Don't Leave Home Without It!

Ok, so my hubby and I went on a quick Vegas trip this past memorial day weekend. I don't know about my fellow 30+ ers , but Now more than ever I'm a complete freak when it comes to packing!

We only stayed two nights, but I had one small suitcase devoted to toiletries/ make-up. I can no longer throw a small cosmetics bag in my purse and head out the door. Do you leave it up to fate? Or do you pack the kitchen sink like I do?

Here are my absolute must haves for traveling these days-

1) a travel skin care set designed for the type of environment I'll be in!-
 For Vegas I choose:  Dermalogica's Dry Skin Kit

This was great for the dry climate. Nothing is worse than trying to put on make-up over flaking dry skin! Especially when you have those fantastic magnified mirrors available in your hotel room!



2) Foundation with SPF!- I recently found a new CC type foundation while flipping through the pages of Self magazine , it's called : The Color Control Cushion Compact with 50 spf broad spectrum by Amore Pacific

This one seemed a little spendy @ $60 , BUT it does come with a refill for the compact, which makes it worth it. It's very light and sheer. I'm seriously pale so I need all of the SPF I can get! This does have a bit of a scent to it, but it's not too bad and does fade away the longer you have it on.



3) A GOOD Setting spray! -And in Vegas I need something that can stand up to the nuclear heat. I bring in the Big Guns with - Final Seal by Ben Nye

You won't find this at your local beauty counter or drug store. This is one of the few products that I've held onto since high school. I was A Theatre Geek and this is made to set stage make-up! It holds up in high heat situations and is also fantastic for special occasion make-up. It's also CHEAP.



4) Hair Spray!- I don't use hair product on a daily basis, but when I do use it I go Big with Sebastian's Zero Gravity Shaper

This is a great weight, not crazy stiff like Aqua Net Helmet hair spray! You can still work with your hair after spraying, but it does stay in place when you're done!



5) A clarifying yet moisturizing shampoo! I don't know about you guys, but I can't use the little shampoos that are in the hotel room. They dry the heck out of my hair. After having product in my hair I need something that will actually get that spray out. For me it's CLEAR

For a clarifying Shampoo, this is actually very moisturizing and leaves your hair silky smooth!



6) An all purpose moisturizing spray! It's great for your hair as a detangler , or your face for a little pick me up. This is another product I've held onto since high school! Love it!  SEA Plasma- by Focus 21

7)  so along with these beauty/ hair essentials I also bring :

A good multi-vitamin
pepto chewables
aciphex- antacid/anti-reflux (prescription)
a good non- drowsy allergy tablet



8) Must have # 8- WATER!  so, so important! Especially while drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks in our 30's, you must drink water. My personal rule is 1-16oz bottle of water for any drink with alcohol or caffeine. The last thing I want is to be spending what should be a romantic night with the Hubbs in the bathroom with my head hung over a toilet.. dehydration + alcohol = smelly mess :-(



Well- this is the short list of necessities ! Photos of the full suit case to come!

 Let me know what you your must haves are!

Happy traveling!-
J.D.