I'll never forget going on family vacations when I was younger, and trying to pack everything imaginable into my suitcase that I could possibly need while we were away. Growing up I had quite the collection of products, from practically every scent of Bath and Body Works body lotion, to several different Lancome and Clinique lipsticks that I would collect from those gift with purchase events at Dillards.

There was a sort of anxiety and panic that I would feel setting in if I were to be so many miles from home and suddenly need my cucumber melon body spritz, lotion, shower gel, perfume, shimmer lotion to lay on top of the perfume...welcome to my world. It all changed when I was traveling for Thanksgiving one year and the TSA agent took all my lip glosses out of my purse, telling me I couldn't take them on the plane. I started crying.

As I have had the opportunity to travel more frequently as an adult, I have perfected packing for a trip into some what of an art form, not allowing myself to go overboard with outfits and makeup. Each time I manage to fit a weeks worth of clothes, shoes, and toiletries into a carry-on suitcase I feel a sense of pride, and much less anxiety. I have day-dreamed about going through TSA and someone commenting on what a wonderful job I did packing for my trip, as I just politely toss my hair and say "Oh you know, I'm just sort of this chic minimalist when it comes to travel." I'll hold on to that day dream, while you hold on to your makeup bag.

Here are my top tips on how to pack your makeup bag for vacation:

1. One Of Each: Jackie Kennedy once said, "If you only pack a few outfits for vacation, those are the outfits you are forced to wear no matter what." This rings true with makeup. Don't go overboard with ten different eyeliners and colored mascaras. Keep it simple. Pack the essentials such as mascara, eyeliner, concealer, foundation, etc. One of each, not multiples of each.

Top Product Picks: MAC Pro Longwear Eyeliner in "Rich Experience", Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in "Blackest Black", Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

2. Palettes, A Girl's Best Friend: Palettes that contain multiple products in them are going to be your saving grace when creating space. Companies will make palettes that contain eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, sometimes even lipstick all in one. These are the best things to pack for trips as they allow you to get creative in how you use the colors, and give you everything you need in one cute compartmentalized package.

Top Product Picks: NARS Cheek and Eye Palette in "At First Sight", Too Faced Palette in "Glamour to Go", e.l.f. Studio 56 Piece Eye and Lip Palette

3. Two Lipsticks Only: One color for day, one color for night. Do I make myself clear? Not one color for breakfast, one color for lunch, one color for shopping,  and one color for dinner. Just two colors. That's it. 

Top Product Picks: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in "Pink Cognito", Tarte LipSurgence Lip Luster in "fever"

With everything you need in it's perfect place, you'll be ready for a fabulous vacation in no time. Now who's ready for that margarita?