It only seems fit that I write this type of post sitting in the Centurion Lounge in Vegas prior to taking off back to Tampa. Which btw Sting was sitting right next to me! Total star struck moment! Trip number two of three in a two-week span. Surprisingly, I am feeling pretty good with all this cross country travel. I am back to work on Monday for a few days before we leave for New York for a long weekend. Then we will be back in FL for a few weeks until more travels arise. Since I’ve been living out of my carry on for the past few weeks, I have some much have travel essentials that I wanted to share with you. They have seriously made the world of difference! Remember my how to pack in a carry on post? So let’s get into these picks, shall we?
I bought this makeup eraser on a total whim and it is the real deal. Don’t you absolutely HATE traveling with your face wash? It either has an annoying pump, is too big, or ends up spilling in your overnight kit. This is so incredibly genius. Just add warm water and buff your face with the cloth. Every drop of makeup comes off even waterproof mascara and red lipstick. Plus, my face has completely cleared up with using it. I think it is because it isn’t drying like so many other face washes. I even use this now when I’m not traveling. I use it for a few days and then throw it in the wash. You will not regret this purchase.
I sometimes feel like a voodoo witch doctor with all my greens, proteins, and drink concoctions. Whenever I travel, I always make sure to stock up on major greens. I used to take the ItWorks green powder and still really like it. However, for travel, I really like the pill form and use the Juice Plus capsules. Plus, with the Juice Plus capsules you get your fruits and veggies. Whenever Mark or myself start to feel that tickle in the back of our throat or a scratchy voice coming on….I start inhaling those greens and I’m able to combat any cold before it starts.
I had to break up with dry shampoo a few months ago. It was making my scalp insanely itchy and I feel like I almost had an allergic reaction to it. No matter which brand I used, it didn’t matter. Well, my friend Julie (who has a blog in the works, I will let you know when it’s live!) introduced me to my new favorite saving grace. It seriously makes your hair look clean again, it smells great, and the best part it’s non-drying. Well, actually the best part is that it’s insanely cheap and you can pick it up at your local drugstore. Or, if you don’t venture out of the house to shop, grab it here. I’m so happy that I can use dry shampoo again! It is a travel MUST. Also, for the brunettes out there you will love this because it sprays on clear so you don’t have to worry about brushing out any white substance.
You’ve heard me talk about these in the past (like this post) but packing cubes are essential when you are traveling in a carry on only. I love them for so many reasons but one of my main favorites is that it organizes all of your clothes into categories. Therefore, when you get to your destinations you don’t have to riffle through your entire bag to find your undies that are packed on the bottom (always right?!!?!) Just take that cube out without having to disturb everything else. Plus, it really allows you to fit more into your bag. I promise.
A dressy pair of sneaks is now one of my essential packing pieces. I picked up this pair from Zappos and seriously they go with everything. I even wore them to the festival the last night and I was the happiest camper. Isn’t the touch of sparkle in the leather just so fab? They are insanely comfy and have breathable leather. They are a splurge but I promise so worth it. I love this entire Geox line and actually you can find it majorly discounted here.
My next travel essential is a hat to hide those dry shampooed locks on day three or after a long flight. I picked up this suede baseball cap which looks like a dead ringer for the Rag and Bone one for a fraction of the price (thanks Jaclyn for this gem!). I also have been on the hunt for a burgundy floppy hat and this one is perfection.
Your skin takes such a beating with traveling between the dry plane air and the changes in climate. The first thing I do when I arrive is immediately put a mask on. These nügg Beauty travel pods are seriously the real deal. One pod can be used multiple times and it leaves your skin insanely soft and hydrated. I also stick this hand cream (seriously it’s the best!) in my bag and make sure to guzzle water. I have this travel water bottle (isn’t drinking out of glass so much better?!?)
I know this is on the splurge side but having lash extensions has made my life so much easier. I am ready to go in literally 10 minutes now. I barely have to even add eyeliner. I finally found a really great contact so my local peeps send me an email and I’ll give you the contact. The glue my new girl uses is super high quality and I only have to get a fill once a month. Makes a WORLD of difference.
My last travel savior has been having access to various club lounges while flying. We have been racking up the Delta miles and we both have the Delta credit cards which give us access to the Delta clubs. It has made such a difference to be able to pop into a club during a layover, grab some food, freshen up and for us multiple job individuals……having fast wifi to finish up work. That is what allows us to get it all done. I can write a blog post, grade some papers, and update Instagram. Mark can work on cases and get ready for his workweek. If you are flying a fair amount, I really recommend looking into a credit card that gives you perks like this. I’ve also heard that Amex Platinum credit card holders are entitled to different perks too, like booking and upgrading travel, but only if they spend over a certain amount in a given time period. My other favorite is the Centurion Lounge with American Express. They are only in a few cities but man are they worth it. The food, drinks, and lounge amenities are baller. We actually got to the airport almost half a day early just to be able to get work done. I told Mark we need to move to a city that has one…..my brother lives in Dallas…..just saying.
