yes, that’s mine...the lightweight Lipault bag –stuffed to capacity, on the luggage carousel at Paris’ Orly Airport!
I love to travel, but I’ve never learned the art of packing light. I try, I really do, but there just so many things I know I am going to want on the road. If I don’t take them, I’ll be missing them the entire time I’m away. But when it’s time to close my suitcase I realize something has to give…and it might be the zipper! With weight restrictions as well, women who would really like to travel with steamer trunks but are facing a one-bag limit, learn to “make do” with multi-taskers and travel sized items. Consider carefully, and you can still look refreshed after a long flight, or fabulous in your
selfies. Take our tips, and check out some of the travel items we’re suggesting from Klorane, L’Occitane, Besame Cosmetics, Laqa & Co., Pureology, RUSK hair care, and Chi Ultra to make traveling easier and packing, a breeze!
En Route and at Your Destination: Think about refreshing products that help you look great when you land, and multi-tasking cleansers. Bring antibacterial gel, tissues, and several kinds of wipes and wipes. The all purpose kind will save you where toilet facilities may be “iffy.” Wipes cleanse without soap and water, so you can use them anywhere. They don’t count towards the dreaded quart bag quota. Use them up and. and at the end of the trip, your luggage is lighter, too.
Corsica is a fun spot for vacationers, but it’s also known for something else that is more unusual — the Immortelle flower (“golden sun”) that never wilts or fades even long after it has been picked. Back in 2001 L’OCCITANE added the immortelle flower to its product range of skincare, and continues to add new products. One of the newbies is the Immortelle Precious Mist ($16.00 1.7 fl. oz) in a spray can that has not just organic immortelle floral water in it, but also soothing chamomile oil. This fresh and light mist is enriched with immortelle floral water. The alcohol-free spray is one of those moisturizing pick-me-ups that really are a must-have for airplane travel, among other things. You can also spray it over makeup to help re-set it and make it last longer. It also has an anti-microbial and anti-bacterial formula which is a definite plus when you’re dealing with an environment of people or places you’re not familiar with. The scent is also a light, slightly herbal one which is subtle, but uplifting. It’s definitely a must-have multi-tasker to take along on your next trip.
*If you like the line, try the new Immortelle Intense Cleansing Foam ($30.00) with organic immortelle floral water. It really smooths skin and makes it feel fresh and on top of that, it gets rid of your makeup, even if it’s the hard to remove waterproof kind. At 5 fl. oz. it’s not a carry-on item, but the lightweight metal pump bottle is travel friendly enough to pack in your checked luggage. Most hotels don’t have facial cleansers, so if you don’t want to use hotel soap or bath gel on your face, bring your own facial cleanser even if you can’t find it in “mini size.”
Another lovely idea from L’Occitane is one of the travel-sized hand creams. They are the perfect size for your purse, and they are enriched with shea butter to silken and nourish your skin any time, any place. One set that just launched includes La Collection de Grasse-fragranced hand creams in travel-friendly, 1 0z tubes ($28.00). This beautifully boxed set includes three different fragrances, the new Iris Bleu & Blanc; the lemony Jasmin & Bergamote Hand Cream 1 oz; and the soft floral Neroli & Orchidee Hand Cream 1 .oz. If you want, get a single 1 oz. tube of L’OCCITANE hand cream in a variety of scents and types for just $12.00 per tube. Get these in your favorite L’OCCITANE boutique, or at L’Occitane Online
When I recently traveled with another super-savvy beauty editor she handed me a packette that contained Klorane Soothing and Relaxing Eye Contour Patches (7 sets $21.00) so that we would look refreshed when we arrived at our destination. They take up no room at all in your purse or bag, but they pack a mighty punch against looking haggard when you travel, or when you’ve had a rough night. These eye patches are full of cornflower extract to soothe and reduce puffiness, while arnica helps drain the eye contour and chamomile refreshes and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. These don’t have any sulfates or sodium chloride. Put them on when you’re about to sleep (or try to do a beauty nap) and wake up with brighter, less fatigued eyes in just about 20 minutes. If you only have half that time you’ll still see results. If you are using these at home, make them work even harder for you by putting them in the refrigerator, first. These are truly one of those little “genius” products you might never have realized you needed, until you try them. But once you do you’ll want to take them with you every time you travel...trust me!
