Whether you’re heading to a sunny beach escape or a city break, packing the perfect travel make-up kit can save space in your suitcase and stress in the morning. At our beauty salon in Leeds, we often get asked how to simplify summer makeup routines while still looking radiant. In this guide, we’ll walk you through building a compact, effective kit that works for any summer getaway.
Why a Travel Make-Up Kit Matters
Travelling with your full collection of makeup is impractical. Holiday beauty should be about glowing skin, lightweight formulas, and multi-use products. By curating a streamlined kit, you’ll save time, space, and ensure you have the right essentials for your summer adventures.
At Afsoo, a trusted beauty salon in Leeds, our beauticians regularly help clients prepare for holidays with tailored brow, lash and facial treatments—so they need less makeup in the first place.
Essentials for Your Summer Make-Up Kit
1. Tinted Moisturiser or BB Cream
Replace your foundation with a lightweight tinted moisturiser or BB cream. Many include SPF, which is essential in summer. It evens your skin tone without feeling heavy.
2. Cream-Based Products
Opt for cream blushes and bronzers. They’re easier to blend and more travel-friendly than powders, especially in humid climates.
3. Multipurpose Products
Look for 2-in-1 lip and cheek tints or eyeshadow sticks that double as liners. These cut down on how many items you pack.
4. Waterproof Mascara & Brow Gel
Sweat-proof and sea-proof mascara is a must. A tinted brow gel can keep your brows neat without needing a pencil.
5. Mini Brushes or Sponge
Pack one multi-tasking brush or a compact sponge for blending. Clean them before travel to avoid bacteria build-up.
6. Lip Balm with SPF
Protect your lips from the sun while keeping them hydrated. Tinted versions can also double as colour.
7. Setting Spray or Powder
Finish your look with a lightweight setting spray to lock in your makeup, or a translucent powder to combat shine.
Lash and Brow Treatments: Your Travel Beauty Boost
Many clients at our beauty salon in Leeds book in for a lash lift or brow lamination before going away. This way, they can skip mascara or brow products altogether. Treatments like these enhance your natural features so you can go makeup-light or makeup-free on holiday.
If you search makeup in Leeds, you’ll find plenty of salons—but our clients come back to Afsoo for our flawless results and friendly team.
Top Tips for Summer Makeup Success
✔ Keep it light
During the summer, heat and humidity can cause heavy foundations and thick makeup layers to melt, shift, or clog your pores. Opt for sheer, breathable products like BB creams, tinted moisturisers, or mineral-based powders that enhance your natural glow without weighing you down. This keeps your skin looking fresh and allows it to breathe.
✔ Choose hydrating products
Hot weather, air travel, and exposure to sun and saltwater can dry out your skin. Hydrating primers, dewy-setting sprays, and cream-based products can help retain moisture. Look for formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, which nourish your skin while keeping makeup smooth and luminous.
✔ Use SPF
Sun protection is essential. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher under your makeup, even on cloudy days. Many modern makeup products now include SPF, but a dedicated sunscreen ensures full coverage. Don’t forget your neck, ears, and lips too—SPF lip balm is a must!
✔ Don’t forget to remove makeup properly
Use a gentle micellar water, cleansing balm, or oil-based cleanser to break down sunscreen, sweat, and makeup at the end of each day. Proper cleansing prevents clogged pores, breakouts, and skin dullness—especially important in the summer months.
Summer Makeup FAQ
What makeup should I take on holiday?
Bring multipurpose and travel-sized products. A tinted moisturiser with SPF, cream blush, mascara, brow gel, lip balm, and a small brush are perfect for creating various looks with minimal effort.
Read the Full Article (Source: Boots Beauty Advice)
Is cream or powder makeup better in summer?
Cream products tend to blend more easily and give a dewy, natural look, ideal for summer. However, if you have oily skin, a powder bronzer or setting powder can help keep your makeup in place.
Read the Full Article (Source: Sephora UK)
Can I wear foundation in hot weather?
Yes, but opt for lighter formulas like BB creams or tinted moisturisers. Pair them with a primer and setting spray for longer wear without cakiness.
How Afsoo Helps You Travel Light
At Afsoo, our clients often pair beauty treatments with a pre-holiday glow-up. From eyebrow shaping to lash tinting and deep-cleansing facials, we help you look and feel your best before jetting off. Treatments reduce the need for heavy makeup while ensuring you still look polished and confident.
We’re not just any beauty salon in Leeds—our experienced team has helped hundreds of clients simplify their beauty routines with stunning results. Our salon is conveniently located in Leeds city centre, with flexible appointments to suit your travel schedule.
Final Word: Simplify for Radiant Summer Travel
Building the perfect travel makeup kit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on essentials, choose multi-use products, and consider treatments that enhance your natural features. At Afsoo, we’re here to help you feel beautiful—before, during and after your holiday.
Looking for advice, treatments, or expert makeup in Leeds? Book your pre-travel appointment at Afsoo today.