-
5 Beauty Products For Travel
Many people love to travel because it’s a break from the routine of day-to-day life; no more grocery shopping, no work, housekeeping, or washing the car. For women, even putting on makeup every day can seem like a routine that we just get tired of. A vacation seems like a grand opportunity to go au natural!
When it comes to which beauty product I pack in my skincare and cosmetics kit for travel, I always try to keep it to a minimum. The easiest way to do this is by choosing products that do double time.
As a professional makeup artist and a passionate traveler I believe I have a different perspective.
Whether we like it or not, if we look attractive, we are seen as friendlier, smarter, and more approachable. A big part of my travel experience is meeting new people. That said, if I’m meeting new people every single day I make an effort to look my best. That doesn’t mean I spend an hour on hair and makeup. I know a little goes a long way. I want to look awake, vibrant, and friendly – not tired and jet-lagged. Trust me, it matters.When I travel I choose multi-use products that can double up, saving space, and time. For example, moisturizer and sun protection in one, like a BB cream.; Or moisturizing tanning lotion. A small can or non-aerosol hairspray can double down as root lift. I can still take care of my beauty and grooming needs, without carrying too many products. Here are some suggestions and products I like and have used over many years of travel.
1. A Creme Blush
Ilia Soft Focus Blurring Powder Blush
I love Ilia for so many reasons, cruelty free, clean beauty products that work. They feel good on my skin and the textures work on all ages. I’ve been using the blush sticks but his new cream powder blush is so easy to apply. Then, I just swipe the rest on my lips, and put a gloss on top. This gives you a healthy glow and you look more awake in minutes.
2. Tinted Moisturizer
Smashbox Halo All in one tinted moisturizer
The latest in multi-purpose products this cream does it all. It’s color-correcting, primes, perfects and protects with SPF30. Not only that, it also fades discoloration. Talk about multi-tasking! There’s a good color range and I’ve tried this one myself and like it a lot.
3. A Tanning Lotion/Moisturizer for the Body
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
Try Jergens Natural Glow in Medium to Tan. I am fair but use the medium, otherwise, it takes forever to get even a slight bit of color. Gets rid of dry flaky skin, and slowly develops an all-over glow. Once the color develops, it also helps camouflage minor skin blemishes.
4. Hairspray
Hair spray has so many uses I can’t imagine leaving home without it. You can use it to hold hair in place, smooth flyaways, or to create volume at the roots when your hair has gone flat. I like Alterna Caviar working spray and it comes in travel size.
5. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
This is a classic that has been around forever, and with good reason. It heals the driest skin and airplane chapped lips. If you have a minor burn or other skin irritation it will help speed up healing and you can even smooth unruly brow hairs.
Whether you try one or all of these products, your packing list just got smaller and your carry-on just got lighter.
00 -
Blex C1 High Speed Hair Dryer Review by A Professional Hairstylist
As a professional hairstylist and makeup artist with decades in the industry, I’ve been privileged to work with some high profile personalities. It goes without saying that having high-quality tools is a must. When it comes to hairstyling, today’s technology is nothing short of game changing.
For example, a good blow dryer is an essential tool in every stylist’s kit. In the past, the best dryer available had two temperature settings, two speeds, and an attachment tool. If it was lightweight and didn’t give you carpal tunnel, that was a bonus.
Today’s plasma technology not only dries hair at lightning speed, 5 minutes for long hair, but plasma ion technology helps smooth frizzy hair, while achieving shine, volume, and healthier hair. Who doesn’t want that?
Of course I was eager to try out this new technology and said yes when offered the chance to try the Blex C1 High-Speed Hairdryer with Plasma Technology.
My new Blex C1 Hairdryer
How does Blex C1 plasma technology work?
According to the developers of the Blex C1, when the atoms in plasma separate from their negatively charged electrons, they no longer have a neutral electrical charge. Instead, the atoms become ions—positively charged particles. Therefore, plasma is an ionized state, comprising positively charged and negatively charged ions.
Building on this technology which was already being utilized by several big name brands, the Blex C1 is a unique C shape. Other than taking up less space and being easier on the wrists, I wasn’t sure why that would be an enhancement.
Blex C1 High Speed Hair dryer
As it turns out, that shape helps distribute air flow more evenly, which is a pretty big deal. No more burned hair or scalp. And it doesn’t destroy the areas you’ve already dried.
Air Flow and Temperature Settings
But, there’s more: Now choose from 3 wind speeds, low, medium and high. The best part is the temperature settings, which can be retained so that the next time you use the dryer, it’s ready to go. Temps are natural, warm, hot, or cold and hot circulation. The latter is a great setting because once you’ve dried a section you want to set it with cold air. This setting takes care of that for you eliminating worry about burning your hair. Altogether that’s twelve possible settings!
