You’ve already got your at-home beauty routine down pat, but taking that regimen on the road is an entirely different story. Travel can be stressful on your system, which is why it’s important to do all that you can to take care of your hair, skin and nails while you’re away from home. The more consistent you can be with your routine, the better you’ll look and feel.
Read on for tips on how to pack up the better part of your beauty routine for your next trip so you can maintain the glowing appearance you sport on a daily basis.
Consider the Climate
Before you start to collect the products you’ll take with you on vacation, it’s important to take a look at the forecast so you know what to expect when you get there. You won’t want to get caught without a strong SPF or a high-quality, oil-reducing serum if you’re headed out on a Southern Caribbean cruise, for example. Make sure you plan for a variety of possible weather conditions at your destination, too, as the forecast could shift from day to day.
Look to the Essentials
Though it may be tempting, you probably can’t pack up your entire collection of skin, hair and makeup products to take with you. Think about what products you absolutely must have on a daily basis. You may not need nearly as many things as you think you do. A simple cleanser, a good tinted moisturizer, a lip and cheek tint and a couple of serums for your hair and skin could be all that you need for your entire trip.
Pack Light
Every suitcase has a limited amount of space, and when you start to pile in full-sized products and bulky hair tools, it leaves little room for other important things that you may need on your vacation. If you’re traveling by air, you won’t even be able to pack larger bottles of products in your carry-on luggage, as there are TSA-imposed limits on liquids. Go for travel-sized containers of your favorite products, whether you purchase them or simply fill up a smaller bottle with what you already have on hand at home.
Stick to Your Standbys
When you finally nail a great beauty routine that works for you and your unique skin and hair types, any disruptions can undo your hard-earned progress. It’s important, then, that you don’t ditch what works for you at home. Travel is already taxing on your body, so deviations from your routine can add additional stress as your system adjusts to time changes, humidity changes, sleep disruptions and changes in elevation or air quality. Find travel-friendly versions of the things you already use, and don’t add any new products to your travel routine unless absolutely necessary.
Bring a Few Extras
Even if you stay religious to your established regimen, emergencies can arise. From unexpected breakouts to unruly and frizzy hair, a new destination can prompt your system to react to the environment through changes in sebum production, hydration retention or textural inconsistencies. Make sure you’re prepared for whatever may come your way. Pack a spot treatment, a hair smoothing serum, a face mask, a strong SPF lotion, an undereye concealer, a heavy-duty moisturizer or a few extra hair elastics or pins in case of emergencies.
Be Realistic
You may not have the time or energy to put as much into your appearance while you’re away from home–and that’s okay. If you’re not certain you’ll be able to keep up your full six-step skincare routine while you’re out on the road, try to pare it down into a routine that is sustainable for your travel schedule. Try to think creatively about how to make the most of your beauty routine so that you can maintain your shiny locks, glowing skin and perfected makeup looks without overburdening yourself with beauty tasks when you could be out enjoying your destination. With a few mindful choices while you pack and plan your looks, you can still look your best while you enjoy all there is to see and do on your vacation.