Women Travelers - Best travel beauty tips or strategies?

When I searched "beauty tips," I found was an old thread about unusual travel beauty tips, but unless I missed it, nothing about just standard travel beauty tips (e.g. not unusual).

Soooo...What are your favorite travel beauty tips or strategies?

Here are a couple of mine:
Miss Oops Pedicure in a Bottle. I take a tiny jar with me on every trip, and use it every night or every other night. This is one of my favorite products ever and extends my pre-travel pedicure far beyond its normal lifespan.

On longer, overnight flights, I don't wear makeup when I get on the plane, that way I'm ready for sleep. When I get up the next morning, I wash my face and put on minimal makeup, and I'm ready for the day.



GG

No alcohol on the flights or the day before or the day after. It really helps to prevent dehydrated skin.

Take more than 100mg of Hyaluronic Acid each day to keep your skin hydrated from within!

200mg on the days that I fly.

Dry, powder-type shampoo. Oscar Blandi my favorite.

Dry, powder-type shampoo. Oscar Blandi my favorite.

Why? You like to wash your hair while flying??

Why? You like to wash your hair while flying??

I suspect that the OP's post was in response to the subject line of the post...Best travel beauty tips or strategies?

I love Oscar Blandi products too. That jasmine smell is heavenly and have been tempted to try the dry shampoo. I wish they would come out with a body lotion in that scent.

Bobette

Why? You like to wash your hair while flying??

Doesn't everybody?

I don't usually apply it while I'm actually on the plane, but I certainly could (if I weren't concerned about the possibility of eliciting an allergic reaction in a fellow passenger). Typically I use it right after disembarking from a long haul flight: instead of matted and limp and oily, my hair is bouncy and fluffy and smells nice.

I also use it on the second and even third day after conventional shampooing, and before going out in the evening if it's been a particularly long day.

I used it this AM, in fact, and my hair looks great. And it took me less than 2 minutes total to "wash" and style it.

These are awesome tips!

Now...can someone explain what dry shampoo actually is and how it works? I've been hearing about the stuff for years, but never took the time to research it. What's the scoop?

Thanks!

GG

No alcohol
Lots of water
Lotion
Lip balm
Toothpaste for a quick rinse in the lavatory

I love the idea of the dry shampoo

These are awesome tips!

Now...can someone explain what dry shampoo actually is and how it works? I've been hearing about the stuff for years, but never took the time to research it. What's the scoop?

Thanks!

GG

The basic ingredient in dry shampoo is starch: corn starch, rice starch, etc. In a pinch you can use baby powder (the corn starch type) or even regular corn starch and get decent results.

You sprinkle the powder throughout your hair, paying particular attention to the roots/scalp. Brush out the excess (or fluf if brushing will mess up your natural curl) and you're all set.

The drawbacks are that your hair will look a bit matte, and this effect is more obvious on dark hair. My hair is dark and I find that I can minimize these issues by avoiding using it in the very top layer of hair, the layer that comprises the "surface". You can also touch up with either a curling iron or flat iron and those areas will look shinier.

On the whole I find that the drawbacks are more than offset by the convenience and general improvement in appearance. My hair looks thicker and I've got lots of volume.

I've tried various aerosol spray versions and don't like any of them.

Re. dry shampoo: I have fine, naturally curly hair, but use try shampoo on 2 day after straightening my hair. I like Oscar Blandi, but use other brands, too, including Ojan. Unlike other posters, I like both aerosol & non-aerosol versions. However, I find that dry shampoos are more effective if I do a quick blast with the hair dryer 5-20 minutes after the dry shampoos have been applied. FYI, if you're not a blond, there are a couple brands, including Aveda & HairFix, that sell colored dry shampoos. (I'm dark haired and find that using the hair dryer keeps me from having to use tinted dry shampoos.)

Speaking of curly hair: Don't try to fight the weather. I was in Tokyo (70s and drizzly) and Hong Kong (80s and wet/humid) in late May-early June. I could straighten my hair in Tokyo, but in HK my only option was curly. Check the weather before you travel and just go with the flow.

Ponds Clean Sweep (http://www.drugstore.com/qxp157901_333181_sespider_1_1/ponds/clean_sweep_original_clean_wet_cleansing_towelette s.htm) cleansing & make-up removing towels: Great for cleansing/makeup removal on the go...I originally bought these to use on overnight plane trips (quick sweep of the face, rinse with water (optional), then moisturize), but now use them or Olay dry towelettes for washing my face on the road. It's one less item that has to go in my ziplock bag!

