I decided to take a trip home to my parents' house this weekend. They live about 4 hours away and I had classes up until 4pm so, in an effort to try and beat rush hour, I packed as quickly as possible and got on the road.
Packing has always been a struggle for me. I did get into some good packing habits when I used to travel each week, but with the new stationary lifestyle, I seem to have forgotten how to pack light and how to pack fast.
Just like my beauty addiction, I also inherited my terrible packing skills from my mom. My poor dad has been gravely concerned about this my whole life.
He always says,
“Pack as if you’re going on a survival trip!”
Which I never quite understood..Like, it's not that real, dad.
When I arrived at my parent’s house this weekend and began carrying in my hamper of dirty clothes and my garbage bag of products, I saw that same concerned look on my dad’s face. FWIW, the concern was also combined with terror, because I’m pretty sure he thought I was moving back home.
I started sorting through all of the unnecessary things that I had brought, including 4 different kinds of dry shampoo. It was then that I knew exactly what I wanted to talk about for this post. This one’s for my dad…here is my survival trip list. The 10 beauty products I couldn't travel without:
1. Neutrogena Makeup Wipes
Price: $8.97 | Order now on Amazon
I have extremely sensitive skin and this is the only brand of makeup wipes that doesn't irritate the skin around my eyes. They smell great and are super moisturizing. I try not to use them as my sole method for washing my face because wipes aren't gentle enough on the skin, but they are perfect after a night out at 3 a.m. You know, when you’re not too lazy to wait up for Uber Eats but washing your face feels like a complete chore.
2. Sally Hansen Leg Makeup
Price: $8.09 | Order now on Amazon
I've struggled with Eczema since I was a child and it tends to cause discoloration on my skin. I found this product in 2008 and it has been a true lifesaver. It's like makeup for your body - you can use it on your arms, or your legs, and it helps even out your skin tone while also providing a nice glow. I've bought every iteration of the product for the last 10 years. It's legit.
3. Dr. Dennis Gross Peels
Price: $17.00 (mini) | Order now on Sephora
These are absolutely amazing!!! They have helped my skin tremendously. I use the Extra Strength version even though I have sensitive skin, but maybe start out with the Regular Strength just to see how it goes. They’re pretty expensive so I always buy a giant box whenever I get a 20% off at Sephora. I cut them in half and then place the pack in a baggy so that I can use them twice.
Go to Sephora or anywhere else that sells them and ask for a sample. They’ll usually give you a few packs. I still do this sometimes just to get a few free ones…guilty!
4. Aquaphor
Price: $5.16 for 2 minis | Order on Amazon
Fun Fact, If I was actually on a survival trip I would definitely bring this. I put it on my lips for extra hydration but you could also use it on your hands or on your eyelids for a little extra shine. I’m addicted.
5. Smashbox BB Cream
Price: $11.99 for the Travel-size | Order on Amazon
This is my absolute favorite beauty product. It’s perfect for the “no makeup, makeup look” It’s extremely thick and has great coverage while still giving you a fresh dewy look.
I wear it to the gym or if I’m out running errands. It also has a 45 SPF which is fairly high for most cosmetics, but it means I don't have to apply sunscreen on the days I wear it which is a bonus. I was just in Aruba for two weeks and I put this on my face every morning and once throughout the day and I seriously did not burn AT ALL. (You’re probably not supposed to do that but it did work for me.)
6. Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo
Price: $13.37 for the Mini Size | Order on Amazon
My roommate and I use this so much, we probably need to air out our entire apartment just to detox from it. We use massive amounts of this stuff.
I really only wash my hair twice a week so I need this product to get me through. It is extremely white compared to other dry shampoos, but I’m blonde so I love it. It makes me look like I just got a blow out even after a double spin class three days post-wash.
If you’re not a blonde they do make a brunette version. I haven’t tried it, obviously, but I do have two besties with light brown hair that are obsessed with the original formula.
7. Rodan and Fields Lash Boost
Price: $152.00 | Order on Amazon
I have been using lash serums for a few years but this is the first one that I think really makes a difference. I had a bad reaction to some lash extensions a few years ago, which was tragic, and it pulled out all of my lashes overnight. I’ve had trouble growing them back ever since. I tried a lot of different lash growing products but Lashboost by Rodan and Fields is by far my favorite. I do still wear strip lashes, but with the hair growth I've seen since starting Lashboost has helped me wear them less and less.
8. Ardell Wispies and Duo Lash glue
Price: $7.10 | Order on Amazon
Speaking of lashes, I’ve tried a million different kinds of false lashes in many different price ranges. I love a lot of the expensive ones, but I like the Ardell Wispies for modest occasions
(like anything other than the gym, jk...kind of.)
They come in a lot of different shapes and I haven’t found a pair that I don’t like. The duo glue is my favorite. It doesn’t seem as harsh as others I've tried and it stays on really well.
9. Rosehip Oil
Price: $12.95 | Order on Amazon
This is a new one for me but I love it! It’s super cheap and lasts forever. I think I actually bought mine at TJ Maxx but I’m pretty sure you can find it anywhere. My face goes through seasonal phases where it becomes extremely dry in the Winter.
I put this on every night over after my nightly skin ritual and when I wake up I can’t stop touching my face. It’s considered a dry oil so it absorbs really quickly and smells like actual roses.
Bonus: the list of benefits for Rosehip Oil is insane!
- Brightens skin
- Evens out skin tone
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Fades scars
10. Chanel Eau Fraiche
Price: $99.50 | Order the canister on Chanel.com
I know, I know.
Everyone has been using Chance since college or even high school. I have been too, but I can’t get enough of it. I get compliments all of the time. I have turned so many people onto this stuff, that they should really start giving me a commission.
Everyone has tried the original chance which I still love but if you haven’t tried the Fraiche in the green bottle I’m telling you, prepare to be entranced. Luckily they sell it in this really cool canister which is perfect for traveling. I once dropped a brand new bottle on a hotel floor in Vegas. If people actually do cry over spilled milk I can’t even imagine what this would have brought them to do. I’m actually getting a little emotional as I write about it. The canister though is a total game changer.