Malibu Beach Day Outfit Essentials for Your Summer 2022 Wardrobe!
It was a beautiful day in Malibu in summer outfit essentials for Summer 2022. Grab some cute beach outfit inspiration to add to your Summer wardrobe.
LOCATION: EL MATADOR, MALIBU 🌴
PHOTOGRAPHY: BRIAN BLOSS, bbloss.com/photo
It was a beautiful day at El Matador Beach, Malibu. I love the feeling of the beginning of Summer when the sun starts to get a little bit warmer and stays out a little bit longer. I love the feeling of fresh ocean air and natural ocean hair.
Summer clothing is my favorite type of clothing, just because it feels so carefree and truly reflects the southern California aesthetic. Your summer beach outfit can feel like resort wear with a few simple tweaks.
Paradise Cove Large Floppy. Shop it here.
I love large brim hats for long days spent at the beach. Large brim hats are perfect to pair with your favorite sunglasses and make you feel like Brigette Bardot. They are the ultimate sun protection since no umbrella is needed (literally). You can simply hide under the hat and fall asleep, listening to the ocean waves. Or let it fold naturally in half in the front while you’re walking for a relaxed look, or for when you need to drink a martini.
A medium sized straw hat is also perfect for a Malibu beach day outfit. A medium sized hat is like your everyday floppy hat and is still perfect to get some shade from the sun.
Coral Beach Straw Hat. Shop it here.
Shop the hats featured in this post:
I love hand woven bags for the beach. Hand woven bags are something special, because they usually only come out during vacation or summer time. My favorites are made of real straw and are hand woven in secluded beachy places such as Colombia or the little towns in Mexico. When you wear a hand woven beach bag it reminds you of the first breath of fresh air when you land at your destination.
Shop woven beach bags for Summer 2022:
Sarongs are another key item to add to your summer wardrobe. They come in so many colors and are so easy to wrap around your waist. They are classy, yet relaxed. Pair it with your favorite sandals for a beach day and switch it out with heels for a sunset dinner close by.
Shop summer sarongs for 2022:
Coral Beach Straw Hat. Shop it here.
You can’t forget a vibrant bikini. I love how many styles and cuts of bikinis are now available. Gone are the days of the usual triangle top and tie bottoms—although those are all still cute. There are so many unique ways you can wrap bikini tops and wear one piece bikinis in bandage and unique cuts.
Shop trending bikinis of Summer 2022:
Paradise Cove Large Floppy. Shop it here.
More key items for your summer 2022 beach wardrobe:
Eventually the sun sets and the tide roles up, but there is always time to enjoy the beach again tomorrow. With so many beach essentials now in your wardrobe, you’ll be ready for a long day to spend in Malibu.
xx,
See posts from “Best of LA”:
SEE MORE blog POSTS:
5 Ways to Wear Snakeskin Over the Knee Boots! Los Angeles Edition
Now that Fall 2019 is officially here, it’s time to bring out thigh-high snakeskin boots! Here are 5 ways to style over the knee snakeskin boots. 
Now that Fall has arrived, it is time to bring out thigh-high snakeskin boots!
Below are 5 outfits styled with snakeskin over the knee boots and Los Angeles Fall weather inspired….which is basically summer weather during Fall.
Below are 5 snakeskin thigh high boots outfit ideas.
Outfit #1
Mid length skirt paired with thigh high boots.
Also, What colors go with snakeskin boots?
You don’t always have to wear black or white with snakeskin.
You can explore color with snakeskin. However, 1) Stick to one color and wear it head-to-toe, and 2) Try earth tones like dark green, dark camel, cream, or chamoisee.
Earth tones you can pair with snakeskin:
Earth tone chart via wikipedia :)
Outfit #2
Minimal casual with a little detail.
Try pairing a casual dark jean and white tank outfit with a drapey, delicate, silver belt with snakeskin boots.
Outfit #2
Minimal casual with a little detail.
Outfit #3
Simple, dress blouse paired with snakeskin thigh highs keeps the look classy.
A white crisp blouse for day and a black one at night paired with a black mid-length hem coat, in a contrasting texture such as leather.
Outfit #4
Pair cargo pants with snakeskin boots. Again, you can stick with any earth tone for cargo or jean.
Many times people assume you can only wear skinny jeans or straight legged pant with thigh highs, but try mixing it up with cargos! Just keep the rest of the outfit simple.
