The Holiday Checklist
I’m going on a trip soon, and one of my favorite things to do is make a spreadsheet of what I’m going to pack. I always linger on the “toiletries” column, however, as packing makeup for a holiday is something of a fine art. You need to have stuff that’s small, serves more than one purpose and is less likely to go runny or weird if you leave it in a hot bag all day. So, without further ado, here is my list of holiday beauty essentials.
Makeup
I don’t think you should be spending hours doing up your face when you could be out having fun, but neither do you want to look back on your holiday pictures and realize that you somehow managed to look both sunburned and washed out the whole time. All you need are a couple of choice items so that you look natural and polished.
- Physical UV Shield (SPF 41) by Elta MD (e) This is one of my favorite products for moisture, sun protection and tinted coverage. It goes on so light you can barely feel it and offers broad spectrum sun protection with 9 percent zinc. It’s also free from parabens, doesn’t clog the skin and is good for sensitive skin. $360 from Skin Central (yes, the dermatologist’s office!).
- Extra Virgin Minerals cream compact foundation by The Body Shop (c) I’m not really a fan of heavy, full-face makeup, but this creamy foundation works really well if you apply it with your finger as an under-eye concealer, or to even out redness on a sunburned nose. Plus, it’s not expensive so you won’t cry if you loseit. $259 from The Body Shop.
- Lip and cheek tint by Becca (a) This tiny tube is a really easy way to add a touch of color in a couple of seconds. It’s waterproof too! $300 from Lane Crawford.
- Laura Mercier Spring 2012 eye and cheek palette (d) I was humming and haaing over whether to include this, but the nice big mirror swung it for me. Sometimes you need to go out to a nice restaurant or something, and an all-weather color palette is perfect for toning your look up or down. This one offers a nice mix of matte and shimmery tones for definition and highlighting. This limited-edition product is sadly sold out, but you can find similar at Laura Mercier (duh), Bobbi Brown and MAC.
Toiletries
Unless you’re going to the back of beyond, you can buy most of this stuff when you get there, but it doesn’t hurt to have a few tried-and-true favorites.
- Godiva Solid Shampoo by Lush (b) Solid shampoo is awesome because it doesn’t take up much space and it doesn’t contravene the airport’s “no liquids over 100ml” policy. One little bar will last you at least a month if you look after it. This one smells intensely of jasmine and is a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner for added laziness. $108 from Lush.
- Sunblock (f) Everyone has their favorite brand, but I’m going with Coola organic sunscreen spray because a) because they gave me a sample, and b) the super sheer spray-on formula is ridiculously easy to apply and smells like a pina colada. It’s also water resistant and offers the kind of coverage you’d expect from a top-line sunscreen these days. $460 from Joyce Beauty.
- SPF lip balm, any brand. Ever tried eating a spicy holiday meal with sunburned lips? It’s not good.
That’s it! That’s all I’m packing to keep me looking vaguely hygienic and acceptable when I go away. Will I sneak in a tube of mascara, just in case? Well, maybe.
Email me at sfung@asia-city.com.hk, or follow me on Twitter: @sarahefung
