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Good day, stunning creatures! I’ve simply returned from a transformative six-week journey by means of the enchanted realms of New Zealand. The landscapes in NZ sing a symphony of surprise, and I’m thrilled to share my curated finest make-up for journey that captured my coronary heart alongside the way in which. This magical escapade was a serendipitous present from my beloved Dave, a radiant mix of Xmas magic and Anniversary bliss, that has ceaselessly altered our path. New Zealand’s spell has woven itself into my soul, inspiring goals of calling this ethereal land dwelling.
We Love New Zealand
Dave and I surrendered our hearts to the enchanting attract of New Zealand. We departed from sun-drenched Florida on a Monday, arrived amid the paranormal embrace of this land by Wednesday, went tenting on Friday, and by Sunday, its wild, untamed magnificence had captured us utterly. Our longing to wander this stunning nation started in 2012, although each earlier instances we had been imagined to ebook our journey to NZ we needed to reschedule. The primary time was in 2020 due to COVID and the second time in 2023 due to my double mastectomy surgical procedures.
The whole lot bought by me besides the place marked PR. All opinions my very own.
Zuca Baggage
All of my make-up match right into a single Zuca bag that went into my carry-on backpack. For this journey, I embraced the artwork of minimalism, curating important journey make-up with out redundancy. I’ve obtained a very reasonable impartial cool pores and skin tone, so I favor my make-up to be cool to impartial toned. I not often put on heat colours as they have a tendency to show an unflattering orange on me. I’m nonetheless looking for my good ‘nude’ blush, so took a number of merchandise with me to attempt for that. Beforehand theBalm Balm Seaside was my good ‘nude’ blush, however it was discontinued.
Highlighters and Blushes
One Measurement Cheek Clapper 3D Blush Trio Palette
One Measurement Cheek Clapper 3D Blush Trio Palette in Consideration Seeker – described as a real bubblegum pink blush trio (cream, matte, and shimmer). Consideration Seeker is my every day put on blush, normally the cream with the matte powder layered on prime.
Haus Labs Bio-Radiant Gel-Powder Illuminating Highlighter
Haus Labs Bio-Radiant Gel-Powder Illuminating Highlighter in Rose Quartz– described as a light-weight magenta. I like to make use of this as a highlighting blush and can layer it on prime of the pink cream from Consideration Seeker.
Haus Labs Coloration Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick
Haus Labs Coloration Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick in Glassy Hibiscus. This can be a beautiful deep cool toned nude mauve blush for my pores and skin tone.
City Decay Face Bond Luminizer Waterproof Glow Drops
City Decay Face Bond Luminizer Waterproof Glow Drops in Silverlake – It’s describes as y2k frosted glaze shimmer. I like this for a impartial liquid blingy glow.
Kaleidos House Age Highlighters
Kaleidos House Age Highlighters in Moon Cruiser (wealthy neon lilac with a cool, moonlit cobalt shift) and Star Surfer (easy, rosy champagne with silver undertones). Moon Cruiser is my on a regular basis put on highlighter. I like Star Surfer for once I’m doing workplace skilled make-up.
RMS ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush
RMS ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush in Crystal Slipper – Described as a sheer, sunkissed buff, it is a mild beige brown with delicate pink iridescent shift. Should you’re very reasonable complected and also you’re searching for a blonzer (blush plus bronzer) cheek product, I like to recommend taking a look at Crystal Slipper. It’s nice for delicate throughout colour.
RMS ReDimension ReDimension Hydra Bronzer
RMS ReDimension ReDimension Hydra Bronzer in Beachwalk Betty – Described as having the candy kiss of solar with impartial nude undertones for honest pores and skin. I used this a number of instances once I tried to experiment with a sunkissed look.
RMS ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush
RMS ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush in Hanky Panky – I didn’t take this blush with me however simply acquired it within the mail so I included it on this set of swatches. It’s described as an iridescent magenta plum and reads as a nude plum on my pores and skin tone in my view. It’s going to be good for layering on prime of Glassy Hibiscus.
Looking back primarily based off of what I used, I may have skipped packing Pink Mushroom, Beachwalk Betty, Glassy Hibiscus, and Silverlake in my finest make-up for journey. I didn’t use these almost as steadily as I used Consideration Seeker and Moon Cruiser.