If you travel internationally a lot... see if your favorite hair dryer/curling iron/straight iron is available in the "other" voltage. I'm in the US and love my hair dryer and flat iron. I've invested in the 220v version of both and am thrilled to have done it. My hair dryer is a Conair, and I was able to order the same hair dryer off of Amazon.co.uk and have it shipped to my hotel a couple years ago. My flat iron comes from a smaller manufacturer (Artizen (http://www.artizenusa.com/)) and I called them directly to purchase the 220v version of my flat iron.

The dry shampoos don't lighten your color as much, but they still give a matte finish. Also, be careful not to get the product on your scalp where it shows (at the part), as it looks very strange. Be careful using it if you're wearing a white sure, applying it before you dress and brushing out as much as possible before putting on your top. Wash your hands if you touch your hair.

The same advice goes for the non-tinted product, but results are easily remedied if you slip up and touch your black trousers with the white powder: a damp paper towel will take of it.

I do use brown Hair Fix sometimes but find the product to be a bit heavy feeling, almost oily.

If you travel a lot (and have wavy or frizzy hair like I do) and don't want to fuss with worrying about high wattage hair dryers or lugging a flat iron, a Brazilian Blowout will give you 10-14 weeks of sleek shiny hair that drys without frizz. Salons in the DFW area are doing them for $200-$300 - so not inexpensive, but for the hassle it saves me hauling heat tools or trying to look fresh in hot humid climates, its worth every penny.

[B]If you travel internationally a lot... see if your favorite hair dryer/curling iron/straight iron is available in the "other" voltage. I'm in the US and love my hair dryer and flat iron. I've invested in the 220v version of both and am thrilled to have done it. My hair dryer is a Conair, and I was able to order the same hair dryer off of Amazon.co.uk and have it shipped to my hotel a couple years ago. My flat iron comes from a smaller manufacturer (Artizen (http://www.artizenusa.com/)) and I called them directly to purchase the 220v version of my flat iron.

I too bought my favorite hairdryer, Elchim in 220V more than 5 years ago and it's been an excellent investment.

Why? You like to wash your hair while flying??

The obvious advantage to me: not a liquid, so no problem at security!

Liquids are the biggest issue for me when traveling now. Fortunately most hotels provide the basics (shampoo, lotion, conditioner). My remaining challenges:

- Saline solution for contact lenses: my normal 8 oz. bottles are obviously a problem, but a 3 oz. bottle (already a pain as it requires an extra, expensive purchase) won't last me for a week.....

- If I do check my bag, I still would like a small container of lotion in my carry-on, but have to remember it at security. My solution: a small tin of vaseline, which doubles as both extra rich lotion, and lip balm. I'm not 100% sure whether petroleum jelly counts as a solid or liquid, but it's never been flagged at security so far.

Don't cheat yourself of needed sleep; easy to do that when travelling. Drink plenty of water!

- If I do check my bag, I still would like a small container of lotion in my carry-on, but have to remember it at security. My solution: a small tin of vaseline, which doubles as both extra rich lotion, and lip balm. I'm not 100% sure whether petroleum jelly counts as a solid or liquid, but it's never been flagged at security so far.

I actually use lip balm for this purpose, the sort that comes in a tube like lipstick. I just run it over the back of my hand at the base of my nails (whre I tend to notice dryness on my hands). Even less likely than a small container of petroleum jelly to be flagged at security. At the moment I'm using some free lip balm that I got in a DL amenities a bag, so even better.

No alcohol on the flights or the day before or the day after. It really helps to prevent dehydrated skin.

I agree, but then I don't drink anyway.

I bought these pitotubes online at (I think) travelsmith. You fill them with your own liquids and there is a pump that keeps the air out. They have never exploded in travel and I put my favorite conditioner in the tube. They are under 3oz so qualify for carryon luggage. One time one of the TSA guys did a double take as to what was the stuff in the tube. I told him it was hair conditioner and that it has a vacuum pump and he thought it was cool. I will make due with hotel shampoo and soap but there is something about having my own conditioner with me. It's the only stuff I can find that really gets the frizz out of my hair.

I adore the Guerlain Meteorites Illuminating powder, it gives a "glow" to my face. I use Mythic Parfait, as I am fair. It's a must have travel item now, I only wish the compact was sleeker.

I'm happy that Rosebud Salve now comes in a tube, which is very convenient.

I too use Oscar Biandi dry shampoo- the $19 bottle from sephora lasts me months!! I am truly amazed at how well this stuff works. I am torn because my hair gets terribly oily after 1 day of not washing it, and washing it completely strips my hair of moisture and causes horrible split ends- but I seem to find the perfect happy medium using this stuff!

