Well- since starting my blog in January, I have to say that I am a bit ashamed that this is only my second blog post! Blogging takes time and that my friends is something that I have had a hard time finding. Between a busy full-time job, part-time school and the everyday chaos of life, I have not had much time on my hands. But, here I am- getting back to the grind and I want to share some of my favorite beauty products that are essential for traveling (especially for trips to the beach!).
What I love most about these products is that almost all of them can be found at Target or even a drugstore (such as CVS or Walgreens). This makes it easy to pick up if you forget to pack something. If you are a planner, then you can certainly find them all on Amazon!! These products are also TSA-approved sizes (so you can skip the baggage claim!).
First up is the Burt’s Bees Milk and Honey Body Lotion. I use lotion daily (usually at night) on my hands a feet. After a day out in the sun, this stuff is perfect! The texture is definitely more like a lotion (as opposed to a cream) so a little goes a long way!
The second travel-sized essential is Thayers Witch Hazel. Guys this stuff is seriously the best. It is super affordable and it works wonders on your skin! I like the Rose Petal scent and the feel of this toner is very light. It is alcohol-free (hello sensitive skin!) so there is no burning, stinging or drying-out of your skin.
The third product is Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap. Like the Thayers, this product also has a cult following. From celebrities to local Whole Foods shoppers, everyone seems to love this stuff. I like the lavender sent and really love how versatile this product is.
Next up is the Nivea Creme. Talk about economical!! This little tin (which is super easy to pack in either your purse or your travel bag) is only 99 cents!! Yes, you read that correctly. A little goes a long way and one of these will last me a month or two. I use it as eye cream, neck cream, on my elbows, cuticles, etc. I have tried a lot of different skin care products and this by far is one of my favorite “drug store” beauty buys. The texture is similar to that of a La Mer and it is super-hydrating!
Ok- let’s talk about hair. Hair at the beach can get tricky. It is hot and humid so styling it is usually out of the question for me. That’s where sea salt spray comes in handy. For me, I wash my hair, spray a generous amount of this stuff in my hair while wet and then let it air dry (either down or up in a messy bun). If I am in a hurry, I may blow-dry my hair for a minute or two and then I am out the door with perfect beachy hair! I have tried several different products (I also like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray and John Masters Sea Salt Spray with Lavender). The Not You Mother’s Beach Babe spray smells amazing (like coconut!) and I love that it comes in a travel-size! It also does not leave your hair stiff or “crunchy.”
For great second, third, fourth-day hair (no judgement), I turn to my most favorite beauty product…dry shampoo (aka the love of my life). I love dry shampoo- like literally love it. It saves my life on a daily basis. Never mind the cloud of dust that constantly surrounds me or the 3 inch layer of dust (I consider it fairy dust) that is always on my bathroom floor- some things (like sleeping an extra 30 minutes) are worth the sacrifice. Dry shampoo is like the friend that is always there for you- it never lets you down. Post workout? Dry Shampoo. Late night? Dry Shampoo. Need some extra lift at those roots? DRY SHAMPOO!!! (check out one of my favorite bloggers and the magic she creates with dry shampoo). Now I have tried a lot of dry shampoos and I mean a lot (thinking I will do a post on this ? Thoughts?) and Batiste is a great product. The tropical scent is out of this world and it does a great job drying up those oily roots!
The next product is a bit of a tease, so I apologize in advance, but it is my favorite lip balm with SPF. The Burt’s Bees Lifeguard’s Choice Lip Balm (with SPF) is unfortunately now discontinued (I still have a few as I had stocked up), but they have a replacement that is a strong contender (Burt’s Bees All Weather Lip Balm with SPF). It is easy to forget about your lips when you are out in the sun, so a lip balm with SPF is essential.
The last product that is an essential for a beach getaway is… sunscreen! While everyone loves the look of a good tan, you should never forgo sunscreen, especially on your face (unless your prefer premature aging and wrinkles….). I love this mineral face sunscreen from Bare Republic for several reasons. First, I love that there is a travel-size. It makes toting it to the beach and reapplying that much easier! I also love that it is a natural sunscreen. The consistency is light which makes the application easier (no white marks!) and the coverage is great.
Wishing I was still at the beach…
Until next time-
Kelly
The Stylish Nurse 