My Travel Makeup Bag Essentials

Is it sad to admit that I've never flown on a plane by myself before I went to Arizona last month? Yeah, probably pretty sad. But besides that the next stressful thing was packing. Not that I hadn't had to do it for other types of trips, but with the whole TSA regulations it was just another thing to worry about traveling alone.

My makeup essentials are pretty basic to start with, but the fact that I couldn't bring my two favorite eyeshadow palettes were a bummer. I decided (besides any liquids and creams) to fit everything into this medium sized patent cosmetic case from Tory Burch. (Detailed photos of the bag below).

• Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette: I actually got gifted this (twice!). Guess people know that I love my UD eyeshadows. Perfect size for traveling + a huge mirror = A+
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion: Can't remember the last time I actually paid for one of these since I keep getting it with palettes. I ain't complaining. I love that they've brought back the doe foot applicator. 
• Benefit Hoola Bronzer: I can't finish my makeup without finishing off with my go-to bronzer.
• Benefit Rockateur Blush: Got suckered into getting this the last time I was getting my eyebrows done. But it's the perfect blush/highlighter combo. 
• Stila Kitten Eyeshadow: Okay, I couldn't just go with just a basic palette. I need my shimmery highlight colors. 
• Wet n Wild Nutty Eyeshadow: So inexpensive, but works pretty great. Definitely worthy of all the hype.
• Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler: My trusty curler that I've had for over seven years. (I've finally retired it for another one which I'll share in my next favorites post). 
• Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: I always have a backup of these on hand since it's the only liquid eyeliner I use.
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Dark Brown Brow Wiz: Another can't-live-without-product. I'm constantly repurchasing these as well. 
• Ecotools Eye Brushes: I've had these for so long and probably got them in a set at the drugstore. They haven't failed me so far. Plus they still look great and are super soft. 
• e.l.f. Complexion Brush: I actually use this for bronzer since I like a bigger brush for less streakiness.
• Real Techniques Blush Brush: This brand makes good quality makeup brushes that you can buy at the drugstore. I've slowly been collecting a few that I've always wanted, like this blush brush.

I got this cosmetic case as a gift two years back so I'm not sure if the price is the same as the updated version that they sell now. It looks like this exact one isn't made anymore. But it's pretty much identical to this one. The only difference is that the newer one is slightly smaller and shaped more circular while the one I have is more rectangular.

IFB Links à la Mode: April 30

A weekly round-up of fashion/blogging related posts via the Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB). Check out some of these great reads below (included is my pilling-removing post from a few days ago). 

Amethyst Honey: Zodiac Dresser: Aries by Moschino

Attire Club: A Fascinating List of Fashion Firsts

Beautify My Life: Taking on the Conscious Closet Challenge

Femme Violet: Queer Fashion Week

Foxy Oxie: How to Get Along With Other Women

Funky Jungle: Five Things That Helped Me Become a Better Blogger

Ginger Side of Life: Galapagos Cruise Style

Hello, Handbag: Nepal Earthquake: How to Help

Seeing Stripes: How To Remove Pilling From Sweaters

Les Assorties: Paris Je t'Aime: An Interview With Iconic French

Nicole's Lifestyle Lounge: Top Makeup Brands for Brown-Skin Girls

Purushu: Men's Summer Holiday Essentials

Rising Colors: 5 Short Hair Misconceptions

Savoir Style: Time Management Tips for Moms With Toddlers

Sheela Writes: It's a Barbie World

Splash of Teal: How to Wear a Maxi Dress When You're Petite

Style Diary by Osy: Sibling Burgundy

That Paki Blog: Complete Coverage of Pakistan Fashionweek

TLV Birdie: White + Elm Natural Skincare + Earth Day Giveaway

We Are Ready Made: The Starman 

SPONSOR: Shop Style at Shopbop: Ruby Mint, Rollie shoes, Beyond Yoga, Golden Goose shoes, Line Dry, A.V. Max, Mulo, Lace Flats, Tie Neck Blouses & Metallic Pumps

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Life Lately: Falling in Love with Cacti

 

Excuse the lack in updates recently. I took my first vacation EVER since I've started working to finally visit the boyfriend before he finishes his current residency in Arizona. I spent a week there and it was really enjoyable considering that I've never had the desire to take a trip to AZ before. I think this was also my first time this whole year wearing denim. I don't know if this is sad or not. (Just shows how much time I spend in clinic-attire and scrubs). Since I actually tried to do something every day that I was there I'll just break down a few highlights below. 

• FOOD. Oh man, the one thing that I made sure to plan was to have places I wanted to eat squared away. Of course we had delicious Mexican food almost everyday. I'm still dreaming about the BBQ pork tacos and esquites we had for dinner one evening...
• On top of food places, I also bookmarked a couple coffee places I wanted to check out as well (seeing that the boba options are non-existent there). Even though the area that the BF lives in isn't one of the major cities, they have a better selection of coffee joints than I do! (Though you really have to drive everywhere and from where he lives everything is at least a good 15 minutes away). The photo in the top right corner and the bottom left corner are both from the same place aka hands down the best cup of coffee out of all the ones I tried there. It probably helps that they use Blue Bottle too and the atmosphere was very San Francisco-y. 
• So Arizona is also HOT, HOT, HOT. Though I shouldn't be complaining since I heard it's way worse in the summer. Even on days we weren't doing anything in particular (besides going around to different places to eat) we would be drained mid day due to the heat. It was pretty nice being able to walk around at 8/9pm with just a dress on though. 
• Despite the heat, we managed to go visit the zoo, go up to Gates Pass to see the amazing sunset, check out the caverns at the national park, and check out the gorgeous campus at the nearby university. 
• All in all, I had a great trip and fell so in love with all the cacti there that I decided to bring one home with me. I don't know how great I am with plants (even ones that don't need that much TLC) but we'll see how it goes. It did state on the packaging that it would grow within 3-10 days and it's reaching that mark with no sign of life...