I’m going on a Mediterranean cruise coming up this week and we’ll be gone for 10 days. 😀 I want to pack super light for this trip since it’ll be fairly casual, and since we’re going to warm places, I don’t anticipate wanting to wear too much makeup.
And I’ve just started the Project Pan so technically I’m supposed to be focused on using those products, so I’ve tried to incorporate a few items on this trip. I’ll be listing skincare here too.
Makeup
• MAC Pro Palette eye shadows in Patina and Romp – out of the 4 that I chose for the Project Pan, I decided these 2 are sufficient for what I need. I’m using the 2 pan Pro Palette that I picked up recently from MAC when I bought the Studio Finish concealer.
• Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in P Soft Orange 540 – this shade can be used on the eyes too. I like how compact these blushes are.
• Anna Sui Dolly Girl Lipstick in Natasha 003 – this was featured in my “Back-up Worthy Makeup” post. It’s my no-brainer tinted lip balm and it’s really compact for travel too.
• K Palette Real Lasting Liner in Deep Brown
• Shu Uemura brow:sword in Acorn – this is nearly finished and I actually set it aside just so I didn’t use it up before the trip! (this was a Project Focus item from earlier this year)
• Lancome Khol in Love eye liner in 101 Chocolate Affair – a Project Pan item.
• Sephora Colorful Jumbo Liner 12 Hr Wear in 07 Brown – another Project Pan item (that I reviewed this week), which I will use as a base for the MAC eye shadows, or wear on its own.
• CoverGirl Supersizer Mascara – been using this for the past month and am really enjoying it after I got over the initial learning curve! The wand is a bit floppy but now I can maneuver it without getting mascara all over my lids.
• MAQuillAGE Lasting Powdery UV EX Foundation in OC20 – I debated back and forth about bringing this, or my Project Pan powder, the Cargo HD Pressed Powder instead, but this compact foundation is all-in-one and has sunscreen (SPF20) too. This powder made a brief appearance in my Foundation, Powder and Concealer Stash but I’ve never had a chance to talk about it – it’s a lovely compact foundation that provides great coverage. The shade is a tad dark for me but I got it on clearance for $10, it’s fine to use while on vacation.
• Kate Stick Concealer in Natural Beige – this is mainly for spot concealing, I have to sheer it out for under the eyes – this is also a Project Pan item.
Brushes / Tools
3 pieces only!
• Anna Sui Retractable Face Brush – I carry this around in my makeup bag. It twists up (rather than push up) so it can be for blush or powder. I really need to get a back-up of this.
• MAC 217SH Blending Brush – I’m bringing just ONE eye shadow brush with me! And of course it has to be the 217 – it’s a fantastic all-rounder!
• Muji Portable lash curler – this is my go-to travel lash curler now.
Skincare
• Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion+ – unlike the skincare that I packed for Japan, I made the decision to not have different moisturizer for day time and night time. This is one of few moisturizers that I find is a great all rounder.
• Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Eye Gel – this will also be my one and only eye cream for the trip – normally I have different ones for night time vs day time.
• Biotherm Biosource Tonifying Exfoliating Cleansing Gel
• Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water Sensitive Skin (Pink cap) – I’ve been using this for the past couple of months and it’s fantastic, just like all the reviews say! 😀 (I’ll decant into the travel bottle)
• Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm – it dawned on me that a cleansing balm travels better than a cleansing oil – I only need a small amount so a small pot is all I need to take with me (decanted from the full size tub).
• MAC Pro Eye Makeup Remover – I received this as a sample when I ordered the MAC Finally Free lipstick (Caitlyn Jenner collab). I’ve not even tested this so fingers crossed that it’s good!
• Clarins UV Plus SPF 40 Day Screen Tint
• ColoreScience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50 – this is so handy for on the go touch-ups.
• Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 in Grapefruit
All the makeup fits into the H&M cosmetic clutch that I got back in January:
It measures 5″ x 7″ and 2″ deep – I like that it has multiple slots for pencils / brushes. And the skincare fits into the smaller mesh pouch that it came with:
Besides doing away with separate day and night skincare, I skipped a separate under eye concealer, serum, facial mist, and toner! 😮 Some of the items are the same as what I took with me to Japan, like the Anna Sui brush and the MUJI eyelash curler – they’re just perfect travelling companions. 🙂 And I’ve managed to bring 4 of the 12 Project Pan items with me. 😀
Ok, now tell me that I’m crazy and I need to bring at least another lipstick. 😛
Update on that thing…
Many of you expressed interest in the skin issues on my legs that I mentioned in my August Happiness Highlights post, and I have an update. Yesterday I went back to the dermatologist for the biopsy results and here is the analysis verbatim:
This biopsy shows prominent edema in the papillary dermis with focal exocytosis of lymphocytes. There is a dense lymphoeosinophilic infiltrate in the superficial and deep dermis which extends to the subcutaneous tissue. The appearance is compatible with insect bite reaction. In this biopsy the number of eosinophils is extremely prominent and there are some flame shaped figures. Eosinophilic cellulitis is considered in the differential diagnosis.
