kit on the go

Traveling with your makeup kit can feel overwhelming—stressful, scary, even a little anxiety-inducing. I’ve traveled countless times with mine (my “child,” as I like to call it), and while it’s never completely effortless, I’ve found ways to make it smooth, safe, and efficient. The key is preparation: if you’re ready for any circumstance, you’ll travel with far more peace of mind.

My number-one rule, especially when traveling for work, is to keep my kit with me at all times as a carry-on. I promise—it’s possible to fit everything you need into a carry-on, especially with a well-packed Relavel case (I use the XL and manage to fit about 90% of my kit). The trick is to focus on your core products—the ones you love, use consistently, and that are versatile enough to work across skin tones, textures, and occasions. Leave behind the “just in case” items, like that glittery blue liner that’s been waiting years for its moment.

To save space, I depot where I can—starting with foundation bottles (too bulky!!). Airless pumps from Amazon are a game changer: refillable, lightweight, and they keep your products sanitary. I also travel with a compact ring light that suctions onto mirrors or windows—no need to haul a massive tripod. For powders, I remove them from my Relavel and pack them in a smaller pouch inside my personal item. Not only does this free up space in my kit, but it protects fragile products in case my carry-on gets gate-checked.

Travel-sized or depotted skincare and setting sprays, and a generous layer of bubble wrap go a long way, too. And here’s some peace of mind: 9 times out of 10, if you forget something (or if a client asks for that mythical blue liner), you can buy it at your destination. Don’t let perfectionism add to your stress—pack smart, protect the essentials, and trust that you’ve got this.

Closing thought: Traveling with your kit doesn’t have to feel like chaos. With some strategy and intention, it can feel like second nature—and you’ll walk into every job confident, prepared, and focused on what really matters: your artistry.

Wellness Tip: I like to kick off travel days with a ginger shot or immunity juice—it’s a simple way to support my body before flying.