11.24.2011

How To: Travel Like a Pro (and look like one too)

It's here again! The happiest time of the year? Uh, yeah maybe if you don't need to do a lot of traveling! For those of us who do, it can take a toll on our skin, health, and mess up a perfectly good sleep schedule! Not to mention, it's beyond stressful preparing, booking, packing, timing things, shuffling through crowds and, the worst part, WAITING. I've been on a plane 7 or 8 times in the past few months it's barely Thanksgiving! Come Spring, I'll be a professional traveler! Though my flights are relatively short, weekend jaunts to Portland are still exhausting! I barely get settled in before I'm whisked through airport security again. So what can we do to keep ourselves feeling and looking refreshed both on and off the tarmac?

Check out my little list of goodies that I keep near and dear in my carry on! Happy travels! XX.

Lip Balm - My current favorite is Nivea's "A Kiss of Moisture" because it's sheer, super moisturizing, and doesn't have the medicated sting of Chapstick. Also, I keep two in my bag - one for a perfectly soft pout, and one to tame those frizzy fly-aways peeking out around my hairline. You can also use your lip balm to freshen up brows and keep them set in place with a simple swipe.

Roller Perfume - Small and convenient! Since it would be obnoxious to pack the entire bottle, you should just pack the travel size spray bottle (you can buy cute ones separately and fill them at home, or at Nordstrom you can ask for a little sample of your scent - for free!). Or, if you're lucky, sometimes you can purchase your perfume in a gift set which includes the roller, already full of your favorite scent! Mask that stinky airplane smell once you land with a dab here and there. Major plus for meeting the new 3 oz. liquid requirements, being carry on approved, and no inconsiderate public spritzing. Genius!

Hand Sanitizer - Okay. I could go on for months and months just describing all the germs lurking in public places. Airports may be one of the biggest breeding grounds. With thousands of people in and out each day from different cities, states, and countries...oh I can only imagine what foulness exists there. I'll spare you the details - and the germs - and skip to telling you to carry a travel size hand sanitizer in your bag. Though it sounds silly, you need wash your hands (or sanitize...or both) before and after you eat, touch your face, mouth, eyes, anything. Just picture all those foreign germies lingering on handles, doorways, those overhead compartments, seat belts, and security bins just waiting to infect you with something. Makes me cringe! Help yourself and others avoid getting sick on a trip!

Ruana - My newest obsession. These cape-like, oversize scarves are perfect for flying. Airplanes are usually chilly and these are like giant adult blankets! Current, fashionable, and comfy. Just fold one up in your tote, pull it out during the flight, and cuddle up. Plus it makes for a cute outfit if you've realized you didn't pack enough cute shirts! All you need is a tank underneath, some skinny jeans and flats. Throw on the shall and wrap one side around the opposite shoulder. You'll look comfortable yet classy. H&M and Forever 21 are selling a bunch in fun prints and soft solids right now - I already own three!

Sunnies - Early mornings and late nights do a number on a woman's appearance. Pull a celeb move and pack a good pair of sunglasses to hide whatever tired puffiness you might have from flying. Bonus points for looking fashionable! Just try not to be ridiculous by wearing them inside the entire day while waiting at your gate...

Headphones - Most of us have an iPod or an iPhone. Don't forget to pack it! (Obviously you'd have your phone no matter what...I'd hope!) Keep boredom at bay by listening to music or watching a movie. Once those headphones are in, you can feel free to block out the airport madness and relax before take off.

Oil Blotting Sheets - It can get messy trying to powder your nose mid-flight and with a long day at the airport, possible connecting flights, and frantic rushing around, it wouldn't be good for your face to keep piling on make up throughout. So, for super cheap at the grocery store, you can buy even the generic brand of oil blotting sheets (they work just as well) and use one or two on the plane to freshen up before hitting your next stop. You'll use less of your spendy makeup by removing excess oil instead of adding more unnecessary product.

Eye Cream - Keep your eyelids moisturized, dewy, and young by using an eye cream at night during your trip. Also, if the stress of travel causes unruly break outs that seem to dry up and never completely go away, adding a ton of product to cover them up will only add texture to the overly dried out bits and make them look worse. So, after you've applied your foundation, add a small amount of an extra strength eye cream to the dried out blemish and lightly pat the area with your powder. This should keep the area moisturized - longer and better - and prevent your makeup from drying it out even more, causing those flaky patches! MAC's Fast Response Eye Cream is great because the silica in it acts as a primer. Again, if you're not ready to buy a giant tub yet, or just need a small amount for the weekend, Nordstrom will typically make you a free sample with enough to last for a few days!

Dry Shampoo - A long day in the air can cause your hair to go flat, become greasy, or even tangled from a good in-cabin nap. Dry shampoo is one of the best inventions. Ever. Not only will the powdery spray soak up any unwanted oils from your hair, it adds volume and lift when applied and massaged through your roots. Almost as good as freshly washed hair, in a matter of seconds. Travel sizes are perfect, too, because a little goes a long way!

Hat - Just incase your hair is a complete disaster, or if you just feel the need for a total disguise, a hat is great to keep at reach in your carry on!

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