I’m a type B person. I prefer spontaneity over strict planning, and a “go with the flow” attitude over a supervisory one. So, when it came time to celebrate my 30th birthday a few weeks ago, it was a miracle that I managed to throw together a very last-minute trip to Miami with loved ones.
We only had 72 hours to spend on South Beach, but I was determined to make the most of it. And I packed like a pro. I only brought items that would fit in my small carry-on bag, yet I managed to pack beach, dinner, and bar staples. Ahead, see every fashion and beauty item I packed (or at least the most important ones).
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
Beauty
Ultra Violette
Future Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Serum
This is more than just a sunscreen. It’s the base of my daily no-makeup makeup looks. The lightweight, serum-like texture feels nice on the skin, while the universal tint offers sheer, glowy coverage. It kept my skin looking fresh and dewy while I walked around South Beach. I also felt assured that my skin was safe despite a high UV index.
Ultra Violette
Vibrant Screen SPF 50 Water Resistant Face and Body Sunscreen
For my body, I used Ultra Violette’s Vibrant Screen SPF 50. It’s sweat- and water-resistant up to 80 minutes, so I kept it stowed away in my beach bag for surfside application.
Il Makiage
Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation
While I can vibe with a tinted moisturizer or sunscreen for natural-looking daytime coverage, I need more for nighttime. Once I had left the beach, showered, and started to get ready for dinner, I’d pull this foundation out of my makeup bag. Not very many people are familiar with it, but it’s genuinely one of my favorite formulas because it’s lightweight, long-lasting, provides the perfect amount of coverage, and still looks like my skin (but better). Check out my before-and-after pictures for proof.
rhode
Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy
I love the sunburnt look, but I don’t love actual sunburn. To mimic sun-soaked skin without the damage, I use Rhode’s Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy. The warm, terra-cotta color is so pretty on the skin and gives it the most natural-looking summertime flush. I’m truly obsessed with this blush. In fact, if Rhode ever discontinues it, I think I’ll cry.
Ami Colé
Light-Catching Highlighter Balm
To me, vacation makeup is all about dewy, glowy, lit-from-within skin. So, I had to pack a highlighter. Here’s the thing, though: I’m extremely finicky when it comes to highlighters. I don’t like when they’re glittery. I don’t like it when they showcase my skin texture. Most of all, I don’t like when they look like, well, highlighter.
Out of the hundreds I’ve tried, Ami Colé’s Light-Catching Highlighter Balm is one of my favorites. It has golden, light-reflective minerals set in a transparent base, so it gives my skin the most perfect, natural-looking glow. And thanks to a hydrating, gel-like texture, it never sits on top of my skin or exacerbates my skin texture. It’s *the* highlighter to use if you want a beach-goddess glow.
MAKEUP BY MARIO
Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: the Original
This is basically my emotional support eye shadow palette. I bring it with me whenever I travel because the shades are so versatile and expertly curated. I can create a natural-looking nude look or dramatic smoky eyes easily. Plus, the powders are silky, easy to blend, and rarely crease or create fallout.
Lancôme
Lash Idôle Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara
For long, thick, fluttery lashes, I love Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Mascara. It separates my lashes, creating non-clumpy length, volume, and definition in one swipe. (There is a waterproof version, but I’m lazy, and I don’t like to use anything other than water or my normal face wash to remove mascara, so I stick to the traditional formula.)
Vacation
“Vacation” Body Mist
This quite literally smells like a vacation in a bottle. It has classic summertime notes of coconut water, coconut milk, bergamot, solar musk, banana, pineapple, and sea salt. Together, they give it a warm, sunscreen-like scent. The addition of uncommon notes like pool water and swimsuit Lycra makes it even more nostalgic. I plan on wearing this scent all summer long, but I knew it was basically made for Miami.
Fashion
Speaking of going to the beach, I needed a bag to stash all of my sunscreen in. This chic, straw shopper was roomy enough to hold SPF, water, a beach towel, and more.
Runaway The Label
Zarela Maxi Skirt
I’ve been eyeing this stunning maxi skirt for months. Usually, I’m not one to wear such bold colors (my closet is stocked with neutrals), but there was something about this vibrant pink that sparked instant joy, and I knew I had to have it. I knew I could dress it down with a white tank top for daytime, but I chose to wear it with kitten heels and a white blouse for dinner.
abercrombie & fitch
Curve Love High Rise Dad Short
I bought these denim shorts before the trip, and after wearing them a few times, I don’t think I’ll wear another pair of shorts ever again. The cut and the wash are so flattering.
I wanted a minidress to throw on in case we committed to a night out (spoiler alert: we did). I went with this one. I love how simple it is, which made it fun to accessorize with a cute bag, kitten heels, and lots of gold jewelry. The fact that it’s only $10 didn’t escape my notice either…
I wore these kitten heels every day of the trip. Comfy and chic!