What beauty products can you really pack in your hand luggage

A couple of months ago I headed out to Ibiza for a couple of nights, hand luggage only which caused no end of concerns as everything I needed beauty wise in liquid, gel, cream form (so basically everything) had to fit in a 20cm by 20cm clear plastic bag.

So what beauty products you can really fit in your hand luggage? Or specifically one of those small plastic bags is what I'll be answering today.

Travelling light is not something I'm good at and when it comes to beauty even less so. Yes I could settle for face wipes but I'd still want a moisturiser so I think I might as well use a regular cleanser. And then there's the make up, from mascara to your favourite liquid lipstick it all needs to go in 'that bag'. You've seen some My Holiday Essentials so how was I going to reduce that further?

Often types such as this will show a selection of products that I don't believe would fit in on of these tiny plastic bags and often suggest decanting which just doesn't make sense to me. You often end up with bulkier bottles and pots that once empty you have to return home and clean for reuse. At least with various tubes, sachets and smaller sized bottles once they've been used on your trip you can throw straight into the bin.

Firstly I use the Sephora Beauty on the Fly Travel Bag. This is actually my second as perhaps the fact I have been known to and can overstuff this is the reason why. These TSA friendly bags are zipped which stops products falling out when going through security and more importantly you can plan ahead and have all your products packed and stored without a scrabble at the security desk. For $4.95 this bag is essential for all my flights.

Starting with skincare, I took along AEOS Dew Facial Wash* which worked for both day and night cleansing. I didn't wear too much heavy make up or SPF on my trip so this facial wash was great to use.  I paired that with AEOS Refreshing Hydrating Mist* which has been tagging along to all my trips. I'm not a big fan of it's botanical scent but it's hydrating qualities have worked well, especially on long haul flights.

I probably would've forgone serum for two nights but mum handily had a sample of the Clarins Double Serum which you may remember from my Pycnogenol Challenge. Eyes were covered by Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair*, another in flight favourite thanks to it's hydrating qualities. The biggest concern was SPF and I was saved by the new release of Garnier Moisturise Bomb 3 in 1 Day Cream and it's appearance in sachet form in a number of magazines. I gathered them up and they saw me through my trip.

Another sachet I did have and enjoyed instantly was L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Magic Blur Instant Skin Smoother Finishing Cream. I found it thicker than I expected and did see my skin smooth out. I'd definitely be interested in purchasing this in full size to use regularly and see if it continues to meet my expectations.

Moving on hair, an area I could've settled with simply shampoo and conditioner but I refused to be without my Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray or a volumising dry shampoo, in this instance Percy & Reed Big, Bold & Beautiful Dry Instant Volumising Spray* which is great to add a bit of oomph to my hair between washes although perhaps more than I'd like to spend in full size. Handily I had some sachets of Bedhead by TIGI Volume Shampoo and Conditioner which with my short hair and being conseravative I was able to use for the three days and two nights and had no need for the back up from L'Oreal.

When it came to make up I returned to an old favourite, Erborian BB Creme Au Ginseng Dore. It's tube was a travel friendly size, it had SPF and was a light enough coverage for in the sun whilst adequate for a fuller face. I added the Maybelline Eye Eraser, again as it's packaging slotted nicely into the travel bag although I have to admit what was once a favourite is not evoking the love any longer. A handy Chanel Mascara in mini size was the perfect accompaniment and lipsticks, the hardest part to edit came from KIKO, Revlon and Benecos.

Other items I couldn't do without were Liz Earle Hand cream, my Diptyque Rollerball, Arm & Hammer Toothpaste and of course a Soap & Glory shower gel and spare contact lenses.

I think you can see I managed to pack quite a lot into my hand luggage beauty bag and all that was left for me to do was pop to the supermarket and pick up some disposable razors. Anything you think I missed or was unnecessary?

Let me know how you would pack your hand luggage and hope this helps if you're heading off for some Winter sun.

