We recently went on our annual summer family trip, though this year was a bigger one for us! We took our girls to London and Paris, and it was a super busy trip. We walked so many miles each day, trying to fit in all of the sites! It was also at the peak of the heat wave there, so you can bet that it changed how I packed.
I found that there were some items that helped me a lot, and I was really glad I brought them! They were key for helping me beat the heat, because we were often out of our hotel all day! I could make it all day without my hair and makeup melting away, which was a huge win.
Makeup
My skincare has been on point recently, and I’ve mostly been avoiding a full face of makeup. That strategy helped a lot on this trip! I used my favorite new concealer just where I needed it, focusing more on blush, lashes and pretty lips.
The Super Blendable Concealer:
• Chantecaille Bio Lifting Concealer (at Bluemercury): This one is a medium coverage, but blends quickly and easily for more. I can not see it on my skin at all, but I suddenly look like my skin tone is more even. It sticks around like that all day, especially when set with my favorite powder/setting spray combo.
Creamy Blush:
Fully admit that I’ve fallen down the pretty blush rabbit hole. I’m a bit mesmerized by Painted by Esther, though I’ve adjusted the placement a bit for my face. I usually combine a more muted tone with a pop of color, my faves are here:
• Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush (at Sephora): in Beverly Hills and Stockholm
• Red Chamber Multi-Purpose Cream (at Amazon): in Baeshu
Products to Survive Sweating (and Swimming):
I think this power duo is the key to makeup surviving the heat. I spray the setting spray on my cream makeup, apply a light layer of the powder under my eyes and t-zone, and that’s it. Those 60 seconds make a huge difference in how my makeup looks 12 hours later.
• Natasha Denona HY-GLAM™ Setting Powder (at Sephora): For real, this powder is waterproof. I don’t know how. It’s some kind of magical. It is also a super fine and amazing setting powder. It was a game changer for sweating, and I’ve used it in my pool since then and I swear I can go underwater and my makeup looks just as good afterwards.
• ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray (at Sephora): Comes in full and travel sized, super fine mist and really I think this one is the gold standard of setting sprays.
Amazing Lashes:
I brought a couple of mascaras to try out, and only 1 stood up to the heat. The others were trying to melt while I was wearing them.
• Tarte tartelette™ XL tubing mascara (at Sephora): this one was the winner! Long lashes that didn’t melt. It was also super easy to remove, I didn’t need to break out an eye makeup remover.
Easy, Shiny Lip Color:
I am not a matte lip girl. I want a bit of color, I want some shine, and I would love to be able to quickly apply while I’m on the go! Here are some of my recent faves.
• Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm (at Bluemercury): Bluemercury sent me this right before I left, and the Slip color was such a pretty, flattering pink. It lasted quite long after application. I’m already planning to grab a few more shades.
• Merit Shade Slick (at Sephora): This one feels nicely hydrating and isn’t sticky. I love to pair it with their new Signature Lip Liner (at Sephora)
Haircare
When on vacation, I usually concentrate on ease of styling. Which means that dry shampoo and frizz prevention. My hair needs to last all day, and if it can last multiple days that’s even better.
• IGK First Class Dry Shampoo (at Sephora): This is my current go-to dry shampoo. It sucks up ALLLLLLL the oil, and brings some serious volume. Try it if you haven’t yet!
• Kérastase Gloss Absolu High-Shine Anti-Frizz Glaze Styling Cream (at Sephora): A little bit on my damp hair, and I swear this makes my hair much smoother whether I air dry or blow dry my hair. I like that it doesn’t add weight and just helps my hair look healthier.
Skincare
Lightweight SPF
• Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50 (at Sephora): Yes, you really do want your sunscreen to not be in your makeup. You’ll never apply enough or hit all of the areas of your face if you rely on that SPF 30 in your foundation (which really is probably more like SPF 8 with the amount on your face). I like a lightweight, hydrating SPF product that adds some hydration and helps prep the skin for makeup. This is my current go-to.
Hydration for entire body
• Kate McLeod Deep Moisturizing Lotion Bar (at Sephora): It’s a super hydrating body cream… but in solid form. Which means it won’t spill all over your bag, doesn’t trigger the TSA limits, etc. It’s easy to use, rub it over your skin and it basically melts so you can rub it in to your skin. I brought the non-scented mini version on my trip, but I’m currently in love with the Lavender Lemonade, a full sized limited edition available only on the Kate McLeod site.
Layers of Hydration
We’ve all seen the IG reels of influencers taking a red eye and then putting a sheet mask on for the duration. True, planes are pretty arid. But we took day time flights to/from Europe, and a sheet mask feels a bit much for a flight under 6 hours! Instead, I made sure I had super hydrating products with me for after the flight.
• Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Capsule Mist (at ULTA): Yes, this spray is viral for a reason! And it now comes in travel size. I spritz before I apply my morning skincare, usually somewhere mid-application of makeup, and as a refresh throughout the day. It really does help!
