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
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