How to Avoid Travel Trauma

Have you ever had your favorite conditioner commandeered by a TSA agent who you know is taking that bottle home to test her dirty, damaged mop? Well, we have and we didn’t like it! So to help you avoid similar airport atrocities, we have put together our favorite jet setting essentials - 3oz and under – to help you navigate airport security and guarantee a glamorous getaway.

MANAGE YOUR MANE

Every gal knows that when you travel you are forced to decide between packing a bulky hair dryer or facing a week of poodle-puff frizz. Thanks to our friends at Living Proof, the choice is easy. Their latest launch, STRAIGHT Spray To Go ($17 at www.Sephora.com - 1.8 oz) tames tresses for sleek, smooth style in seconds. Simply spray the mist from root to tip and let hair air-dry - the complete humidity protection will control your coif without any greasy build-up. We applied it to our wet hair and were astounded with the long-lasting results (read: you don’t have to wash your hair for days!) So get it straight and go with this must-have vacation style-saver.

ON THE GO GLOW

You know how we feel about baking in the sun (grrrr!) so if you crave a golden glow, then stock up on Comodynes Self-Tanning Towelettes ($20 at www.comodynes.net) for a flawless faux tan. These easy to use self-tanning pads won’t turn you orange and provide an even, safe and natural-looking sheen for the face and body. Toss them in your carry-on, then apply from head to toe, for a radiant glow that lasts up to 4 days (warning: your body will look so good and streak free – you may want to go streaking!)

POCKET-SIZED PRETTY   

Traveling takes a toll on your skin and at the end of a vacation day, between sunscreen, makeup and salt-water, there’s a lot to take off. Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple Cleanser ($10 for 3 oz. at philosophy.com) is formulated to gently cleanse, tone and melt away facial filth in one simple step, while lightly hydrating the skin. This trusted travel-sized cleanser lets you pack and go like a pro for the ultimate complexion perfection.

WATERPROOF MAKEUP MUST-HAVES  

Raccoon eyes at the beach? Not a chance with Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Splashes! Mascara ($19 at Sephora.com). This best beauty secret means your mascara stays put through swimming, sweating and sex on the beach (the cocktail, of course!). Formulated with skinvigorating ingredients for a smooth application that lengthens, curls, volumizes, and conditions lashes. Our favorite part: eyes will look so dramatic, there’s no need to add eyeliner or shadow – after all you are on vacation.

DOUBLE DUTY BEAUTY
Few things are worse than examining the hotel amenities kit and finding out there is no facial moisturizer.  Most moisturizers (and sunscreens) are over 3 oz, but our friends at Cetaphil must have been thinking of us when they packaged their Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50 ($14 at drugstore.com) in an adorable 1.7 oz bottle.  This multi-tasker provides broad spectrum protection while nourishing and hydrating the skin for 8 hours.  Be sure to toss one (or two, or three) in your travel kit to keep skin radiant during your retreat.