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
*This* Ruby Balm Still Woos Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore mentions one of her all time favorites. Camellia Ruby Balm by Julie Hewett, in a Refinery29 interview, even 10 years after Moore discovered the Camellia Ruby Balm on the “Because I said so!” set! Camellia Ruby Balm has a sheer red tint…..Multi-Use Beauty Product Ruby Balm is Still a Favorite of Mandy Moore’s!
Golden Globes, 2017
Mandy Moore mentions her love for Julie Hewett’s Camellia Ruby Balm in an interview with Refinery 29 on January 9th, 2017. In the interview with MI-Anne Chan, “The Weird Thing That Makes Mandy Moore Break Out– & How She Deals,” Moore says that Julie Hewett’s Camellia Ruby Balm is a product that she discovered on the “Because I said so!” set in 2007, and that she likes so much, that she has kept it for herself and mentions it in the Refinery29 interview 10 years later!
“I am obsessed with Julie Hewett’s Camellia Ruby Balm. It looks bright pink, but gives the perfect tint on the lips and it’s pretty much all I wear for my character in 1988, but now I use it in my day-to-day life, too.”
Moore’s favorite—shop it here ->Camellia Ruby Balm by Julie Hewett
Camellia Ruby Balm has a sheer red tint that is perfect for every day casual use, or natural enhancement of the lips. At the same time, the main ingredient base of this balm is camellia oil and makes up 70% of the tinted balm stick. Camellia oil is touted for its high content of vitamins A, B, C & E and other minerals like Potassium, Zinc, Calcium, Iron, Manganese and Magnesium. It’s non pore clogging and the molecule of Camellia oil is small enough to penetrate the deepest layers of the skin, more so than other plant oils.
Camellia Ruby Balm also contains rose oil and grape seed oil and orange oil. This balm promotes healing of imperfections, contains natural UVA protection is rich in anti-oxidants and anti-aging polyphenols.
The Julie Hewett team is ecstatic that Mandy Moore still continues to use their Camellia Ruby Balm as a staple in her beauty arsenal since she discovered it on the movie set “Because I said so!” back in 2007.
Mandy Moore looked astounding at the 2017 Golden Globes on January 8th. Clearly, she is doing something right!
OXO
Laura
Cheekie pots! An Instant Face Lift with a Creamy Hue!
These multi-use Cheekie Pots by Julie Hewett are little pots full of creamy pigment also infused with Camellia Oil. The rich pigment in the Cheekie Pot is multi-use and can be swiped on your lips, cheeks, and/or lids. Hewett’s personal favorite is in shade “Destiny.” Cheekie Pots
Julie Hewett’s multi-use beauty product Cheekie Pots are little pots full of creamy pigment, infused with skin enhancing Camellia Oil. The rich pigment can be swiped on your lips, cheeks, and/or lids. This is a multi-use cosmetic with high antioxidant content via Camellia Oil!
Thandie Newton wears Julie Hewett’s cheekie pot in shade “Rosie.” She mentions she wears “Rosie” on the apples of her cheeks.
You may simply use your (clean!) dainty fingers to apply this rich pigment straight out of your Cheekie Pot. Or, you can dip Julie Hewett’s Perfect Chubby Cheekie Brush into the pot and apply to your cheeks. Hewett recommends applying it above the cheekbones in an “apostrophe” shape for a slimming and “face lift” effect! For lips, you can use a lip brush to dab onto your lips, and for eyes, a compact natural or synthetic bristle eye shadow brush for a smooth finish.
Gabrielle Union mentions Julie Hewett’s product and Julie Hewett’s cheekie pots once again! Love ya girl. So, what’s Gabrielle Union’s camp talking about now? Julie Hewett’s beloved Cheekie Pot in the shade “Destiny!” featured in InStyle’s March 2017 issue, make-up artist Malika James mentions that she has “found Union’s perfect neutral by matching the tawny-rose hue of the inside of her lip” with shade Destiny.
InStyle issue March 2017, Gabrielle Union mentions Julie Hewett’s cheekie pot in shade “Destiny”
Kristen Stewart wears “peachie” cheekie
Cheekie pot in shade “Posie” is a truly light and feminine shade in light pink. It reminds me of the color of ballerina shoes. “Posie” is a great burst of peony pink and is used to polish your cheek. “Posie” can be applied above the cheek bone all the way to the hairline in an apostrophe shape.
Thandie Newton, from Westworld mentions that she wears “Rosie” on the apples of her cheeks. “Rosie” is a vibrant raspberry hue that looks gorgeous on all skin tones. It’s a guaranteed “freshen-up-your-look” shade. It’s great on bare skin, and when you go to the gym you can apply some to your cheeks and lips for a lift.
Cheekie pot in shade“Jami” is a shy, tender, pink for those days you want to wear dramatic eyes or lips.
Try celebrity favorite Cheekie Pot in a hue that matches you! SHOP IT HERE!
OXO
Laura
Anti-Aging Mist from Italy You Need to Know About!
SKINUP is a device that mists an anti-aging and hydrating mist. It is formulated in Italy, and is now finally hitting the U.S. beauty market. SkinUp….the magic in the Mist
SKINUP is a compact, futuristically designed device that mists anti-aging and hydrating ingredients. Hyaluronic acid, CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, soy and aloe stream out of the SKINUP device where you then mist the elixir all over your face and neck.
This is a multi-use beauty product with quality skincare ingredients!
You can mist this anti-aging and soothing mist over makeup, at any time of the day.
You can mist this anti-aging and soothing mist on top of your skincare routine.
You can mist this anti-aging and soothing mist any time you’d like hydration or a skin boost.
SKINUP is so easy to throw in your bag. It’s small and the face plate keeps the hole that the elixir mists out of clean and safe.
Use code ooohlalaSKINUP for 20% off ANYTHING on their whole website!
—-> Shop “Starter Kit” to get the exact kit I got!
Code: ooohlalaSKINUP for 20% off anything on their site including this starter kit.
Shop it—-> www.skinupusa.com
Let’s break down the ingredients in SkinUp’s “Starter Kit”…
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): The antioxidant highly tauted by Dr. Perricone, alpha lipoic acid has the ability to slow down the degeneration of collagen production. It is a fat soluble and water-soluble antioxidant, which means it can work not only on the cell membrane to protect it from damage, but also within the cell. ALA also works synergistically with other antioxidants such as vitamin C or E.
Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid holds 1,000 times its molecular weight in water and is like a magnet for water, which in turn helps your skin stay hydrated. Hyaluronic acid also plays well with other ingredients, it can be used with retinol. Vitamin C, and AHA’s.
Coq10: Coq10 (or ubiquinone) is another powerful antioxidant that helps slow down the aging process of skin. Coq10 aids elastin and collagen production. Coq10’s molecule is also small enough to penetrate the skin cell’s membrane and deliver its benefits within the cell.
Soy: Soy is known to maximize the benefits of hyaluronic acid, so this is definitely a plus! Other benefits include brightening the skin, decreasing redness, boosting collagen production and improving skin tone.
Aloe: A very calming, soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredient that also contains vitamins such as vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as magnesium, potassium and zinc.
SKINUP is super easy to put together. SKINUP arrives fully charged, and you just pour “Hydrating Elixir” into the device, and you’re ready to spray and throw it into your bag.
Colors are also available in black and blue. *Men approved, too!
XO
Laura
@skinup_usa and @ooohlalastone with #SKINUP