LOOK GREAT WHILE YOU TRAVEL

Look Great While You Travel

Melissa Kagan ON Jan 23, 2006 at 4:45AM
www.ivillage.com

Packing for a trip is no easy task. Most of us end up packing more clothes than we know what to do with. And shoes? Forget about it; they can require a separate suitcase on their own. It's not much easier when it comes to beauty and skin care. While we want to make sure we bring all the essentials, our skin may require different products when we travel than when we're at home. The key is to find multitasking products that don't take up too much room. Here's how to look great on the go:

    * Buy a cream blush that doubles as a lip tint.

    * Carry cleansing or refreshing wipes. Oil of Olay Daily Facials Express Wet Cloths wipe away dirt and makeup -- even waterproof mascara -- while nourishing skin with moisture and vitamin E. These are especially great for long airplane rides.

    * Carry an all-in-one moisturizer with sunscreen and tint. Look for creams with SPF 15 protection or higher that have a slight pigment to provide a great finished look without the heaviness of foundation.

    * Go from day into evening without overstuffing your makeup bag: A hint of shimmer can be applied to the face, body and even hair, creating a sexy nighttime look in seconds

    * Prepare for lost luggage by bringing a few basics on board. Many of the above products can be easily packed in your carry-on to tide you over until your luggage is found.

    * Drink plenty of water. Whether you are in the air, basking on the beach or skiing down the slopes, staying hydrated is the most important beauty tip of all.

    * Don't wear nail polish; it chips easily when you're toting luggage, making your hands instantly unsightly. Instead, get a "buff" manicure -- ask your manicurist to buff your nails to a shine instead of applying polish.

    * Carry some peppermint or rosemary oil on airplanes. The recirculated air in planes can make you stuffy. Rub a dab of essential oil on your temples to help relieve congestion. (If you have time for a bath when you get to your destination, you can add several drops of oil to that as well.)

    * Wear minimal eye makeup, and carry eye drops. Stuffy air, long lines and hours on the go will make you tired. Wilted eye makeup will make you look even more tired. If your eyes feel too naked without some attention, you can curl your lashes, apply a light mascara tint and set your brows in place with a clear brow gel. If your peepers feel dry or get red, a few eye drops will fix them.

    * Apply a leave-in conditioner before you begin your journey. Choose one that's formulated for your hair type so it won't weigh your hair down. The stresses of traveling, especially if you go to a different climate, can dry out hair and cause split ends

    * Carry an eye gel or cream. Often, applying a nutritious eye gel or cream is enough of a pick-me-up to get through customs. If not, at least you'll keep the delicate skin around your eyes moisturized and prevent puffiness.

    * Take your own supplies for your time away from home. Travel-size products leave room in your suitcase for other essentials. Most drugstores these days carry everything from mini nail polish remover pads to Shout stain remover cloths to deep-conditioning shampoo. Since products such as soaps and shampoos provided by hotels are often harsh, these petite products are important to have.

MY THOUGHTS

I think I'll follow the idea of nit having nail polish.  But I really don;t like bringing along toiletries.  I prefer to buy them from wherever it is I'm going.