My hair is longish (near my bra strap), wavy and fuzzy. I used the dryer on low speed and warm temperature. I can attest that it really does add some shine to the hair and tames the frizzy hair. I didn’t use a brush, just my fingers and the dryer. Oh, and I used the nozzle attachment that comes with the dryer.
Overall, I would recommend this dryer, especially for the price point. Compare it to other models with similar features but at a better price point. The slim profile and light weight of the dryer certainly comes in handy, especially since after all these years, I’m prone to carpal tunnel and other joint issues. In total it weighs less than one pound! And, it’s quiet! Cheers to the Blex C1 High Speed Hair Dryer.
-
How To Chose The Best Sunscreen For You
Summer is here, and applying sunscreen should be at the top of your list of daily self-care. But with so many to choose from, how do you know which is right for you? It all depends on the situation you find yourself in. If you need to use it under makeup, or at the beach, you might choose two different products. Likewise, if you need something quick and affordable for the kids splashing around in the pool, you won’t want to apply the $45 product you purchased for your face.
I’ve put together a list of four very different sunscreens that I have personally used. I usually have at least two of them on hand at all times.
La Roche Posay UV Correct Face Sunscreen SPF 70 with Niacinamide
La Roche Posay
La Roche Posay suncare products employ anthelios, a mineral-based sunscreen. This formula is lightweight, absorbs well, and can be worn under foundation or powder, a bonus for women who like to apply makeup regularly. I keep this one in my professional makeup kit too.
It also contains anti-aging ingredients to help minimize free radical damage from UV exposure. I used this sunscreen when traveling in sunny Rome after having skin cancer removed from my face, and it did the job. Bonus, it comes in a handy 1.7 fluid oz. package that is perfect for travel.
La Roche Posay UV Correct Face Sunscreen SPF 70 is good for everyday use. This is not a water-resistant formula so it is not the best choice for active outdoor days or water sports but it would be perfect for a day beachside with additional protection like a broadbrimmed hat.
Raw Elements
Raw Elements
If you are looking for a sunscreen that is reef-friendly, look no further than Raw Elements, the brand that founded World Reef Day. The active ingredient in the lotion and cream products is nano-free zinc oxide which provides broad-spectrum UVA / UVB protection.. It also comes in a convenient spray with SPF 50 for the face and body. Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Kid-friendly, reef safe, no chemicals, organic ingredients, bio-packaging made from sugar cane, no nano particles, what’s not to like? Raw Elements was recommended when I was traveling in Santa Barbara and forgot my sunscreen. I bought the stick for a handy touch-up that I keep in my bag plus no TSA issues. If you prefer the lotion, Raw Elements Face and Body SPF 30 is exactly 3 oz. so it passes the TSA requirements. There’s even a tinted formula if you want a bit of color.
Avasol
Avasol Surfers Barrier Stick
If you’re planning to surf, snorkel, paddleboard, or spend a long day beachside, Avasol is the sunscreen surfers swear by. You won’t have to reapply it all day, though you can, and it comes in a range of tints for different skin tones. The Surfers Barrier Stick comes in no-waste packaging and is made of 100% natural ingredients. It also comes in an SPF 30 cream formula and is reef-safe, vegan, and gluten-free.
Neutrogena
Neutrogena Beach Defense Kids Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 70 with vitamins is perfect for a sun-filled family holiday. It’s dermatologist-approved for kids, and it comes in a convenient spray packaging that is quick and easy to apply. You also don’t have to worry about a lot of waste or product seeping out of a tube and into your luggage.
This is the only one I have not personally tried but the research seems solid.
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, suitable for all skin types with vitamins C & E popular antioxidant ingredients.
-
How much makeup does it take to be Camera Ready?
Camera-ready with KERA
Annie Galloway, Major Gifts Manager at KERA, graciously allowed me to document the process of getting her camera-ready for Live Pledge tapes. I’m sharing the products and steps and hope you’ll find something useful here. Leave a comment if you like it and subscribe.
Note that these days most people wear a lot more makeup on television than what I apply on Annie. It’s a very minimalist look because it’s the look the client wants. It’s not a makeover, it’s a make better. Camera ready. Not everyone needs to look like KK.
Every makeup begins with basic skincare. For television makeup I use something simple and hypoallergenic like Cerve followed by a light under-eye moisturizer. Cerve is also ok under the eyes. But if you need a bit of depuffing Clinique eye gel works well, too.
After I completed the eye makeup I did the foundation, concealer, contour, and cheek color. The next thing I did was clean up underneath the eye, applying concealer liner and mascara, sometimes. I don’t always put mascara on the lower lashes.
As I’m working through these steps I’m always assessing if the overall look is balanced. I used powder to set the various layers of makeup. For Annie’s camera ready makeup, I used a powder foundation, not a liquid so I didn’t need to add more powder. However, I did use a blending brush so that it didn’t look like a lot of powder sitting on top of her skin. Since Annie’s skin tends to be oily, this worked well, and didn’t need to do a lot of touchups throughout the day.