I had to google most of the words in that analysis. So, basically it’s one of 2 things:
• reaction to a bug bite
• Wells Syndrome (Eosinophilic cellulitis)
Note that the 2 possibilities are not mutually exclusive – the bug bites could have triggered the Wells Syndrome. What the heck is Wells Syndrome? 😮 The dermatologist gave me a print-out off this site which says:
Wells syndrome is a rare condition of unknown cause.
Oh that’s just great! And it’s extremely rare – only 80 cases have been reported worldwide! What next? The fact that the spots are still recurring without the discovery of any bed bugs, he ordered a bunch of blood tests and urine sample, to 1) confirm whether it is Wells Syndrome 2) rule out parasitic disorders – the doctor mentioned something about some risk in eating sushi in Japan because they don’t freeze their fish like we do in North America. Hrm! They scheduled a follow-up appointment for early October! In the meantime, I just continue with my topical cortisone ointment. *sigh* I advised that I was going on vacation and it’s no issue at all… “Have a great vacation!” He said. 😛
stash matters 
me miss you already and it’s NOT WELLS ….
it’s a bug bite reaction aggravated by stress + heat
ur welcome xo dr. cat
Love xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Dr. Cat!
Yeah it’s a SLIM chance it’s Wells. Just want to make 100% sure. I hate not knowing, and unable to stop their recurrence!
If it’s Wells, then maybe I’ll be in a medical journal somewhere, hahaha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dr. Cat MD. says no – it’s not that ……… I watched so many episodes of #itsnotlupuslastnight //// LOL
LikeLike
It’s NEVER Lupus. Until it is Lupus. 😛
LikeLiked by 1 person
OMG …………………..VM lol
LikeLike
YOU’RE LIKING SUPERSIZER? I haven’t taken the pictures yet but I’ve written a scathing review – can not get on with that mascara at all! Please send me tips if there is a learning curve!
I’m going to make this my inspiration to pack this light for Milan, I’m only going for 4 days so should be able to cope with a light amount!
Have a good trip! Hope your legs get a little better!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I HATED the CoverGirl Supersizer at first. And I can see why you would. That stupid floppy wand is really unwieldy. But the formula is what saves the day – it is the case of the wetness of the mascara upon initial application that makes it a pain in the butt to apply. BUT, as I used it and the formula dried out a bit, it became a lot easier. Also, I learned NOT to do sweeping motion with the wand, instead, small wiggles from root to tip, that really helped the floppy bristles to not get all over my lids. The formula is really long wearing and holds a curl like a champ. I don’t even need a lash primer when I use this.
Oh 4 days, you can DO it! I challenge you to only pack 1 makeup look for the whole time. Maybe 2 lipsticks – a light one and a darker one, to change up the look a bit. 😛
Thanks!!!
LikeLike
We are going in Fashion week I’ve just learned, so I’m going to need at least 2 lipstick options to match all the incredible outfits I’m going to have to compile!
Considering I’ve had it since NY and keep coming back into it hoping it’ll dry out or get some air to change the formula it hasn’t for me.
One coat of this and my lashes look spidery, not supersized – and 2 they all clump together, and yes for the longwearing – it’s a total bitch to remove! It sticks to my lashes for days!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh Fashion Week, how fun. 🙂 I used to attend Toronto Fashion Week but it’s so low-key compared to the big international venues! Then yes, I suppose you need to have some outfits. But honestly, it’s just easier to wear all black. But maybe that’s just me! 😉
Hmm I don’t get spidery lashes, it provides great definition (not a ton of volume) but it’s good for length. What do you use to remove your makeup? I use a cleansing oil and that does the job.
LikeLike
I was looking at the weather and it’s still so warm there (not that it isn’t here as we’re having a mini heatwave and had our hottest day of the year yesterday!), so need to find outfits that I’ll be comfortable in the warmth in!
