Shopping My Stash: Week 5
A look at Tara’s Week 5 product picks.
A beauty addict’s commitment to being more mindful, less wasteful, and buying nothing new in 2020.
I really can’t believe it, but I still haven’t purchased any makeup or beauty products in 2020 and it’s almost March! What a year it’s been already. We just got back from vacation and then my husband had a work trip this past weekend. Lucky for me, I was able to tag along.
Traveling for a short getaway is always tricky, because I want to pack my entire makeup arsenal. Not practical. Unlike Hawaii, where I wasn’t too concerned about wearing makeup, I felt the need to step it up this weekend for my husband’s work events and dinners.
Since I’m on a “no buy” and I’m making a conscious effort to be more mindful about the products I’m using, I made it my mission to pack all of my makeup in a (very) small bag.
My makeup bag.
I’m happy to say that with the help of some minis, mission accomplished! Samples are great for travel and are an amazing way to save space in your suitcase. Because I’m been shopping my stash, I came across a bunch of samples tucked in my drawer that I completely forgot I had. Very exciting!
Here’s some of what I brought with me and why I love them:
It Cosmetics Brow Power Pencil, Tarteist PRO To Go palette, Cover FX High Performance Setting Spray, and Real Techniques Mini-Brush.
Maybelline Super Stay Foundation Stick
For traveling, I always prefer a foundation stick. It can double as foundation and concealer, and you don’t run the risk of an explosion, leakage, or a broken bottle of foundation in your makeup bag.
I love this formula, as it’s long-wearing and perfect for a night out. It’s from the drugstore, which means it’s affordable, and it’s also the perfect size for my travel makeup bag. The sponge on the end is an added bonus and can be used in a pinch.
Real Techniques Mini Brushes
I love Real Techniques brushes and the minis are no exception. They work just as well as the normal brushes but take up a one-third of the space. Budget tip: I got mine at T.J. Maxx, so they were an even better deal.
Benefit Hoola Bronzer & Rockateur Blush
Benefit’s cult favorites and for good reason. Hoola is a beautiful bronzer and Rockateur is the perfect blush. Bronzed and glowy? Yes, please! The mini packaging has quite a bit of product and will last several months, let alone a weekend trip. You can also use Hoola as an eyeshadow, which is an added bonus.
Fenty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminzer
I never go anywhere without this lip gloss. Thank goodness I have the mini and two more of the full size—they must last me through 2021. It’s beautiful, hydrating, and can be worn alone or on top of liner or lipstick. It’s a vacation and daily necessity!
Tarteist PRO To Go Palette
The first thing anyone says when they see this palette is, “How cute!”The size of a credit card, it’s perfect for travel and has six universal shades that can go from day to night. The shadows blend beautifully and it’s seriously the only thing you need for a variety of eye looks.
Cover FX High Performance Setting Spray
If you’re oily like me, setting spray is a must. This mini fits perfectly in your makeup bag and the mist is impressive for being in such a small package.
It Cosmetics Brow Power Pencil
If I’m being honest, I have no idea where I got this pencil. It was a gift with purchase somewhere along the way and I’ve had it for years, but It’s still going strong. With the spoolie on the other end, it’s the perfect multi-use tool. Perfect brows on the go? You’ve got this.
PAST WEEKS:
Tara KP Troszak is an LA-based lawyer, self-proclaimed cat lady, writer and freelance makeup artist for MAC cosmetics. She lives in the San Fernando Valley with her husband Nick and her cat Chevy. Follow her on Instagram: @makeupbytkp.