The one downside is that I have thick, dark brown hair, so after I apply the shampoo I still have add a tiny bit of water to get the white powder out of my roots or else my hair will look gray. But it beats washing and re-styling my hair!

Also, to add a separate beauty tip- I love love love wearing perfume, but hate checking in bags, so I discovered a clever "TSA friendly" way to transport smaller portions of my favorite perfumes when I travel for a couple of weeks at a time :

Whenever I run to Sephora or the perfume counter at Nordstrom's/Bloomies/etc I put on my biggest smile and politely ask the Sales Attendant for a handful of the vials that they put samples for customers in. Sometimes it helps if you mention that you purchased a bottle from their store the other week and are planning a trip, and would like some vials to transport the perfume in! The glass vials work fine, but the slightly bigger plastic ones with atomizers can fit twice as much!

From my experience, 3 or 4 of the plastic vials is more then enough for a 2 week long trip, and are very TSA friendly :)

I always start hydrating the day before by drinking plenty of water. If I wait til the day of I usually have to run to the bathroom and on a flight that can be very uncomfortable so it's important to start hydrating early.

I like to to a moisturizing mask the day before I fly and after I arrive to my destination as well. I love Caudalie's Vinoperfect mask that you paint on.

In my bag is Visine, small pot of Nivea hand creme, small mouthwash, YSL touche eclat concealer, Laura Mercier tinted foundation and lip balm.

I always pack healthy snacks such as fruit (apple, banana, orange) nuts and/or a healthy trail mix (pepitas, goji berries, almonds). I bring my favorite teas: Paris tea by Harney and Sons or Green Sencha tea. I try to avoid any alcohol (even if it's free!).

Make sure the iPod or iPad is fully charged and loaded with music or tv shows. Bring an engrossing book or magazine and you're good to go! Also keep fingers crossed that you get that upgrade! :D

Makeup is useless without eye drops for long haul flights. Eye drops being the most important thing after toothpaste.

I am a dry shampoo fan as well! Since I have dark hair I use the spray versions that don't leave a white residue at the roots. I don't like the smell of Ojan so recently found a better option at Ulta.

I love Ulta and Sephora for travel sized option beauty products.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good eye cream? I find that I have dark circles for the first time since I started traveling. My eye cream works well for fine lines but it does nada for the circles.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good eye cream? I find that I have dark circles for the first time since I started traveling. My eye cream works well for fine lines but it does nada for the circles.

For undereye circles I use 2 Shu Uemura moist compacts, one in purple and another in orange. I use the sponge to use the purple to brighten and the orange blend. Better than any other pre-made eye concealer since you custom blend it to whatever is going on on your face that day ^ They are moist so blend easily and don't leave a dry weird consistency under the eye.

I use a variety of eye creams depending on the weather, H20 for humid weather, Swiss Line or L'occitane for dry wintery weather. I generally don't use eye shadow so can go for more gooey eye creams.

I have fine curly hair. I finally gave up and had it cut short and curly. I thought the front and sides were wavy, but they are really curly. It works really well in humid weather. I sometimes use Aveda Pholliment to give the curls a bit more hold.

IDoes anyone have any recommendations for a good eye cream? I find that I have dark circles for the first time since I started traveling.

I started using Clarins anti-wrinkle eye cream with SPF (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=clarins+eye+cream&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=1143473641836206492&sa=X&ei=lkeCTd7vOqLC0QHAvLDCCA&ved=0CFIQ8wIwBA# )

It uses a physical sun block - titanium dioxide - so it's very light/white upon application. Not noticeable for me once I pat it into my skin gently - but some reviewers on makeupalley.com had commented that it was a nice lightener if you have undereye circles. I just wanted an anti-wrinkle daytime eye cream^

I prefer to travel light but always like to carry makeup too so I got myself a travel makeup palette from Lancome. I got the Absolu Voyage which has just about everything but foundation and I mean everything. It comes with a mini mascara, a lip pencil, a khol pencil, a blusher, compact powder, concealer, 6 eye shadows, 3 lipsticks and 3 makeup brushes and a sponge, all in one compact.

Another thing I like to do is use daily contact lens so that I don't have to carry solution with me. I bring just enough for my trip with a spare pair. By the end of the trip you'll have less to bring back.

I also like to use products that are multi-purpose like Philosphy's Amazing Grace which is a shampoo, bath gel and shower gel - 3 products in one. I also use their Purity Made Simple which is a moisturizing deep facial cleanser which also helps to remove make up. I usually transfer this into travel size containers though.