*this post contains press sample and affiliate links

March 2016 Beauty Favourites

My blogging mojo has certainly returned the past couple of months and I feel like I've found 'my groove'. As such I've been testing, rediscovering and enjoying many products which I will have already shared, or plan to in their own posts. This month's 'dedicated' favourites post features those which I haven't yet shared with you.

First up is a product I am seriously regretting buying in the smaller size, Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish in the the Limited Edition Sweet Orange and Mint scent. I've discussed Cleanse and Polish numerous times and it remains one of my favourite cleansers to rely on. I wasn't actually in the market for a cleanser when I stumbled across the new limited editions last year, one sniff and I couldn't resist with some attempt at 'being sensible' with this small size. As I'm starting to recognise the extra effort required from a pump I can sense I may be nearing the end. I prefer to use this in the mornings although it works perfectly fine as an evening cleanse depending on the amount of make up you may be wearing. For that reason Cleanse & Polish is often the one I'll take on holiday with me for ease. On the bright side I did give the newest scent from Liz Earle, Rose and Cedant a sniff the other day and once again Liz Earle have managed to create a rose scent I like.

Next up is Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo and Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, two cult products that once again I've had for some time but never really paid attention to. I had some sporadic use of Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo and must admit it didn't have much of an impact on me but since I've got into a regular routine of using once a week I've certainly goldieforway a difference in my hair. A weekly detox to remove all product residue, hard water minerals, pollutants and the like. I'm not one for using numerous products on my my hair but it does get particularly greasy and along with another shampoo and conditioner duo I'm using that hasn't been too much of a problem. It's on the pricey side but despite weekly use I'm not finding I'm going through it at too rapid a rate to make it seem too expensive to repurchase.

Clarin's Beauty Flash Balm was a gift with purchase I can't even remember and it's sat in the draw for far too long. As I was having my 'must use what I have moment' and enjoying testing out various primers, of which this is recommended for use I moved it onto my dressing table.

It does seem to be something of a marmite product in the beauty world, you either love it or hate it. Some say it adds a glow to your skin and they claim to 'erase traces of dull, lifeless skin' and others just complain it does nothing for them or makes them look oily. I can understand that and don't think it's a product I'll be using as the weather warms up but during Spring it's coming up a treat. I reach for it when I've had a sleepless night or maybe a night on the town and want to perk up my skin and really feel like it does. Combing with Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid really does amp up the glow and it stops Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Foundation appear too flat.

I do apologise for repeating myself but as I work my way through the Spring Cleaning of my make up stash I've been moving products onto my dressing table to decide if they should stay or go. Two that have been under scrutiny and passed the test are Benefit's Hervana Blush and L'Oreal Amber Rush Infallible Eyeshadow.

I literally cannot give you an explanation for why I original purchased Hervana, was it blogger influenced I don't know as when I look at it, or certainly until recently it wasn't a blush that made me particularly excited. Suddenly I can't be parted from it and it's not be moved on so I can test other products I'm enjoying having it regularly to hand. A mix of shades that I just swirl my brush in it gives a subtle stain finish which brightens up my day time look. Perfect paired with a brighter lip or smokey eye I'm glad to have rediscovered it.

L'Oreal Amber Rush I do remember purchasing. This is one of those 'only available in the US' products and was on every 'things to buy when visiting the US' post. Duly I did as instructed and then admittedly, as we many eyeshadows I cast aside. Why I ask myself. Only the other day I was in the bathroom washing my hands as a friend tried to talk to me and I had to apologise as I was not listening and admiring my sparkly eyes. I don't have the best eyelids, or shall I say smoothest and perhaps it's time to leave the sparkle to others but I'm not ready yet. It's a perfect one shadow colour paired with some mascara and perhaps liner.

Finally it's too lip products that in colour are not too dissimilar but certainly are in finish.  Benecos Lipstick in Marry Me* I've only just recently shared with you and that's how it's found it's way into my favourites pile. Initially tested and then added to the every growing pile of lipsticks I can't bear to part with I started wearing again to remind myself what I thought for the blog post. Suddenly it's in the everyday pile and I'm reaching for it often. As I explained in my Benecos review its a reddish pink perfect for the current season.

