So you’re off on an adventure; to grace far flung places, with packed suitcases to meet new faces….and while you’re racing to throw caution into the wind, preparing well for your trip is essential. You may be throwing your fifth pair of sunglasses into the luggage, and thinking you’ll never need to wear another shirt again, but unfortunately, a touch of foresight is required if your intrepid trip isn’t going to trip you up. Yes, we get it, and we here at IDEAL hate being the voice of reason, but a little planning goes a long way, and this is never truer than when talking about staying beautiful on a budget, on the move. So, here are 5 IDEAL grooming essentials for the budget traveller.
HYDRATION
Travel can be fraught with obstacles to your grooming regime, especially if you’re penny pinching and doing things on a budget. Trouble can start even before you reach your destination, so be wary. A long journey on the plane is certain to dry out your skin, as the air conditioning on board is always on. Mitigate the detrimental effects to your skin by keeping hydrated, drinking plenty of water throughout the journey.
The same rules apply when you reach your destination, especially if it’s a hot country, which let’s face it, it should be. Use lip balm and carry a simple skin moisturiser; damaged skin cells usually regenerate when they are moisturized enough. Remember to hydrate your hair too – keeping your hair hydrated can keep it from becoming a frizzy mess, so use a decent leave in conditioner. If you don’t have enough luggage space for both shampoo and conditioner, use a 2-in-1. Should you find yourself in tropical climes (lucky you!) get your hands on coconut oil, which is great for moisturising your locks.
HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW
If you shave or wax your legs, consider doing it thoroughly before you travel to leave you free to simply enjoy your arrival and settling in. If you have an undercut hairstyle, make sure to carry one of the best trimmers, so you can keep your look razor sharp. Investing in your own razor will save you money in the long run as you won’t have to pay a hairdresser to do it every time you need a trim. Remember to buy one with water-resistant properties, as things often get messy when exploring.
USE FACE WIPES & WASH
It’s difficult to predict how your face might react to changes in the environment, humidity and exposure to the sun. A skincare regime that was once perfect may now not be suitable to your new surrounds, and excessive oil accumulation and acne are a risk. Here, face wipes are a quick solution to rebalance your skin; perfect for those who are on-the-go. Dust and pollution are prevalent in larger cities in hotter climates, and dirt seems to constantly adhere itself to your skin. Wipes are an immediate, efficient answer to this issue when you’re not near a bathroom. Use a face wash when you get back to your hotel for best results.
When choosing the best face wipes and wash, look carefully at the ingredients. Be wary of chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, which strips the skin of its protective layer; not a good look in the long run. Products containing alcohol can also dry out your face over time.
BE SAVVY WITH PRODUCT CHOICE
Just because you’re travelling, doesn’t mean you should skimp on your skincare routine. If you can’t carry all your products, use all in one brands to save space.
Be aware of what you can and can’t take on the plane. The TSA travel guidelines allow you to carry gels and liquids in containers which weight below 3.4 ounces. Replacing your liquid products with solid ones can help you make the most of space and weight restrictions; choose bar soaps and water-soluble products. A common mistake travellers make is to assume that the products we’re familiar with using in Britain won’t be easily available in far flung countries. In reality, most countries now have stores which stock most international beauty items.
EMBRACE WHAT YOU’VE GOT
Some people who have silky straight hair always curl it, others have wonderful natural curls but are addicted to their hair straighteners, while others still have something that’s in between; not straight, not curly, not wavy, just kind of mad. Well, when you’re travelling the last place you want to be is in the hotel room, fussing over a hairstyle which will be knocked out of place as soon as you hit the streets. Embrace the frizz, the kinks and the imperfections, and just let your hair down!