As a fashion blogger, I feel pressure to always look nice, even when I’m traveling. You know, the important things: dressing well, wearing makeup, shaving my legs.
The trouble is, I travel so often that it takes a little extra motivation to keep up my normal beauty routine on the road, especially because I’m a mom. Sometimes it’s such a whirlwind that I just want to walk around wearing sweatpants.
Just a few weeks ago, for example, I went on a family vacation to New Orleans with my husband and kids. We had a pretty hectic schedule, trying to squeeze in as much as we could, but I still made sure that I kept up my beauty regimen.
I believe looking good is directly related to feeling good, so I like to take a few minutes for myself every day in the bathroom, where no one will bother me. I look through my iPad for pictures I have saved: a new look I want to try, a new nail polish or lipstick.
Other important parts of my regimen are exfoliating my face and body, plucking my eyebrows, bleaching my upper lip mustache, and shaving my legs. To keep up these routines while on the road, I figure out what I need for them before I go, and pack those items as compactly as I can.
I hate to travel with a lot of bags, but I like having personal items that make me feel like I am not far from home.
Here are my top five tips for packing smart and looking smart on the road:
1. Pick outfits that only require one color shoe. For example, I only took three pairs of shoes to New Orleans: Black heels, black-and-gold sandals, and a pair of running shoes. I made sure every outfit worked with those three pairs. (If it didn’t, it stayed home.)
2. Decide on the jewelry for each outfit and try to make it work with as many of the looks you are packing. I stick to my classics; gold watch and bracelet, diamond stud earrings, and one or two necklaces.
3. Take one neutral purse that will work for all of your looks, and include an evening clutch to go with your heels.
4. I always take my go-to products with me: facial cleanser, eye cream, all-in-one bronzer/blush/highlighter, my favorite mascara and lip gloss, and my current nail polish, just in case I chip a nail. Last but definitely not least, I can never leave home without my travel-size shaving cream and Schick Hydro Silk® Sensitive Care® .
5. I keep my makeup in my carry-on bag, so I can always freshen up my face after a long flight.
It’s really easy to fall into a fashion slump when you don't take time for yourself. I hope my tips help you keep looking (and feeling) fabulous on your next trip. Bon voyage!
Written by Mimi Goodwin