Honest Complexion Perfection Merchandise
LYS Triple Repair Blurring and Hydrating Pores and skin Tint Basis Stick Evaluate
LYS Triple Repair Blurring and Hydrating Pores and skin Tint Basis Stick in LN1 Porcelain (very reasonable pores and skin with impartial undertones). My associates, enable me to unveil the magic of the LYS Triple Repair Blurring and Hydrating Pores and skin Tint Basis Stick in LN1 Porcelain—a real treasure for my honest pores and skin. This radiant potion is my present magnificence muse; I’m so grateful to have a stick basis that’s straightforward to make use of every day. The About Face the Performer liquid basis is an in depth second for the times once I want extra protection.
Why I Love It
I cherish this stick basis greater than I can say, after having spent a number of years with no good stick basis that I cherished. Its utility is a pleasant ritual: a direct caress onto the pores and skin, blended gently with my fingertips, because the model recommends, although a brush might also serve if one prefers. In my meticulously deliberate packing, my basis brush was left behind, but the magic of this stick basis shone by means of, proving its magnificence in its purest kind. It liberates me from the necessity for a primer, for it performs as an all-in-one serum, primer, and pores and skin tint, elegantly softening the looks of texture and pores.
Put on Take a look at
I’ve performed a put on check for the LYS Triple Repair Blurring and Hydrating Pores and skin Tint Basis Stick, in addition to the Axiology Fungdation (#3 on my finest foundations listing) on my IG tales previous to me going to New Zealand, and each appeared nice after 12+ hours of wear and tear. Should you want a brand new basis, I extremely advocate testing LYS Triple Repair Blurring and Hydrating Pores and skin Tint Basis Stick. I like it for its blurring properties and ease of use.
The clever blurring expertise grants simply the correct amount of protection to let one’s inside glow flourish, making it one in every of my prime picks for the perfect make-up for journey. At a most accessible treasure of $25 for .25 oz and provided in a palette of round 22 shades, this marvel is each a sensible indulgence and a testomony to magnificence’s boundless versatility.


Haus Labs Triclone Pores and skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer
Haus Labs Triclone Pores and skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer in 01 Honest Impartial (honest with balanced undertones). The Haus Labs Triclone Pores and skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer in 01 Honest Impartial has been my favourite concealer for the previous yr and it’s nonetheless going sturdy for me. It constantly performs properly at hiding my blemishes, being pigmented, and mixing into my pores and skin tone.
Uncommon Magnificence Constructive Mild Beneath Eye Brightener
Uncommon Magnificence Constructive Mild Beneath Eye Brightener in Mild (impartial undertones to brighten honest to mild complexions). The Uncommon Magnificence Constructive Mild Beneath Eye Brightener in Mild is simply the correct amount of protection for my below eye space to diffuse and misdirect from shadows beneath the eyes. There have been a number of days once I solely used the Constructive Mild Beneath Eye Brightener below my eyes and spot hid with the Triclone Pores and skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer round my face.
Huda Magnificence Straightforward Bake Blurring Free Baking & Setting Powder
Huda Magnificence Straightforward Bake Blurring Free Baking & Setting Powder in Poundcake (golden undertones brighten and disguise under-eye darkness). I really like this system a lot! The one system I’ve discovered that I like higher is the Silk Naturals Brightening Powder, however sadly they don’t have a dupe for the Poundcake shade. This free powder system is vastly superior to the pressed system in my expertise. I really feel just like the pressed system doesn’t carry out properly for me in any respect, although I’m going to attempt a special utility technique with it subsequent time I put on it.
Huda Magnificence Straightforward Bake and Snatch Pressed Talc-Free Brightening and Setting Powder
Huda Magnificence Straightforward Bake and Snatch Pressed Talc-Free Brightening and Setting Powder in Poundcake (honest to light-medium pores and skin tones. golden undertones brighten and disguise under-eye darkness). That is the one make-up product that I introduced with me that I discovered disappointing. I have to attempt a special utility technique to see if that helps with its efficiency. Whereas I hoped that I may use this for contact ups and to set my basis, I obtained shiny once I used this alone as an alternative of simply the free powder. As an alternative of utilizing a make-up sponge with this product, I used the identical dense brush I usually use with the free powder model.
