Happy Tuesday everyone! Sorry it’s been so long since my last post (whoever said the second semester of your senior year in college should be easy, was misinformed). Anyways, I’m back and ready with my fifth Sin City Survival Tip. With my trip to Las Vegas only 6 days away, it’s time to start thinking about what to pack. Suit case space is limited real estate as it is, but now with airlines charging up to $50 per checked bag, packing smart isn’t just a skill but a recessionista travel necessity!
For me, the biggest space-sucker in my suitcase always ends up being beauty products. Not only do you have to fit the usual lot of oddly shaped lotion bottles, giant hairspray canisters etc. But when you add sunscreens, tanning oils and after-suns, it can get a little out of control. With this predicament in mind, I bring you
Tip #5: Products, what to pack and what to pitch! My packing rule is to stick to multi-use products and try to limit around 2 products per part, i.e. hair, face and body.
First, decide on two or three non-negotiables. For me these are:
Rusk Being Sexy Hairspray: Runway staple and the best hairspray for hot conditions that I have EVER used. Used at the Cynthia Rowley show in ’09 and my own Vegas trip in August, it has UV filters to protect from the sun, fights frizz and even adds shine!
Big Sexy Shampoo: When the heat is on, and it will be in Vegas (!), volume is always an issue for my hair. Big Sexy Shampoo guarantees that even if my root pump falters, I’ll never have helmet head.
Redken Straight Balm: Slick through your hair from about ear-height to ends before you blow dry to tame your mane all day… no matter the weather.
Secondly, when it comes to skin and suncare, keep it compact and kill 2 birds with 1 product.
SPF is not an option ladies. The “worn leather handbag” look doesn’t work for anyone’s skin type so take care of your face! However, packing skin care and sun care can get bulky. So the trick is finding one product for face and one for body that takes care of both.
For the face, I love Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Sun Block. With SPF up to 85 (!) and its non-comedogenic formula, this fab product is sensitive enough to use as a moisturizer and strong enough to protect your delicate complexion. But, the best part about this block… the dry-touch technology keeps it matte and dry to the touch all day which means you won’t look greasy and your makeup won’t run! Apply in the morning underneath your makeup like a traditional moisturizer, then throw in in your pool bag and your good to go.
When it comes to body, there are multiple factors to consider. If you’re as pale as I am this spring, you’ll probably be getting a spray tan before your getaway; and everyone knows that even the best spray tans can turn into a flakey mess without proper maintenance. My lovely roommate and airbrush goddess Meredith, recommends a combination of moisturizer and self tanner. Burning will also jeopardize your golden glow and cause you to peel faster so again, SPF is a must! To solve this issue I turn to two products:
Jergens Natural Glow in Medium to Dark will take care of your body lotion and self tanner in one convenient bottle. You never have to worry about streaking and its suitcase-friendly bottle isn’t too big to travel with.
Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil with SPF 15 is a staple that I have used for years. When traveling to a dry destination like Las Vegas, your skin will dry out in no time while sunbathing. Tanning oils are super moisturizing and will safeguard your spray tan from the drying air and chlorine. With its convenient spray nozzle, you can reapply your SPF all day without getting your hands greasy and the sexy sheen will leave you looking like a bronze goddess.
With all of these great skin/sun care combos, you’ve already turned 5 big bottles into 3 convenient ones.
Size-down your essentials.
My personal goal is to fit my skin/sun care plus all of my essentials in one gallon sized zip-loc bag. To do this, I buy travel sized versions of whatever I can. Sure it’s a few extra dollars but checking an extra bag or going over on your luggage weight limit is way more expensive. For most people, essentials include: toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, shampoo etc. Most of these already come in travel sizes, however you can purchase empty bottles for as little as $0.50 to fill with your own faves. Another space and time saving tip is to pick up a pack of face cleansing cloths. You can fold these into even the smallest of toiletry bags, plus they practically cut wash time in half (which you’ll appreciate when your nights end at 6 am).
Pick one extra… make it good. Limit yourself to one non-essential product and make it worth it!
My ultimate, all time favorite extra is Michael Kors Leg Shine To Go. One glide of this miracle-stick over your legs, knees and ankles, and your bare legs will look sleek, luscious and runway ready. Not to mention, it matches my Michael Kors fragrance!
There you have it, 7 products to complete your beauty, skin, tanning and SPF regimen on vacation. Not quite rocket science, but definitely a space saving feat in my book!
Tune in tomorrow for my tips on how to do a full night out from dinner to dancing without breaking the bank! xoxo SS