Outfit #5
Classic flowy black skirt with thigh highs.
In order to keep your look classy, especially with thigh high snakeskin boots, try pairing your flowy skirt with a long sleeved top. In this case, a turtleneck :)
~The thigh high snakeskin boots~
Where did I shop for these over the knee snakeskin boots? I actually found these in a small boutique on Melrose Ave. They are not name brand or designer, but the quality has still held up well.
As long as you are comfortable and can walk easily!.. and the shape and material are on point, go for it.
Here are some thigh high snakeskin boots now available online:
Check out my blog post on an easy and resourceful way to maintain the shape of your boots (and purses) in How-To Maintain the Shapes of Your Purses and Boots with this Easy Easy Hack!
Xx,
Laura
INSTA: @ooohlalastone
How-To Maintain the Shapes of Your Purses and Boots with this Easy Easy Hack!
This is so easy!
Have you ever wondered what to do with old clothing that is too destroyed to donate or give away? I feel guilty about throwing these types of clothes away since they will most likely end up in landfill. Also, it can be another thing on your list of things-to-do i.e.: ordering bubble wrap or stuffing paper for filling your leather handbags and boots….
However, did you realize you can just cut up old clothing (that are too destroyed and stained to giveaway) and use THOSE instead? Old stained or torn clothes work perfectly to fill boots, purses, or any other item of clothing or accessory that needs its shape maintained while stored away in your closet.
Scroll down to see pics of the process!
That is seriously all there is to it! Now you can contribute to the landfill crises of fast fashion by abstaining throwing away your old clothes while filling your boots and purses instead. You’re welcome!
For more info on how to care for the specific material of your boots or purses, Giuseppe Zanotti’s website has a nice guide HERE.
XX,
Laura
INSTA: @ooohlalastone
Spa Night at Home by Yourself Essentials
#relax #restore #rejuvenate
Spa Night At Home by Yourself Essentials
photo by Christian Mackie
Full Body Spa Night from the Inside Out
One of my favorite things is a spa night at home. Below, I will go over a 3-step day spa routine and the long-term benefits backed by research of each step in this at home spa experience. The spa essentials recommended for each step are linked at the very bottom of this blog post. This 3-step spa routine is a simple way to bring the spa home.
photo by Marks of Mana
Here’s How We Will Bring the Spa Home
Step 1: Stretch.
Bullet points taken from International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy’s article and this pubMed study. Physical benefits of stretching include:
photo by Laura Stone. Using a stretch strap.
Increases muscle length.
Aligns collagen fibers during muscle healing.
Increases connectivity in muscles that are aged.
Will allow blood to flow to the areas that are stretched. *This will prepare you for the next step, step 2 in your spa night at home (BELOW).
Recommended Spa Essential: A stretch strap. *Spa essential linked at the bottom of this blog post.
A stretch strap will give you an even deeper stretch. Stretch straps are super easy to travel with after a long day of sitting in a car or plane. Here, I also mention a stretch strap in my blog post Packing Light for a Girls Trip! Which Products I Picked!
Step 2: Infrared Sauna Blanket Treatment.
Bullet points taken from this study from the National Institute of Health , this study by Mackay Medical College and this study by Dr. Cheng-Lung Lee, the health benefits of an infrared sauna blanket include:
photo by Laura Stone
Far infrared sauna heat penetrates deeper into fat and the neuromuscular system than traditional warm sauna air.
Decreases cortisol levels (stress levels) in the body.
Growth hormone (HGH) increases during and after a sauna session (this is an anti aging hormone).
Reduces inflammation in the body.
Far infrared sauna’s are effective in “scavenging superoxide anions in blood.” This means it has an anti-oxidative effect in the human body, even through the blood.
Step 3: LED light therapy facial mask. Listen to your favorite music while enjoying the many benefits of benefits of LED phototherapy.
Bullet points taken from The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology and this study at the Department of Dermatology at the National Medical Center , LED phototherapy has many benefits and has an “excellent safety protocol.” Some of the benefits of LED light therapy include:
photo of Dermashine PRO 7 Color LED Face Mask
Acne clearing.
Wound healing.
Psoriasis.
Skin rejuvenation.
Collagen synthesis.
Growth factors.
Extracellular matrix production by activating cellular mitochondrial respiratory pathways.
Lifting and tightening of the skin.
