When it comes to packing for vacation, even stars overshoot what they need and end up bringing too many clothes and beauty products along for the ride. Luckily, with the right preparation, it's easy to scale back on what gets thrown into your suitcase. Here, savvy organizational rules to follow when stowing your look-good essentials.
Stock up on samples. "Ask store makeup counters for minis to take along," says makeup and organizing pro Raychel Wade, who helped the Jersey Shore cast whittle down their supplies for Italy. Not only do TSA-friendly sizes save space in your bag and allow you to breeze through check-in, but you won't kick yourself later if you leave your $28 shampoo bottle behind in the hotel room.
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Choose multitaskers. Instead of carting a cosmetics brush set, "take two-sided brushes that do double duty," she says. This goes for products too. Did you know you can use your conditioner as a shaving cream and lipstick as blush? Us recommends: Sephora Collection Double-Ended Brushes ($18 – $35, sephora.com) and Organix Hydrating TeeTree Mint Conditioner ($6, walmart.com)
Pare down. Pick up an all-in-one palette — blush, eyeliner, shadow — in neutral shades that work for day and night. Us recommends: Stila Haute in the Hamptons Collectible Beach Palette No. 2 ($14, sephora.com)