One Measurement On ‘Til Daybreak Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
I’ve been singing praises of the One Measurement On ‘Til Daybreak Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray for the previous two years and haven’t any plans to cease. It really works so properly for me, irrespective of if I’m in sizzling humid Florida, humid muggy windy New Zealand, or freezing chilly as soon as in a century New Orleans snow storms. I spray this and my make-up holds all day.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Extremely-Superb Mist
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Extremely-Superb Mist. I purchased the mist on the suggestion of my buddy Kat. It’s good for when my make-up is wanting cakey to assist it meld into my pores and skin and take away any powderyness or cakeyness.
Lip Merchandise
Buxom Energy Line Plumping Lip Liners
Buxom Magnetic Mauve Energy Line Plumping Lip Liner – This can be a stunning cool toned mauve pink lip pencil that’s my go-to for a MLBB lip pencil. I wore this pencil paired with VE Harmless gloss essentially the most throughout my journey to New Zealand.
Buxom Hush Hush Henna Energy Line Plumping Lip Liner – Hush Hush Henna is a nude pink pencil that capabilities as a impartial heat hue for my pores and skin tone. It appears to be like nice when paired with Half-Magic Frosty B*tch Magic Drip Gloss. I used Hush Hush Henna with Half-Magic Half-Magic Y2K Cherub Magic Drip Gloss throughout this journey.
Buxom Recharged Ruby Energy Line Plumping Lip Liner – I all the time want a cool toned pink in my life and this pencil is ideal for it. I used this with Kaleidos Penthouse gloss essentially the most.
Kaleidos Blue Agave Softening Lip Masks
Blue Agave Softening Lip Masks – The Blue Agave Softening Lip Masks was my go-to lip remedy to assist my lips keep hydrated.
Kaleidos Untamed Glow Shiny Lip Glazes
Untamed Glow Shiny Lip Glazes in Freefall and Penthouse. Penthouse is described as a diamond shine shifting from fuchsia to rose to gold. Freefall is described as semi-translucent shimmer, like glowing diamonds.
Essence Tremendous Peptide Shiny Lip Remedy
Essence Tremendous Peptide Shiny Lip Remedy. I purchased this to see how I favored it as a one other method to hydrate my lips on the journey. It’s okay however I drastically favor the Kaleidos lip masks.
Half Magic Magic Drip Glitter Lip Gloss
Half Magic Magic Drip Glitter Lip Gloss in Y2K Cherub. I am keen on the Half Magic Magic Drip Glitter Lip Gloss system, particularly Y2k Cherub (bubblegum pink with periwinkle and pink displays), Downside Little one (black with multicolored displays) and Frosty B*tch (icy peach with multicolored displays). I really like the iridescence on this system.
Ve Glamour Magic Gloss
Ve Glamour Magic Gloss in Harmless (PR)(Use code CORDELIA to save lots of 10% at Ve). I really like the multichrome iridescence of Harmless! The shimmer and end are so eye catching and the colour shift is robust. Even a really minimal layer of gloss provides beautiful shine and dimension. I want this had a pink and blue model with the beautiful iridescence.
Black Moon Liquid Lipsticks
Black Moon Liquid Lipsticks in Sorrow and Armageddon. Sorrow (blackened deep blue with flecks of artic blue) and Armageddon (blackened metallic pink with flecks of copper and lavender) are two of my favourite lipstick colours and system that Black Moon has created. I solely ended up carrying Sorrow as soon as whereas in New Zealand, however felt like I needed to deliver liquid lipstick with me.
Flower Bitten Lip Stain
Flower Bitten Lip Stain in Sass (blue pink). I wore this lip stain a number of instances whereas I used to be in New Zealand. I’m undecided I get the attraction of lip stains as they do put on off, however I really like this particular cool toned blue pink hue. It’s a terrific colour for me.
Primarily based on what I wore, I ought to have solely packed the next lip merchandise: Buxom Magnetic Mauve and Recharged Ruby lip pencils, Ve Harmless gloss, Kaleidos Penthouse gloss, Flower Sass lip stain, and Black Moon Sorrow liquid lipstick.
Eyeliners and Eyeshadow Pencils
I needed to share swatches of the liquid eyeshadows, eyeshadow pencils, and eyeliners I introduced with me. I additionally included swatches of three of my favourite City Decay eyeliners which didn’t go on the journey with me – Replicate, LSD and Alkaline.