I tend to just use a Micellar water, don’t love oils around my eyes and have to be careful now as if I have any lingering lash extensions anything oily will just get them straight off!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh that’s right, you can’t use oils for your lash extensions! That would really cramp my style! I love my cleansing oils.
Have fun in Milan!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have fun on your trip! I’m so jealous! And maybe all the yummy food and weather will ‘cure’ the skin condition on your legs…?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, maybe some R&R will help with the legs! Thanks! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Supersizer is the next mascara I’m going to use. I’ve heard so many versatile opinions about it. It seems you either love it or hate it. Currently I’m using Lashblast from Covergirl and I love it! 😄 Have a nice trip and I hope your legs feel better soon 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
CoverGirl LashBlast is my HG mascara – that stuff is magical! I’d say the Supersizer formula is a step down from the LashBlast (I’m assuming you’re using the orange tube?) but it does give a nice amount of length, for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the orange tube. It’s amazing 👌
LikeLiked by 1 person
My HG! Better than mascaras that cost 3 times the price! 😀
Here’s an overview I did of all the CoverGirl LashBlast mascaras a while back:
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved the review! 😄 It gave such a good overview of all the mascaras. I actually didn’t know that all of them are Lashblast mascaras with different varieties. I liked the Clump crusher (it was okay), but I love Volume one 👌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the Volume is the star! Clump Crusher is good everyday mascara – not much volume or length, but I like that it doesn’t clump and it stays on really well (no smudges).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a great trip! I will miss your posts so much, and I’m also kind of jealous haha! I can’t believe you managed to choose only those items to use for ten whole days! I have more makeup than that in my “emergency” bag LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This will be a fairly casual trip so I’ll just stick to light makeup and basically wear the same look every day! 😛 I’ll be back before you know it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m always impressed how light of a packer you are in terms of makeup! TWO eyeshadows and THREE brushes!! Teach me your ways!
OMG, the skin issue with your leg…the fact that it could be something only 80 people in the entire world have is so scary! 😦 Fingers crossed they narrow down the reason soon and are able to give you medication that will finally make it go away.
Anyways, have a most wonderful trip!! Eat and lounge lots…teehee! Can’t wait to see photos when you get back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You just have to master the 1 eye shadow makeup look! That’s how I get back on not a lot of makeup. I can also use the blush and my face powder for blending shades if needed.
It’s a really low chance that I have the Wells Syndrome but just weird the dermatologist would print that out and have me read up on it, like, it that my diagnoses or not? I guess the blood work will tell! An interesting thing, at the lab I went to, they now have a program where you can sign up online and receive your results electronically! They say it’s a way for patients to manage their own health. I think that’s neat.
Thanks! I’ll be sure to eat and lounge. I’ve got my Kobo and tonight I’ll try to find a knitting project to bring with me. Can you just picture me sitting on a lounge chair knitting? 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
Satin Taupe has probably been the best shade for that one shadow makeup look, but I think I’ve gotten so used to seeing myself with a defined crease that every time I try using just one shadow, it just doesn’t look right. All a matter of perspective though…other people probably don’t even notice 😛
Huh, very interesting regarding receiving results electronically. Patients understanding the report though, is probably another issue itself? Like your analysis = too many big words! LOL.
It’s a weird image to picture someone on a cruise, knitting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I debated between Satin Taupe or Romp but since everything else was warmer, I decided to go with a warm bronze rather than a cool taupe shade. But I agree, Satin Taupe is the best one shadow shade ever. I am SURE you look lovely without a crease shade! 😛
It’s true about the electronic results – I won’t know how to interpret the data. They show some graphs and it should say if my, say, iron level, is normal or not. I’ll see!
I brought knitting to Cuba to the resort, and wouldn’t you know, I wasn’t the only one! But, I was the youngest one! 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope they find out what’s wrong with your legs. Always frustrating waiting for tests and results. Your cruise sounds amazing. Take lots of pics! What countries will you be stopping off at?☺ x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the waiting is what is frustrating!
We’ll be in Italy, Croatia, Turkey, and Greece! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aaw great! Can’t wait to see your photos. I hope you have a lovely time☺ x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I will take tons of pictures! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a great trip! I love MAC Studio Finish concealer…which I know you’re not bringing, but I just wanted to say. 😛 Also, I tried the MAC eye makeup remover, which I also got as a sample in an order, and it’s fine. It’s just no good for waterproof mascara, but I don’t think it’s meant for that. The little container is perfect for travel!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
I only tried the MAC Studio Finish concealer to cover up my leg scars so far. But, it was very opaque and lasted really well. I can’t wait to try it on my face for spots.
