Spring break is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to ditch the daily grind and escape to a tropical paradise. Whether you’re hitting the beach or exploring a new city, you want to look and feel your best. To help you get ready for your next vacation, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to packing the perfect spring break beauty essentials.
Travel-Friendly Beauty Products
The first step to looking and feeling your best on vacation is to pack the right products (besides the essentials, obvi). The key is to look for travel-friendly options that are easy to use and don’t take up too much space in your luggage. Here are some must-have products to pack for your trip:
Sunscreen: This wouldn’t be a proper spring break beauty essentials list without sunscreen! Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. Look for a formula that’s water-resistant and won’t leave a greasy residue on your skin. If you’re hitting the beaches I also recommend one that has a reef-safe formula to help protect the ecosystems you’re visiting.
Moisturizer: hydration is key, even for those of us with oily skin. A nice moisturizer can help cool your skin down after a full day of fun in the sun. I currently use the Neutrogena hydro boost, and I can honestly say it’s changed my skin for the better, and doesn’t break the bank.
Multi-use makeup: Save space in your luggage by packing makeup products that have multiple uses. For example, I like to bring liquid lipstick that doubles as a cream blush in a pinch. I use the Morphe lipstick in the shade “jealousy” to save space in my makeup bag. The trick here is to apply a dab to your finger and dab it on the back of your hand first before applying to your cheeks.
Quick tip: cream products will be your friends if you’re coming to Florida or any other humid locale, powders will sweat right off! Use a moisturizer as your primer, and opt for putting concealer/foundation only where you need it, otherwise you may end up with sweat tracks and marks from your sunglasses. In a pinch, coffee filters work as a great way to dab off sweat without ruining your makeup (a tip they taught us during sorority recruitment!).
Tips for Avoiding Skin Breakouts
Spring break is a time for fun and relaxation, but it’s also a time when your skin can be prone to breakouts. To avoid skin irritations, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is essential to keeping your skin clear and healthy. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re spending a lot of time in the sun. This is for more than just breakout prevention: dehydration can be serious, especially if you’re somewhere where the sun literally hits different (some people don’t realize the UV index might be stronger depending on where you are).
Wash your face regularly: Regularly washing your face will help to remove dirt, oil, and makeup that can cause breakouts. Don’t make my mistake: I opted to leave my cleanser at home because I hadn’t bought the travel size, and my skin suffered for the next week. As an oily-skin gal I use the Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, but there are plenty of options out there for every skin type!
Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliating your skin once or twice a week will help to remove dead skin cells and unclog your pores.
Advice for Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for both your skin and your overall health. When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water, especially if you’re spending a lot of time in the sun. Here are some tips for staying hydrated on your trip:
Pack a refillable water bottle: Bringing a refillable water bottle with you is an easy way to make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. You don’t need a Hydroflask or a Stanley cup, Simply Modern makes durable and aesthetically pleasing water bottles that will keep your water ice-cold all day and night. If you’re looking for something less metallic, I have this collapsible water bottle from Amazon I attach to my purse.
Drink water before you feel thirsty: By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Make sure to drink water regularly throughout the day, ESPECIALLY if you’re drinking alcohol in any quantity. Sun sickness is serious business, not to mention a total downer when you’re on vacation.
Get shady: If you can, pack a pop-up tent or stick to areas that have shade available. Sunburn is an awful souvenir, and staying in the sun’s direct rays all day can dehydrate you something awful. Take a break from the outdoors every few hours and explore local museums, stores, or restaurants. I also recommend packing a lightweight cover up for when the sun starts to scorch you, either a men’s button down to throw on, a lightweight jacket, or a wrap/dress!
Spring Break Like a Pro
There you have it, my spring break beauty essentials for 2023! While spring may be on the chilly side elsewhere, it’s not unusual for it to be hot and humid down south–so plan your vacation accordingly!
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