Perfecting the Pack
What's in my suitcase these days
I’ve traveled (domestically, anyway) a lot these past few months. In fact, I’m currently writing this from Charlotte, North Carolina, a city I’ve visited three times in the past 365 days. I’ve also been to Atlanta, Buffalo, Washington, D.C., Richmond, Minneapolis… the list goes on. As I’m usually traveling for work, I try to keep my bagged packed as lightly as possible, focusing only on the necessities: skincare that works, eye mask and supplements that make it easier to sleep in a new place, and clothes that can be worn in numerous ways (like on a plane and straight to an in-studio television interview) and layered if the weather changes.
Below, I’ve detailed exactly what I’ve been packing because I think I’ve kind of perfected it (and even if you aren’t traveling, the products I’ve rounded up here are all excellent workhorses for your day-to-day).
I love my July suitcase when I check a bag. Mine is navy and the big “JULY” logo imprinted on the side makes it easy to know it’s mine when it comes around the carousel.
When I’m only bringing a carry-on, I bring this guy. It’s chic and easily stashes in the overhead bin.
This vanity case fits perfectly inside the matching carry-on and holds just about all my skincare and makeup… but what doesn’t fit (makeup brushes and a large eyeshadow company), goes in this canvas tool pouch (it’s around $10 and frankly it looks very chic in an industrial sort of way).
This eye mask is silk, so it won't rub harshly against your face, but it also has indentations where the eyes are, and contours itself around your lashes — so you can slather on eye cream prior to bed without worrying about it rubbing off.
I’ve extolled the virtues of this genius serum in the past but it bears repeating: this vitamin C-packed potion really works to brighten your skin and fade fine lines, and it’s way more affordable than others like it (it’s basically a dupe for SkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic but it’s $32 versus $182).
This eyelash growth serum is a more recent find for me, but it doesn’t irritate my lids and promises to grow lashes in 28 days without harsh chemicals.
These gold under-eye masks are great for a pre-event boost. Sometimes, I wear them on the plane before I land. Other times, just with my coffee while I do the rest of my skincare.
This cleansing stick is arguably the smartest thing I’ve added to my travel arsenal. It’s a balm, not a liquid, so it’s very easy to pack (you could even throw it in your purse to use on the plane) and won’t leak.
Makeup-wise, I truly believe the tools are often more important than the products. This foundation brush has made a huge difference in how my makeup looks when it’s on, whether I’m wearing the fancy Giorgio Armani stuff or a drugstore variety.
Another tool I can’t live without: this contour brush, which I use to buff on my Phyto-Blush Twist (another product I love; I use the shade Contour and wear it as a bronzer).
I keep this dewy, liquid blush in my purse and it works as a two-for-one, because I wear it on my cheeks and lips, over liner.
The biggest workhorse in my travel wardrobe is the cardigan, no doubt. I have many and try to invest in a few bright colors, which look nice on camera. This pink one is a favorite I have worn a lot.
This button-down Oxford is another favorite travel piece. It looks great under the cardigan but also just worn open over a bikini or with a tank top and shorts. Plus, you can get your initials embroidered on it for free.
This is my favorite t-shirt and I have it in both oat and black. Super comfortable, washes well.
These bodysuits also always travel with me. They take up no space at all and look great when worn with jeans or a high-waisted trouser (I wear a lot of suits when I do events and interviews and these make a great base).
I like these Nikes because they look nice enough to wear with jeans or slacks on the plane but also feel comfortable during work-outs or long walks through a new city.
I always, always, always travel with a baseball hat. It’s an easy way to hide a bad hair day if you don’t look your best.
These pants are much-loved by me because A. they fit and feel like leggings. Just pull them, no zipper or anything. B. They fold up small and travel easily and C. They are slightly cropped and just slightly flared. So pair with sneakers or heels and get a ton of wear out of them.
Rapid Fire
Something that made me laugh: Conan O’Brien’s episode of Hot Ones was great.
A recent purchase: These lace-up gladiator sandals, just in time for summer weather.
In my cart: Synchronicity, Kelly Wearstler’s first new coffee table book in four years.
And I’ll leave you with this…