Look and Feel Good Traveling

Megan Mattes BEAUTY SCHOOL

DESTINATION: BEAUTY!

Look (and feel) good traveling

I’m heading to Hawaii next week and already starting to pack my bags. Hey, with two kids it can take F-O-R-E-V-E-R so I start early. Deciding what to bring is not always easy. Do I squeeze my favorite hair and skin care products into small travel bottles, or pick up samples in the dollar bin at Target? Should I just bring basic makeup, or pack extra shadows in case I want to get glam for a night out? With a few 5+ hour trips under my belt, I’ve figured out what works best for me.

Here’s my smart packing plan. What’s yours?

TRAVEL SKIN CARE

Cleansing towelettes are great for travel. You can pick up them up at any domestic destination (and many international locales), saving valuable real estate in your luggage. If you’re devoted to your cleanser and it’s too large to bring, think about using a refillable bottle. Skip ones with pumps—you’ll end up with a huge mess in your bag!

On the plane: Slather your skin with moisturizer before takeoff to help combat dry cabin air…and drink lots of water!

TRAVEL HAIR CARE

I’m not super picky about my shampoo and conditioner when I travel, so I skim the travel-size bins at Target. I’m always amazed at how many quality products come in TSA-approved containers! Sephora has a great selection of high-end skin, hair and makeup products as well. I try to keep my hair styles low maintenance when away, relying on bobby pins, hair ties and clips to put my hair up in a cute top knot or braid.

On the plane: It doesn’t matter how fab my hair looks when I board. Give it 5 hours and my strands feel parched and limp. My trick? Before I leave for the airport I apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair and braid or twist in a bun. When I land I take it out and have soft waves that feel (and smell) good!

TRAVEL MAKEUP

I find that bringing minimal makeup is easiest—less time fishing around for products in your bag. I’ll usually pack a couple neutral shades for everyday, and a jewel-tone or smokey shadow for night. Mascara, foundation, blush and one gloss round out my makeup bag.

On the plane: Makeup can make your skin feel parched on a long flight, not to mention migrate down your face by landing. If you feel naked wearing face cream alone, apply a tinted moisturizer to hydrate and even out your skin tone. I like Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer, $42, available at lauramercier.com.

Megan Mattes is a freelance writer, editor and mom of two based in Southern California. An ex-beauty editor at Parents magazine, she now writes “just about anything” for national publications. Got a beauty question? Contact Megan at megmattes@yahoo.com