It’s a wrap on vacation! I’m back from Sweden and Finland. It’s kind of crazy to think my last day at work was June 2 and now it’s June 19. A few weeks away was exactly the escape I needed. I’ve always had an affection for Scandivian design, and now it’s developing into a full-fledged obsession.
We spent most of our time in Stockholm and took a trip to a Helsinki as well. It’s approaching midsummer (a bug deal in that part of the world) but it was actually quite chilly. I kept on seeing 90+ degrees in Chicago so I was happy about it, except when it was raining.
We used our Away carry-on suitcases and didn’t check any luggage. For once, I didn’t overpack makeup. I really didn’t have that luxury and by now, I know I don’t need that much. I could have brought less, sure, but I used everything I brought.
I didn’t bring everything from my summer beauty wardrobe but packed items from it. It was really nice to use the same makeup and gave me a true immersion into the world of beauty wardrobe-ing. While we were in Stockholm, I saw news of the Urban Decay Naked Heat palette. Obviously I totally want but am deferring to my rules to help me put that in check. It’s almost a relief! And, the rational part of me remembers that I actually have several items in my summer wardrobe that are really similar.
I wore IT Cosmetics CC Cream during the day – the added SPF is a major draw when you’re spending the entire day outside. The coverage on this is unreal and it has some nice reflective qualities. After spending the entire day out, we got into the routine of napping, showering and getting ready again at night. The sun doesn’t set until around 11 (even later in Finland!) so it always felt like we were going out early. Vacation brain is awesome. When I did my makeup for night, I kept it really simple with just a few drops of Glossier Skin Tint and Stretch Concealer.
Another every day was NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer and Cloud Paints in Dusk and Beam. I used a flat foundation brush to apply the Cloud Paints and I’ve been really into the finish it gives versus my fingers. I ran out of my It Cosmetics Skinny Brow Pencil on the last day of vacation – grateful it didn’t happen sooner. I like to layer some strokes under Boy Brow. I have a MAC brow pencil that I intend to replace this with instead of buying something new.
I also kept my eye makeup pretty basic. I packed a single MAC eyeshadow in Grain that wasn’t *technically* in my beauty wardrobe but it’s because I didn’t want to bring the big face palette. During the day I’d sweep it on without any primer – despite bringing my NARS Smudgeproof eye base. Grain is the perfect skin colored pearl – it doesn’t look like color on my lid so when it got a little oily it took on a glossy look.
Most nights I used Ilia Next To You. Sometimes I’d layer it with the NARS duo in St Paul de Vence. I also used Bite Beauty Multistick in Blondie on my eyelids and lower lash line. I took a tiny liner brush and concentrated it on the lower lash line as well. It totally defined my eyes in almost an invisible way – I could tell my eyes looked more open but couldn’t tell I was wearing any makeup. I could have used less lip color. I wore Balm Dot Com and Gen G in Leo nearly every day.
I’m only a few weeks in to my beauty wardrobe, and I’m loving it. I’m excited to try new ways to use these colors. I’ll be honest, too, it feels good to use things up! I know this sounds backward but there’s nothing better than a well loved tube of lipstick nearing the end. Right?