If you're traveling quite a lot, it makes sense to have two sets of makeup - otherwise you're constantly unpacking and repacking that bag, and are more likely to forget an 'essential' item!

A great way to accumulate a second set without spending a fortune is to hit up the beauty counters for their free makeovers. Most will give you sample-sized items that you like (Lancome's sample sized mascaras are fabulous!). But only do it during the gift-with-purchase promotions. Many of those include a decent makeup bag, often with travel-worthy brushes or other sample size products.

Also, I was recently browsing the local hiking store to pick up a new set of small bottles for my shampoos, etc - and came upon this genius gizmo called a spice wheel. It's an acrylic wheel with 8 wells in which to put your shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, bath gel, meds, whatever. I haven't 'field tested' it yet (will on Tuesday though), but I'm excited to get rid of the multiple bottles and move to this one single thing. Here's a link if anyone's curious: https://secure.backpackerspantry.com...fm?Category=46