sayin'!
2) Brushes- The brushes themselves are housed within a small rectangular pouch (you can barely see it right now because they are sitting on top of it in this picture) that I ransacked from a one of those Trish McEvoy Makeup Planners that was a hand-me-down from my mom. It has velcro backing that made it adhere to the inside of the planner, but it in no way impedes its performance in the Dior case. Truthfully, I did not put a great deal of thought into the 12 brushes that I selected for this trip. I grabbed some of the brushes that I really enjoy using, and just went with it. I go home with enough frequency that I am forever changing my traveling stash.
Left to right: Hakuhodo G527 Powder Brush D (reviewed here), Hakuhodo 210 Blush Brush (reviewed here), Hakuhodo K014 Brow Comb Brush, Hakuhodo Kokutan Eye Shadow Brush M (reviewed here), Hakuhodo G5515BkSL, Hakuhodo K005 Eyeshadow Brush Round and Flat (reviewed here), MAC 211, MAC 208, MAC 226, MAC 316 (very old lip brush made in France), Tweezerman Lash Comb (reviewed here), Eco Tools blender brush, and Eco Tools crease brush (both of the Eco Tools brushes are from the mini eye brush kit).
3) Artestile Nail File, Nail Clippers, and Tweezers (reviews forthcoming). These are gorgeous handcrafted Italian tools that are simply divine.
4) Tweezerman Cynthia Rowley FileMate nail file (reviewed here). This is an awesome nail file- it works very well, and features a charming design.
5) MAC 15 Pan Pro Palette filled with MAC and Rouge Bunny Rouge eye shadows. It is buried underneath the Artestile tools, Eco Tools, and Tweezerman tools. This palette is just so convenient for traveling, and the slim profile makes it fit beautifully in the zipper pouch without taking up much space at all.
6) Kai Perfume Oil (reviewed here). I am addicted to this lovely scent! I literally take it with me wherever I go.
While you may be proud of me- because it may appear as though I used a measure of self-restraint in my choices, I need to come clean in the spirit of full disclosure-- my makeup bag that I carry with me is stuffed to the brim with all manner of lippies (lipsticks, lip glosses and lip balms). Yes, I have a problem- what of it?!
Top left compartment:
1) Chanel Joues Contraste in Narcisse (yes, that Narcisse #44-- which is the stuff legends are made of). It really is that good. It is the US version- though I also own the Euro version as well. Don't get me started on how much it bothers me that it was discontinued in the US). Chanel really knows how to make a mean blush!
2) Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Lip Balm (reviewed here). Pure unadulterated bliss!
3) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Mim's the Word Liquid Blush sample size (reviewed here). I wanted to use up my sample, but I use my full size bottle all of the time. BEST. BLUSH. EVER! Enter to win a full Size Mim's the Word Liquid Blush HERE!!
4) Le Métier de Beauté Nail Lacquer Two in One Base & Top Coat. Very nice stuff, indeed.
Middle left compartment:
1) Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara (review forthcoming). So far, I'm really loving it!
2) Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink. A classic. I have a pile of them, but Black Ink is by far my favorite.
3) MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow in Fresh Green Mix from the Electroflash Collection (LE, and long ago discontinued). This is the only MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow that I have tried that I didn't have a horrible allergic reaction to. It is a melange of greens that mix to a lovely shade of olive on one side, and a lovely bright yellow-toned green on the other. It's gorgeous and buttery soft with great pigmentation.
4) MAC Paint Pots in Painterly and Constructivist. I use the former as a base, but the latter is such a gorgeous brown that I wear it as a stand alone shadow with a winged liner!
Bottom left compartment:
1) NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska (reviewed here). I love this tinted moisturizer, and as a tinted moisturizer kind of girl I simply don't throw around the word love.
2) Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Makeup Base S Lavender Pink. I love KGD products, and this is a definite hit.
3) Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation (review forthcoming). I know I still haven't reviewed this- primarily because I still need to sort through my mixed feelings about it. There are aspects that I love about it, but an equal number that I don't care for. Once I finish pondering it, I promise to reveal what I find to be the good, the bad, and the ugly.
4) Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer. This is what a primer should be! I love this stuff passionately!
5) Giorgio Armani Maestro Eraser Concealer (review forthcoming). The jury is still out on this one as well. Once I have cogent things to say about it- I will say them. Until then, I will continue to use it to determine how I really feel about it.
6) MAC Select Moisture Cover (NW 20)- though in MAC-speak I tend to be more of an NC20. I love this stuff- it works well, keeps my under eye area relatively hydrated, and it conceals as it is supposed to.
Top right compartment:
1) MAC Eye Kohl in Rosemary & Thyme and Powersurge (reviewed here). These are both lovely, but I really love Powersurge-- it's a gorgeous shade that makes my hazel eyes pop!
2) Le Métier de Beauté Dualistic Eye Pencil in Tamarack (reviewed here). GORGEOUS!
3) MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes 0L (black). Once it sets it won't budge. I have been using this 0L for years!
4) Covergirl Liquilineblast eye liner in Black (review forthcoming). Quite a big surprise. A drugstore eye liner that rivals luxury brands in quality. I love it!
5) MAKE UP FOR EVER Sharpener. OK, it sharpens things as it is supposed to. I like it, but I don't give it much thought as long as it doesn't chew up what it's sharpening.
Middle right compartment:
1) Burberry Lip Mist in Field Rose No. 213 and Lip Mist in Pink Heather No. 210 (reviews forthcoming). These have captured my heart in every possible way.
2) Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Edition (review forthcoming). FABULOUS PRODUCT and a GORGEOUS color!
3) Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Lipsticks in Beige 103 (reviewed here and here) and Pink 501 (review forthcoming). The Rouge D'Armani Lipstick formula might just be my very favorite luxury department store brand. This is a phenomenal formula.
4) Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Royallieu 58 (reviewed here). I love this pale pink shade, and am a big fan of the Rouge Coco Shine formula, in general.
Bottom right compartment:
1) MAC Pink Treat Cremestick Liner. This is a very nice creamy formula that really feels nice and stays put.
2) Guerlain Kiss Kiss Gloss in Figue Plaisir 866 (review forthcoming). Just a delightful formula, and a gorgeous color.
3) MAC Kissable Lipcolour in Woo Me. I wish that MAC made the Kissable Lipcolours part of their permanent range of products- it is one of their very best formulas in my opinion. It is a hybrid lipstick/lip gloss formula with beautifully saturated pigmented colors. Woo Me is a lovely nude.
4) Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Love (reviewed here). This is an astounding formula- who cares that this is a fairly dupable sheer pink gloss- it's hard to find a better formula lip gloss out there at any price point. Next on my list: Charm. And no, it hasn't a thing to do with Angelina Jolie in either instance.
5) Giorgio Armani Gloss D'Armani Pink 507 (review forthcoming). Gorgeous color, gorgeous formula. Armani really has figured out how to make perfect lip glosses and lipsticks.
What do you carry with you when you travel?
What do you carry with you when you travel?