A Beauty Writer’s Favorite Travel Tip: I always take hand lotion with me so my hands are always moisturized, and smelling great and make sure you have blotting paper/sheets so you won’t have an oily face, and you won’t mess up any makeup! Moxie, Moxie Reviews
When you are visiting someone, you might not want to get their towels and wash cloths full of your makeup. If you don’t want to bring a liquid bottle of makeup remover, Klorane has some amazing make-up remover wipes that are bio-degradeable featuring the star ingredient of soothing cornflower (also known for softening, and anti-inflammatory qualities). Witch hazel tones, glycerin hydrates, and Vitamin E provides the antioxidant benefits. The travel-friendly package of 25 wipes is just $12.50. These wipes come in a re-sealable package that actually has not just an inner tape seal, but also a plastic cover that closes over it, to keep them fresh, clean, and from drying out. The wipes remove makeup thoroughly and have no parabens, sulfates, sodium chloride or fragrance so they’re good for sensitive skin. In fact, the hypoallergenic formula has a pH that is similar to tears. Just wipe gently over your face to freshen and remove makeup, and then toss the dirty cloth away when you’re done. The cloth is made with 100% vicose fibers that decompose naturally after use. Visit the Klorane Web Site
HAIR HELPERS:
Dry shampoo comes in all types and sizes, but you can get Klorane’s dry shampoo with oat milk in three sizes, a full size 3.2 oz size for $19.50, or two travel sizes: 1 oz spray for $9/00 or the eco-friendly non-aerosol version (1.7 fl. oz $19.50). You can opt for the $9.00 size for travel –it’s enough to get you through a week or more depending upon how often you use it. Oat milk soothes and comforts your scalp while corn and rice starch cleanse, and natural absorbent microspheres and silica deal with the excess dirt and oil you desperately want to get rid of. This one works, and you won’t feel like you have to immediately go back to your hotel and wash it right out of your hair. While no dry shampoo is going to take the place of really washing your hair, it can do enough to make it bearable at least one more day. If you’re in a place where the water is not great, or there isn’t any (e.g. camping, or when the plumbing quits in a place you can’t anticipate), or you’re late for that meeting and your hair smells like last night’s bar crawl, dry shampoo might be the only product that doesn’t require water that you can count on for any type of cleansing. Bring a small can for peace of mind. Visit the Klorane Web Site
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AdviceSisters Beauty Travel Tip: If you’re just touring casually and don’t have a formal dress-up event, hair doesn’t always have to be bouncy. Good hair clips and ornaments, a high ponytail, or even a great hat or scarf, or a bit of dry shampoo to fresh, can help you make it “one more day.”
On my last trip I took some Rusk favorites along. The RUSK Anti-Frizz Spray (1.5 oz, $7.00) is a quick-dry working spray that helps fight humidity when you’re far from home (at home too, of course) so even if you’re minus a flat iron, you won’t look like a big frizzy sponge! RUSK® Anti-Frizz Spray creates an invisible barrier to style-busting humidity without weighing hair down, which I like, too. On the road, hair spray helps a lot, but who wants to bring a big can along? Rusk Working Spray ($7.00 1.5 fl. oz.) has a lightweight and build-able hold in a lightweight spray can (weighs almost nothing in your bag) and helps protect color, too. Just spray it onto damp hair before you style it, and layer on more if you need it. RUSK Texture Spray (1.5 oz, $7.00) is a dry finishing spray with long-lasting, medium hold. It adds texture, shape and grip to create instant volume. You can get Rusk travel sized goodies in a variety on line stores such as stylesource.com and for more information visit the Official Rusk Web Site
A Beauty Writer’s Favorite Travel Tip: I like to save all the shampoo and conditioner samples I receive in beauty boxes for vacation. Hotel conditioners never work well for my hair, and I don’t like to lug big bottles. These are perfect to use a couple of times and toss. ” Linda, Beautzy Blog
Pureology Petites are packable! Their Petite Sulfate-Free Shampoos and Conditioners and treatments include favorites like Colour Fanatic, Pure Volume Instant Levitation Mist, Strength Cure Fabulous Lengths and Curl Complete Uplifting Curl. There’s even a mini version of Pureology’s Fresh Approach Dry Condition (love this)! to instantly absorb oil at the scalp . Bring along some of treatment and styling products in smaller sizes. Your hair will thank you, and you will save your style! Pureology Petites are available for the following products: Shampoo minis: Hydrate, Pure Volume and Pure Volume Extra Care, Strength Cure, Perfect 4 Platinum,Super Smooth, Reviving Red Shamp’Oil, Curl Complete, Nano Works and Precious Oil Shamp’Oil· $7.50 (1.7oz) Conditioner Minis: Petite Conditions are available for Hydrate, Hydrate Light, Pure Volume, Strength Cure, Perfect 4 Platinum, Super Smooth, Reviving Red Reflective Condition, Curl Complete, Nano Works and Precious Oil.