No adverse effects were reported with LED lights.
Brightened skin tone.
Improved skin texture.
Recommended Spa Essential: Dermashine PRO 7 Color LED Face Mask. *Spa essential linked at the bottom of this blog post…..This is the LED face mask I have. My review on the Dermashine PRO 7 Color LED mask is I love how there are 7 options of wavelengths to choose from, and this mask so easy to use.
Bonus Recommended Spa Essential: Alpha Lipoic Acid 5% (30ml) by The Ordinary. *Product linked at the bottom of the blog post.
Apply Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) on your skin before your LED phototherapy session. According to The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, “Photodynamic therapy with ALA has been used to treat a range of conditions, including from pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions and photoaged skin.”
THE SPA ESSENTIALS. HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
I hope you enjoy your spa night at home by yourself and enjoy how you can bring the spa home with these spa essentials. This 3-step spa routine is very simple, yet delivers research-backed and long-term results. Cheers to your spa night!
Xx,
Laura
Insta: @ooohlalastone
Beach Day in Malibu
I found shade underneath a palm tree :)
It’s now Summer in Los Angels and I love how warm it’s getting here! My favorite beaches in Los Angeles include Point Dume in Malibu, Paradise Cove in Malibu, and of course the left side of the Santa Monica Pier.
I love to go to Point Dume when I want to spend time on a more secluded and private beach in Malibu. I love how this beach is at the base of the Malibu cliffs. There are a few surfers out there and a few swimmers. Other than that, it’s just a few other people, the sand, the sun, the ocean, and beautiful Malibu,
I didn’t have an umbrella, so I found shade underneath a palm tree :)
DIY Coffee Body Scrub!
3 ingredient DIY coffee scrub
~Lavender, Coffee and Coconut Oil Body Scrub~
I love this body coffee scrub and it’s so easy to make! It’s definitely an easy, lazy DIY coffee scrub. We’re going to approximate the amount of the 3 ingredients used. Play around with the consistency you like! If you’d like a more moisturizing scrub, add more coconut oil. If you prefer it like a sugar scrub, add more coffee grounds. It’s really that easy!
If you’re a coffee lover, this will put to use the leftover coffee grounds that are left in the coffee filter after you make your morning coffee!
The coffee grounds exfoliate, and the caffeine content in the coffee promotes blood flow.
The coconut oil moisturizes your skin.
The lavender essential oil adds an aromatherapy and relaxing experience to your scrub.
If you would like to stick with organic skincare, simply keep your 3 ingredients organic! :)
What you’ll need:
Organic coconut oil
Organic lavender essential oil
Organic coffee grounds
Coffee Maker
Jar
Directions:
Brew your morning coffee.
Add leftover coffee grounds to your jar.
Add about 1tbsp - 2tbsp of Coconut Oil to the jar with coffee grounds.
Add a few drops of lavender oil to the coconut oil and coffee grounds.
Mix all 3 ingredients together.
Each time you make coffee, keep adding the coffee grounds to the jar, and continue replenishing your coffee scrub jar.
I especially love the smell of coffee, lavender and coconut oil while I’m exfoliating with this scrub in the shower.
That’s it! Enjoy!!! :)
X O
Laura
Pin it! Save it to your collection.
Mother/Daughter Dinner Date on Sunset Boulevard
Rainbow latte, flourless chocolate cake, French onion soup on Sunset Boulevard.
Sunset Boulevard Dinner Date :)
I’m excited when my mom drives up and visits! We had only a few hours, so we went to dinner and after that we crossed the street to a cute cafe for an after dinner coffee.
First we enjoyed dinner at a French restaurant called Le Petit Four on Sunset Boulevard. It’s really nice to sit outside in wicker chairs, just like you’re in France! It’s like a France and Sunset Boulevard fusion. We both got French Onion Soup and I got a flourless chocolate cake which I loved :) The table right next to us ordered a chilled wine, placed on their table in a chilled bucket.
After that, we crossed the street to a cafe/restaurant called The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker. They have a large selection of different types of coffees, espressos, wines, and you can use almond milk in your latte…that’s how I like it :) I love this cafe has comfortable tables for people watching right on Sunset Boulevard. They also have a quiet courtyard with booths and beautiful trees to just relax, and a separate indoor cafe and separate restaurant room.
I ordered their rainbow latte with almond milk and my mom got an iced cappuccino to go. :)
Le Petit Four
Le Petit Four
The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker
The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker
Thanks for stopping by!
