BY DANICA SMITH
Here is a list of ten must haves to get you vacation ready:
#10 Cooling Wipes – Cooling wipers are a great way to cleanse the skin without water, not only are they convenient but they also cool you down in the summer heat as well. Perfect for a road trip or in between makeup applications. Some are fragranced with essential oils and vitamin enriched, making them calming and healthy for the skin without residue. Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes $6.99 and Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes – Night Calming $6.99.
#9 Body Spray – The majority of summer fragrances are light and airy, body sprays are perfect for vacations and hot weather as they are water based and not overbearing, unlike perfumes or eau de toilette. Body sprays with fragrances like white gardenia, coconut or a concoction of mango and pineapple are perfect for summer vacation. Bath and Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist Poolside Coconut Colada $7.00 and Calgon Hawaiian Ginger fragrance body mist $8.99.
#8 Nail Polish – An easy way to make your look seem effortless is nail polish. Opt for a bolder colour this vacation such as neon’s, bright and bold, this will help add some spunk to your look. Adding a refresher coat while on the beach never hurts, besides a dip in the ocean will help dry them faster. Ceramic Glaze Nail Lacquer, Papaya Sunrise or Exotic Dragon $11.99 and Flip Flops & Crop Tops by OPI $10.25.
#7 Moisturizer – Gel based moisturizers are great for hot weather as their lightweight formula allows it to penetrate the skin without a sticky feel. Aloe is a great way to cool off in the heat and has great moisturizing benefits. Applying to your face or body can cause instant cool relief, especially those prone to sunburn. Applying an aloe based moisturizer under your makeup or overnight can also alleviate acne prone skin and redness due to irritation. Fruit of the Earth Alcohol Free Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel $4.22 and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel $24.99 or Hawaiian Tropics Coconut and Lime Aloe Moisturizer $4.99.
#6 Sunscreen SPF – A most important essential this vacation is sunscreen, especially for us beach lovers as the sun can have damaging effects on one’s skin, making it important to protect yourself against UV rays. Dermatologists suggest an SPF 15 or over will do the trick. If you require more coverage while on vacation, please be sure your foundation or tinted moisturizer contains an SPF and it is applied to your face before your makeup application. Neutrogena Beach Defense Lotion SPF 60 $11.99 and Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion $7.99.
#5 Facial/Setting Spray -To keep your makeup from melting away in the heat, be sure to lock it in with a setting spray. Not only will it last for hours, it is a great refresher on humid days. Depending on the finish, setting spray will leave you with a dewy effect or matte look, perfect for morning and night. Evian Mineral Water Spray $15.00 or Mac Prep + Prime Fix + Spray $26.00.
#4 Powder/Bronzer – This essential product is probably the most important to keeping your make up matte all day, especially in hot climates. A translucent powder works best for something that is effortless and an easy application for a quick breakfast or a beachside brunch. However, if you prefer more coverage, a coloured powder or bronzer will do the trick and provide you with a summer glow for those sunset evenings or walks on the beach. Too Faced Candlelight Highlighting Powder $36.00 or Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer $36.00 and Make-up Forever HD Pressed Powder $45.00.
#3 Eyeliner – Just like lipstick, eyeliner can transform your look in seconds from a simple wing to a dramatic cat eye, you can make it whatever you desire. Eyeliner with 2-3 coats of mascara and bold lipstick are a maximum fifteen minutes in the mirror and perfect for on the go resort shopping or a tourist day in town. Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel 77 (Black waterproof) $25.00 and NYC Liquid Liner $4.00 or L’Oréal Infallible $8.99.
#2 Mascara – Finally we can enjoy a dip in the pool without our eyes looking like a raccoon, with waterproof mascara, allowing us the freedom to sail the abyss or dive like mermaids without the hassle of our mascara dripping down our face. Just be sure to let dry in between coats and to avoid rubbing upon exiting the water. MAC Cosmetics Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash $27.00 and Too Faced Better than Sex $30.00 and Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara $6.99.
#1 Lipstick/Lip Balm – This, ladies is perhaps the most important of all the essentials you’ll need on vacation. A bold lipstick can make it seem like you’ve spent hours on those quick and easy makeup, no makeup days. Liquid lipsticks are most convenient for long lasting, waterproof wear or a matte finish opaque in colour to add drama to your fiesta. Packing both a bold and nude colour will allow you to be versatile depending on the occasion, in addition, a hydrating lip balm will keep your lips moisturized as matte finishes tend to be drying. Just be sure it has SPF as well. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick, Madison and Rio $26.00 and Mac Cosmetics Heroine, Ablaze or EOS lip Balm $4.99.