Petite stylers and treatment include: Pure Volume Blow DryAmplifier $7.00 (1oz); Pure Volume Instant Levitation Mist $9.00 (1oz); Perfect 4 Platinum Miracle Filler Treatment $7.00 (.5oz); Colour Fanatic $8.00 (1oz); Strength Cure Fabulous Lengths$10.00 (1oz); Strength Cure Split End Salve $10.00 (.5oz); Curl CompleteUplifting Curl $10.00 (1oz) ; Precious Oil VersatileCaring Oil $12.00 (1oz) Visit StyleSeat.com/Pureology to book an appointment or buy authentic Pureology products from your local salon.
Pureology Pro’s Beauty Travel Tip: Don’t overclean your hair. If your style needs a refresher after a long day or gym stint, skip the shower and use a dry shampoo to weightlessly cleanse and refresh hair such as Pureology Fresh Approach Dry Shampoo
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Advice Sisters Beauty Travel Tip: Mini-sized products are a great way to try a luxe but pricier line. If you love it, invest in the full sized bottle afterwards.
Spring Ultra CHI Flat Irons are a perfect addition for travel and for Spring 2015
On my last trip to Europe I realized that none of the many heat styling tools I currently owned, were dual voltage so they weren’t going to work when I traveled. But the trip was saved when a new Ultra CHI Flat Iron from the The Spring/Summer 2015 collection of Ultra CHI Flat Irons (read my review) was sent to me for review right before I left. This fabulous flat iron straightens, curls, flips and styles and has dual voltage, meaning I could use it safely in Europe. And these colorful flat irons from Ulta even come with tote bags in coordinating colors. Normally, I just live in dread of dealing with frizz when I travel because my regular flat irons are 110 volts only. Bring a converter plug of course but otherwise, and know that a full sized flat iron takes up some weight and room in your luggage, but it’s worth it for shiny, less frizzy, style-able hair all trip long and back home, too.
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Advice Sisters Beauty Tip: If you’re purchasing a new heat styling tool and you travel overseas, invest in one with Dual Voltage so you can use the same tool away from home, too.
BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT ARE TRAVEL-FRIENDLY: Non spillable products, multi-taskers, and mini-sized products help you get through your trip without troubles. The MUST-HAVE: Products with SPF. Bring regular sun block for the beach, and facial products and color cosmetics that have SPF in them (SPF 30 or higher is best). Check the Advice Sisters Search Box on the upper right hand side of this page for suggestions by typing in “SPF.”
