If there’s one thing I’ve truly mastered over the years, it’s packing.
December alone is a blur of flights, unpacking, repacking and living out of a suitcase – a pace that only reinforces something I learned long ago: my beauty bag is one of the essentials for a calm, stress-free trip.

Having my skincare, makeup and a few small beauty comforts with me makes all the difference. I don’t have to rush to buy a cleansing gel at the last minute, worry about unfamiliar products, or depend on anyone else. I can do my own makeup for any event, stick to my routine, and feel like myself – wherever I am in the world.

A well-packed beauty bag isn’t about bringing everything. It’s about bringing the right things.

Below is my go-to beauty bag packing guide – simple, practical and tried-and-tested through years of constant travel.

For makeup, I pack with intention. I’m careful with powder products – placing a cotton pad over blush or bronzer before closing the packaging helps prevent breakage. Liquid formulas are often the safest option, and I stick to tried-and-tested products, building my makeup bag the same way I build a makeup look — from base to lips.

— Feel free to download these packing lists and use them whenever you need a little help organising your beauty bag —

I always keep a small, practical pouch in my handbag with the essentials. A bit of skincare – like a face cream, hydrating mist and a few wipes – helps me protect my skin from the dry cabin air. I also pack a few makeup basics, such as concealer, blush and a hydrating lip product, so I can freshen up quickly. A little hand cream finishes it off, and that’s all I need to feel ready for whatever comes after landing.