travel skincare
Today, instead of being tucked tightly into my duvet in my Los Angeles apartment, I am writing from a slightly different location: the window seat of a train zipping up the East Coast. For the past week, I’ve been in D.C. catching up with some of my most beloved high school and college friends, and now am making my way to New York to carry on the trend. So far, my trip has been amazing, and I have loved every second – from the brown stone architecture to the abundance of public swearing!
But I am especially enamored by the concept of train travel. I feel like I am in a murder mystery novel... which might also have something to do with the man a few rows ahead of me who won’t stop drunkenly yammering about his career as a homicide detective. He just got up to purchase his third double-shot Bloody Mary and I can’t help but judge him a little.
Then again, who am I to talk? When I travel, all of my self-control goes down the drain, and I indulge any chance I get. That’s what vacation is for right? But, with such indulgence also comes a risk of angering one’s skin. The increase in alcohol consumption and eating out, the lack of sleep, the recycled plane air can all cause major breakouts. And with TSA’s liquid restrictions there are only so many treatments a girl can pack in anticipation.
Here are the things that I rely on to keep any skin issues at bay while traveling:
L’Oréal Algae Mask
WOW. I purchased this mask shortly after landing in D.C., when my skin was punishing me for constantly neglecting it over the previous days. I had heard good things about it, but honestly didn’t expect much because it was on sale for only 8 bucks. But when I rinsed this off, it was like I had been gifted with a new face. Not to mention, it smells incredible and relaxing – like eucalyptus. The perfect, therapeutic clarifying solution to tired or irritated skin!
[Cosrx] Acne Pimple Master Patch
These are amazing for when you do get that pesky, travel pimple and need a quick fix. All you have to do is pop one of the little stickers over the top of your blemish, and it will begin to heal your skin immediately. The best part is that these are basically invisible, so you can wear them in the airport or on the plane and nobody will really notice. Plus, they are super cheap!
Evian Mineral Spray
A few years ago, I got into the habit of carrying these around and, to this day, I am hooked. These spray bottles are so perfect for travelling when all you want to do is splash some water on your face, either to cool yourself off or wake yourself up after a long day, but can’t access a sink. Not to mention, a quick spritz of this will help re-hydrate your skin after all the moisture has been sucked out of it, either jet lag, a hangover, too much air conditioning, or whatever is plaguing you.
ORIGINS Drink Up™ Intensive Overnight Mask
Slather this intensely hydrating mask all over your face before you board a plane, and you will emerge completely unscathed. Seriously, this helps my skin retain its moisture like nothing I’ve ever tried before. Plus, it smells incredible – which is always a welcome characteristic when you’re trapped in close quarters with many other people. And don’t worry, it applies completely clear so, again, no one will know that you are basically having a spa day while you’re seated in coach.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O
Maybe I am becoming a skincare diva, but I really can’t handle makeup remover wipes. I have tried so many different types and they always sting, leave a residue, break me out, and/or just don’t work that well. Anyway, when it comes to make-up remover, nothing holds a flame to Bioderma. It’s so incredibly gentle, yet it takes every speck of makeup off my face. Even after I’ve cleansed my skin and think I’m good to go, I dab my face with a cotton pad soaked in Bioderma and am always shocked at how much is still hiding beneath the surface. Needless to say, I can’t do without it. Thankfully, they make a convenient travel size bottle that’s easy to toss into any toiletry bag – carry on or not.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
If you know me at all, you know how obsessed I am with the ordinary. All of their products are super simple, effective, and priced at around $10. But if I had to recommend one, I’d say for this serum. Crafted using many of the same ingredients as the Glossier SuperPure Serum, it’s specifically formulated to reduce blemishes and congestion, which, as we know, are especially commonplace when traveling. One tip I do have is that you should only apply a small amount of this. Otherwise, it can get a little bit tacky.