How to Look Your Absolute Best when Travelling ...

1. Moisturize

It doesn’t matter what climate you’re visiting, using moisturizer is one of the most essential ways to look good when traveling. Don’t just focus on your face, either. Your skin becomes dry everywhere and your hands, feet, elbows, and other body parts will thank you for the extra attention. Moisturize heavily before you fly, especially, because the dehydrating effects of cabin pressure can leave your skin uncomfortably dry. Look for a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30, and if desired, choose one that’s tinted for a little extra coverage.

2. Blot out Oil

Oily skin is just part of the game when you travel. Your skin may become oily in response to both dry and moist locations. You’ll look much fresher if you occasionally blot the T-zone with blotting paper, rice paper, or even simple toilet paper in a pinch. This is a good tactic for getting rid of that oily look without removing essential moisture from your face. Don’t forgo the moisturizer even if your skin is oily - often, oily skin is a response to your skin being dehydrated.

3. Treat Your Lips Right

Lips are one of the first parts of your face that shows the wear and tear of travel. To keep looking refreshed and not travel-weary, use a medicated lip balm frequently. Avoid long-lasting lipsticks. This may seem counter-intuitive, but they tend to dehydrate your lips and mouth. If you want long-lasting color, it’s better to use several coats of lip stain then top it off with lip gloss for a fresher, just-made-up look.

4. Avoid Foundation

If you can, avoid using foundation when traveling. Not only does it not stay on your face well when your skin is dehydrated, creating a lot of oil, but it tends to melt if you go anywhere where it’s humid. If you feel naked without some kind of foundation, try a tinted moisturizer. If you aren’t getting the coverage you’d like with that, try using a primer before you put on your foundation or try a powder form.

5. Stay with Neutral Nail Polish

While deep, bold colors attract more attention, they are also more difficult to maintain. A little chip in your bright red polish and it looks like you’re unkempt, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to look hot. A better solution might be to buff and polish nails so they have a natural shine, or simply apply a sheer color that won’t call too much attention if it does chip.

6. Add a Touch of Color to Your Face

When traveling you want your makeup to be lightweight and easy to apply quickly. Sometimes, though, you need that extra little bit of color to make you look a little more awake and refreshed since traveling can sometimes give you a road-weary look. Just a tiny bit of blush that’s translucent and nearly neutral can do the trick, or even a bit of shimmer powder or cream applied along the tops of your cheeks can brighten up your face.

7. Perk up Your Eyes

Traveling can cause your eyes to become puffy and tired looking, often because of jet lag, or perhaps because you read or watched a lot of movies on your flight. Different time zones might make you lose some much needed rest as well. Chill out puffy eyes by wrapping up crushed ice in a washcloth and applying it under your eyes. Bring eye drops to refresh your tired peepers and get rid of that tired red color. Avoid wearing mascara if possible, since it can clump and flake over time and make you look like you slept in your makeup after a late night on the town.

You’re now ready to get your game face on every time you travel. What’s in your essential travel beauty routine?