My Cottage Makeup Routine

Well, I'm now four days into my official vacation, and as of tomorrow morning, I'm off to the cottage for the remainder of my days off.  So, as I'm currently re-packing and re-organizing my makeup bag, I thought I'd give you all a quick run-down of what products make the cut for being shipped off to the cottage, and why they rate getting hauled up there.

1. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35 (Fair)

This is a must-have product for me for many reasons.  First, it acts as a moisturizer, primer and "foundation" all in one.  Second, it gives surprisingly good coverage for a BB cream.  And third, it has SPF 35, which means I don't have to bring a second sunscreen for my face.  The Smashbox BB Cream has a pretty thick consistency, but it blends quite well once you get it on the skin.  It also is the closest match to my skin tone of probably any face makeup product I currently own.  Only downside - it's kind of expensive at $50/1oz.  I, personally, think it's worth it though.  It's not something I use everyday, but it's perfect for things like the cottage, or to blend in with my heavier foundations for a lighter coverage.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35 in Fair, $50/1oz

2. NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo in Orgasm/Laguna

I use Laguna bronzer everday as a contour shade, so I knew this product absolutely had to come with me to the cottage.  The Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo was actually the first NARS product I ever purchased and it was a great investment.  The Orgasm blush is gorgeous and is a perfect everyday shade for a no-makeup makup look.  Plus the bronzer is great for darkening up my complexion a bit once I start getting a tan.  And having both products together makes for a nice, easy-to-pack compact for my minimized makeup bag.

NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo in Orgasm/Laguna, $50/0.35oz

3. Bourjois Volumizer mascara

This is the mascara I wear most days, and I really like that you can build it up for a more dramatic effect.  The packaging is pretty cool - it has one wand, but you can open it a different places to dispense more or less product, depending on what look you're going for.  I use the light coverage portion to separate my upper lashes, and to define my lower lashes.  Then I use the heavier application to go over the top lashes for added volume.  Great for the cottage, where mascara is pretty much all I wear on my eyes.

Bourjois Volumizer mascara, $20

4. Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment with SPF 20

I put this stuff on at every opportunity because why mess with what works!  Blistex has been around for pretty much forever and I have yet to find anything better for a basic lip balm.  And this one has SPF 20, so it is on my lips at all times while I'm outside.  Plus, it's dirt cheap and one pot will last forever.  Everyone should have one of these floating around!

Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment, sorry, not sure about the price :(

And that is all I plan on taking to the cottage!  Well, aside from an oil-free high-SPF sunscreen.  Now I just have to remember to actually put it on...