Make-up artists are pros when it comes to packing up a kit bag in 60 seconds flat. But what about their own vacation beauty haul? Nikki DeRoest (nikkideroest.com) is the make-up artist that LA celebrities have on speed dial for red carpets.
With clients like supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, her make-up mantra is ‘fresh, flawless and pretty, without being complicated.’ As global ambassador for bareMinerals she’s often plane hopping with her make-up haul.
Here’s how Nikki DeRoest does vacation beauty. Plus check out the MVPs she checks into her (multiple) suitcases…
Q. How do you adapt your beauty routine when you travel?
A. If I know I’m flying somewhere like Tulum that I know is really humid I’ll drop back on the amount of moisture in my skincare. I’ll also switch to a powder foundation rather than a liquid because that makes more sense with the humidity.
Q. Must-do beauty rituals and treatments before a vacation?
A. I don’t make any major beauty changes before a vacation. Holidays, I care less; more so for work trips because I need to be ‘on’. I’m really consistent with my skincare regime and I get regular facials – usually a deep cleansing facial about once a month. If I’m going on a trip I try to get that in right before I leave.
Q. What’s the best way to downsize your at-home beauty haul for travel?
A. I try to mimic and use the same things I’d use at home so I’m not switching up my routine. You don’t want to have a skin freakout situation on vacation intro-ing new products because your skin’s already probably confused about the climate. You can always decant your favourites into travel-sized containers, but I like to take photos of my products for Instagram. I think there are a lot of great multi-use make-up products for vacation to condense your bag.
Q. Do you prefer to pack travel minis or full size beauty products?
A. Full size. I am the queen of over-packing, so if I have the opportunity for more than one bag I’ll always take it. I’m never gonna be great on a backpack trip! Ultimately, you take all these things and then end up wearing way less make-up on vacation because you have that holiday glow.
Q. Do you have a plane beauty routine?
A. I have a carry-on tote with all my plane essentials. I always carry face wipes to take off any make-up – I like bareMinerals, Simple or Burt’s Bees. I’m not the girl who’s gonna wear a sheet mask on the plane but I’ll wear a clear, hydrating mask, usually Skin Inc. Then I’ll apply a multi-use balm on my lips, cuticles and around my eyes.
Q. How do you combat jet lag skin/eyes when you land?
A. I’m always making sure I’m masking with product as soon as I get to the hotel – I’ll exfoliate and then mask. I also carry a rose quartz or jade stone in my kit if I ever need to de-puff.
Q. What’s been your favourite vacation spa so far and why?
A. Anything that Aman (aman.com) are doing – they have places all over the world and always incredible spas. The last time I was in London, I stayed at The Rosewood Hotel and probably got the best facial of my life. It was next-level.
Q. What are your top takeaway skincare tips when travelling?
A. Take the skincare stuff that you’re using at home – try not to stray away from your routine. You don’t want angry skin to be an issue when you’re travelling.
Q. What’s in your must-pack beauty kit at the moment?
1. Cuyana is great for different-sized totes for beauty – you can also customise them.
2. bareMinerals SkinLongevity Vital Power Serum – I use this morning and night, and I also use this on make-up clients for skin prep.
3. Origins Dr Weil Mega-Mushroom Soothing Face Mask – my skin really, really likes these masks.
4. Skinceuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF50 – I usually like to wear a tinted SPF50 on my face, so it’s usually Skinceuticals, PCA Skin, or bareMinerals new Complexion Rescue Defense.
5. Kerastase Nutritive Masquintense – their masks are incredible for repairing holiday hair.
6. bareMinerals bareSkin Complete Coverage Serum Concealer – my favourite concealer, ever. I usually apply it using an eyeshadow brush.
The Packing Lowdown: Quickfire Questions
Travel light or over-packer?
Over-packer
Spa facial or massage?
Massage (because I’m picky about my face).
Vacation air-dry or blow-dry?
Air-dry
Skincare wipes, yay or nay?
Yay!
Self-tan or au naturel?
Self-tan, usually James Read or St.Tropez
For more Beauty Haul Diaries, take a look at Citizen Femme’s interview with A-lister facialist Abigail James
Any Questions or Tips to add?