The 8-Step Everyday Makeup Routine I’ve Fine-Tuned for My Upcoming Euro Summer (2024)

When I got up this morning, I had to pour water on my windshield and run the defroster on my car for at least one rendition of Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso before I could safely head to work.

And while the singalong was fun, the temperature was anything but. To say it’s frosty would be an understatement.

But what’s getting me through the chill, you ask?

My upcoming Euro summer trip.

Cue, excited screeching.

It’s been months in the making, and the time has finally come to start the pre-trip prep.

Part of that prep is figuring out how in the world I’m going to reduce my current makeup routine to be both travel-friendly and heat-friendly.

A tall order, but after some trial-and-error, I’ve figured it out.

The perfect base that provides the perfect level of coverage while lasting through everything I’ve thrown at it over the past few weeks as I’ve tested it out. Read: office air, sweaty gigs and Melbourne weather.

I’m here today to share it.

Before I get into the actual routine, I also want to provide some context around my skin type and goals to ensure we’re all on the same page.

I’ve got oily, blemish-prone skin and aim for an ‘elevated natural’ look when I do my makeup.

That no-makeup makeup look that we all know actually takes a bunch of makeup.

Now with that covered, let’s get into the routine.

Step 1. Natural, Long-Wearing Base.

First up we’ve got the base, and I’m going to lean into one of my all-time favourites - the Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation

Not only is it super lightweight, but it’s also buildable and has 40 shades.

Another big plus about this foundation is that it’s easy to get a hold of overseas. That means if anything happens to it, I can run to the nearest pharmacy or drugstore and chances are I’ll stumble across a Maybelline display.

It also means that I won’t be too brokenhearted if it breaks in transit.

If you’re after a more natural, glowy option, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint is great.

If you’re after something with full coverage that really won’t budge, the iconic Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup will do the trick.

And if you’re stumped that I’ve not included a primer - my SPF (or moisturiser if it’s the nighttime) will serve as the perfect base for the foundation.

Multi-use products above all else when you’re travelling!

Step 2. Cover up What You Need to With Concealer.

Next up we’ve got concealer, and how can I go past a base product from the iconic MAKE UP FOR EVER brand?

I’ve been using and loving the MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Concealer for months now.

For me, it’s the perfect blend of coverage without being too heavy. So of course it’s coming in my transit kit.

Not only does it do a great job of highlighting my under-eyes, it also covers my blemishes really well.

A concealer is also a great eyeshadow base - saving another product in my kit.

Step 3. Add Cream Bronzer and Blush.

Ah yes, it’s time to add some dimension back into the face.

I always start with a cream bronzer around the edges of my face, and using a cream product allows it to blend seamlessly and last all day.

My current favourite is the Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour.

The formula is buildable, super blendable and the stick is super easy to apply. Fingers, brush or beauty sponge, they all play well with this chubby stick.

Next up I apply some cream blush to the high points of my cheeks and because I’m a little blush-blind, also to the top of my nose.

My Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick has been around the world with me already, so it’s no surprise it’s back in the kit.

Step 4. Set the Dimension With Powder Bronzer and Blush.

Next up, because we’re aiming for a long-wearing look that doesn’t immediately slide off my face, we need to set both the bronzer and the blush with powder products.

This also means you can touch up throughout the day if you feel like you need it.

First up, my tried-and-tested Benefit Hoola Lite Matte Bronzer will be coming with me.

My handy hint is to use a big fluffy brush with your bronzer to get a diffused look.

Another reason why it’s important to bring a powder bronzer is to use it as an eyeshadow. Talk about an all-star product!

As for the blush, the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Glow Blush is also the perfect powder blush formula that comes in the most gorgeous compact with a mirror.

Step 5. Set the Rest of Your Face to Last All Day.

Because this look will need to last all day in the sun, it’s time in the routine to set the rest of the face with a translucent loose powder.

The IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Loose Powder - Translucent 6.8g is perfect for this.

It also comes with a little powder puff which means it can come along with me in my bag for on-the-go touch-ups.

I will also be bringing along the gorgeous .

It pairs perfectly with the loose powder so I get a gorgeous, blurred effect across my T-zone.

Step 6. Apply Tubing Mascara.

If you’ve never tried a tubing mascara before, boy am I excited to be the person to tell you about it. I learnt about tubing mascaras a few years ago and my life has never been the same since. Genuinely.

Why? Because tubing mascaras mean I never have to worry about fallout, smudging or black transfer marks around my eyes. It’s that good. Seriously.

If you’re wondering how tubing mascara works, essentially the formula forms a tube around the lash that can be removed by warm water to slide the tubes off.

I’ve fallen in love with the Clinique High Impact Zero Gravity Mascara

The brush separates and lifts my lashes while the formula lasts all day.

Step 7. Tame The Brows With Eyebrow Gel.

Next, we have to take care of the brows, and what better way than to use the new M.A.C Cosmetics Pro Locked Brow Gel.

This brow gel is clear and comes with a super-unique applicator that means you can keep them bushy if that’s your vibe, or create a more laminated look as well.

Step 8. Hydrate and Protect The Lips.

How did we ever survive without SPF lip balm? Truly.

The Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF50 Lip Balm in Blow Out has the most gorgeous, orange-pink tint, so of course, it’s coming along with me.

An even better perk is that the balm has a gentle mint scent - and as mint is my fave lip balm flavour (yes, I also love mint choc-chip ice cream) it means I’ll be able and inclined to use it all day, every day while on holiday.

Final Thoughts.

And there you have it!

My tried and tested everyday makeup routine that will get me through whatever my trip throws at it.

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