Interested in traveling without looking tired or exhausted? Lauren Resnick, author of “Princess With a Backpack,” shares simple, practical tips to get the most out of your trip, while staying beautiful with tricks for your hair, face and eyes. Learn how to rough it on the road but keep your beauty routine in check. An excerpt:
You want to look good at all times, but you’re stuck in a tiny bathroom, with one unusable plug and fluro lighting! Here’s what to do:
HairSea water is amazing for curls (just make sure you leave it to dry after being in the ocean — don’t touch or it’ll go frizzy).
Body hair is tricky; definitely wax before you go, try to find places along the way, but the next best thing is Nair (if you’re untalented with a razor, like me).
FaceUse a tinted moisturizer instead of cover-up, foundation, powder, etc — they’re just not necessary and moisturizer gives you a great natural glow. I used Ponds tinted moisturizer in “honey” color. Can be used both day and night, so take a couple — you don’t want to run out of this stuff!
Sea water, again, is fantastic for the odd spot, so make sure you get plenty of salt water, and drink as much natural water as you can fit in.
The following are a few excellent tips from beauty therapist Denee Savoia:
- Aveda Fillables are perfect for storing small quantities of your favorite products. If you are spending an extended period overseas, make sure you take enough of your fave products, especially if they’re not available in remote locations.
- Don’t bother packing mascara if you’re heading anywhere tropical, unless it’s waterproof.
- Never take pump packs — they’ll end up all over your bag. I once packed my fave body moisturizer (pump pack) and even though I wrapped it in a plastic bag, the stuff still ended up all over my clothes.
- If you’re going to be spending loads of time in the water, take a leave-in conditioner.
- If you’re doing a lot of air travel, take vitamin E or cod-liver oil tablets for your skin.
- Keep your hands soft on long-haul flights by smothering them in vitamin E cream and popping a pair of clean socks over them while you’re sleeping.
Jet-set hairDo some prep work: Apply a deep-conditioning treatment before you leave — it will give your hair fantastic shine.
Roll with your texture: If you have wavy hair, don’t waste your time straightening it. Comb a light cream conditioner through damp hair and tie in a low pony for a really sleek and sexy look.
Stay sleek: In humid conditions hair can tend to go frizzy. Comb a silicon serum through your hair before landing. Try John Frieda Hair Serum, $14.99.
Pack protection: You will be out in the elements most of the day — be it in the sun or snow, look after your locks. Try a UV protector like KMS Perfection UV Protector, $22.95.
Silky skin
Glow: Apply a self-tanner the day before you get on the plane. I’m a huge fan of Johnson & Johnson’s Holiday Skin Night, $6.99; apply it before bed the night before you leave and you will wake up bronzed! Too easy.
Hydrate! Being on a plane really dehydrates your skin. Try a moisturizing cloth mask — they are so convenient, like Biotherm’s Source Therapie Tissue Masks. They come in slim individual packets and will rehydrate your skin in 10 minutes. Use one before you leave, and then again when you land.
Remember to look after your eyes: An eye cream works wonders for tired, overstressed eyes. A great budget eye cream such as L’Oreal Visible Results eye cream, $15.95, is all you need to take away those puffy bags.
Super clean: Get silky-smooth with an exfoliator. Once you land and get into a shower, gently massage a little on your face and body, and all excess dead skin will be removed. Follow up with a rich moisturizer.
Sunscreen your skin: My friends know me as a sun worshipper — but it’s far worse not being able to party all night because you’re burnt. It not only damages your skin, it also makes you really tired — and you will need all the energy you can get being a traveler. Try Nivea Sun Moisturizing screen lotion SPF 30+; it’s easy to apply and doesn’t leave a chalky residue.
Makeup to go
- Tidy your eyebrows
- Liquid shimmer your foundation
- Don't forget a highlighter!
Pack the perfect in-flight bag.
Make sure containers with creams, drinks, perfumes and gels do not exceed 100ml, and are in a clear plastic bag. This will mean downsizing your beauty essentials. Trial sizes are also a fantastic way of getting all you need on the plane with you.
Essentials:
- Lip balm
- Hand cream
- Eye cream
- Eye drops
- Skin refresher spray
- Deodorant
- Nail file
Does my butt look big in this?
Now, even though I wasn’t concerned about calories while I was traveling, I do believe in eating well as the best way to prevent getting sick and being in top form. Below is a list of healthy snacks from nutritionist Jackie Storm in New York. Keep them in mind, but remember always try a little of the local cuisine and enjoy!
Jackie Storm is a nutrition and health educator who lives in New York. The following is her list of sensible snacks that can provide you with instant energy as you make your way through Europe. When traveling to some remote areas, pack a variety of nonperishable treats in your backpack before you leave — you never want to be stranded without food — trust me!
- English muffin, whole-grain toast, rice cakes and peanut butter
- Natural yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Greek salad
- Small carton of milk
- Pears or bananas
- Chicken rice soup
- Beef barley soup
- Italian salad with mozzarella cheese and tomato
- Minestrone soup
- Cup of chicken noodle soup
- Walnut halves, almonds, brazil nuts, pistachios, air-popped popcorn
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Fruit salad
My favorite on-the-go foods were:
- Canned tuna (in Europe, look out for tuna flavors — Mexican, American, etc. — they contain other ingredients such as capsicum and corn; tuna and salad in one!)
- Fruit and veggies — buy a small tub of cream cheese or hummus and dip!
- Soy/skim milk box-drinks — Long life (i.e., can be stored without refrigeration before opening)
- Nuts, all kinds — peanuts in their shells are fun and help pass the time when bored.
Just remember — you’ll be walking all the time, so don’t worry about your weight — just keeping healthy is enough!
Excerpted from by Lauren Resnick. Copyright 2008 Lauren Resnick. All rights reserved. Published by Morgan James.