For many traveling women, it's usually the lotions and potions that make carry-on luggage hell. To look your best on the road, you don't have to leave your makeup kit at home -- but you don't have to bring your whole vanity caboodle either.

Here are some tips to remember about makeup. Less is more (especially when packing) and multi-purpose items are perfect for travel. Choose some of these beauty essentials to stash in your makeup bag:

• Moisturizer - Climate changes can leave your face dry. Carry a moisturizer. Choose one that has an SPF (Sun protection factor) so that it doubles up as your sunscreen. To save space, pack moisturizer sample packets available at many shop counters.
• Foundation - Used to even skin tone and freshen up that harried face. Powder foundation is easier to carry and apply. Choose one that gives the coverage of liquid but the finish of powder. If you still opt to carry the liquid stuff, close lids tightly to avoid spillage. Or save money and space with foundation-and-concealer-in-one sticks.
• Pressed or loose powder - For quick touch-ups, stow in a mini-compact of your favorite powder or transfer your loose powder into a smaller bottle. Sable brushes with short handles conserve more space.
• Eyelash Curler - Most women agree that an eyelash curler is an essential beauty tool. Get dolled up fast, curl those lashes and widen those sleepy eyes.
• Mascara - After battling with the eyelash curler, a wand of mascara does the trick to add drama to your eyes. A clear mascara can also work as a gel for those unruly brows.
• Eye Shadow -- To take your look from day to night, highlight your eyes. A smart choice is to buy a compact of eye shadow with at least 4 shades. Checking against the color palette of your packed clothes is also a good tactic to know what hues to bring.
• Blush - A cream blush instead of powder blush, applied with the fingertips, is more convenient and handy. Purchasing a 2-in-1 lip and cheek stain is also an option when saving precious purse space. Better yet, look for those eye, cheek and lip stains in one.
• Lip Color- Choose one that suits your purpose. For sheen and barely-there color, try lip balms and gloss pots. For long-lasting color, get a tube of lipstick that doesn't come off easily. Conditioners and SPF protection are musts for your lips. If you can't live with just one lip color, look for those sleek credit card-sized lip color palettes. Or limit yourself to two tubes of lipstick, a neutral shade for daytime and a darker one for night.
• Towelettes - These handy wipes are convenient for freshening up when there's no place to wash your face.
• Blotting Paper - Blot mid-day oil and sweat with these oil-busting papers. Very handy. A must in every woman's purse.
• Hand Gel -- These sweet smelling gels work both as germ killers and scents too. Choose one that has skin conditioners and a smell that you love.
• Mints -- Certainly not a cosmetic but an essential. Mini mints ensure sweet-smelling breath always.