One of my favorite parts about spring is the rejuvenation—the trees blossom, the birds come out of hiding and your skin gets the first vitamin D its seen in months! Gone are the dark days of winter that forced us to painstakingly add product after product to our faces to look less sullen/ashen/translucent. Easy and breezy is the name of the game once the weather starts getting warm again—your skin will naturally even itself out with the addition of fresh air, sunlight and of course the lovely exfoliation that the beach provides, and that means less make up and muss and fuss overall.
But just because you are feeling fly and foxy barefaced doesn’t mean there won’t be occasion to polish your look. Especially on vacation, you’ll want to perfect a routine that enhances but doesn’t smother your natural loveliness. So before you take off for your first spring excursion of the year, pack up these six travel-friendly products that will keep you looking both beautiful and carefree!
Smashbox BB Cream—This new beauty trend has been all the rage in Asian countries for the last 20 years. We are finally catching up to this ingenious new product! “BB” stands for “Beauty Balm” and this multi-tasking cream actually lives up to such a name. Used like a light foundation, it acts as a moisturizer, primer, sunscreen (it boasts SPF 35) and perfector for your face. Loads of antioxidants and vitamins make your skin feel so smooth and flawless. It melts into your face, blurring imperfections without looking like make up at all! Touted as a new type of “progressive coverage,” your face will look fresh and glowing.
Clinique All about Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage—A totally portable eye treatment that you’ll never want to leave home without, this roller cools, soothes and brightens travel-weary eyes. Whether you suffer from puffiness, dark circles or just need a refreshing pick-me-up, this one step cure will be just the ticket. Without all the goopiness/blending that traditional concealers need, you’ll have bright eyes in about 5 seconds flat so you can get back to the fun of your trip. An Allure Best of Beauty Winner and ophthalmologist tested, this is a no-brainer for your carry-on.
Too Faced Aqua Bunny Bronzer—The Holy Grail of bronzers, this cream to powder formula is all you need to enhance your natural features. You’ll be left with a luminous glow once you blend this sheer, subtle shade into the contours of your face. It’s waterproof, so you’ll still look fabulous after swimming or sweating. Oh, and Aqua Bunny is also good for your skin—it’s formulated with Vitamin E, chamomile, and aloe vera extract. Did I mention is smells like luscious coconut? You won’t want to go a day without it!
Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector—Lipstick is too fussy for your spring holiday, so instead bring this lip gloss, perfect for on the go. It moisturizes like a lip balm, subtly plumps, and offers a lovely shimmer, all without being sticky. The shades are all soft nude tones that enhance your natural lips and add just enough shine to give the illusion of “put together.” Lip Perfector is packed with nurturing vitamins to keep your pucker supple and youthful, yet looks and feels way more luxurious than your average Chapstick.
Shisedo Ultimate Skin Protection Lotion SPF 60—You aren’t going anywhere without a quality sunscreen! Drugstore brands don’t hold a candle to this deluxe lotion. This is worth the splurge because it has high SPF, it’s riddled with helpful antioxidants to prevent premature aging, and rose apple leaf extract for soft, lovely skin. It’s paba-free and sweat proof so even if you are living it up on the beach you’ll be protected. The package is purse friendly so no matter where your travels take you, touch ups will be a cinch (and a pleasure, as this lotion smells amazing!).
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion—Since you’ve been so diligent about sunscreen like I recommended, you’ll need some fake tanner to give the illusion of Gisele Bundchen-esque legs. This bronzing lotion is light years ahead of that nasty old school foam we all used to stain the bathroom with. It smells light and fresh and develops into a truly golden glow. This paraben free miracle worker was even an Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner. No spring transformation is complete without this last touch! Well, now you look gorgeous and natural and polished all at the same time, how do you feel? Hop on that plane and enjoy your spring vacation!
Author: Noella Schink is a travel writer and beauty enthusiast from Portland, Maine. When she’s not playing with her make up she’s traveling the world and writing about her adventures. Wherever you head this spring, she recommends you try Excellent Hotels for your hotel bookings around the world!