When it comes to which beauty product I pack in my skincare and cosmetics kit for travel, as always, I try to keep it to a minimum. I lighten up my carry-on bag by choosing multi-use products.
Many people love to travel because it’s a break from the routine of day-to-day life; no more grocery shopping, no work, housekeeping, or washing the car. For women, even putting on makeup every day can seem like a routine that we just get tired of. A vacation seems like a grand opportunity to go au natural!
As a professional makeup artist and a passionate traveler, I have a different perspective.
Whether we like it or not, if we look attractive, we are seen as friendlier, smarter, and more approachable. A big part of my travel experience is meeting new people. That said if I’m meeting new people every single day I make an effort to look my best. That doesn’t mean I spend an hour on hair and makeup. I know a little goes a long way. I want to look awake, vibrant, and friendly – not tired and jet-lagged. Trust me, it matters.
When I travel I choose the following multi-use products because they meet almost every basic requirement – moisturizer, sun protection, tanning lotion, color, hairspray that can double down as root lift, and some serious skin repair if needed. I can still take care of my beauty and grooming needs, without carrying too many products.
1. A Creme Blush Stick
I like Vapour Organic Beauty Aura Blush Sticks. They are creme blush sticks which can also be used as lip color. It comes in four colors, but I like Enchant or Impulse for most skin tones. In minutes you’ll have a healthy glow and look more awake.
2. A CC Cream
Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream
The latest in multi-purpose products this cream does it all. It’s color-correcting, primes, perfects and protects with SPF30. Not only that, it also fades discoloration. Talk about multi-tasking! There’s a good color range and I’ve tried this one myself and like it a lot.
3. A Tanning Lotion/Moisturizer for the Body
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
Try Jergens Natural Glow in Medium to Tan. I am fair but use the medium, otherwise, it takes forever to get even a slight bit of color. Gets rid of dry flaky skin, and slowly develops an all-over glow. Once the color develops, it also helps camouflage minor skin blemishes.
4. Hairspray
Hair spray has so many uses I can’t imagine leaving home without it. You can use it to hold hair in place, smooth flyaways, or to create volume at the roots when your hair has gone flat. I like Alterna Caviar working spray and it comes in travel size.
5. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
This is a classic that has been around forever, and with good reason. It heals the driest skin and airplane chapped lips. If you have a minor burn or other skin irritation it will help speed up healing and you can even smooth unruly brow hairs.
Whether you try one or all five of these products, your packing list just got smaller and your carry-on just got lighter.