Silk Naturals Tour Free Eyeshadow
Silk Naturals Tour free eyeshadow (use code CORDELIA to save lots of 10% at Silk Naturals) is the proper sheer black matte that could be a dream to work with! I dye my brows blue black nowadays and use Tour on a slim angled brush to fill in any gaps in my brows. Whereas Tour can also be stunning as an eyeshadow, it’s turn out to be my go-to product for filling in my brows.
Kaleidos Sea Sparkle Epiphany Glow Soften-On Eyeliner
I really like the Kaleidos Epiphany Glow Soften-On Eyeliners (PR). Sea Sparkle, which shifts by means of silver, icy blue and denim blue, is beautiful, particularly when paired with different gray eyeshadows.
Nyx the Forehead Glue
Nyx the Forehead Glue in Clear. Now that I’m frequently tinting my eyebrows blue-black, I solely have to fill them in minimally. I discover they appear finest if I simply use a transparent forehead glue to carry them in place.
Nyx Epic Ink Liquid Liner
Nyx Epic Ink Liquid Liner in Black. I really like the look of a giant black wing and iridescent eyeshadow with a shiny pink lip. Nyx’s Epic Ink Liquid Liner makes it straightforward to create that look.
REM Midnight Shadows Lustrous Liquid Eyeshadow
REM Midnight Shadows Lustrous Liquid Eyeshadow in Fembot. I really like this liquid eyeshadow in particular. Fembot is a beautiful shade that shifts to pink, blue, and violet from a mauve beige base. It provides a moist look that’s eye brightening. I don’t know if these liquid eyeshadows are being discontinued or not, however they’re at the moment on sale at Ulta.
Sigma Eyeshadow Primer Base in Bubbly
Sigma Eyeshadow Primer Base in Bubbly. Bubbly is described as pinky peach champagne shimmer, and I discover that extremely correct. It’s nice for a minimal make-up look or as an eyeshadow primer.
Enjoyable Cosmetics Holo Boss Eyeshadow
I really like this eyeshadow a lot! I introduced it as a result of we went to a pageant whereas we had been in New Zealand and the holographic rainbow impact was good! Simply this eyeshadow all by itself plus black liquid liner was beautiful.
Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Sticks
Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Sticks in Sand Shimmer (mild beige champagne shimmer) and Vanilla Matte (mild yellow beige matte). Sand Shimmer is the one I used essentially the most.
I like utilizing these eyeshadow sticks as tinted eyeshadow primer bases and so they look nice with multichromes. They’re at the moment on sale proper now and I’ve picked up Mint (cool-toned pastel inexperienced matte), Marigold (yellow gold matte), Periwinkle (blue-violet matte), Black Cherry (burgundy matte), Midnight (blackened blue), and Evergreen (blackened inexperienced). Please let me know if you wish to see swatches.
City Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencils
City Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencils in Fake Doe, Cool Coyote, House Cowboy and Perversion. I’ve bought a number of of the newer City Decay 24/7 eyeliners lately.
House Cowboy was disappointing to me as a result of it’s too darkish to make use of as a watch brightener, and I actually can solely use it as an eyeshadow or eyeshadow base.
Cool Coyote pulls extra brown than gray on me, which I didn’t anticipate, however is nice for extra delicate make-up appears to be like and when you’re struggling for a colour to place in your decrease waterline that may improve blue-green eyes with out overwhelming them, it’s an excellent choice. It’s a pleasant neutral-cool for me. Fake Doe is gorgeous and ideal for eye brightening on my decrease waterline.
Perversion is perfection for matte black and nice for tightlining at my lashline to take advantage of my lashes.. City Decay Replicate (multidimensional golden inexperienced), LSD (deep navy blue with turquoise displays), and Alkaline (deep wine matte) are three of my favourite UD 24/7 eyeliner pencil shades and so they don’t get sufficient love from me!
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions in Brynn. It’s no secret that that is my favourite mascara ever! It’s vegan, cruelty-free, tubing, and is available in a lot of beautiful hues together with Black, purple, sizzling pink, inexperienced, and blue. I would like them to make a burgundy wine shade!
Singles Palette
I introduced this singles eyeshadow palette alongside to have a number of of my Devinah shades with me. I wanted Fairy Fireplace and Frost Bane, as I put on these two essentially the most.
