In this world, there are only three types of packers: those who pack too much, those who pack too little, and those who pack just enough. In order to fall into the last category, one must be brutal about what will be needed, and what will not. Consider the climate, your activities, the nature of the trip (business? pleasure?), your personal preferences (you may or may not decide that a tweezer is necessary, for example), the duration of the trip. Write down a list, making sure you have at least these basics:
cleanser choose a travel-friendly size, or one that comes in a squeeze tube sunscreen always, bring sunscreen for the body too, if you're going to be outside moisturizer especially if you'll be flying concealer a small pot or wand takes up very little room, and you never know when you'll need it blotting sheets they're discreet and take up very little room eye drops allergic and dry eyes may erupt at any time lip balm tinted is even better, and more versatile shampoo and conditioner unless you use the two-in-one variety body wash or bath gel travel-friendly washing razor toothbrush and toothpaste, and dental floss band-aids, antiseptic cream, pain reliever, decongestant, antacid good to have handy comb or brush deodorant
Find small, convenient sizes. Avoid glass or breakable packaging. This is not the time to test out the new lime green eyeshadow you bought yesterday, or a new moisturizer; stick to the tried and true. Wrap up toiletries in big plastic bags, which will minimize damage if anything spills.
Everything else is up to you. For day-to-day, bring your favorite lipstick, a foundation stick (which doubles as foundation and concealer), or a tinted moisturizer (if you don't need the coverage), a powder compact, mascara, and cream or gel blush. A clever option is a multiple-use product like Stila Convertible Color, which provides both lip and cheek color. Another smart move is powder foundation if you have oily skin, which minimizes the need for a separate foundation and powder. Or, some bronzer, which is easy to put on and is a subtle but effective kick. If you're going some place special, it's easy to add extra oomph with eyeliner, lipgloss, or all-over shimmer.
Of course, if you need anything else, say... an acne treatment product, or an eyelash curler, you should bring that too.
Those of you who insist on options have palettes to consider. Urban Decay, Trish McEvoy, and Nars make excellent ones, as do every other line you can imagine.
Travel-worthy products: Cetaphil: comes in a lovely 4-oz plastic container Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer: rich, gentle & innocuous on any skin, perfect for airplane air Banana Boat VitaSkin sunblocks: complete protection, for everyday use Ombrelle sunblocks: if you're going swimming, this is waterproof with complete protection Origins Pinch Your Cheeks: tiny enough for a change pocket Neutrogena Blushing Tulip Lipstick: looks good on anyone, and sophisticated Nars Rapture Palette: a stunning collection of colors, rich but universal Bonne Bell Dr. Pepper Lipsmacker: rosy, healthy lips, but moisturizing like a lip balm Nars Malibu Multiple: rosy enough for blush, but brown enough to affect a tanned glow Benefit Nina's Nugget: soft white-gold shimmer, versatile enough to use on the face Prada Skincare: portable, single-use packets... deviously travel-worthy, though expensive
But even as you debate over the products you will choose to take on your journey, remember one thing: always pack underwear, nightclothes, sunglasses, water, and something to read or write. Oh, and make room for clothes. : ) Sunday, June 24, 2001 »0 comments
Nightshift
It's an old concept. Day versus night makeup. A combination of a neutral palette and sheer textures for day, while evening glamour would consist of smoky (perhaps glittery) eyes and a fire-engine red mouth. But with such things as schedules in this world, who has the time? Nowadays, with superacheivers like Martha Stewart and J.Lo taking over the world, one cannot be expected to wallow in the luxury of time. How many women spend their taxi ride madly applying their makeup, arriving breathless and exhausted? And those ridiculously small clutches never hold enough. But with a few pivotal tricks, you'll be glamourous in no time.
It's really about doing a few subtle things. Evening makeup is evening makeup because of its intensity: more vivid colors, darker colors, richer colors, a heavier hand at application. Smoky eyes, brilliant eyes, more vivid cheek and lip color—but not all at once. Evening makeup is more intense than day makeup, so for a woman who wears powder and lipstick during the day, it is a big step up to metallic lime eyeshadow. For those who prefer a simpler look, a bit of shimmer applied selectively can be an easy alternative. Blended well on the eye lids, eyes look more open, and with a light coat of volumizing black mascara on curled lashes, it looks suprisingly chic. If you are going to emphasize your lips, stop there. Nothing says glamour like red lips, and you don't need a statement beyond red lipstick, though you might want some sparingly or cleanly applied black eyeliner for definition. Shimmer can also be applied on cheeks, but make sure the product is not too frosty, and make sure to blend well. Instead of a wash of shimmer on the lids, another option that's very sexy is eyeliner. Eyeliner can be edgy and wild, precise and sophisticated, soft and romantic, or smudged—extremely seductive. On a virtually bare face, with toned down lips, it's a very simple look, but can carry you far. Experiment with colors and textures; you'd be amazed at the variety you can discover from the humble eyeliner. And don't forget the lips. Matte lipstick can look drab under night lights, so opt for sheer lipstick or glosses instead. Lips should look moist--not painted. Stains look very nice too, and have the benefit of lasting through cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
But what about the daring look? An easy update is smoky shimmery eyeshadow, like Stila Diamond Lil, smudged around the eye. Bright blues and greens may not look sophisticated during the day, but at night, why not? You look daring, as if you really made an effort. Likewise, glitter is harsh for day, but an interesting option for night. Hard Candy Glitter Eye or Cover Girl CG Smoother Gel Eye Color is a quick way to work it into your face. (As opposed to loose glitter, which can get messy and involves some time and expertise). Just remember, everything in moderation. If you have intense eyes, then tone your lips down a little, or vice versa. As for vibrant lips, red is a failsafe option, but there are other special-occasion shades as well: plum, violet, fuschia.
Don't forget pressed powder. Shiny gooey faces work at the beach, and basically that's it. Squeeze in some lip balm, mints, fragrance (mini size), lip color, then you're set for the night.
Who said makeup wasn't easy? Monday, June 18, 2001 »0 comments