- Saline solution for contact lenses: my normal 8 oz. bottles are obviously a problem, but a 3 oz. bottle (already a pain as it requires an extra, expensive purchase) won't last me for a week.....

My optomitrist gave me a 2oz sample of Opti-free and it lasts a week.

My eye cream works well for fine lines but it does nada for the circles.

Which eye cream is that, pray tell? I bought a clarins one, which feels lovely but the smell bugs me for some reason. Waste of $3X unfortunately...

I'm going to start hydrating a couple days before travel. Good thinking, friends!

I've not got much good advice, though I do take advantage of the reasonably priced treatments in many of the countries I visit (in Africa, Latin America especially) - if I can get a facial once during a trip, I feel like a million bucks. And sometimes the treatments are unique, based on products developed locally.

- Saline solution for contact lenses: my normal 8 oz. bottles are obviously a problem, but a 3 oz. bottle (already a pain as it requires an extra, expensive purchase) won't last me for a week.....


I normally take two 3oz bottles if I'm going for more than a week. To avoid the expensive purchases, I do the unsterile thing and pop off the lid and refill with my bigger bottle.

That's if I'm leaving the US...here in the states, I travel with the 8oz since it's considered a medical product.

I pack a sleeping pack/gel for long flights to help my skin stay hydrated. It is basically a thicker gel or cream like layer that you put on your skin after you've applied moisturizer. It goes on clear for those of you thinking of Mrs. Doubtfire, mud masks, or the Boscia black peeling mask.

The first one I tried is from Face Shop White line (from Korea) and it has a distinct scent plus contains mineral oil. I've decanted a little into a squeeze bottle.

Just got the Naruko Magnolia night gel (from Taiwan, similar to this one http://www.sasa.com/SasaWeb/eng/product/viewProductDetail.jspa?itemno=104667702001 ) which works about the same after a single use. Feels very cooling. It is a little tackier but I woke up with decently hydrated skin and my laugh line that appears when I smile, then linger a little after I stop seemed to pop back to normal pretty quick the next morning.

I'm really not much of a beauty girl but figured it was time to start taking care of my skin since it can be tough to repair and I favor sleep over makeup routines. A haircut fixes a lot of hair issues :)

If you transit through ICN, Laneige is in the duty free and has a fairly well known sleeping mask. I think I even saw it in 6 packs.
http://www.sasa.com/SasaWeb/eng/product/viewProductDetail.jspa?itemno=104193707001

Two words: Brazillian Blowout. If you haven't yet heard of it, it's a hair treatment your stylist can do and it smooths out your hair (seriously, no frizzies to speak of) for three months. I've been getting them for a year now. We just got back from Italy, and my photos are awesome because my hair was just so darned easy to manage!

In other news...Jennifer Lopez recently mentioned in an interview that she uses a face mask that looks like bandages, and I also saw a photo of Demi Moore wearing something that kind of looked like what J-Lo described. Does anyone have any idea what product it might be?

TIA,
GG

perfume solids. Estee Lauder has them.

I take my condition, by Bumble Bee Leave In Rinse Out. Yes, that means you can comb it in and not wash it out and your hair will be silky soft and not heavy and greasy.

I also take individually wrapped wipes to freshen up.

In other news...Jennifer Lopez recently mentioned in an interview that she uses a face mask that looks like bandages, and I also saw a photo of Demi Moore wearing something that kind of looked like what J-Lo described. Does anyone have any idea what product it might be?

TIA,
GG

Perhaps, something like the SK-II facial Treatment Mask? A cotton sheet you put on your face to add moisture.

I am a big fan of moisture - I *always* need hand lotion, body butter, lip balm - you name it, I have it in every bag. For travel, I try to take solids when I can - I like lemon cuticle cream & hand salve from Burts Bees, pacifica solid perfume, stick sunscreen, Badger balm (I like the Sleep one and the bug prevention).

ALso wipes - antibacterial wipes, "feminine" wipes, makeup remover wipes.....

I am a big fan of moisture - I *always* need hand lotion, body butter, lip balm - you name it, I have it in every bag. For travel, I try to take solids when I can - I like lemon cuticle cream & hand salve from Burts Bees, pacifica solid perfume, stick sunscreen, Badger balm (I like the Sleep one and the bug prevention).

ALso wipes - antibacterial wipes, "feminine" wipes, makeup remover wipes.....

Hoyaheel, have you tried the Lemony Flutter cuticle butter? It's superb!

