We all dream of travelling in style, but the reality is often stressful, sweaty, grimy and decidedly less than glamourous. Unfortunately, trips don’t always give us a break from the pressure to look our best — especially if we’re travelling for business or a special event.
Want to look and feel good while you travel? Take along these tips.
Prep your body
Include your body in your pre-trip planning to take care of some “maintenance” before you go. For instance, book an appointment to get your hair cut and colour refreshed — it will look more polished and be easier to control. What about unwanted hair? Wax it away rather than dealing with razors and messy products while you’re on the road.
And because our hair and skin don’t always get the attention they deserve, give them a little extra pampering in the days before your trip, like a deep conditioning treatment.
Keep it simple
Will your mascara be smudged and flaking after your in-flight nap? Will your bright nail polish chip and your foundation melt away or settle into your “fine lines”? In short, if it’s going to take a lot of upkeep, leave it at home. Instead bring along the items you know will stand up to rigorous conditions — but are neutral enough to compliment almost any outfit.
Same goes for your clothing — like those fabrics that wrinkle before you even put them in the suitcase or toe-pinching shoes. Pack items you’ll wear often, and can wash in a pinch. (For more tips, see Pack light and save hassles.)
What about your nails? Skip the fancy manicures involving decals or rhinestones. Instead, opt for a sheer or neutral nail colour that will match whatever you wear but won’t show off imperfections — or skip the polish and give them a buff before a special occasion.
Go multi-purpose
Trying to lighten your load? Look for products that will give you the most mileage. For instance, many mineral make-up products won’t melt away and they offer the coverage of concealer, foundation and setting powder. Some products even work as blush, eye shadow and lipstick as well — like Mistura’s 6-in-1 Kit.
Want to skip the make-up layering process? A tinted moisturizer can do double duty for your skin, and oil-absorbing blotting papers can get rid of shiny spots.
What about your lips? A pretty shade can give you an instant boost, even if you aren’t wearing any other make-up. Don’t worry about how long the product will last — instead, choose a product that moisturizes and contains sunscreen (SPF 15 or above) — and apply it regularly.
Bring your own
If you’ve got sensitive skin or allergies, don’t rely on hotels and local shops to supply you with skin-friendly products. Many of these products contain harsh chemicals and ingredients to which you may react, and you may not be able to find suitable brands while you’re away. Instead, bring along your own cleanser, shampoo, soap and sunscreen to avoid breakouts.
