Hello!
Hope you had a decent week and are settling into summer. Like many people, holiday travel is on the horizon. I’m currently in the pre-travel sweetspot - about 2 weeks out from jetting off to someplace warm. I’ve started thinking about my packing list and have enough time to order a few new things to fill in the gaps! Something I’ve really enjoyed is nailing my travel toiletry game. For over a decade, I traveled so often for photoshoots, that my only beauty bag was the TSA approved plastic bag! Now I (happily) live a more settled life and have actual full size products at home that I use and love. At some point there was a shift where I decided that I no longer wanted to leave my hair and skincare choices up to the hotel gods and use whatever I found in the room. Ingredients have become more important to me and using the products I love is a sweet daily ritual I give to myself. And when on the road, having the things you like and that make you feel good is so comforting. I’m also obsessed with anything mini. They’re just so cute! I love when my favorite brands come out with travel size, so here is a round up of what's currently in my travel bag or some new thing I’m excited to try! Bon Voyage!
THE CASE
This is essential! Picking a nice case sets you up for success and will likely be displayed on a bathroom counter, so make sure it’s cute! I adore my Leatherology traincase in navy leather size small. When I ordered this, (monogramed, natch) I felt like a true adult - and I like that! Fits everything I need and I haven’t had any product spills. Another one that I love and used for years is the case from Crown Affair! This thing is so good and finally back in stock! I have put it through the ringer and the quality really holds up. I keep getting served ads for The Parcel by Cadence and am very curious about it! I like the innovation here and it seems very easy to keep clean and organized! I’m already a lover of Cadence Capsules for storing things like leave in conditioner, Uni body serum, vitamins, etc. These are your best bet for decanting products into and you can make custom labels so you know what everything is! The girlies also love these monogrammed cases by The Millennial Decorator. And if you wanna splurge, go for the Many Days Case from Metier. Luxe!
SKINCARE
When traveling, I only bring the things that are tried and true. I love all the Doré products and their take on clean French pharmacy products. Plus, they come in perfect travel size! I will be bringing a full size, Plumscreen SPF from Le Prunier. SPF is not to be skimped on! This has been my go-to lately, mineral based, no white-cast and doesn’t pill when I apply makeup over it. Winner. I’ll also be bringing my beloved Vintner’s Daughter botanical serum and Susanne Kauffman eye cream. In terms of makeup removal, I have used many a package of Neutrogena wipes but am very curious about these Micellar Pads from the internet’s favorite, Sofie Pavitt. I just ordered them and will let you know if I love! For anyone else who is Sofie Pavitt curious, she has a great mini program to try out her products! I always have a stash of YSE eye patches which are excellent and reusable throughout your trip!
MAKEUP
I usually keep it pretty easy breezy makeup wise on vacay, but nice to have a few things that serve multiple purposes and can be built up for a proper lewk just in case! Skinwise, I love my SunnyDays tinted spf from Tower28 for daily use and Chanel Les Beiges for dinner or events. I just got the new Goop Highlighters and they are SO nice! I love all the shades and will prob bring all three to use on the apples of my cheek and for eyes too! Def bringing my trusty Westman Atelier Face Trace in biscuit (mini size!) and Saie Big Brush to apply everything. Rounding everything out with Chanel brow pencil and liquid liner, Victoria Beckham mascara and kohl pencil in cocoa. For lips, bringing my fave Fara Homidi liner in doux and Romeo + Iris power peptide balm in rose.
HAIR
To be honest, I don’t wash my hair that often, maybe once or twice a week. But I have become very attached to my ROZ products and if the wash needs to happen, I want my ROZ. Also can’t leave the house without their Milk Serum. Luckily, everything comes in refillable minis! Crown Affair’s travel bundle is excellent as well! Love the little air dry mousse. I also bring a little Cadence capsule with some unglamorous zinc shampoo that helps when I get a dry scalp.
MISC
A few kind of random things you don’t want to forget! A good razor… the ones you get from the hotel are just terrible. I have an irrational amount of love for my Athena Club razor which comes with a handy travel case. Ponsont incense papers in Rosa Rossa helps to keep a shared bathroom smelling fresh! For sure bring nail clippers and a mini file. Handling luggage always results in a snagged nail which can drive me insane.
I hope you have a fabulous weekend ahead of you. I’m looking forward to making a big niçoise salad for friends tomorrow, watching the F1 race and possibly the F1 movie! Thank you for joining me here.
xo
Michèle
That pink bathroom is goals! So many recs I’m saving
Really helpful tips and recs, even for seasoned travelers! Merci!