travel favorites

I have an obsession with any product that is travel-sized. Not only are the miniature-sized products cute, they are ideal for any trip!

Whether you're celebrating Memorial day with a "staycation" or flying somewhere with a carry-on, these TSA-approved products are my go-to's for traveling:

Herbal Essences Shampoo- I'm lucky and can get away without conditioner, but this shampoo leaves your hair feeling soft and is so much better than hotel shampoos!

Tarte BB Primer- Even though it's a primer, I always wear this BB cream by itself. It feels absolutely amazing on my skin (like silk), and provides the perfect amount of coverage! It also contains SPF 30 Sunscreen and lasts for 12-hours (no, really) so it's ideal for day-long Memorial weekend festivities. Can you say cookout?

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel- I like to switch up my moisturizer in Summer because my skin is oily and doesn't need as thick of a moisturizer. This one is perfect because it mattifies shine AND works as a primer.

The Body Shop Body Butter- I currently have this travel-sized body butter in 6 different scents - this one is Mango. I love it because it's more moisturizing than a lotion (perfect for after-sun) and won't melt in your bag. And it smells delicious!

Aquage Sea Salt Texturizing Spray- I don't like to travel with a blowdryer or straightener to warm destinations because they take up extra space in my bag, and not to mention fry your hair! I use this spray after the shower without brushing my hair, then scrunch and let it air dry. It gives a natural, beachy look and will make your boyfriend happy when it cuts your getting ready time down in half ;)

These are my favorite travel-sized products! Blush, bronzer, eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara tend to be small anyway so I always bring my regular ones but limit the amount. I stick to neutral shades - a black or brown eyeliner, plus gold and bronze eyeshadows and one lip color. Whether you're staying at home or going somewhere fun for Memorial Day Weekend, these are great products to have!

butter up

A six-month hiatus from the sun followed by a straight week of sun-worshipping is bound to have consequences, otherwise known as "The Week After Spring Break."

After generously coating myself in sunscreen last week during an unbelievable spring break in Jamaica, I still got sun burnt. Not that I'm surprised that my pink, freckled, Polish skin would burn even with SPF 50 (thanks, Mom). Now, a few days after my burn has settled in, I am peeling in some spots and generally dry all over my body - not comfortable or pretty. 

Whether you burn in the sun or or tan flawlessly it is SO crucial to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! The sun, pool and salt water zap all the moisture out of your skin and make it appear dull and feel less soft due to dryness, regardless of how much you think you're glowing with that new tan.

Moisture Cocktail - body oil, body lotion and Body Butter

In order to help itching, prevent peeling, and keep your tan lasting longer, apply some form of moisturizer at least three times a day (morning, post-shower and night) for at least a week. It may seem excessive, but this is the best way to prevent your skin from looking lackluster and feeling dry.

Showering with warm or hot water is also extremely drying, so consider using a moisturizing shower wash if you're prone to dry skin. If you have a lot of free time on your hands, you can also put on some body oil (or lotion) before showering to prevent your skin from drying out as much from the hot water - the oil will provide a thin layer of moisture protection even through washing.

There are few things I love more than a new Body Butter

I prefer to use Body Butter from The Body Shop because it is incredibly moisturizing but doesn't leave a greasy residue on my skin - it sinks in. Sometimes I opt for body oil or regular lotion - it depends on how dry your skin is plus your personal preference.

DON'T neglect your face, hands and lips with moisturizer because they need to be soft and radiant too - if not more so than the rest of your body. Even if you have oily skin it's great to moisturize because your oil glands are most likely overproducing oil to compensate for dryness, and therefore your skin is oily. Interesting, huh?

As for peeling on your scalp (like me), it's probably a good idea to NOT put body oil or lotion all over your scalp - unless you want your hair to look greasy.

A week of intense moisturizing will not only make you feel better, but look better too. Your body is thirsty for a Moisture Cocktail whether you realize it or not!