Perhaps, something like the SK-II facial Treatment Mask? A cotton sheet you put on your face to add moisture.

I don't know- the one Demi Moore was wearing might be that one. But J-Lo specifically said something about it looking like bandages. I'm going to find the article and see if there's anything else mentioned.

Hoyaheel, have you tried the Lemony Flutter cuticle butter? It's superb!

I can't go into Lush stores - the smell gives me a headache - so I'm not very familiar with their products. That does look really nice though! I love body butters. Did I mention I'm a fan of moisture?:p

I can't go into Lush stores - the smell gives me a headache - so I'm not very familiar with their products. That does look really nice though! I love body butters. Did I mention I'm a fan of moisture?:p

I'm totally the same way. In fact, when someone recommended the Lemony Flutter to me, I almost passed on it because I can't bear to even walk past a Lush store. So instead, I ordered it online and I have to say, I'm completely in love. It's awesome for cuticles but also for any rough spots here and there- heels, elbows, whatever. It's awesome!

I can't go into Lush stores - the smell gives me a headache - so I'm not very familiar with their products.

Lush stores are horrible, with that reek, but they have some awfully good products, it seems.

I'm in love with their Seanik shampoo. Size of a small bar of soap, no conditioner required, and lasts for months and months. And I've found with my fine, oily hair that I no longer need to wash it every second day - it looks good for 5 days.

And oh, I hate having to buy another bar!

Audrey

If you transit through ICN, Laneige is in the duty free and has a fairly well known sleeping mask. I think I even saw it in 6 packs.
http://www.sasa.com/SasaWeb/eng/product/viewProductDetail.jspa?itemno=104193707001

Thanks for this tip! I'd never heard of Laneige before but I'm off to Singapore in July and planning on picking some up to give it a try! ^

You can get those cotton sheet masks from almost any Japanese/Asian market.

I know the Bihada (Japanese) brand is very inexpensive and widely available (they look like this http://www.imomoko.com/product.php?cID=_12-22-)
SKII would be the ultra luxury option.

Amore Pacific is a Korean company encompassing Sulwhasoo (higher end), IOPE, Laneige and Mamonde. Each line has their own sheet masks at a variety of price ranges and addressing different skincare issues.

My Beauty Diary is another inexpensive option. It's a Taiwanese brand and should be available at Watson's in Hong Kong.

You really can't go wrong with any of these brands. It's a matter of preference, but the SKII ones are phenomenal for sure! Gives you an instant glow and super hydration.

here's another makeup tip - consider using BB cream. It's this great multipurpose cream that can be used as a lightweight foundation, a concealer, a moisturizer and some of them even come with SPF in it.

I currently use M Perfect Cover BB Cream by Missha (http://www.misshaus.com/pageControl.php?page=mainProductDetail&p_code=MSMS1052&ctg=AAA) which comes with SPF 42. The great thing about this stuff is that it will initially look pale when you put it on but give it a few minutes and it will actually end up adjusting to your natural skin tone and will even out your skin tone too. You don't need a lot to cover your face, just a really small amount so a tube of 50 ml will last you at least 6 months or so!

In other news...Jennifer Lopez recently mentioned in an interview that she uses a face mask that looks like bandages, and I also saw a photo of Demi Moore wearing something that kind of looked like what J-Lo described. Does anyone have any idea what product it might be?


In the current issue of Allure - Jet-Set Skin. The article mentions last year's photo of Demi Moore wearing the mask. The product - Wei Beauty Gingko Leaf Repair Face Treatment Pads. I'm curious.

Although I do have some of the more expensive sheet-face masks reserved for home use, I like to use the inexpensive ones available in many Asian markets when I am on the road. I like to ask the shop person if there is a discount if I buy in bulk. Many Asian shops have masks priced around $1.25-$2 and If you buy them in a pre-pack of 10, then the price drops to about 0.99-1.25@ These inexpensive yet effective masks are (an unknown to me) Korean brand.

Many major skin care companies offer face masks in their lines marketed in Asia. For example, Neutrogena and Olay both offer these fabric one-time use masks in a variety of formulations that range from moisturizing to peeling.

In other news...Jennifer Lopez recently mentioned in an interview that she uses a face mask that looks like bandages, and I also saw a photo of Demi Moore wearing something that kind of looked like what J-Lo described. Does anyone have any idea what product it might be?

TIA,
GG

@GG: Could it possibly be Frownies (http://www.frownies.com/) that you're looking for? They're an old-school, Hollywood glamour secret. I read an interview years ago where Renee Russo raved about them and said she swears by them.