Packing a suitcase is usually a game of picking favorites. You can come, I like you. Nah you need to stay home – not important enough. The limitation of space and weight is a challenge to focus on the necessary vs. the obligatory dusk collectors on the shelf. This is especially true when it comes to beauty products. The 100ml carry-on rule will forever stay a struggle to me, but even with an entire toiletries bag to fill, only the best of the best make it into my suitcase for a long vacation.
Despite the fact that I have more beauty products than I could ever use on my face in the next ten years, I find myself going back to the same brands, similar products and trusted companions over and over again. This realisation set in mid-way through our recent three-week-vacation. With only a handful of products (still more than some may find necessary), I was set for every issue my skin could come with. From a gentle cleansing oil to a moisturizing mask and sun protection – it was all there and a perfect portrayal of my current beauty routine for dry and sensitive skin.
cleanse, moisturize, repeat.
Cleanse: On the daily, I used a cleansing oil (Chanel l’Huile*) which is applied to dry skin, massaged in and then rinsed of with warm water. About 1-2 per week, I use a gentle exfoliating scrub (Dr. Barbara Sturm Facial Scrub) to remove dead skin cells and cleanse a bit deeper. Once a week, usually on Sundays, I make time for a little self-care with a porefining and detoxifying mask (Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Mask).
Serum: Post-cleanse, the next step in my beauty routine for dry and sensitive skin is a moisturizing/calming serum. For this step, I always look for products that have anti-aging properties, are calming for sensitive skin and provide moisture. An elixir is a great allrounder (Biotherm Life Plankton Elixir) and an organic face oil (KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Oil) is perfect for long-distance flights. I have to admit that I was never one to use a special eye cream or serum around the eyes, but as I have added a 3 in front of my age, I started seeing a major decline in said area. With eczema, my skin is prone to dryness and fine lines as well as lots of dry spots recently started popping up. For a good four weeks now, I have been using a lifting eye serum (La Prairie Skin Caviar Eye Lift*) which has been a major game changer. It is instantly calming and de-puffing, but I also feel like my eyes also look much more awake and younger. Might just be that super long vacation though…
SPF: No matter if I am under the Californian sun or at home in Vienna, I never leave the house with a high SPF on my face. As the last step of my daily beauty routine, I always apply SPF30 or higher. I either use just a sunscreen for the face with a sublime glow (Dior Bronze) when I don’t plan on wearing make-up, or go with my trusted CC cream (IT Cosmetics CC+ Illumination) which also comes with a sun protection factor of 50.
*indicates gifted PR samples but 100% my personal opinion
If you have ever found yourself researching hotels for New York City, chances are pretty high that you have come across, or heard of The Standard High Line Hotel.
