Rather than using the TSA’s 3 oz. rule as an excuse to slack on pampering and primping during trips, I’ve learned to view it as a friendly challenge (Okay, and I’ll admit it – as an excuse to scoop up supercute mini sizes of beauty products!) to maintain some semblance of a routine on the road.

As soon as I spotted this Bliss Face Value Trial + Travel Skincare Essentials Set, I knew what my next trip’s regime would entail; the kit contains small sizes of cleanser, toner, sunscreen, eye makeup remover, mask and eye cream, all housed in an adorable blue bag!

Bliss Face Value Trial + Travel Skincare Essentials Set is available from Bliss for $45.

Bobbi Brown introduced Perfectly Defined Mascara earlier this year and so far it’s received rave reviews. With an all-day wear formula that resists flaking and a unique multi-comb brush that grabs even the tiniest hairs, this mascara has quickly become a staple in makeup bags everywhere.

Makeup Bag intern Monica gave this new mascara a whirl and here’s what she says:

Right away, I knew Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Mascara was special. Why, might you ask? Well for starters, its brush. It’s smaller than most, which is extra helpful when you need to make every single lash count. The teeny-tiny brush allowed me to maneuver around my eye area and pump up each individual lash, which is key when you have so few! The formula wore all day with nary a flake in sight. Interestingly enough, my trusty Neutrogena eye makeup remover couldn’t remove this mascara, but removing it with a bit of hot water and a washcloth did the trick.

Here are some other great reviews of this mascara from my beautiful friends:

Beautiful Makeup Search

Beauty Girl Musings

Musings of a Muse

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Mascara is available online at BobbiBrown.com for $22.

I absolutely love the unique neckline of this Black Halo Jackie O Dress. The striking purple color and bias cut complement its simple, straight silhouette, making a serious statement that doesn’t sacrifice even a little bit of style.

Available for $345 from Shopbop.com.

Right down the street from my husband’s “bachelor pad” is Kalapaki Beach, a stretch of sand that fronts the Kauai Marriott.

Nearly every evening this week, the girls have gone down to play volleyball on the permanent beach volleyball courts set up there.

The girls are making fun of me and my huge hat, sun umbrella and SPF 50 even at 7:00 p.m. but I’m not risking getting a sun burn. These crazy girls, on the other hand, rock their Hawaiian Tropic SPF8 (what’s even the purpose?!) despite their mother’s warnings:

We’ll see who has the most wrinkles when the summer is over. Haha!