The Ultimate Travel Beauty Kit...Makeup and Skin Care to Fly under The Radar!

Although I don't travel as much as I used to, I've become quite the packing pro. The challenge is to bring everything you need for a weekend or a business trip in your carry-on, and with the airlines security restrictions, you'd better know what to pack. Here is a selection of my favorite beauty essentials for traveling.

Cover Fx Foundation (Big Cover-up kit, $79)

This kit allows you to cover any imperfection with its 3 different shades and the setting powder is also included at the bottom of your foundation case. It's compact and perfect for traveling.

Benefit Brow Zing ($30)

This kit is great because it provides both powder and cream so once your eyebrows are done, your eyebrow makeup will last the entire day. It includes tiny tweezers and eyebrow brushes. My tip: you can also use it as an eyeshadow.

Laura Geller  Sunswept blush ($35). This blush is small (I know it looks huge on this picture but I swear it's super compact) and very versatile. The light shimmer makes it perfect for summer and takes you from the office to 5 à 7 drinks.

MAC eyeshadow ($17)

Strong pigments and compact size: I love this one for a weekend trip, if you need more than one eyeshadow, then you're better off picking an eyeshadow duo.

Also for eye makeup:

MAC pencil($14.50)

I love this pencil because it's so versatile, I use it mostly as an eyeliner. Great texture and staying power.

MAC makeup brushes - travel size ($52)

Quality brushes in travel size, what else do you need?

Triple Impact Mascara from Pur Minerals ($18)

I like this mascara for traveling for two reasons: the tube is slim and it doesn't sting your eyes.

Chanel  Rouge Coco lipstick ($38) and OCC lip tar and gloss ($12.50)
Long lasting, intense colors: I usually pick a strong shade for my lipstick which I can mix or glam up if needed. I add a transparent lip gloss on top for the evening. I also like Shiseido lip gloss for traveling because of its size (review to come).

Selecting moisturizers can be challenging as the jars are often bigger than the 100ml allowed in airplanes. I use Garnier Nutritionist (40ml): it's a great skin care product but stay away if your skin is super oily - I only use it when my skin needs extra moisturizing -

Rocky Mountain organic bar soaps are cheap ($4.99), you can wash your face and body. Plus it's not a liquid so it's great for jet-setting! I also use Rocky Mountain 100% natural deodorant ($7.99)

Carrying perfume with you is impossible if you only want to use a carry-on so I replace it with Dove Body Mist ($4.99 for 89ml).

For my body, I use the travel size Barefoot Venus Coconut Kiss lotion ($5.99 for 60ml). Great scent and great for dry skin.

Also in my luggage:

Flashlites kit by GO SMiLE for teeth whitening touch-ups, just in case I feel like blueberry pie and coffee. This is not a product I use when I'm home, but it's so portable, I like to have a kit in my luggage. 

Madame Paulette Stain Removal Kit ($12.50) because accidents happen: this kit helps you remove stains on your clothes, you know: after you've spilled that same blueberry pie on your favorite dress.


Mary Kay Beauty Blotters ($5.00)...you don't want to look like a greasy bear, do you? Super light and tiny, these tissues absorb oil from your sandwich skin. I usually keep them in my purse.

Believe or not...all this fits the security guidelines... or at least airport security lets me get away with it!

-Christelle-

It's wardrobe changeover time with a little help from Madame Paulette!

With all the beautiful weather lately, it really is time to start switching over your wardrobes as we prepare for Spring!  John Mahdessian of Madame Paulette offers these tips for a smooth transition next Fall.  The high-end couture cleaner even offers a Closet Concierge service where they will clean and digitally catalog each piece, while storing it in their climate-controlled vaults in New York (how awesome is that?!).  If this isn’t an option for you, try these tips at home. 

1. Now is the time to evaluate your wardrobe for items that you no longer wear, look at each piece and think about the last time you wore it.  If it no longer fits on you or in your wardrobe – donate it!  There are several organizations out there that would welcome your pieces, like Goodwill.

2. Make sure that each piece is clean thoroughly before packing. Particles left on items can stain and set into your clothes after several months of storage. Cleaning the clothes also means that insects will be less likely to take up residence in your sweaters.  Pay attention to care labels and launder or dry clean the pieces before stashing them away.  Any stains should be removed, either professionally or with a Madame Paulette Stain Removal Kit.

2.Place folded items in large plastic containers with airtight lids that can easily be stacked and stored under beds, in closets or in storage.  Bed, Bath and Beyond or the Container Store have bins in all shapes and sizes.   If you don't have adequate room to store these containers, you might want to consider a professional facility.

3.While no pest-deterrent is guaranteed, try cedar, lavender or rosemary in the containers with the clothing.  Moth balls tend to be too harsh for many of your clothing items and have a less than pretty smell when you open up the containers come fall.

4.While you should hang suits and costs, never hang sweaters or other knit items that can become misshapen by long term hanging. If your items can’t be hung, stack them in garment bags away from water and carpeting. Stack your folded items from the lightest items on top to the heaviest items on bottom. Stacking items loosely will allow air to still circulate.

5.Remember Clean, Cool, Dark, and Dry.  Your storage area must be all four of these in order to protect your clothing.  Clean any area thoroughly before storing.  Choose a place that is not likely to be exposed to heat.  A dark place will prevent fading and keep the area and clothing cool.  Make sure the storage area is dry because wetness will attract mildew and insects. 

Up to now, by experience with stain removal has consisted of a Tide-to-Go stick and a (often unanswered) prayer.  Who knew that was actually a science to stain removal?!   Madame Paulette did!  Unlike conventional stain removers, Madame Paulette has taken into account the two most important factors for safe and effective stain removal.

Time: The most important! The sooner the stain can be treated properly, the safer and easier it is to remove.

Stain Identification: Every stain has a different composition. Before anything is applied, it is important to properly identify the stain.

There are three primary stain groups and each one requires a special formula:

• Special Formula 1 - Earth Based Stains: Fruit juices, teas, colas, liquors, etc.
• Special Formula 2 - Protein Based Stains: From the body and dairy products, such as blood, perspiration, milk, eggs, etc.
• Special Formula 3 - Oil Based Stains: From vegetable, mineral, or petroleum oils, such as baby oil, animal fat, salad dressing, mayonnaise, motor oil, grease, etc.

Each formula is conveniently packaged, easy to use and guarantees excellent results. Here is what you’ll find in each foil-sealed packet.

A waffle-pattern absorbent cloth is saturated in the same special formulas that Madame Paulette uses daily in removing stains from the world’s most exclusive couture apparel. Each formula is biodegradable and rinses out with water.

A distilled water rinse, that follows the application of each special formula, flushes out any remaining stain particles. Distilled water, unlike tap water, permits the fabric to dry without a ring. Minerals and iron in tap water typically leave an unsightly yellow ring.

A fourth packet is being added to the kit containing three individual super absorbent cloths. Using this cloth under the stained area will help transfer stain matter through the fabric into the absorbent cloth. This will make the stain removal process even more effective.

The kits are on the website here at $12.50 each and there is a discount for buying multiple kits.

- Lisamarie -