SIMPLE STAPLES FOR WORK TRAVEL
Let me start by saying that packing and organizing has never been my strong suit.
I'm that friend that always borrows your face wash on trips and has to sleep in the hotel bathrobe because pajamas didn't make it onto the packing list. (Oops!)
Thankfully, having travelled solo more and more for work, I've learned to be more thoughtful about packing and making sure I have all the items I need to my life easier on business trips. Here are a few favorites that have made it onto my work trip line up:
1) DRY SHAMPOO
I am openly and unabashedly obsessed with dry shampoo. For a while, I would blurt out "thanks, I didn't even wash it!" every time someone complimented my hair. Although I don't recommend that response, I do highly suggest keeping some of this magic in a can around at all times. It works wonders soaking up oil and grease when you just don't have time to shampoo and blow dry your hair or if you just need a boost in volume for the day. My favorite brand at the moment is Batiste which can be found at your local drug store.
2) FRESH SOY CLEANSER & ROSE FACE MASK
Hopping on and off planes into different climates gets really rough on my skin, so I try to show my face a little extra love when I can. I'm addicted to the Fresh Soy cleanser because its gentle, low maintenance and leaves my skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
When my skin is getting dry or dull, I turn to the Rose Face Mask to get my glow back. I was skeptical of the gel texture of this product at first because I expected a more clay-like consistency from a mask, but I was pleasantly surprised at how effective it was in hydrating and toning. I like to smooth this mask over my face and leave it on overnight to allow my skin to fully soak it in before washing it off in the morning.
3) PERFUME
I only recently started using perfume but I find that no matter how tired I am (or look), a few spritzes before heading out the door makes me feel more put together and ready to tackle the day. Its more of a mental token than anything, but having a trigger to put my game face on has helped me to feel more focused and energized while working on the road.
4) INNISFREE NO SEBUM BLUR POWDER
Speaking of putting your best face/foot forward, this shine-killing finishing powder has been my best friend, especially when traveling to humid places like Singapore or Malaysia. A few quick swipes over my T-zone and I'm grease free for at least 3-4 hours.
5) RESISTANCE BANDS
AKA, a booty workout in your bag and no room for excuses. Most hotels have fitness centers but after long days at the office and late dinners with clients, I often found myself back in my room after the gym was closed. Regular exercise, especially when I'm traveling for more than a few days, keeps me energized and knowing that I have a quick routine like this to follow on Youtube in the comfort of my hotel room puts my mind at ease. Having a low maintenance item like a resistance band also reminds me to stay active, no matter how busy my schedule gets.
6) TEA PACKETS
I love coffee but am very sensitive to caffeine. Can't live with too much of it but definitely can't live without it either. I like to keep a few packets of black tea (Earl Grey is my favorite) in my bag so I'm never without a quick fix that doesn't leave me wired at night. As an added bonus, they double as an emergency eye de-puffer to keep you looking fresh after an all-nighter. Steep the tea for about 3-5 minutes, let the tea bags cool down and pop them over your eyes for 5-10 minutes and voila!
7) A VERSATILE TOILETRIES BAG
For years, I kept all my toiletries in a giant ziplock bag. Not the most glamorous solution but effective nonetheless. I recently started using this Tumi travel cosmetics pouch and have kept it by my side ever since. The flexible, roomy compartments, and plastic lined pockets for liquids have helped me stay organized and kept me from losing half my things every trip. Plus, it looks way better on the bathroom counter.
