TRAVEL FAVORITES: BEAUTY PRODUCTS

THE ESSENTIAL TRAVEL BEAUTY PRODUCTS

My trip to L.A. is right around the corner and I am mentally starting to plan/pack. Every beauty enthusiast has their go-to items that they cannot leave behind and I am no different.

Since I’ve hit the BIG 3-0 this year, skincare has definitely been a primary focus of mine. I went through a phase a few years ago where my face was completely blemish-prone and was in the worst condition that it had ever been in. I consulted with my dermatologist who had me try many oral and topical treatments that I spent countless amounts of time and money buying various products and nothing seemed to be working.

Finally, I decided to make a change. I took the time to research the causes of breakouts and decided to invest in better quality products.

Through my research I learned about the many ingredients that help prevent oily skin and diffuse clogged pores. Now, I was on a mission to find products are made with these ingredients. After my research I netted out with some great items that have been fantastic in healing my skin, preventing future breakouts and lightening any blemish scars I may have.

I decided to take a step back and refine the needs for my skin. I am more prone to oily or combination skin, therefore, my future products needed to have those key components to combat those negative skin features.

FACIAL CLEANSER

I began with a new cleanser. I was using Cetaphil Derm Foaming Cleanser which was good in the meantime, however after a while, I felt like the foam didn’t always get the type of lather or leave the skin truly clean. I had used some items from this brand called Yes to Cucumbers, and after doing some research I found that have a line of products dedicated to fight acne, therefore I invested in Yes to Tomatoes Charcoal Cleanser. I also use my Olay ProX Anti Aging Cleansing tool with the facial cleanser to massage my skin and remove dead skin cells. The cleanser is a gel substance that brightens and cleans my face. I like using these products because they contain 95% natural ingredients, are free of parabens and made with recyclable materials. They are easily found in Target, and who doesn’t love a good Target run. Another bonus is it comes in the travel size, and you can always refill and reuse with more when you run out!

$2.99 | 2oz

FACIAL WIPES

Another product in the Yes to Tomatoes line that I use on a daily basis is the Blemish Clearing Facial Wipes. I like using these cleansing cloths to remove makeup and harsh impurities from the day to day. It subtly rejuvenates my skin while removing any makeup or residue accumulated throughout the day. The cloth is a normal thickness but is very durable. Even though there aren’t any grooves I find its one of the only wipes that actually removes almost all of my makeup. And just like my cleanser, it leaves my skin feeling bright and clean. This is also available at Target.

$5.99 | 30 towelettes

SUNSCREEN

I wish I knew years ago that I should be applying sunscreen to my face every day. I honestly thought I only needed sunscreen for a beach day or a beach vacation. But after doing some more research and speaking to some of my esthetician friends, I realized that sunscreen is a vital part of any woman’s skincare routine. Sunscreen is a key component to great skin, it helps prevent wrinkles, age spots and all those fine lines as we age. Now that I’ve added it to my daily routine, I love how it helps keep my skin firm.

I have tried a few different types of facial sunscreens and I like CeraVe’s product the best. The consistency of the cream doesn’t leave you feeling sticky or dry. It absorbs into the skin with every rub and protects all day long. I usually use this first before I apply any moisturizer or product. And of course, it’s another Target item.

$11.99 | 2oz

MOISTURIZER

I have always used a moisturizer but I didn’t realize it was becoming more of an important need until recent months. I have been trying multiple moisturizers to see which one works best for my skin. Since I have acne prone skin, I was using Cetaphil derm face moisturizer with SPF, however, some of the ingredients from the SPF are questionable so I opted to find a more natural moisturizer and use SPF separately. Even though I like having my moisturizer and SPF in one I would rather use better products over convenience.

At this moment I am using Boscia Black Hydration Gel that I bought at Sephora. I like that its also a charcoal product, which I have been using a lot of lately. It has a lot of ingredients that help fight acne like Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Grapefruit Seed Extract (see the full list here).

I like the gel, it’s a cooling feeling which is nice because it will help calm down any irritations. It’s a very light and thin substance that absorbs well into the skin. And it definitely provides moisture all day, I usually use it twice a day morning and night.

Even though I like this moisturizer and I’m on my second bottle, I might try something different next time to see if I can find something that may work better.

$40 | 1.7oz

FACIAL MIST

I have become obsessed with a facial mist that is a cult-favorite and a makeup artist must-have. The Mario Badescu facial mist is a spray that has many benefits. Its a refreshing, hydrating mist to use anywhere, anytime. It rejuvenates the skin due to the infused elements of herbal and botanical extracts (like Aloe Vera, Gardenia, Rosewater, Bladderwrack, and Thyme) that helps soothe and re-energize skin—giving it a healthy, radiant glow. It works well under and over makeup as well as on hair.

There are many ways to purchase this item; Amazon if you don’t need it right away, Urban Outfitters if you’re at the mall and can pick it up, or the Mario Badescu website of course.

The great benefit of buying the travel size bottle is that you can refill it anytime. So for short trips, you can toss this into your carryon bag or tote and have this on hand to give your skin a refreshing mist! I bought my travel size bottle at Nordstrom Rack for $5.

Also, the website offers free skin tips like this:

#MBSKINTIP: To give your makeup a dewy finish, spritz your favorite brush or sponge before blending in foundation or concealer. Once you’re done, mist your face as a final step to add radiance. For an extra refreshing and cooling boost, store the bottle in your refrigerator.

$14 | 4oz

DAILY PEEL

A few years ago, when I barely shopped at Sephora, I went to grab my free birthday gift and the girl at the register asked me if I needed anything else, I said no but she grabbed me one packet of Dr. Dennis Gross daily peels to try. I went home and I tried this 2-step daily peel and I was hooked. It also has a lot of the blemish fighting and anti-aging ingredients that I have been focusing on for my other items as well, so this was a win-win. They come in individual 2-step packets, so it’s easy to grab a few and throw them into your makeup bag. Instantly you can feel the difference. I usually use these once a day at night before I go to bed after I have taken off my makeup and cleansed my face with the Yes to Tomatoes wipes. These little packets pack a good punch, you can feel the peel tingling as its absorbing into the skin. And once you’re done with both steps, I can see my skin looking re-energized.

$16 | 5 Peels

I wish I could be one of the minimalist in the world that doesn’t need many products for their skin to glow. I have come a long way with my skin, I have had ups and downs and now I think my skin is finally in a healthier place. I am trying to be more cognizant of what is in my products and look for more natural elements. Before I preferred to buy items for cost over quality, and now I’m choosing quality over cost. I would rather spend a bit more if it’s a product that is naturally derived and healthier for you.

These are some of the best products I use on a daily basis. And hopefully, these can help others who are struggling with finding some skincare products that work for them. Skincare is a process, not everything that works for me will work for you. So my advice would be… to be open, try things out and invest in more quality products. After all, it’s your face that is the first thing people see, you want that the be your best feature.