Dear Transportation Security Administration (TSA):
I know you have our safety in mind but must we travel like plain janes? I used to pride myself on packing like a pro and fitting all of my essential beauty supplies and clothes for the week in one stylish carry on bag. That was until you decided that each liquid carried by passengers onto an airplane could not exceed 3 ounces. And just to keep it interesting darling TSA, you insisted that those skimpy 3 ounce containers had to fit into one lonely, clear, plastic, totally unchic Ziplock bag.
Ooh, you are mean TSA. I have seen grown Gucci clad women reduced to tears by your cavalier tossing away of those dangerous lip glosses, mascaras and perfumes that did not meet the requirements. Try as you might you won't make me shed a tear while I am standing there humbled and shoeless in the security line. For most trips I have started checking in my bags just to make sure I can bring all of my favorite lotions and potions with me. (Of course, this means I am counting on my luggage not getting lost.) But with so many airlines charging to check even one bag, I can no longer justify this extra expense.
So I called on my other traveling beauty addicts to get some tips and product suggestions that meet your pesky specifications. TSA, we're playing by your rules. We'll travel light but we won't travel ugly. Feel free to share these pearls of wisdom. Smooches!
Stick with What You Know
Perhaps a vacation is not the best time to experiment with a brand new skin care regimen. For those items that you normally buy from a department store, always ask for sample sizes of your favorite items so that you have them on hand when you are ready for travel. Sephora is always generous with samples. And, perhaps your favorite skin care line already makes a travel set. The popular ProActiv Solution sells a 30 day trial system in the perfect size. Caren sells try-me sizes of their natural and chemical free beauty products.
Replace your liquid foundation with a stick, mineral powder or creme compact. You will get the same great coverage without taking up precious space in your Ziplock bag. MAC and Prescriptives both offer their full color spectrum in non-liquid formulas. If you must use a liquid, I recommend THEVI. This mineral liquid powder with SPF 15 gives natural but long-lasting full coverage that lets you skip the concealer.
Replace your liquid cleanser with a cleansing cloth. Olay and Dove offer some great options.
Try Something New
Cindy Crawford and Heidi Klum aren't just gorgeous but these two beauties have probably racked up at least a million frequent flier miles each. Since they make a living from their picture perfect faces, any skincare line that bears their name deserves a look.
Cindy Crawford's Meaningful Beauty not only helps to diminish the visible signs of aging but the introductory kit features travel friendly sizes of the entire line. In addition to the Skin Softening Cleanser, Daily Moisturizer and Night Fluid, the kit includes a unique decollete and neck creme.
Heidi Klum's In an Instant introductory kit features your must have cleanser and tinted moisturizer in TSA friendly sizes along with an Instant Wrinkle Smoother Pen that diminishes the appearance of wrinkles quicker than you can say auf wiedersehen.
Actifirm also sells a 30-day discovery kit that includes skincare essentials and a skin peel.
Do More with Less
Going on a romantic getaway? Massage Oil Candles by Lano not only warm your room with a fragrant glow but can also be used as a luxurious body oil.
Skip the perfume and pack a fragrant body lotion, oil or body wash from Bath Junkie. Customize your choice with a choice of 200 fragrances from classic vanilla, flirty bubble gum, or even earthy dirt! You can even select a water based tint.
Pack a multi-tasker like Carey & Co.'s Ultra Moisturizing Scrub. It does not contain any liquid but this triple threat cleanses, exfoliates, and moisturizes.
Setoso's (Italian for silky) luxurious EyeBalm and SerumBalm pack powerful skin nutrients and moisturizers like olive and grapeseed in a handy solid stick form.
Faux Dry from the New York Blow Dry Bar uses micronized corn starch to absorb excess oil without leaving a powdery residue. No liquid, no fuss.
Available in major drug stores, Bio-Oil comes in a 2 ounce bottle and can be used to moisturize your entire body while helping to even skin tone.
Soapourri Butter Bar provides lush moisture in a solid form with 25% shea butter.
Healing Anthropology's Face and Body Mist combines essential oils and aloe vera juice in a petite but potent 2 ounces.
Stay tuned! Each month the Black Dress Traveler will feature a new selection of travel-friendly beauty products. E-mail me at [email protected] with your suggestions.
