Make-up I took vs make-up I used!

Why, why, why do I always over pack when I go away? Whether it's for a night, a long weekend or a holiday I always take too much stuff with me, 5 pairs of shoes, enough clothes for 3 outfits a day and more makeup than I could ever possibly apply.

I honestly thought I was being good this holiday, I only took one makeup bag (a considerably large one at that) full and managed to somehow squish it into my overflowing suitcase. Above is what I took with me, looking at it now it is pretty ridiculous.

I mean who needs 5 different foundations, 4 kinds of mascara and 10 different coloured lipsticks. Clearly not me, below is what I used throughout the whole holiday, I barely reached for any of the pile I took along with me.

On the first few days I found it really hard to change my usual makeup routine which on average takes around 40 mins but as the days went by I realised it was time to relax and not bother with all the things I would at home like eyeliner, eyeshadow and blusher.

I eventually mastered the fool-proof ten minute holiday face. I'd prep my face with L'oreal's amazing Studio Secrets resurfacing primer, apply Laura Merciers TM with my fingers them blend in with my big flat topped kabuki. I then applied a light dusting of Cliniques invisible setting powder to help hold in the shine.

I did take my beloved Mac Blot powder to do this job but unfortunately it smashed on the first day. Luckily I had a back-up in the form of Clinique, otherwise I would of looked like a big shiny mess all holiday without it.

I would then apply Mac's Sunny by Nature all over for a healthy bronze glow, some lip balm and one layer of mascara. I was testing out No 7's new Extravagant Lashes while I was away so expect a review soon.

So that was my simple and really quick daytime face, in the evening when we went out for dinner I basically did the same but added a bit of eyeliner, Estee Lauder's Double Wear cream eyeshadow in Apricot all over the lid, a bit of blush (Mac's Moon River) and some lippie.

Usually when I go out I feel I have to pile more makeup on to feel right for a night out but on holiday I really enjoyed keeping it simple. Lipstick really helped me to glam it up a bit. As you can see in the first pic I took over ten with me, the only 2 I reached for were these.

YSL's Rouge Volupte in Lingerie Pink No7, I love this lipstick so so much. The consistency is amazing, YSL's lippies are like no other, top of the crop by far and the colour is gorgeous. I just love the milky pale pink especially with a bit of a tan, it really brings the colour out.

The other lipstick which I reached for most of the time was my beloved NYX Black Label in India, this has to be my favourite lippie of all time. The colour is so unique and I love it.

It's such a beautiful milky peachy pink unlike any I've ever seen before, I recently received Orange Soda by NYX and it's similar to India but not as bright. If you ever come across this lipstick snap it up its gorgeous, I have 2 on back-up!

When I took the photos before my holiday of my makeup bag's content I really thought I was being quite reasonable and now looking at it compared to the photo of what I actually used I can't believe how many unnecessary products I took along. It's no wonder my suitcase weighed 32Kilos.

I know it's every girls prerogative to over pack and take more than we need but I think I've realised now and hopefully learnt for the future, less is more as they say!!

Does anyone else always take way more than they ever possibly need?!
xx