So there you have it! My top travel essentials. What are some of yours? Have you been following along on Snapchat and Instagram stories? How fun was the Life is Beautiful festival? I will have a full recap coming up for you this week so definitely check back for that!
I need to order some packing cubes – my best friend had them for a trip and they really are amazing! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
I still can’t get over that you only bring a carry-on, so impressive! I am totally trying the makeup eraser, I have to see how it works! Lounges are a must when you travel a lot. My husband makes fun of me because i go after a flight, as well as before. Hey, why not just take a moment to relax before you have to deal with the craziness of the real world! And OMG STING!!!!! I would have freaked!
That suede hat is so cute! I could totally see you pulling it off. I am going to have to grab one of those makeup eraser things! Genius!!! I have never seen that dry shampoo but I might have to try it. The only kind I can use anymore is Living Proof and I only use it maybe once or twice a week, I tend to wash my hair at least 5 days a week because it is so thin and most dry shampoos leave much to be desired for me.
I need to get with those packing cubes, especially for our upcoming trip where I plan to use a carry on only!
I always love your travel posts and I still aspire to use just a carry on! IM not sure what I would do if I couldn’t use an airport lounge. Worth every penny!
This is chock full of great stuff! I am on the hunt for some good shoes like that now for sure! Sounds like you are a traveling fool like I was last month! Have a blast!
I have the Delta Amex and had no idea I could use it for that!! Life changing! I just added the shampoo and makeup eraser to my cart, can’t wait to try!
Love these picks and looks like you had so much fun at the festival!!
xo, Kristina
Medicine & Manicures
Isn’t the makeup eraser fantastic? I got one for Christmas last year, and it has been a game-changer. Definitely checking out that dry shampoo that you mentioned.
Bummer about dry shampoo! I’ve found that if I put too much on, or for too many days, then I get itchy. But Aveda sent me some and it’s GREAT. I’ve also been debating eye lash extensions but real talk – what’s the upkeep on them? I know they take forever to get on the first time, but then what’s my commitment?
Need to check out your dry shampoo rec! I had the same issue and actually think my scalp got really red. Frightening! It also made my hair not so shiny :(
That makeup remover sounds amazing! I use makeup wipes, a cleanser and still all my makeup doesn’t come off. I’m buying that remover asap!
Total bummer about the dry shampoo. I don’t use mine very often; usually I just let the grease ride, lol! The packing cubes are so awesome! Love those!
Oh my gosh, there are so many gems in this post! The makeup eraser sounds like a savior, definitely getting one prior to my end of the year trek to Europe! The fruit and veggie capsules are a must. I always stress about not getting enough when I’m traveling. How awesome to not even think about it!
Sting?! Omg how cool! I’m always so awkward when I see famous people. I usually just look at them and never speak. lol. I can’t wait to hear about your Vegas trip as I am going there in January!
Now that you said it, my scalp has been so itchy lately and I couldn’t figure it out. It IS the dry shampoo, I would have never guest that. No very bright over here. haha These are some great tips. I totally want to get eye lash extensions but I’m sooo afraid of the glue. Plus, I have really sensitive eyes so it just scares me a bit. Love all the traveling that you are doing.
Such great tips – lash extensions are seriously my must-have – I don’t wear mascara unless it’s a special occasion!
Zelle
Southern Style
i will have to check out that dry shampoo.. i try not to use it but sometimes it is necessary. need to check out that makeup eraser, i normally just use wipes when i travel, but they irritate sometimes. and oh, how i want lash extensions, but like all the time and naturally hahaha
This is amazing! I’ve gotten much better about traveling with just a carry on, but need to channel this even more! And loving that lace up top <3
Green Fashionista
The makeup eraser is amazing isn’t it?! I’m a believer too!
I think you need to stop your recommendations because I seriously just loaded up my Amazon cart! Ha, I kid! So many of the items you suggested are awesome! I am looking for a dry shampoo and have hated all the ones I’ve tried!
Packing cubes have made all the difference for me! I’ve turned into a carry-on only girl!
You orally need to move to Dallas. ;) seriously I need to try that make up eraser. I have the hardest time keeping up with the mini face wash. You’d think with La Mer prices that they would include that regularly!!! :-P