My Essential Green Beauty Travel Guide

Few things in life bring me as much pleasure as packing a bag and setting off on an adventure. Exploring new places, whether to visit a friend in a different state or to immerse myself in an entirely foreign culture, is one of the most valuable experiences a person can have.

For me, the problem always arises in the bag-packing stage, trying to determine exactly what I’ll need without knowing exactly what I’ll be doing.

If you’re anything like me, you understand the value in having flexibility in your travel plans. Sure, it’s nice to have a general idea of where you’re going, but if you just so happen to hear about a music festival or wine vineyard in a nearby town, you don’t want to have plans set in stone that are gonna get in the way of your optimal vacation spontaneity.

For this reason, I always do my best to pack light but with versatility. That means carry-on size cosmetics, and as many combination/dual-purpose products as possible. Here are some of my favorite brands and products for traveling, and a few words of wisdom for looking fresh when you’re on the go, and without access to your full beauty arsenal.

IN (AND PRE-) FLIGHT REGIMEN

The cabin pressure oxygen that’s circulated while you’re in the air is moisture-sucking in the worst way, so you have to be vigilant! Use a heavy night cream and an oil treatment for your hair the day before your travel, and before getting on the plane, apply a layer of facial oil to seal in the moisture.

Most importantly, bring a refresher kit in your handbag for easy access throughout the flight. This should contain a heavy lip balm, eye cream, eye drops, hand cream, and a water-based facial mist. Some of my favorite travel sizes include Skin Owl Eye Cream, True Moringa Burgundy Lip Whip (with a little extra tint, I use it instead of lipstick), and Odacité’s Mint + Green Tea Treatment Mist.

I usually try to keep my hair covered with a scarf or hat for the duration of the flight so the dry air doesn’t activate my friz—and sometimes well after landing if I end up sleeping on it. And don’t forget to stock up on water whenever the flight attendants walk by!

CLIMATE CONDITIONS

Skin is profoundly affected by climatic changes, so it helps to prepare your skin and have the right products on hand. If you’re going somewhere cold, you’ll need to be especially careful about moisturizing regularly, especially in places that are exposed to wind. In winter, at home or abroad, I’m constantly reapplying True Moringa’s Universal Cure Balm to my hands, and wearing gloves when possible.

If you’re looking for a little fun in the sun, you’ll have to be mindful of breakouts caused by humidity-induced perspiration. Rather than over-cleansing which can leave your skin flat and dull looking, I recommend blotting the grease away with Mai Couture Blotting Papers, they come in different varieties for every skin type!

No matter what the temperature or humidity level, sunscreen is every girl’s best friend for healthy, youthful looking skin. I love Suntegrity’s 5 in 1 Tinted Sunscreen. With several options for skin tones, I use it instead of foundation, which can dry out the skin (one less item in the pack!), and with SPF 30, it’s perfect for tropical getaways as well.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

The whole point of traveling is to have new experiences, so why not let that vacation openmindeness into your beauty routine as well?

Most natural beauty products are based in age-old traditions relying on native species and local customs. Look into some of the natural flora and indigenous traditions of your destination, and you may just come across the next superfood or miracle plant the world’s been waiting for!