X O,
Laura
Easy DIY Healthy Detox Tea Recipe!
Metabolism boosting. Detoxifying. Natural caffeine content. Simple vegan recipe for beginners!Oolong Tea Metabolism and Detox Recipe!
Save this recipe to your Pinterest!
This recipe makes 2 large mason jars to refrigerate for the whole week :) In this recipe we will brew the tea using a coffee maker!
This is a detoxing tea great to drink first thing in the morning to stimulate your metabolism. It also aids in digestion to drink before eating.
***This recipe is not a replacement solution for any health ailments. It is simply a metabolism boosting and detoxing drink with a high antioxidant content! :)
BENEFITS OF THE INGREDIENTS USED:
Oolong Tea-Filled with antioxidants such as calcium, manganese, copper, carotin, selenium, potassium, and magnesium and detoxifying alkaloids. Helps improve mental alertness, helps manage stress, increases metabolism, and contains a natural caffeine, and more.
Apple Cider Vinegar- Helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin. Helps detoxify your liver and lymphatic system. Great free radical protection from inside the body, and more.
Ginger- Improves digestion, reduces inflammation in the body, reduces blood sugar, anti-microbial properties, and more.
Lemon- Helps create digestive enzymes in your liver, high in vitamin C, high in antioxidants, and more.
Scroll down for a step-by-step gallery and the directions! Products are linked for your convenience.
What You’ll Need:
1) 3 Oolong tea packets.
2) 6 lemons
3) 2 large pieces of ginger
4) 2 shot glasses of apple cider vinegar
Directions:
1) Take your 3 Oolong tea packets and simply rip the tea bags open to use the tea inside the packet.
2) Sprinkle the oolong tea into your coffee maker, where you would normally put your coffee.
3) Fill the coffee maker with the maximum amount of water it can hold.
4) Cut 2 large pieces of ginger and place inside the coffee maker before brewing.
5) Now turn on your coffee maker.
6) After the tea is finished brewing, allow the tea to cool down on the counter before adding the lemon and apple cider vinegar.
7) Once cooled, distribute the brewed tea into 2 large mason jars.
8) Now, squeeze 3 lemons into one jar and 3 lemons into the other.
9) Add a shot glass of apple cider vinegar to each jar.
10) Shake each jar. You’re done! Place the jars in the refrigerator for the week.
Enjoy!
X O,
Laura
Chia Seed Pudding! Easy Vegan Breakfast Recipe!
Vegan. Low carb. Could be a breakfast or dessert! Make individuals for the whole week! :)Chia Seed Pudding DIY Vegan Recipe
Vegan, Low Carb and Sweet
Perfect for breakfast, or even a dessert
Save this recipe to your Pinterest board!
I just made Chia Seed Pudding for the first time this week and already know this will be a daily breakfast and dessert for me. Since I don’t like eggs, and I’m vegetarian, my go-to breakfast has been oatmeal for the last 2 years. But, I needed a change, and something that wasn’t too heavy, but where I still felt full.
Ok, so this whole recipe of throwing it together took me about 15 minutes to make.
Ingredients (1 serving):
Chia Seed Pudding:
-Coconut Milk, unsweetened (3/4 Cup)
-Coconut Nectar (1 tbsp) *or maple syrup/fav sweetener
-Chia Seeds (1/8 Cup)
-Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
Toppings:
-1 Apple
-Cinnamon (not measured)
-Cocoa Nibs (not measured)
Directions:
Add coconut milk into each bowl.
Add chia seeds into each bowl.
Add vanilla extract and coconut nectar. Stir mixture.
Allow the pudding to sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes and stir mixture every few minutes.
Finally, cover each bowl with foil, or a top, and place in refrigerator overnight.
Tip: If the mixture is too liquid-y, you can add more chia seeds to thicken it.
Tip: In the morning, you can put any toppings you want on top your pudding. I chose apples and cinnamon with cacao nibs. However, other ideas are strawberries, blueberries, your favorite fruits, shredded coconut flakes, or granola.
Scroll down for linked products used in this recipe and a gallery!
