Packing Your Cosmetic Bag for Vacation

There are two types of people when it comes to planning a vacation: some are already mentally sunbathing, swimming in the sea, strolling around, and taking beautiful photos… while others are busy making long lists of essentials, trying to anticipate every possible situation to be fully prepared for the trip. They also spend time figuring out what skincare products to pack in their cosmetic bag to avoid overpacking or forgetting something important.

Regardless of which type you are, it’s essential to carefully consider what to pack in your cosmetic bag, as the condition of your skin and hair during and after vacation depends on it.

Choosing Skincare Products

When selecting skincare products for your face while on vacation, focus on a solid base: double cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.

So, for facial skincare, pack:

• A makeup remover (in a mini size): micellar water or a cleansing oil
• A cleanser (in a mini size): foam or gel
• A liquid texture product: serum or toner
• A mini size night cream for evening care
• Sun protection (full-size)
• Lip balm

A few important tips:

Choose products that are already familiar to you. The change in environment and climate is already a significant stress for your skin, so avoid adding to it by experimenting with new products.

It’s advisable to purchase mini sizes of facial products directly from the manufacturer rather than transferring them from larger bottles into smaller ones. Transferring can compromise the storage conditions of the product, increasing the risk of it spoiling or losing its effectiveness. In the worst case, it could cause unwanted skin reactions.

For liquid texture products, consider choosing a serum with antioxidants (e.g., with vitamin C), which pairs perfectly with sunscreen to protect your skin from premature aging.

Unlike other products, sunscreen should be in full size, as its usage is much higher (two fingers worth, or half a teaspoon, for the face and neck). Additionally, you might want to bring a sunscreen in stick or spray form for reapplication throughout the day.

By the way, you can also opt for a lip balm with SPF since the delicate skin of the lips is also vulnerable to harmful sun exposure.

For body skincare, things are much simpler. Pack:

• Shower gel
• Sunscreen
• Soothing and moisturizing gel

Although shower gels are often provided in hotels, relying on them is not recommended. The bottles are usually very small and often contain harsh ingredients that can dry out your skin. It’s always better to bring your own. Unlike facial products, shower gel can be transferred into a smaller bottle (just make sure it’s clean and sterile).

As for body sunscreen, you’ll need it in large quantities, especially if you’re going to the seaside. Remember, SPF should be reapplied after every water contact to minimize the harmful effects of UV rays on your skin.

Sun exposure and sea water can lead to skin dehydration. To prevent this, bring a lightweight moisturizing cream or aloe vera gel. They absorb quickly without leaving a sticky residue and are also great for soothing and healing sunburned skin.

Hair Care Products

Don’t forget about hair care products as well. Without proper care, seawater and sun can make your hair dry and brittle.

Pack:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Leave-in hair treatment

Choose a shampoo based on your scalp type and a conditioner based on your hair type. As for leave-in treatments, your hair will thank you if you choose a milk or cream with SPF protection.

What About Makeup?

Bring makeup products on vacation only if you feel like it. Choose what you usually use and what you’re in the mood for. Many people prefer not to overload their skin with makeup while on vacation. However, if makeup is part of your style, don’t limit yourself.

To avoid a heavy feeling on your face, we recommend opting for lightweight BB or CC creams with SPF instead of foundation. This way, you’ll get a weightless coverage and additional UV protection. But remember, neither BB nor CC creams nor any other foundation can replace full-fledged sunscreen, as they cannot be applied in a sufficient amount for proper protection. So, always apply them only on top of sunscreen.