. Think about travel essentials and how to limit your grooming needs, so that you look pleasing and enjoy your trip. Travelling light is an advantage, so you need items that are compact and portable. Get yourself a spacious shoulder bag and two small, plastic-lined cases for your toiletries and make-up. Your beauty aids should be within easy reach, so that you can freshen up your make-up and alight from your journey looking attractive and self-confident. Searching for a lipstick or comb in a cluttered handbag can really test your patience.
A short hairdo that you can just brush and arrange is good, while for long hair, take along a headband and hair clips, to keep your hair tidy. Remember to take a scarf along to protect your hair from over-exposure to the sun, as well as from wind and dust. You will need it if you are out motoring, boating or even walking by the seaside or hills.
The make-up items and clothes you carry depend on what your trip entails. If you are holidaying in a big city and expect to meet people, you will need a few good clothes and accessories for dining out. Take a few in-between outfits that are neither too casual nor too dressy. You will also need makeup cosmetics for the night. The lighting at night demands more colour, so include darker shades of lipstick, blush-on, eye-shadow and mascara. A hairpiece can provide instant glamour. Don’t forget to take your perfume, one or two good accessories and a neutral evening purse that goes with your dressy outfits. These will help to add the finishing touches.
If you are on a sightseeing trip or on a vacation by the sea or mountains, the emphasis will be on comfort. Casual wrinkle-free clothes, lightweight shoes and sunglasses will be needed. On a vacation, one probably needs to carry more skin care cosmetics and fewer makeup aids. An anti-tan sunscreen or sunblock would be good. The effects of sun exposure are greater by the waterside or near snow, because water and snow are reflective surfaces. By the sea, avoid sun-exposure between noon and 3 p.m. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen when out in the sun, not only on the face, but on all exposed areas. Apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before going out. If you are out in the sun for more than an hour, reapply the sunscreen. Use a high SPF of 30 or above for sensitive skin.
Apart from sunscreen, you need skin and hair care essentials, like cleanser, moisturiser, leave-on conditioner and hair serum. For your make-up, carry a powder compact, eye pencil, kajal stick and lipsticks that are suitable for day wear. Perhaps a lip gloss will do. By the beach, you need makeup products that are “waterproof” or “long lasting” and provide a matte finish.
Remember to pack lip balm, saline nasal spray and travel-size hand cream, too. If you usually wear contacts, opt for a pair of glasses on the plane to avoid dry eyes.
You will also need pressed powder (compact) and powder blush-on. Remember to take a few tissues. If you have oily skin, pre-moistened tissues are what you need. Carry them in your handbag when you go out, to clean and refresh your skin. Apart from these, take a deodorant and talcum powder.
Travel adds a wonderful dimension to one’s life and personality. It enriches our experience and broadens our outlook. Travel also means a time that is refreshing and renewing. There is nothing more enjoyable than getting away from everyday and unwinding. If you have taken care of your travel needs, all you have to do is relax and enjoy!