Chia Seed pudding and morning coffee <3
Healthy lifestyle and wellness tip—>
If you’re wondering what Coconut Nectar is, it is the sap from the flower of a coconut tree. Coconut nectar has a low glycemic index, which means it does not spike your blood sugar compared to agave, or maple syrup, or processed sugar. Coconut nectar has 17 amino acids and a ton of other beneficial minerals in it. I buy mine at Whole Foods, Sprouts or Pavilions. It comes in 2 flavors, Blonde or Amber…I use both! (For this chia seed pudding I used Amber just because that’s what was in my cupboard at the time :) )
Hope you love chia pudding as much as I do!!!
XO XO,
Laura
Summertime in Le French Riviera
Cafes, espressos, books, motorcycles and wine. Capturing the little things in Europe. Scroll through travel inspiration of Europe.
Bonjour
Flowers from the market and wine
Motorcycles
Cafe for 2
Book Shopping
Magazine stand
The alleyways
Cafes and espressos
Espressos for 2
Sidewalk cafes
Afternoon espresso
Merci y Gracias :)
Spire73, Downtown LA
The tallest open air bar in the Western Hemisphere, with views, champagne, and fresh airSpire 73
Downtown Los Angeles, the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Hotel
The tallest open air bar in the Western Hemisphere, and champagne!
Rooftop Lounge in LA with a view :)
Cecconi's, West Hollywood
Truffle pizza, wine, fresh hummus and vegetables, and acaii bowls.Cecconi’s
West Hollywood
Truffle pizza, Fresh hummus and vegetables, Acaii bowls and Wine
Pre-Cecconi’s
Pre-Cecconi’s
Girls dinner night in LA
Bday spot in LA
Breakfast spot in LA, Cecconi’s
Cafe Gratitude, Beverly Hills
Vegan spot in LA. Acaii, kombucha, spinach and goji berry smoothie & almond milk latte. <3Cafe Gratitude, Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills
Acaii, Kombucha, Spinach and Goji berry smoothie & Almond milk latte
A Remote Escape in Huatulco, Mexico
Fresh coconuts off the palm trees. Waves crashing as you fall asleep. Slowing down, enjoying. Scroll through my travel blog!
Huatulco, Mexico
Fresh coconuts off the palm trees. Waves crashing as you fall asleep. Slowing down. enjoying.
Gracias y hasta luego Huatulco.
Raiding Products in the Pharmacy in France!
Scroll through and see my French pharmacy product picks! :)
One of my favorite parts of France is visiting their pharmacy.
French FDA regulations for cosmetics in France are different than in the United States. So, certain skincare ingredients are found in French products, but these ingredients are not found in the U.S. version of the same product.
Here are the products I picked and why….
La Roche Posay Sunscreen, Anthelios line
Star ingredients: Mexoryl, other names for Mexoryl…. Mexoryl SX (Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid or ecamsule), Mexoryl XL (drometrizole trisiloxane)
In Europe, skin care manufacturers have the option to choose out of 7 UVA-ray filtering ingredients that deliver better performance advantages than UVA filters available in the United States. The sun’s UVA rays cause premature ageing while its UVB rays cause sunburn. Mexoryl, protects against both UVA-1 and UVA-2 rays.
Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and avobenzone are UVA-ray filters used in the United States which don’t compare to the UVA protection offered by Mexoryl. **Mexoryl is a safe ingredient as far as I know, and is currently under FDA review in the United States **
“Research data has shown that Mexoryl in particular is more effective than either zinc oxide or titanium oxide alone in blocking UVA/UVB rays, and in fact blocks in a similar range to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in combination. Mexoryl, available as SX (water soluble) and XL (lipid soluble), is very effective for two reasons: one, it is very stable [as a benzylidene camphor derivative], and two, because it absorbs light at a broader range of UVA wavelengths than many other chemical sunscreens. ”
My first choice for the La Roche-Posay, Anthelios line was Dermo-Pediatrics SPF50+ since its formula is sensitive enough for children, while still containing full UVA protection. I just prefer sensitive skin formulas in sunscreen.
The second choice was Anthelios XL 50+ since it contains Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX, and nice for everyday use, but also still perfect for the beach since it’s waterproof. It also comes in a 250ml bottle as opposed to the smaller bottle!!
Caudalie Vine[Activ] eye cream
Star ingredient: Resveratrol
Caudalie uses the antioxidant found in red wine, resveratrol, which is the highly coveted anti-aging antioxidant found in red wine. Researchers have found that topical resveratrol has a 17-fold greater antioxidant content than idebenone, which is also an expensive and powerful antioxidant used in anti-aging products. What better way than to invest in some anti-aging resveratrol when it’s sourced right from one of the main wine regions in France, Bordeaux and is at a bargain price when compared to the price sold in the U.S.!