Good to know about the MAC eye makeup remover – I don’t wear waterproof mascaras so I should be ok.
LikeLike
In where I work, I’ve come across some cases of cellulitis. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard of Wells, but I’m pretty sure that’s not what you have. I’ve suffered from many a long term bug bite, so just keep using that cortisone! You packed way less makeup than I did for my cruise. Hahaha! I doubled up on stuff that I didn’t have to (3 lip colors, 2 mascaras, 3 liner pencils. Really not necessary.), and only used foundation twice. Gah, I still have a lot to learn about packing light.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m fairly certain I don’t have Wells. What are the odds?! I should go buy a lottery ticket – ha!
Re: makeup packing. I’ve over packed for ages and finally learned over time that I rarely fuss too much with makeup when I’m sightseeing. I thought that I might want to bring more dressy makeup for dinners on the ship but eh, I don’t think it makes that much of a difference, honestly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The only times I actually put on more makeup than normal were during the formal nights. My family and I took professional photos during both of them (although they do retouch them a bit afterward). I brought my Naked 3 palette so I was covered with that for shadows.
LikeLike
Mediterranean will be sooooo amazing! Have a fab time on the cruise 😀 xox bon voyage~~
You are my true twin!!! I have OC20 too. Different box though 😛 I am not sure if it was slightly dark or it just makes my face look about dull tone. Have you tried the shu uemura rectanglar container (fit either 2 blush or 1 blush + 2 shadows? They’re pretty sleek for traveling 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha – TWINS! Well, this one is from 2014 season. And the OC20 is more of a summer shade for me, I guess. I checked the one I bought in Japan and it’s OC10 and I recall that matched me perfectly.
I don’t have the larger pan of the Shu Uemura – I have only these ones that fit 1 blush, or 2 eye shadows. I guess I should get one of the bigger ones huh? For this trip though, I did want to bring my MAC eye shadows since they’re part of Project Pan! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello from Paris! I may need to work on Project Pan of my own too 😢 stash is a dangerous hobby. My unpacking is overwhelming
LikeLike
Glad to know that your skin condition is kind of resolved 😛 why do doctors have to use such big works? That quote looked ‘terminal’ >_<
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha yeah they could have just said, your skin is reacting to something. And it’ll go away on its own. Dur.
LikeLike
Have fun on your cruise! You will be missed!
Love that you managed to pack all your makeup and skincare into those two little cases! And proud of you for bringing a few Project Pan items with you!
As for your mystery skin thing – better to be safe than sorry even though it sucks to need more tests!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I’ll be back in a blink of an eye! 🙂
I so wanted to bring more of the Project Pan items but there was no way I could lug that hefty Guerlain lipstick lol!
I really hope the leg thing will just heal and no reoccur!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy your cruise!! I’ve always wanted to do one in the Mediterranean so I hope you do up a post on that trip!! I hope the weather is wonderful and you have the best time ever!
Great packing! All in a 5×7 bag!
I really hope whatever it is on your legs goes away! I’m with Dr. Cat – it’s not WELLS!! (Fingers crossed)
*Side note* I bought a Shesiedo foundation! It came with a gift with purchase at the bay so I get to try more of the line. Oh boi is it amazing! So thank you!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I’ve always wanted to go to the Mediterranean – a cruise is such a good way to see a bunch of places. For sure I’ll post about the trip when I get back!
I’m pretty sure it’s not Wells – even if it is, it’s such a “nothing” condition, they say it just goes away whenever, lol.
Oooooh! I’m so glad you got a Shiseido foundation and you love it! I tell you, the Japanese formulation is just so nice. Can’t wait to see your review on it! 🙂
LikeLike
Have the most wonderful holiday!
I’m going away in few days and I’m nowhere as organised as you are! I’ve packed 0 item 😛 that Anna sui lip balm looks so darn cute°☆
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tend to get panicky if I don’t pack or at least write down a list! I hate feeling rushed. 😛 Where are you off to?
LikeLike
Only locally! Eastern side of UK, Norfolk and surrounding areas 🙂 I hope the weather holds up!
LikeLike
You really aren’t taking much make-up with you! I hope you’ll enjoy the cruise.
