Duty-Free: The Hand Luggage Makeup Essentials

Summer is still here Spectrum babes, and for many of us – that means jetting off for some adventures in the sun!

What’s your destination of choice? Glamorous Ibiza? Dubai? The Amalfi Coast? Wherever you’re headed, we’re sure you’re going to have a fabulous time. But if, like us, you’re being a little more frugal with your air fare this year, you’ll be wondering exactly what you should take in your hand luggage to help you make the most of your allowance.

Take a look at our beauty writer Siân's fun guide to hand luggage makeup essentials and get ready to travel in style with Spectrum.

Can you take makeup in hand luggage?

Restrictions on liquids in your hand luggage have been in place in airports worldwide for many years now.

Currently, you can only take containers which carry up to 100ml, up to a total volume of 1 litre. And sadly, your typical cosmetics including skincare, foundations, mascaras and lip glosses are all counted in this allowance. For travellers, this means having to be selective with your products so that you don’t have to leave anything behind.

The best place to learn what you can and can’t take in your hand luggage is the UK Government website.

Now, the good news is by the end of 2024, new technology in the UK will mean that the 100ml restriction will be coming to an end. You’ll be able to take up to 2 litres of liquids with you, making it much easier to pack your fave beauty products in your hand luggage.

But for now, the advice below can help you make the most of your hand luggage allowance, helping you look your best on your travels.

How to pack makeup for travel

Luggage restrictions mean you’ve got to be a little more selective with the beauty products you take away with you, but this doesn’t have to be a bad thing! It’s a good excuse to opt for a natural beauty look and focus on enhancing your natural glow while you’re having fun in the sun.

Some of our top tips for packing your hand luggage makeup essentials include:

Buy travel versions of your favourite products

Travel minis are the best way to help you enjoy your favourite products while you’re on holiday. Giving you the right amount of product, without taking up space, so you can maintain your regular beauty routine, even when you’re away!

At Spectrum HQ, we know what our gang needs, which is why we’ve launched travel minis of some of our most popular products, including Dark Matter Mascara, Glowful Primer, Glowful Hydrating and Illuminating Facial Mist, and our IT Pink Grapefruit Hydrating Lip Balm.  

Use multi-use makeup products for easy looks

If you need to cut down on the number of products you take with you, why not focus on your multi-use products? Did you know that mascara can double up as a stay-put eyeliner (with the help of a Fine Line Brush)? Our Cinderella Shimmer blushes can also be used for adding some shimmer to your eyelids.

Get creative with your swaps to help you make the most of the products in your bag and check out our blog on easy makeup looks for inspo.

Keep your weight down with versatile palettes

Palettes are the perfect travel partner. Featuring multiple shades of shadow, you can create a range of looks to see you through your trip. Take a look at Our Magic Happens Eyeshadow Quad for some dreamy colours that are perfect for all of your summer adventures.

Buy hand-luggage-friendly brushes for stunning makeup looks on the go

It’s not only liquids allowances you need to worry about – it’s space too! And that’s why we’ve launched our amazing Travel Books series packed with mini brushes designed to capture the vibes of this summer’s top travel destinations. From LA to Mykonos – we’ve got you covered!

Buy your products at the airport

If you can’t live without some of your favourite products when you’re away, why not buy some at the airport? You can stock up on your travel minis ready for a stress-free getaway, and even save some money thanks to duty-free!

Space-saving saviours from Spectrum Collections

When it comes to packing up your favourite products, only the best will do! And thanks to Spectrum, you can pack your treasures away in one of our stylish and practical brush and makeup bags. We’ve got everything from makeup cases to bags that double up as stylish accessories to wear out and about, like our shell-stopping Glam Clam brush set, helping you jet set in style!

Some of our bestselling brushes, including the divine Sculpt collection and Katie Jane Hughes come with their own brush storage tubes, which are perfect for popping in your hand luggage and protecting them from damage.

We’re all too familiar with the struggle of packing for a getaway, but with some helpful products and storage solutions, you can save space and still look your best on your hols.

Wherever you’re headed this summer, let Spectrum help you jet off in style!

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