Vine[Active] is amazing because it uses a high concentration of grape polyphenols, I like to apply this antioxidant defense in the morning lightly patting under my eyes, under my eyes and under my brow bone.
Caudalie Masque Purifiant
Star ingredients: Kaolin clay and Bentonite clay
I love Caudalie’s Masque Purifiant because it’s purifying with Kaolin (the second ingredient used) and Bentonite clay and also delivers a high concentration of antioxidants from plant origin. You can use this mask 2-3 times a week, and I like to apply to my face and décolletage. **All the ingredients are the same in this formula as in the United States’ formula, but the price is lower!
Nuxe Paris Huile Prodigieuse, a shimmering dry oil
Star ingredients: Camellia Oil, Argan Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Olive Oil, Rosemary extract, Tomato fruit extract
The next product I had to snag is by Nuxe Paris, Huile Prodigieuse. Not only does the bronze/gold oil contain shimmering gold particles, but it contains skin benefitting ingredients to nourish your skin at the same time. The finish is non-greasy and the scent is like wearing a perfume in itself. Definitely a favorite of mine, and of course, the price is unbeatable and cheaper than in the U.S.! The application is via a spray glass bottle accentuated by a beautiful gold cap. I love to apply it to my legs, arms, and décolletage when I’m wearing a dress or shorts on a night out. It can also be applied to your body or hair.
Savon Liquide de Marseille a’l’Huile d’ Argan
Star ingredients: Argan Oil, Rose essential oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Coconut Oil
The last product I grabbed on my pharmacy haul was Savon Liquide de Marseille a’ l’ Huile d’ Argan, for only 5 euros and at a 500ml bottle. With Argan Oil, Rose essential Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) AND Coconut oil, the price for this body wash is a steal. I saw this product as I was checking out and was amazed at the price for the amount in the bottle and the quality of ingredients within this. What’s great about body washes like this is that they are moisturizing enough to use as a shaving gel.
Tip—> If you aren’t headed to France anytime soon, check pharmamundi.com or frenchcosmeticsforless.com to order products overseas. The shipping time could be up to a month.
XO
Laura
Packing Light for a Girls Trip! Which Essential Products I Picked!
Packing light with only a carry on is no easy task when you like to bring a separate little luggage just for your wellness and beauty products. BUT—Here is what I chose and why!
Hola
Cabo San Lucas! yesss
For a ladies trip to Cabo San Lucas, a friend and I decided we would pack one carry-on piece of luggage for our 4 night, 5 day trip instead of checking the big bag. Both of us love our products, but we were up to the challenge of fitting our chosen products into a 1-quart-sized-bag for TSA.
I was sitting on my bed with a pile of products the night before my flight with my roommate, where I begrudgingly had to eliminate most products in order to fit into that TSA-1-quart-sized-bag. How could I leave my Hyrdro-Peptide serum behind? or rosewater with hyaluronic acid spritzer? Well, it had to be done, for the sake of traveling light for our girls trip to Mexico!! As we sat on my bed laughing at my pile of product, I picked out my product essentials. The chosen ones had to go in little plastic bottles.
Here’s what I chose to bring!
Products I picked!
*Scroll down to the bottom of the post to purchase products I mentioned
1. Face Wash. Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask with benzoyl peroxide. I’ve used this face wash since high school and it does its job by keeping my skin clear. It’s super easy to restock with, and I believe spending more on serums, etc. is more beneficial than a face wash that washes off in a few seconds.
2. Eye Makeup Remover. Beauty 360 Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (CVS brand). Again, nothing fancy, but it does its job of taking off my eye makeup. I picked this up at CVS when I was heading to the premier of Fifty Shades Darker. I worked at the Sisley Paris “Which Shade are You?” lipstick booth. This eye make-up remover did its job of removing all lipstick shades efficiently off everyone’s hands and mine, so who could ask for more?
3. Shampoo. Enjoy Professional Hair Care Sulfate-Free Luxury Shampoo. I love this shampoo because it keeps the integrity of my blonde highlights and it’s sulfate free. Even though, depending on the hotel, they may have shampoo that is sulfate free and suitable for color treated hair, I didn’t want to risk it!