At 1.9 fl. oz. CapriClear ($10.99) isn’t the smallest pump bottle of product you can bring on your trip, but this multi-tasker features one single ingredient — fracitionated coconut oil. It helps to restore moisture and help improve the appearance of dry skin, sensitive skin, stretch marks, scars, hair, nails and cuticles. Since it is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t have any fragrance, you can spritz and smooth it on your skin anywhere without worry. It also doesn’t contain any artificial color, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, PABA, BHT, or gluten., and it’s hypoallergenic and natural., won’t stain your clothing, and everyone on your trip can use it, even children. Although the product isn’t designed for it, you can also use it in a pinch to add some new life to leather, wood furniture, and other surfaces. It’s great for sensitive skin. I spritzed it on my very dry legs, and they looked much better in just a few days. It’s such a versatile product and it’s so pure and natural, “moms” are going to love it for every member of the family. Visit the Capriclear web site
Leaura Luciano
A Beauty Writer’s FavoriteTravel Tip: Multi-tasking products are key. I love BB or CC cream that include skin treating and protecting ingredients. Also take a good lip balm (with SPF, even better). It becomes my travel cure-all for lips, chapped skin, dry cuticles and it even helps with preventing blisters, in a pinch. LeAura Luciano Lifestyle Expert, Ever So Popular
Laqa@Co is known for it’s art-inspired packaging and user-friendly products. For example, their Nail Polish Pens are much less likely to open, spill, drop or drop and make a mess, so take one with you for touch-ups. Their Lip Lube glossy, hydrating lip balm pencils are easy to carry and come in plenty of colors and you get a hint of peppermint along with emollient shea butter every time you apply. The beige-y neutral in the photo is “Bees Knees” which adds just a hint of tint and works for everyone. The Nail Polish Remover Pads are an easy way to carry what would otherwise be a challenging product easily, and safely. We love these! Visit Laqa@Co to get yours.
Bronzers are a highly personal product. Some people swear by them, others shy away, but when you travel, a bit of glow can go a long way toward making your complexion (and your entire body) look more alive, and healthy. If you feel a bit pale, or you’ve actually been in the sun too long and have an uneven tan, a bronzer can temporarily smooth out the spots. Lorac Cosmetic’s TANtalizer Baked Bronzer ($33.00/ travel size $8.00) is actually baked on terra cotta. Swirl the colors together with your retract-able travel brush, and get the color you crave, without having to lug a huge bronzer with you. Even better, the half-dollar-sized compact is travel-friendly for your makeup bag, and it even has a handy round mirror right on the bottom (the full sized compact has a brush, too) so you can apply this on the fly (or when you’re actually flying) and look glowing and fabulous, no matter where you are. There are three shades but Matte Tan and Original are in the travel size and give you enough glow to last for months. Dust some of this on your face before you arrive at your destination, even if you can’t apply foundation, and you’ll look more “rested & lively.” Learn more on the LORAC Cosmetics web site.
Any makeup artist will tell you that primers will help you make any complexion look more flawless. Green neutralizes red tones, Apricot dulls dark circles and bluish blemishes. But Lavender can help normalize sallow complexions and also help to conceal very dark under-eye circles and dark spots on deeper skin tones. A cult brand that The Advice Sisters have loved for years, is Besame Cosmetics. Their beautiful, vintage-y packaging and retro-cosmetics are glamorous, and very good. The beautiful Besame Brightening Violet Face Powder ($22.00) comes in a gorgeous, travel-friendly, lightweight plastic “tin” with a second plastic cap over the shaker cap, and a puff that fits on top of that (so there’s little chance of spillage). The size if only about 2″ around, so it’s not going to take up a huge amount of room in your makeup bag, but this translucent violet powder instantly brightens any skintone. The finely milled formula also sets makeup and adds a soft, matte finish. I didn’t really notice the “subtle violet fragrance: but it feels so feminine, it’s fun to use. Pat a bit over foundation or on bare skin, and around your eyes after that long flight to instantly lighten dark circles. It’s made without Parabens in the USA and it’s Gluten-Free. Visit the Besame Cosmetics Web Site to learn more
Candice Sabatini, Beauty News NYC
8 TOP TRAVEL TIPS FROM A DOCTOR — A PRO WHO REALLY KNOWS!
Dr. David Bank
The Advice Sisters consulted the charming and talented Dr. David E. Bank, a Board Certified Dermatologist, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, and author of Beautiful Skin : Every Woman’s Guide To Looking Her Best At Any Age
Listen to the Doctor! Here are 8 easy tips from Dr. Bank that will help you look great on the road and some are great for “at home,” too.