• Oak Essentials Conditioning Lip Balm (at ULTA): Confession. Oak Essentials sent me this lip balm and I immediately ordered 3 more in my next ULTA order. It’s a shea butter and wax lip balm, which I love to help trap hydration in my skin, super hydrating it. It has what they describe as a “spa-like scent of Bergamot and Tea Tree”, which I agree is one of my favorite things! I feel like I’m in an expensive spa when I use this balm. It’s also versatile enough to be used on other hard to hydrate spots, like your cuticles. Mine is currently living on my nightstand so I can use it nightly.
• Dubose Barrier Balm: This super hydrator is the secret to glass skin. It was developed by the nurse injector behind the re-du serum, and is a rich moisturizer that feels amazing when you apply. It leaves that glass skin sheen behind on your skin, and helps makeup apply perfectly. I’ve found that I only need a small pea sized amount for my entire face, and I’ve been using it day and night. It sold out pretty quickly after the launch a few months ago, but is now back in stock. I’ll be repurchasing when I get closer to the end of my tube. After a few weeks of use my skin is plump and less irritated, I consider it a win!
Cleanser that removes everything in 1 step
• Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Bowe Glowe Cleanser (at Bluemercury): Have you noticed how often the Dr. Whitney Bowe products are out of stock on Bluemercury? I’ve tried buying this serum a few times, but the restocks of the entire line go quickly. Bluemercury sent me her cleanser to try, and it looked like it would be a one and done product for removing all the things, and it is. It creates a light lather, and removes all dirt, makeup, sweat easily. My skin just feels clean and not stripped afterwards. I’ll be trying to purchase a backup, wish me luck!
Clothes
Yes, I know this is a beauty blog, but I also love fashion and I had to share a few favorites with you!
Travel Pants
• Ruti On The Loose Work Pants: Truly, these are worth the price. The Amazon knock offs are not. I now own 3 pairs of the Ruti pants (black, graphite and walnut), and I’ve also tried every variation of the Amazon pairs out there. I think I’ve bought (and returned) 4 different pairs from Amazon. I also admit that I’m in a couple of Doctor Mommy travel groups, and travel pants come up often. I am not alone in my opinion that the splurge is worth it. Sign up for the Ruti emails, they do have discounts.
My thoughts:
• The Ruti pants have a very particular cut, and it makes them flattering on everyone. I’m a thin hourglass (size 8) shape, and these just look cool on me. I am not just some doctor in her late 40’s with a mortgage and kids. I am also somewhat on top of things. The Amazon pairs all bunched up oddly on my hips. I think they might work if you’re a stick, but I am not.
• The fabric is different. The Amazon pairs all had minimal stretch which made them more awkward and uncomfortable. The Ruti fabric is lightweight and stretchy, but doesn’t feel like parachute material, which was also an Amazon problem. I don’t like being swishy.
• These are a great length to work with almost any shoe. I wore them with some cute little white sneakers and my Adidas Samba ballet flats (below). I didn’t have to worry about a wide leg dragging into the…. whatever that nasty liquid is on the floor of the plane bathroom.
Versatile Tank
• Cap Sleeve top from Amazon: This was a last minute purchase before my trip. I wanted something sleeveless that looked a little nicer than a tight tank, and ended up with this top. I initially bought it in just white, but once it arrived I ordered black and light blue. The Black Stripe is currently sitting in my cart. The cotton is lightweight and doesn’t wrinkle. The arm holes have a little added piece of fabric so your bra doesn’t show. The length is good to tuck or leave untucked. The top works with any bottoms you want (skirt, Ruti pants, shorts) and looks put together.
Cute versatile shoes
• Adidas Samba Mary Janes (at Nordstrom): I wanted something low profile for Europe, but a little bit different. These Adidas Mary Janes work with dresses, shorts, you name it. I thought they were comfortable for all day wear.
Linen
• 2 Piece Linen Set from Amazon: Yes, linen really is good in the heat! I wish I had brought more with me. I did get this 2 piece set right before we went, and I wore the pieces separately and together. It was cool, didn’t wrinkle and looked put together. I must not be alone, when we were in the Louvre my 15 year old heard a woman say “oh, I have that same Amazon linen set!” I have the Gray Blue color. I recommend sizing up one size so the fit is a little flowy.
Travel Gear
Ah…. power conversion and plug issues. I think most Americans forget that the power in most of Europe is a different voltage than in the US? So, you need to make sure you have items that are dual voltage or a way to conver the power. It isn’t just a plug shape issue.
• Power converter strip: This power strip comes with all the plug converters you’ll need, converts the voltage for you, and has USB plugs! We used it for all of the things. My only regret was not bringing 2 of them as my kids used this most of the time.
• Tymo 3 in 1 Hair Curler: I bought this curling iron from ULTA Beauty in preparation for this trip. I was fine with using hotel hair dryers, but knew I’d be fighting frizz in the humidity, and adding a few curls can help a lot! I only brought the 1″ curling rod with us, but it’s nice that there are size options. This is auto-dual voltage, so it switches over for you without burning out. It can be used with a standard plug converter and doesn’t need the power strip above.
Affiliate links and PR samples were discussed in this post. But all opinions and product choices were mine. I literally just made a list of what I brought and loved on my trip as I unpacked!
