If you’re anything like me (a busy mum), you want to look like you’ve made an effort without actually having to make the effort. Whether you’re holidaying at an all inclusive or you’re backpacking around, you don’t want to be spending hours in the morning getting ready, or spending a fortune on permanent treatments before you go on holiday.

After nearly 6 years of travels, I’ve finally nailed the easy, low-maintenance makeup routine on holiday. Here are the 5 must-haves for your makeup bag. All hand-luggage friendly, and all for under £35!

This page contains affiliate links, and as as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you do choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission, but this is at no extra cost to you!

1. Tinted Face SPF

Everything I’ve read about easy makeup routines for holidays raves about using a BB cream as opposed to foundation, as it’s less heavy and is a lot more wearable in hotter weather. But, why not go one step further and use a tinted SPF? I’d never really seen them around before (or maybe I just haven’t paid attention), but since buying the Bondi Sands Tinted Face SPF for £8 I wouldn’t use anything else. Not only is it a factor 50, but it’s also got a perfect glow to it, giving you the sun-kissed look without foundations and bronzers. It’s not greasy like regular suncreams are, making it perfect for hot sunny beach holidays, cold winter ski holidays and European city breaks (pretty much anything where you might be spending time outside!).

What’s even better is it’s only 50ml and lasts for ages, so is perfect for fitting into your hand luggage!

2. Eyebrow Tint

You may or may not be lucky enough to have perfect brows, but if you’re like me, you need to do a bit of work to their shape and colour. Of course, eyebrow pencils are great, but they require doing every morning and need topping up if they smudge or get wet. I try and tint my eyebrows before I go using the Eylure Dybrow kit, which lasts me about 1-2 weeks. If you are going for a much longer trip, the kit is really small and is perfect for hand luggage if you want to top the dye up whilst you’re away.

3. Eyebrow Gel

Even after I’ve tinted, I do still need to help the shape a bit, so these Mimore Brow Fix Gels from Amazon are so cheap (only £2.50 each) and work so well for me. Of course you can get some super expensive ones which are probably much better, but I find these work really well for what they are and keep my eyebrows in place all day, so don’t really feel the need to spend any more. It takes seconds to brush through and shape and are an essential part of the travel kit, in your suitcase or your handbag.

4. Waterproof Mascara

Pretty much every brand of mascara offers a waterproof alternative, so if you have a set favourite then stick to it. I use Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara as it’s less than £10 and perfect for everyday wearing. It’s not just me who’s raving about the high street favourite – Harman, the fashion and beauty guru behind the blog YourGirlKnows.com also recommends Maybelline in her 8 Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras.

5. Tinted Lip Balm

The great thing about a tinted lip balm is it’s versatility. It keeps your lips hydrated and prevents chapping in the colder weather, and if you get one with SPF then you can protect your skin in the sunshine, all the while giving them a nice subtle colour. For a cheaper option, Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balms are made from completely natural ingredients and come in lots of different shades.