Your Packing Dilemmas Solved
My whole life I was the worst packer. For any trip, even if it was a weekend getaway I would try and pack as much as possible. And my skincare products would take up half of my overflowing suitcase.
I had two problems:
1. I hadn’t figured out what works for my skin, so I used everything.
2. I wasn’t being mindful of the extra stresses of travel and how to actively manage them – hence me packing a whole pharmacy. I was trying to be prepared for everything.
FIND YOUR BRAND
I looked high and low for the brand that works for me. I have the most sensitive skin on the planet. If someone is lying about the ingredients in their product, you can use my skin as a lie detector, that how reactive it is. The first thing was to eliminate anything that had alcohol in it. Most drugstore toners have alcohol and for the type of skin I have this was the worst. The second was understanding that oil is a good thing and not a bad thing. My skin is naturally oily. I have finally embraced it and learned that is a GOOD thing! And the last, it’s best to use products from the same brand, because they are designed to work with each other. I do mix in other products but I make sure to restock on my staples and keep them in my regimen. My main skincare products are all from Province Apothecary. I also use body care products from Leaves of Trees, and Mabrook & Co. Through trial and error and years of traveling with a skincare pharmacy in my suitcase I finally figured out the perfect packing list.
TRAVEL FACTORS
This is what we are up against when we travel:
• time difference (your whole body including your skin has to readjust)
• difference in air quality
• lack of sleep
• dry air on planes, buses, trains, even your car
• water quality
• elements, weather
MY GO-TOs
With all of these factors in mind, I have put together my perfect traveling kit. This is what’s in my bag, everything is under 100ml, so I can keep it in my carry-on or backpack. Big tip!!! Have access to your skincare products at all times.
Body Care + Wellness
Lavender +Tangerine Deodorant from Leaves of Trees
Clean Deodorant by Mabrook & Co. in Lavender + Herb
I find myself having conversations about natural deodorants and how hard it is to find them. These are IT guys, look no further. Both work really well and reapply easily, although I don’t find I need to in a regular day. I love the Mabrook & Co deodorant because the applicator is something I’m used to. It’s the classic roll-on and it’s super gentle. I can even use it after I wax.
Headache Balm by Leaves of Trees
This balm marketed for headaches but I find it to be more versatile than that. It helps with sore muscles. I put it on the back of my neck and on my traps when they feel tight, which is great for getting rid of stiffness when you’re forced to sit for a long periods of time. The peppermint smell is also very uplifting and makes you more alert. I put it on my temples and under my nose when I’m about to go on a long drive. Or if I’m jet-lagged and need to pay attention to where I’m going after getting off a plane, this balm gets my head back in the game.
Lavender and Lemon Essential Oils by doTERRA
Lavender is a must have when traveling. It is a natural antiseptic so it’s good to have on hand to disinfect your hands or small cuts. It also reduces redness and disinfects blemishes (I would test this on your skin to make sure you’re not sensitive to it. My skin loves lavender but some people will be irritated by it). And the smell is so calming. If you’re scared of flying or get anxious in big crowds, lavender will help calm you down.
Lemon is also amazing to have on hand to give your water a fresh taste, especially if you travel with a water bottle that you refill. Sometimes it’s tough to think of hydration on the go. Lemon helps the water absorb into your body when you drink it. It’s also an alkaline so it helps with acidity and any inflammation. These two tend to show up when you’re on the go!
Strictly Skincare (all listed are by Province Apothecary)
Back to my earlier point of embracing and loving my oily skin. I used to think serums and oils were the enemy. Not so, my friends! Oil breaks down oil. And your skin will take what it needs and the rest will sit on the surface for you to wipe away. I used to use harsh cleansers that stripped my skin, now all I use is this oil cleanser. When I’m on the road I use it to moisture my hands and cuticles. The oils in this cleanser are gentle and absorbent. If I am on a plane or driving somewhere, my hands and face are the first to get dry.
Face Serum (for sensitive skin)
I used it morning, night, and all day everyday. To make sure it’s absorbing and working, I put a few drops in my palm and spray toner to make an mixture and then I massage it into my face. A good serum is all you need if you have combination skin. It caters to the dry parts of my face and balances out the oily parts. A good serum will help you transition easily from one climate to the next.
Staple! I usually have a little bottle in my purse and will mist my face throughout the day. The key for me is to have a toner that doesn’t have alcohol in it. This one from PA smells like heaven and is super gentle.
This is another balm that I use. It has such a great calming effect on my skin. If I had a long day and it’s showing, you know when you look in the mirror and kind of scare yourself? K, it’s for those days. I mix it with some serum and a spray or two of toner and massage into my face and neck and I wake up looking like myself rather than a ghoul.
(not pictured is Sunscreen. I wear it always, everyday – no matter what!)
I hope this was as fun for you to read as it was for me to write. I’m always happy to talk skin so hit me up! Below are some pictures from my birthday trip to Paris which inspired this Blog post. It was the first time I nailed my packing! If you have any questions for me, do reach out!
Ob signing out! xo