Half-Magic Cheek Fluff Smooth Blur Cream Blush
Half-Magic Cheek Fluff Smooth Blur Cream Blush in Pink Mushroom. I am keen on this hybrid cream to powder system that’s blurring on the cheeks and straightforward to mix. I want it was extra cool toned however it capabilities as a impartial heat blush for me.
Devinah Pressed Eyeshadows


Devinah pressed eyeshadows in Fairy Fireplace, Frost Bane, Starfire, Lucius and Ethereal. (use code CORDELIA to save lots of at Devinah) Listed here are the shades I needed to take with me:
- Fairy Fireplace – yellow beige base with inexperienced to blue to turquoise shift
- Frost Bane – iridescent lavender pink with pink blue violet shift and iridescence
- Starfire – burgundy, violet pink, coppery orange, magenta
- Lucius – cool toned mauve plum matte
- Ethereal – cool toned muted nude taupe plum matte
Fairy Fireplace and Frost Bane are eyeshadows that I put on weekly as a result of they make me blissful. I really like the colour shifts and the way they catch the sunshine. I really like to make use of Starfire as an accent on the outer lid. Ethereal works as a cool-toned muted nude taupe plum shade, which is a superb crease colour to make my blue inexperienced eyes pop. Lucius is a beautiful berry mauve crease shade too.
I all the time pack a singles eyeshadow palette made up of my favourite eyeshadow singles at any time when I’m packing my finest make-up for journey. I all the time want shades like Fairy Fireplace and Frost Bane with me.
BellaBeauteBar Morally Gray Palette


The BellaBeauteBar Morally Gray palette needed to include me due to the attractive cool tones and iridescent shades. (use code CORDELIA to save lots of at Bellabeautebar) Not a Villain, Ethical Compass, Ambivalence, Indecisive, and Bittersweet had been the eyeshadows used essentially the most. See my Bellabeautebar Morally Gray Palette evaluation right here.


For the a number of video interviews that I did, I stored my make-up very minimal and impartial, utilizing the BellaBeauteBar Morally Gray palette. Morally Gray is unquestionably among the best make-up palettes for journey for impartial and smoky make-up appears to be like.
Bellabeautebar Lifeless Roses Palette
I used the Bellabeautebar Lifeless Roses palette essentially the most! Buddy Zone, Not Yours, As If, Drop Lifeless, U Want, Thank U Subsequent, and UR the Worst had been my most used shades. See my Bellabeautebar Lifeless Roses Palette characteristic.
I wore the Bellabeautebar Lifeless Roses palette essentially the most due to all the attractive multichromes in it. It’s very straightforward to create a fast, eye catching look with a multichrome on the lid and crease, then utilizing a matte shade so as to add definition on the outer nook.
Jet Lag
Jet lag has been brutal on the way in which again. Regardless of meticulously planning our return flight to get in round 9pm, our flights had been delayed by a number of hours, pushing an already lengthy 22 hour journey day previous 24 hours. It’s taken me per week to get to the place I really feel one thing near regular. I used to be sleeping for 12 hours at a time however by no means feeling actually restored.
Fundamental Distinction Between New Zealand and the USA
I’m so grateful to have the ability to go to New Zealand and expertise what on a regular basis life is like there. The simplest means I’ve discovered to explain the distinction is that American tradition could be very ‘me’ centered, whereas New Zealand tradition could be very ‘we’ centered. And I favor the ‘we’ focus, to make society a greater place. That’s in all probability why I cherished each Scotland and New Zealand, is that they’re extra ‘we’ centered with their cultures.
Not sufficient individuals care about neighborhood, their neighbors, and people who find themselves not like them within the USA. The dearth of empathy is an actual drawback. I’m uninterested in having to elucidate to individuals why they need to care about others who usually are not precisely like them. I’m exhausted that individuals don’t perceive that we have to maintain the atmosphere and never pollute it. It’s disgusting that there are people who assume that these with persistent sickness ought to simply die and that vaccines don’t work. I’m #TeamScience all the way in which and horrified at what’s taking place proper now.
Ultimate Ideas
Unrelated, I’ve drastically in the reduction of on my time on social media platforms. I examine in on the Fb Group 5 days per week and I’m on Reddit, however took all social media off my cellphone for my sanity. I’ve not been updating Instagram every day like I used to. As an alternative I’m studying as many books as I can handle in order that I’m not doom scrolling. What are you doing for self-care and to guard your well being? Are you a part of a local people?
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