Six Skin Picks for Traveling Light
I am currently doing an away rotation and homestay in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. Because I was raised in the school of never check a bag, I brought my school backpack stuffed with the basics and a tote with gifts for my host family. However, in this minimalist approach (alternatively read as too lazy and cheap to check bags), there was spatial and TSA-regulated limitation on what skin care regimen I could bring. Here are my six picks (no surprise to those who know me well, mascara did not make the cut☺).
p.m.
1. Vaseline:
Have you heard of it? For whatever reason, I was not a regular user at home, but brought it here in hopes of maybe not having chapped lips everyday (my usual aesthetic). I am hooked, a nightly user. How late am I to this party?
2. The Ordinary, 5% Granactive Retinoid in Squalane
My vanity followed me to Mexico. While here, I am still trying to halt the wrinkles forming from years of being outside for hours every day, year round… without sunblock (“She said ‘I should have listened to my father!’”—Walter Stratford, 10 Things I Hate About You). This granactive formulation is meant to allow for a higher percentage of retinoid without greater skin irritation. So far, I have LOVED it. And coming from just having used a retinoid product that cost a lot more, I am extra loving it. The bad news is, retinoids make your skin more sun-sensitive. The good news is, I have one more reason to be vigilant about wearing sunscreen every day. No burns yet!
a.m.
3. The Ordinary, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
After a night of drying out my skin with retinoid, I put on a thin layer of this oil to rehydrate my skin. I like to apply it first thing when I get up and allow it to absorb a bit before the countless layers of sunscreen that eventually go on top.
4. La Roche-Posay, Anthelios 50 Mineral, Tinted
I believe this was a recommendation from a friend two years while in Mexico. Sunscreen here is not optional (I went through a family sized tube for my body in my first week). Knowing I would be applying and reapplying again and again, I wanted to go with something lightweight, but I also wanted something mineral-based for greater protection. Usually this combo is tough to pull-off but this sunblock hits the mark. I like the subtle tint so the sunscreen doubles as my makeup routine.
5. bareMinerals, Brow Master, Cocoa
This was a worthwhile splurge. I have had it for several months and it has quite a bit of life left. I like that it has regular pencil ease but applies creamier and so blends better than pencil. I always feel instantly more put together when I fill in my brows a bit, so it’s the one step here in Mexico or not I rarely skip.
6. Burt’s Bees, Tinted Lip Balm, Red Dhalia
Yes, this is redundant from Alison’s Six Series. It was a recommendation she made to me a while back and it is love. It looks like a bold color in the packaging but appears elegant and subtle when applied.
Ari