Likewise NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in San Paulo is a the opposite of Marry Me in formula but the shade a raspberry pink works well, again for those days when I'm not feeling a bold lip but want more colour than a nude.

Stay tuned for another selection of favourites from my bathroom and don't forget to share with me what you've been loving this month.

Benecos Natural Beauty Review

Shoppers who want natural and organic cosmetics, or those that are cruelty free are no longer subjected to 'lesser' products or those they have to seek far and wide for as brands such as Benecos can be found online or in your Whole Foods if you're lucky enough to have a local branch.

Benecos is a leading brand sold in Germany which we now have access to in the UK and their name means, quite simply 'good cosmetics'. As mentioned it can often be that a brand not so well known on the high street or one that touts it's natural claims may not hold it's own against the bigger brands so lets see what I made of the selection of products Benecos sent me to try.

Even if you're not concerned with natural claims it might be that you've found your regular nail polishes are causing irritation and as such need to seek out an alternative. Benecos Nail Polishes are 5-free, meaning free from; Formaldehyde, Toluene, Phthalates, Camphor and Colophony - in short all the things that could very well be causing those irritations.

I was interested to see whether longevity would be affected when omitting all those thing that I'm sure are how brands provide long lasting finishes. I have to say I was overwhelmed by the staying power of this product. I often complain that most nail products have a limited life span on my nails but Benecos Cherry Red Nail Polish* is one of the best I've tried. It easily lasted a week on my nails with no chipping or wear. And are you limited with colour choices from Benecos? Not at all, if you want nude nails, or something a bit more out there they have you covered.

Moving onto make up. All Benecos eye products are formulated with key ingredients like sweet almond oil, Vitamin E and sunflower seed oil to ensure their eye makeup range cares for your eyes as well as making you look good.

Benecos Vegan Volume Natural Mascara* is designed to give lashes length and volume from a large bristle brush. It boosts a clump free formula to provide lift and separation. Unfortunately the mascara wasn't a hit for me. Whilst I liked the brush itself I found the formula to dry to work with. If you prefer your mascaras once they've dried out a little then this may be one for you.

Interestingly there only appears to be one eyeshadow quad available from Benecos which for me was average compared to other products I own. Benecos Quattro Eyeshadow in Coffee and Cream* comes in clear packaging which makes it appear different to the rest of the range. It's pretty standard by way of   colouring for these shades of brown. All the shades are smooth and creamy to touch with varying degrees of pigmentation. I enjoyed the lightest shade (top left) by way of a base for the lid and I could easily work with the three shades of brown but it was a very natural look without any punch for me.

I didn't expect to have anything significant to say about Benecos Natural Kajal Eyeliner in Black* but after testing and still seeing it in place by the end of the day it was another thumbs up from me. I have very watery eyes and any liner often starts to move or disappear after a few hours so this was a great result. Again I'd expect Benecos to have kept their line of colours available small but there are many available which I'll be keen to try in the future.

Moving on to lip products which again containing ingredients to ensure your lips are cared for such as organic jojoba and sunflower oil which will ensure they are hydrated throughout the day. I received Benecos Natural Lipstick in Marry Me* and Lipgloss in Flamingo* - yes how appropriate for me. I really liked both of these products, the lipstick being the perfect every day shade, a reddish pink with a shimmer thats not unlike Mac Lustre or Creamsheen finishes. The shade Marry Me sits well with Syrup and Hot Gossip as a no nonsense choice for any occasion. 

Benecos Lipglosses are formulated with natural Beeswax for that glossy appearance. I've used the gloss both alone or on top of Marry Me or other lipsticks in my collection. There is a slight tackiness but it is not sticky and lips feel nicely moisturised it even makes a good alternative to lip balms when lips are feeling a little dry. 

The Benecos make up line is priced comparatively to your high street favourites and definitely worth exploring if you have any concerns about how your make up is made or maybe you just want to simply try a new brand, there are some great products available and worth trying.

*this post contains press samples