I’m officially at the point in my life that I can rarely pack everything I need for a trip into a small carry-on. I mean, I could – everyone can – but the older I get, the more I get stuck in my routines and at-home amenities.
Things like being able to steam wrinkly AF clothing, having tums and melatonin on hand, but also good skincare products and makeup I like. You don’t have to comprise beauty and skincare just because you’re on vacation!
Right now I’m in the Cook Islands. I learned after my trip to Maui that island vacations require a different set of beauty products than I normally would bring on other trips. Here’s the top beauty staples I now pack for all my island and/or beach vacations!
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Whenever we know we’ll be swimming in the ocean (or lakes or rivers!) we now buy reef-safe sunscreen to wear. It’s a simple switch but makes such a positive impact on the ocean’s health! I’m low-key terrified about the state of our oceans and while they won’t be saved by everyone switching sunscreens, it’s a small positive impact!
Green Go First Aid Balm: I ranted about Green Go after our camping trip and now I make sure to pack at least their First Aid balm for every trip, especially island ones. It’s a small tin full of potent, yet natural, balm that’s wicked fast at healing wounds. From small cuts that I always seem to get on beaches to sunburn blisters, chafing and bug bites, this stuff does it all.
Sheet Masks: While not always the same brand, I always always always bring a few sheet masks on warm-weather trips. As a pale gale, my face is extra sensitive to sunburns and changes in weather. A hydrating sheet mask in my hotel room at night helps keep my skin happy! Plus, they’re really easy to pack.
Garnier BB Cream: I wear this every day at home so naturally, I bring it with me when I travel! I love that this doubles as basic SPF and also a tinted moisturizer. When I’m on island time, i really don’t wear much makeup at all. I prefer to just use some BB Cream and maybe some mascara.
Like, at Least 3 Lipsticks: When we go out to dinners, I do like to “dress up” with a colorful lipstick. I still keep the rest of my makeup minimal, but a little lipstick helps get me in the evening going out mood. I like to bring fast-drying matte shades in red, oranges and pink.
Yes To Cucumbers Makeup Facial Wipes: I also use these almost every day at home! They do SUCH a good job at quickly removing all my makeup. Plus, the cucumber is cooling and feels nice on my face, especially when it’s sunburnt!
Aloe Vera Gel: I always carry a giant bottle of aloe vera gel on island vacations. Ever since I got in the habit of applying a thick layer of aloe gel to my whole body and face each evening on trips, I rarely have bad sunburns. It helps turn that burnt skin into a nice lovely tan! This was the main reason I knew I’d have to check a bag for this trip: I need my aloe!
So, those are the core beauty items I took with me to the Cook Islands and on every tropical island vacation. Hope this helps you pack for your end of summer trips!
