As summers heat increases and Labor Day rapidly approaches most of us start packing for our "now or never" get-away. Whether you're off to Europe, down to the Caribbean or flying to Canada, packing up your beauty routine can be frustrating. I try to always bring carry-on if I can help it, which has cost me dearly in the past. Imagine my face as the mean TSA security man tossed my Crème De La Mer into the trashcan because it was in a clear plastic (but not 1 quart) bag even though it was only 2 oz. I was almost arrested that day. So now I have done my research, and I will share with you how to travel lightly and beautifully and never need to sweat it going through airport security. First off is the bag. Sorry ladies, we can't get fancy here. If they say you need a 1-quart Ziploc style only that is what they mean. Not a sandwich baggie, or a new designer clear plastic clutch with a gold zip top, but an ugly plain old 1-quart size Ziploc style bag. Ok, now that we have made our peace with that, let's move on. What to put in it? As you already know, liquids, gels and aerosols must all be 3 ounces or less and that does not mean a half used, half rolled-up 4 ounce tube of expensive sunscreen. There are plenty of great products out there that come in travel sizes, and if you have a favorite that does not, simply buy clear plastic 3 ounce or less jars, containers or bottles and fill them up. I love the great variety they sell at The Container Store. I have found some amazing new products that travel well and keep you looking your best. We want to fit as many things as we can into our 1 quart bags, so instead of throwing in your large bottle of perfume (even though it's only 1.7 ounces it takes up a lot of space) go for small travel size perfumes like the Tsi-La Mini Travel Collection-Airline Approved Fragrances. The 50ml of Llang-Llang is my personal favorite. Moisture is a must and you need to stay hydrated on the plane. My new favorite discovery is SheerinO'kho First Class Flight Face Cream. This 1.35 ounce, 100% natural moisturizer soothes and relaxes dehydrated skin that is stressed out from air conditioning, radical atmospheric changes and bad air. You will get off the plane looking radiant and can use it throughout your trip. Leave messy liquid foundation at home and toss in the Sally Hansen Anti-Aging Airbrush Makeup with SPF 8 for a flawless complexion with protection. This 1 ounce can passes all the strict rules. You won't need to pack your big tube of mascara when there is the Too Faced Lash Injection Mini Mascara. This cool mascara tubes your lashes, keeping you smear and flake-free, and at 0.169 ounces it won't take up any space at all. To maintain your uber-white smile while you are away there is the Go Smile Jet Set Kit. A travel size toothbrush with a.m. and p.m. travel-sized toothpaste is guaranteed to keep your smile its whitest. There are many products you can carry on that do not need to be put in the dreaded plastic bag. They are: solid deodorant, lipsticks, lip balms, pencil eyeliners, compact cream or stick bronzers, blushes, eye shadows and highlighters, any powders, tweezers, brushes, sponges, nail clippers and files, small scissors shorter than 4 inches, safety razors (including disposables), solid soaps and candles. All these can be put in the fanciest prettiest toiletries bag you can find and if the TSA agent gives you a hard time you tell them I said it's ok (if you want a fight) or just visit www.tsa.gov for a printed list of approved items.

1. Tsi-La Mini Travel Collection-Airline Approved Fragrances. A fabulous collection of organic, travel-size, yummy-smelling perfumes. Available at www.tsilaorganics.com
2. SheerinO'kho First Class Flight Face Cream. A 100% natural soothing moisturizer that is perfect for long flights. Available at www.sheerinokho.com
3. Sally Hansen Anti-Aging Airbrush Makeup SPF 8. A longwearing water resistant foundation that goes on any way you like it. Available at drugstores everywhere.
4. Too Faced Lash Injection Mini Mascara. A special formula mascara that won't run or smudge and is teeny tiny. Available at www.ulta.com
5. Go Smile Jet Set Kit. Travel sized toothpaste with extra whitening powers. Available at www.gosmile.com
6. Sephora Sun Safety Kit. With 8 mini-sized sun protection products from different companies, it contains everything from sunscreen to lip therapy you need to stay protected. Available at www.sephora.com
7. e.l.f. Hypershine Mini Cell Phone Lip Gloss Charms. So small you can take them anywhere. Available at www.drugstore.com
8. Benefit Realness Of Concealness. Blemishes and dark circles beware with these pocket-sized camouflage helpers that will keep your complexion perfect. Available at www.benefitcosmetics.com
9. Q-Tips Purse Packs. The perfect amount of swabs for makeup application and touchups on the go. Available at drugstores everywhere.
10. Tocca Beauty Travel Candles. So elegant, and they create the perfect ambiance while away. Available at www.amazon.com

Have a question you want Carmindy to answer? Email her at newsletter@carmindy.com

Kelly Adams writes:
The light is never good in hotel rooms when I travel and I always wind up putting on too much makeup or not blending enough. What can I do?

Carmindy:
I always sit next to a window if it is still light outside to apply my makeup. If it is night and the lighting in the bathroom or room is bad I take the lampshade off of the lamp and sit next to it. You will always get great light that way.

Marie Curcio writes:
How do I make small, almond-shaped blue eyes look bigger?

Carmindy:
I suggest starting off with a shimmering highlight applied under the brow, on the center of the eye lid, and on the inside corner of the eye in a shimmering champagne shade like the one found in the Fresh Satin Luster Palette (available at www.fresh.com). Next, use a taupe eye shadow and sweep it into the crease of the lid. Then, line the upper lashes from the center of the lid outward with a shimmering, chocolate brown eyeliner pencil. Go as close to the lash line as possible and soften the line with a Q-Tip. Next, line under the lower lash line, again from about the center outwards and soften. Finish with black mascara for extra contrast. The brown colors against your blue eyes will make them stand out. I call it "Opposites Attract".

Heather McDonald writes:
Is it rude to spray on perfume in an airplane?

Carmindy:
YES! YES! YES! Not everyone will love your fragrance, and in fact someone may be allergic to it. Because there is no air circulation you can gas people out. If you must apply it, excuse yourself to the restroom and subtly spray it into a tissue. Then dab on your wrist and neck before returning to your seat.