My New Year’s Beauty Survival Kit for Glam on the Go

Raise your hand if you’re ‘the mum’ of your friendship group.

A telltale sign? You’re the first port of call for headaches, oily T-zones, sweaty pits and everything in between.

I wear this label like a badge of honour.

I've proudly carried it through various stages of my life, too. From ensuring my friends submitted their homework on time to providing endless hairbands to random girls in nightclub bathrooms.

One of the joys of being Mum is the look of sheer bewilderment on people’s faces when their seemingly obscure request leads to exactly the thing they were after.

Like Hermione Granger reaching into her bottomless beaded bag, although in my case, it’s my beloved Uniqlo bumbag.

Of course, this sort of ~ingenuity~ requires a little pre-planning.

And if there’s one occasion you want to be well-equipped for, it’s New Year’s.

Nothing ruins a good time–and a good beat–like an unexpected downpour or a lack of shade cover at a day festival (remember this year?).

So, before you set that out-of-office message, I thought I'd share my top picks for a New Year’s beauty survival kit.

You’re welcome.

See you next year – yes, I am that person. And no, I’m not sorry about it.

1. MAKE UP FOR EVER Mini Mist & Fix Spray.

What: MAKE UP FOR EVER Mist & Fix Setting Spray

Out of all the setting sprays I’ve road-tested for Beauty IQ, this one takes the cake.

It’s an excellent makeup setter and hydrator all in one – ideal for refreshing your face or diffusing an over-powdered complexion.

It has impressive staying power, too, helping to keep your beat intact for up to 24 hours. (yes, it really is that good).

Conveniently available in a 30ml travel size, it’s the perfect accompaniment for your handbag or carry-on if your New Year’s plans involve jetting off on a dreamy vacation… in which case, lucky you.

2. Benefit Gimme Brow + Mini Volumizing Gel.

What: Benefit Gimme Brow + Mini Volumizing Gel

If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I have somewhat of an unhealthy obsession with my eyebrows.

Call it self-soothing or just plain anxiety, but there’s an oddly calming quality in brushing all those teeny tiny hairs into place.

It's giving... (IYKYK.)

Which is why nothing takes me from 0 to 100 more than my partner brushing my brows backwards (which he does btw, for “fun”). I’m literally gagging now thinking about it.

Needless to say, I’m never without my Benefit Gimme Brow + Mini Volumizing Gel.

It’s perfect for taming my unruly brows and coaxing them back into place after a bout of sweating. Or in the case of my partner, sabotage.

It simultaneously adds a touch of colour, too; which is great if you've been two-stepping a little too hard on the d-floor.

And with such limited real estate in your handbag, this multi-tasking beauty is a no-brainer.

3. MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Setting Powder Mini.

What: MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Setting Powder Mini

Of course, our kit wouldn’t be complete without a setting powder for touch-ups.

The MUFE Setting Powder goes the distance with up to 24 hours of wear time.

It also has a super-fine formula that photographs well with no flashback (a New Year’s Eve essential).

I like to use the tiniest bit to mattify my T-zone and undereye. I love how easy it is to apply and how comfortable it wears for hours on end.

3. Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Lip Ink.

What: Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Lip Ink

If you only have space for one lip product in your kit, make it one of these long-lasting lip inks by Maybelline.

It truly is as good as TikTok says, remaining undisturbed yet still comfortable for hours on end.

The key, I've found, is to wait a minute or two for it to completely dry down after application before rubbing your lips together.

It may feel a tad sticky initially, but trust me, it’s worth it.

It allows for the colour to truly sink in, delivering a strong payoff that doesn’t transfer, smudge or fade.

In other words, it’s life-proof.

4. Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist SKINSCREEN.

What: Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist SKINSCREEN 75ml

Look, I get it – it’s not easy finding an SPF that plays well with a full face of makeup.

Or at least it wasn’t until Ultra Violette and their reapplication mist entered the picture earlier this year.

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a sample of the sunscreen for a Beauty IQ review (which you can read here!) and loved how easy it is to use.

It has a super-fine mist that gently settles on the skin, and adds a touch of radiance for a natural-looking glow.

It should go without saying that Preen Screen is designed to be a sidekick to your regular SPF. So keep slathering on your daily sunscreen and use this mist to top up your sun protection throughout the day.

*Always follow the directions for use. Reapply every two hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring per directions. Keep in mind that sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so be sure to wear protective clothing, seek shade and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

5. Prada Paradoxe EDP.

What: Prada Paradoxe EDP 10ml

As a particularly ~sweaty~ girlie, I never leave the house without a mini fragrance vial or roll-on in my bag.

At the moment it’s Prada Paradoxe, a relatively new addition to my scent collection.

If I had to describe the fragrance in three words, I’d say it’s warm, soft and slightly sexy.

Its balance of floral and ambery notes make it suitable for trans-seasonal, day-to-night wear.

And its long-wearing formula withstands whatever the day throws at you.

6. R+Co Dart Pomade Stick.

What: R+Co Dart Pomade Stick

If I’m sporting a slicked bun, know that this pomade stick is never far from my reach.

It’s like a deodorant stick for your hair.

In just a couple of swipes, your flyaways and baby hairs are banished, never to be seen again.

Castor seed oil and jojoba esters keep your hair hydrated, soft and shiny, while candelilla wax provides hold and seals out moisture–a blessing on rainy, humid days.

It’s also the perfect size to pop in your handbag for touch-ups on the go.

For more on this multi-use pomade stick, here’s a Beauty IQ we prepared earlier.

7. O&M Desert Dry Texture Spray Mini.

What: O&M Desert Dry Texture Spray Mini 100ml

Having fine, often flat hair, a dry texture spray is a non-negotiable in my New Year’s beauty survival kit.

What I love most about this one by O&M is that it instantly adds volume while also absorbing excess moisture so you’re getting two benefits in the one can.

It also contains Australian Lilly Pilly and quandong, both high in vitamin C, to boost your hair and scalp’s collagen levels for more youthful-looking locks.

Looking for more party season makeup inspo? Check out these Beauty IQ articles:

• Get Your Peepers Party-Ready With These 3 Liquid Eyeliner Styles

• A Makeup Artist’s Summer-Proof Makeup Routine for a Flawless Face That Lasts

• A Makeup Artist Guide to the Best Eyeshadow Palettes for Party Season