4. Conditioner. Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Conditioner sulfate free. My hair is very fine and color treated, so with the right conditioner I can leave my hair de-tangler spray. This conditioner brings my hair volume and makes it easier to brush out when wet–yay, two products in one!
5. Retinol. Tretinoin. Prescription only. This is a strong retinol cream that I apply every other night. This is an essential to me since retinol is one of the few proven anti-aging ingredients in today’s current world. I started using retinol when I was 18 or 19. Also, I would never attempt to take Tretinoin and put it in a smaller tube. (Thankfully the tube is under 3.4 ounce anyway). The packaging of Tretinoin keeps the active ingredients safe, so this product should never be removed from its packaging.
6. Night Under-Eye Treatment. Replenix All-Trans-Retinol Eye Repair Cream. This is another product I’ve been ordering for years. It has 90% green tea polyphenols to neutralize free radicals, retinol, vitamin K and vitamin E. This product’s retinol can also be seen by the color of the product (retinol is a yellowish color in its true form and green tea is a brownish/green). Again, I would never separate the formula from this packaging since it keeps these ingredients stable inside. Luckily, this eye cream is 0.5 ounces.
7. Oil and Blemish Control. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. I chose to bring this product because during these summer months with the combination of sweat, sunscreen, and how active I am, I’ve found that an oil absorption and blemish control underneath sunscreen helps my skin stay clear. This product uses Zinc (great for oily skin), Sulfur (great for oil absorption) and Salicylic Acid (great for blemishes). A little goes a long way, as it does dry slightly pink.
8. Mascara. Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils-Luxurious Mascara in Purple 4. I will normally only wear this mascara for eye make-up. I’m in love with this deep purple hue, it’s fun and makes eye color pop even more.
9. A wide brim hat. A must. Tans are beautiful, but smooth skin for years to come is even more beautiful! Protect your gorgeous skin! No TSA questioning necessary.
10. Blush, bronzer and pressed powders do not need to pass for TSA inspection!
11. Sunscreen…I decided to buy sunscreen at the hotel market. I use so much sunscreen and especially during a vacation out in the sun, pool and ocean, that 3.4 ounces would not cut it, and a full new bottle just for the trip would work!
Ladies in white in Mexico
oooh…this pool…
1. Digestive Enzymes. I was recommended by a nutritionist in Los Angeles to take 2 enzymes before every meal. Although I don’t follow that all the time I will definitely take 2 before dinner when it’s mixing all sorts of tasting things and drinks.
2. Vitamin B-12. I follow a mostly vegan diet and so gotta have that B-12!
3. Maxi Hair Plus. You can order these on Amazon, or get them at Sprouts. I take this every morning with breakfast, it’s recommended to take another at dinner. My hair stylist Anush told me to take these and my fine hair has finally been growing!
4. Nuun Tablets. Electrolyte tablets you can stick into your water. I love love love these! You can buy these at Whole Foods, Sprouts or (of course) Amazon!
Wellness Lifestyle DIY Tip—>
You can wrap supplements in little tin foil pouches <3 Easy to throw in your purse!
Water
It’s so important to drink a lot of water every day, but especially while traveling. I used to drink diet coke or other sparkling drinks on the plane and now refrain and only drink water. A habit that was very hard to break, but am so glad I did. Try it next time you travel. Just drink water the whole travel day, and lots of it, and see how you feel.
Wellness Lifestyle DIY Tip–>
If you are staying at a hotel you could buy the biggest sized water bottle and re-fill it at the hotel gym. Hotel gyms (most) always have complimentary water. I drink two of those a day.
Travel-Friendly Work Out/Wellness Gear
1. Stretch Strap. (the pink strap) I ordered this off Amazon. This long pink rope is a life saver for me while traveling. I am a person that is constantly moving, and I especially like to walk and check out the city all day.
You can put your foot in the padded part and stretch your legs or arms any way you like. There are tons of Youtube videos on this, for now I’ll give you an idea with a little chart. It feels amazing and gets your lymphatic flow going and your body feeling all stretched out and relaxed!
2. Resistance Loop Band. I also ordered this off Amazon. This is great to travel with and barely takes any space. There are many types of toning exercises you can do with this in your hotel room. Again, there are so many Youtube videos and charts to follow and choose from. Here is one of my favorite positions!
What are your must have products when you travel light???
XO
Laura