Notice how the overhead light is throwing slight shadows under her eyes but in the final image when she’s on camera you don’t see that.
The last thing I did was the lip color. Since Annie likes a more natural look I usually don’t use a pencil to line the lips, I used my lip brush dipped into the lip color to line the lips as I color them. Lip color generally needs a lot of touchup when applied like this but I felt it was a good choice for Annie.
Thanks to everyone at KERA for the great shoot.
-
Best Concealers for Mature Skin 2024
This snippet is from an article for Southern Living Magazine. I was asked to contribute by the author, Carrie Honaker. Thanks for the opportunity! Read the rest of the article here. then, book a session with me to learn how to apply makeup to any skin type.
-
Destination Wedding in Florida
These are behind the scenes photographs taken with my iPhone 5S at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Working with a photographer and video crew we staged a wedding at the hotel to create new portfolio images.
The Sawgrass Marriott, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, is a lovely choice for a destination wedding. The trees dripping with Spanish moss created a romantic backdrop and filter for the early morning light.
In spite of the humidity I was able to create a romantic hairstyle that held up through a two hour photo shoot.
Need a hair and makeup artist for your destination wedding and photographs? I’m available to travel. Email me for details.
-
Camera Ready Makeup
Camera Ready is a term that I believe most people truly do not understand. Does it mean full on makeup? Airbrushed? Remove the shine? What is camera ready? I like this illustration because it’s clean and simple, but dramatic. The eyes are minimally defined with mascara and shadow. The complexion is perfected and under eye redness is covered. The cheeks are defined with just a hint of blush and contour. The lips get a real pop of color, but that’s simply personal choice. You can define the lips with any color you like. This looks simple, and it is, if you know what colors to use and how to apply them. And as I always say, perfecting the skin is key. If you’re in the Dallas area and would like to book a consultation send me an email. We can also arrange a group session with friends or even corporate sessions. And if it’s not possible to meet somewhere in person there’s always Skype. Thanks to photographer Ben Britt and model Stephanie Fisher. For more before and after looks read A Simple Beauty Makeover.
Before Hair & Makeup
Pirates of the Caribbean?
-
Working With Celebrities
I’m often asked what it’s like to work with celebrities. When it’s Wendy Davis it’s easy, because she’s so naturally attractive, and looks great on camera.
Yes, it’s hard work: early mornings, long hours, multiple locations, and yes, a lot of cooks in the kitchen on a campaign like this. However, when the end result turns out as well as this did, I feel like my hard work was worth it.
Thanks to a great crew and great editing it’s better than I could have even imagined. However, this is video, not a still image, so hair and makeup are not photoshopped.
Need a professional to help you make your image stand out?
-
Shine – Off: Expert Tips for Matte Summer Skin
Staying shine-free when the temperatures are high is one of summer’s greatest beauty challenges.
As a professional makeup artist, I know how hard it can be. Depending on where you live, you may need to control excess oil production, perspiration, or both. So if you’re looking for ways rid yourself of unsightly shine this summer, check out some of my pro tips and favorite products. You’ll be glad you did when that mercury starts rising! -
Skin Care Tips for Mature Skin
You don’t have to be a mom or even “mature,” to experience troublesome changes in your skin.
Whether it’s due to stress, diet, pregnancy, climate, or age, occasionally we need to adjust our skin care routine. With Mother’s Day around the corner, Beauty Press asked me for some tips for moms and mature skin.
What are some makeup application tips for mature/aging skin?
Women tend to have more delicate and sensitive skin. Additionally as we age, skin is affected by fluctuating hormone levels.
Generally it becomes more dry, thin, and has less elasticity allowing fine lines, wrinkles and loose skin to develop.
Makeup is still important, maybe even more important than ever, but a less is more approach is needed. Use a foundation that gives a light coverage, and concealer only where needed – instead of trying to achieve maximum coverage with one product that covers everything. If your skin is a little on the dry side, avoid too much powder as it can make the skin look even more dry.What are some skin care routine tips for mature/aging skin?
Hopefully you already have a good skin care routine in place and as your skin matures you just adjust it as needed. The basics, cleanse, tone, and moisturize, never change. The products you use may change however, and you may add serums or anti-aging treatments to your regime. Also, if you’ve always used soap and water or a foaming or gel cleanser you may find that a lotion or even an oil will work much better for you now as natural oil production will decrease with declining hormones.
Some women experience what they call a second adolescence. Try spot treating the breakouts instead of trying the entire face as if it’s one giant pimple. You’ll just end up dehydrating the skin and upsetting the acid balance which protects it.
Remember, you’re skin is the largest of the body. Treat it with care and it will take care of you.Please feel free to leave comments or ask questions.
For the press release and high res images contact Beauty Press.
Penny Sadler Makeup artist > Blog
