Life in Dubai is categorised as either rushing from one place to another or waiting in traffic. With constant momentum coupled with the ever-changing weather, the makeup we choose isn’t just to look good, but it is to look good for as long as humanly possible. And that’s all thanks to the refreshers that stay put in our purses—minis that don’t make a fuss or take up too much room but pack a punch when needed. If you’re still building your travel vanity bag, here are some minis to consider adding to cart.
Beauty of Joseon | Matte Sun Stick : Mugwort+Camelia (SPF 50+ Pa++++)
Whether indoors or outdoors, sunscreen is vital. Between harsh sun rays and blue light damage, ignoring skin protection is just not worth it. While liquid sunscreens have set the standard for optimal protection, a sunstick isn’t any less! Formulated with artemisia capillaris, green tea extracts, and silica powder to regulate sebum, this sunstick by Beauty of Joseon works within and over makeup, delivering a soft matte finish.
Chanel | Baume Essential Multi-Use Glow Stick
Creamy and blendable, this highlight glides effortlessly on the skin, imparting shine wherever it touches. The payoff is subtle and natural, making it an easy option to layer over makeup and to highlight other areas of the body like the collarbones or shoulders. You could also apply it over eye makeup to add a subtle glow.
Charlotte Tilbury | Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
When we’re short on time and only have a few seconds to touch up before appearances, that’s when the setting spray comes out. Yes, a setting spray is for setting makeup, but it can also refresh what is already there, breathing new life into the look. This setting spray by Charlotte Tilbury does exactly that, adding a burst of hydration to the skin and a subtle floral scent to uplift the mood.
Fenty Beauty | Mini Invisimatte Instant + Setting Blotting Powder
Considering the region, sweat is just inevitable. So sometimes, makeup doesn’t need refreshing, but some blotting. Formulated with chia seed extracts, this blotting powder takes care of any oil and shine that comes from living life, mattifying the skin and blurring any pores. This way, you’re not sweating the makeup off but extending its wear for a longer period of time.
Mustadeem | Black Moroccan Ithmid Kohl
If you live in dark feminine makeup or kohl rimmed eyes, then an occasion refresh helps to strengthen the look. We will always rave about ithmid kohl—it’s natural, takes care of the eye, and has incredible staying power where a little goes a long way.
Kaja Beauty | Jelly Charm Glazed Lip Stain & Blush
If there’s one industry that’s perfected on-the-go makeup, it would be K-Beauty. With plenty of products designed to be multipurpose or easy to use (AKA the Beauty of Joseon sunstick), no travel pouch is complete without them. This tiny lip stain packs a punch with its colour payoff, doubling as a lipstick and as a blush. Skin-loving ingredients like triple berry complex, lemon fruit extract, and olive squalane also make sure that the skin stays soft and hydrated, even when it’s over layers of makeup.
Moonglaze | Phases!
And in the opposite direction, here’s a blush that doubles up as a lipstick. With the right shades, it can even work as a contour. Easy to pack and more importantly, easy to blend when applied, this blush stick gives serious colour payoff, leaving behind an instant refresh when touching up.
Rare Beauty | Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara Mini
Sometimes, the look isn’t dull; it just needs a lift with mascara. And the right mascara all boils down to the right wand. This one by Rare Beauty comes with a voluminous, eye-hugging brush so no lash gets left behind. It adds curl, length, lift, and volume while the castor oil formulation keeps the lashes soft.
Victoria Beckham Beauty | Contour Stylus
While there are plenty of contour sticks out there in the market, the Contour Stylus by Victoria Beckham Beauty is the ideal one for on-the-go makeup. Slimmer than most sticks, so it’s easy to pack, the shape also helps with precise application, which is vital if you’re doing your refresh in a moving car. With clean ingredients and rich pigment, it can also double up as an eyeshadow, giving off a subtle, natural look.