Thanks for sharing the biopsy results. I’m glad it’s (most likely) nothing alarming. But it’s not great there’s still no answer. 😦 I hope the rash just goes away and never comes back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I’m glad it’s not anything more serious and just a reaction! The derm debated about giving me oral cortisone but he figured this is isolated so the topical can target them better. Yes, I can’t wait for everything to clear up! Ugh.
Thanks! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mwah! x
Take care and enjoy the cruise. 🙂
LikeLike
Love this! I move next week and go on a road trip so this is perfect!! I love that cleanser!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes that Clinique cleanser is really effective! I’m glad you found this helpful! Have fun on your trip and GOOD LUCK on your move!
LikeLike
All about that Project Pan haha 😉 enjoy your cruise! Thanks for the leg update, sorry to hear there’s no definitive answer yet though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I’m very dedicated to the Project Pan 😆
Thanks very much! I hope the results will say it’s only a reaction and they’ll clear SOON.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are always using or have used so many brands that I’ve never even heard of – ie. that beautiful looking compact foundation!
I’m always so tempted to try Ana Sui products strictly for the packaging alone – it never seems to fail in that category. I’ve only ever seen it at one SDM here though, its not easy to come by.
That’s crazy about your rash! Hopefully the rest and relaxation you receive on vacation will heal that all up for you! Have a fab time! 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
The foundation in the compact is really good! I was so impressed with the coverage and how long lasting it was on the trip, under the hot Mediterranean sun!
I dismissed Anna Sui makeup for a long time because of the packaging – they’re really good! It’s too bad they’re not readily available though. They used to be at Sears and the Bay but now only some SDM carry them.
The rash is healing and I haven’t had any new ones (KNOCK ON WOOD) so maybe the vacation did it some good. The SO suggested we might have to move to the Mediterranean because the dry heat might be beneficial to my skin LOL.
LikeLike
Enjoy your cruise and that skin thing is just a “rash” it’ll just go away.. I’m sure it’s just caused by stress.. 😄
And Oh I am so glad that you’re enjoying the SuperSizer… I love that mascara so much!! One of the best I’ve tried so far!😍👍🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know, you could be right about the stress because they are healing well and I think the vacation really helped them! My SO says that we might have to move to the Mediterranean for my skin, lol!
The SuperSizer was the perfect mascara for this trip – no fuss and did not smudge at ALL.
LikeLiked by 1 person
glad it’s healing well, I had somewhat similar to what you’ve had but a little mild and it happens to me when I’m stressed and HAHA your skin fits the Mediterranean weather ha.. LOL and yes the SUPERsizer is my go-to when I know I will be in either heat or under the rain. Proven and tested on both. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great collection of products and wow! I’m always a great sucker for your organised makeup and skincare collections and those products are worth enough for a long journey. I hope you have a wonderful and memorable adventures during your whole cruising journey
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! I like to pack light for vacation especially if it’s something more casual like this – it’s good to get away from makeup for a while, you know? I had a great time and will be posting pictures soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good and I can’t wait to see those pictures
LikeLike
No sushi?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *shocked expression* I hope they find a solution for you!
I got a friend to get me the Garnier micellar water and I can’t wait to give it a try!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I got the test results back and I have no parasites from eating sushi so PHEW!
The Garnier water is one of those items that do live up to the hype – shockingly!
LikeLike
lovely post!
I have a giveaway going on over at my blog: win a mac lipstick of your choice, eye shadow palette and two chokers! Link to it is here:
https://vintageguruinwonderland.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/autumn-giveaway-2-min-read/
LikeLike
You packed so light! thats impressive. When I go away I always have to bring one full eyeshadow palette and then a few single shadows haha. But, I’m an overpacker!!
http://www.thinkingofmakeup.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
I over packed for clothes on this trip but the amount of makeup was just perfect! I hope I can inspire you to be a lighter packer for makeup! 😉
LikeLike
I think the Covegirl Supersizer is a solid choice – it stays put. I’m trying the fibers one now and I think the original one is better actually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so happy I took the Supersize mascara – not a smudge under the blazing heat of the Mediterranean sun. I don’t like fibres in mascaras so I probably will just stick to this one.
LikeLike
love it so much! so how did everything work?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everything worked out perfectly! I wore the same look pretty much everyday. And you know what – I didn’t even reach for the lipstick until the 2nd last day – I mainly wore the lip balm the whole time. Thanks for asking!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the essentials you carry. That travel bag is so perfect 🙂
LikeLike