When it comes to weekend travel, there’s this fine line between trying to pack light and low-maintenance, and feeling the impulse to bring, well, everything. I would unfortunately fall under that latter category. But the truth of the matter is that weekends are intended for escape from real life. A break from whatever is stressing you out, and a time to (hopefully) relax and unwind. SO why make things complicated?
To avoid an overstuffed suitcase and overly complicated getaway routine, my advice is to organize in advance, and bring only what you need. Everything should fit into one large ziplock! Whether your destination takes you to the beach, lake, park or city, keep it light and remember that just because we’re pairing down doesn’t mean our skin routine has to suffer.
Fortunately, there are a few newly launched standout products this season that are worth mentioning, and, of course, there are the tried and true, good ole’ classics, both of which we should never leave home without. This season’s hottest multi-tasking wonders are great too.
Take it from me, the perpetual traveler, that a simplified routine will feel just right. So, this is the definitive list, the beauty essentials (TSA friendly, of course) that you absolutely must bring, for those wonderful summer weekends.
UP YOUR SPF – I love a tinted SPF, but finding one that doesn’t make me breakout or turn my skin orange is quite difficult. Shiseido Urban Environment Tinted UV SPF 43 totally nails it. I’ll apply this over my normal serum and under my eye cream for perfect daytime coverage and color. Hampton Sun SPF 35 Mist is my current favorite SPF for the body. I love a sunscreen in spray form, because it makes application sooo much easier. Plus this comes in a mini size.
TAME YOUR MANE – Klorane has you covered in the minis department, and is still my favorite dry shampoo. Extend your style without having to wash it so often. When it comes to multi-tasking haircare, I recently tried Alterna Caviar CC Cream for its multi-functioning capacities. Apply a pump or two to damp hair, focusing on your ends. Style as normal and voila, gorgeous summer hair. My current getaway hair checklist is as follows (including the above): Living Proof Prime Style Extender, Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Oil and Bumble and bumble Quenching Shampoo and Conditioner (that I transfer to travel size mini bottles).
SKIN SOLUTIONS – If you asked me what I would bring if stranded on a desert island, my first response would most likely be concealer. I wear concealer like its my job, and the beach is no excuse not to cover those under eye circles and brighten your skin. By Terry Concealer is still my favorite. It’s perfect for summer because it doesn’t melt in your bag. Also, let’s not forget good ole’ NARS Creamy Concealer (I wear Vanilla), which provides seamless and pretty coverage. In case you breakout while away, always come prepared with Eve Lom Dynaspot. It’s the best.
GET THE GLOW – I always travel with a mask. SK-II is amazing to travel with for its single use packs. I apply these in the early evening right after I shower. For luminous skin, I recently became re-obsessed with Nars Super Orgasm Illuminator upon learning a new way to apply them. The best part about NARS radiance achieving formulas is that they can be applied literally everywhere, from the eye to the cheekbones to the chest, legs and arms. My latest use: the cheeks. Dab a little luminizer onto the back of your hand, smile! and, using NARS’s new #20 Blush Brush, apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks, sweeping up (almost into the hair line). Make sure to really blend. No joke, this is the prettiest way to achieve the instant glowy flushed look. Also trying mixing in your body lotion for an all over glow.
SMELL SIMPLY AMAZING – Byredo Gypsy Water is my current obsession, (and Kate Bosworth’s too)! You would be surprised, most of your favorite fragrances come in small sizes (Carnal Flower!!), so throw them in your clutch, tote or beach bag for an on the go refresh. Have you tried Elizabeth and James Nirvana?! Oh dear lord. Get over to Sephora and test this out.
PERFECT YOUR POUT – Steal clear of anything overly complicated and look for something hydrating and long-lasting that feels and looks amazing. My favorites are Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment (SPF 15!) in Tulip and Rose, Bite Beauty BB for Lips, Tarte LipSurgence™ Skintuitive Lip Tint (which I started using on my cheeks as well) and Chanel Glossimer.
BEAUTIFY YOUR BOD – I take my Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi Purpose Dry Oil (this is the most amazing tinted oil…EVER) and rub all over my chest, shoulders, arms, and sometimes a little on the ends of my hair. This gives you that gleamy, sexy look, plus it enhances your bone structure, making you appear leaner. Bonus! The smell is also to die for.
HANDBAG HAPPINESS – Hands feeling a little dirty and no place to go? Aesop Rinse-Free Hand Wash is the perfect solution. For an all over and waterless wash, I live for Simple’s Exfoliating Whips, which I pretty much have on my body 24/7. Never leave home without Elizabeth Arden famous Eight Hour Cream (more like a balm) for its endless uses.