My Travel Beauty Routine + What to Pack
Question; do you have a packing list or do you just wing it every time you travel?
Under the Notes app in my iPhone I have a packing list, although I never seem to use it and inevitability I forget something. It's only when I'm in the hotel when I realize that I’ve only packed one pair of socks, forgot my PJ’s, or didn't bring a hairbrush.
But it’s the time I forgot to pack foundation that really annoyed me because I was on a press trip and needed to look pulled together.
BEAUTY TRAVEL HACK: carefully placed concealer will be your savior if you ever forget foundation.
SKINCARE ROUTINE
I can pack my outfits quickly because I know my style well. I describe it as rocker-chic casual with a bit of leather mixed in for glam.
Packing my beauty routine on the other hand seems to take an eternity. Even though I have my pre-packed skincare bag ready at the drop of a hat, I always dump it out and do a quick inventory check to see if anything needs replacing.
BEAUTY TRAVEL HACK: Hold on to those samples! They'll save you money and time in the long run. Have a pre-packed bag full of sample-sized beauty products ready to go so you don’t forget essentials like serum, moisturizer, cleanser, etc.
SKINCARE PACKING LIST
Waterproof make-up remover
Facial cleanser
Serum
Olay Brightening Eye Cream
Lip balm
Olay Fragrance-Free WHIPS with SPF 25
Olay MIST. (Keep this one in your handbag so you can mist your face and keep your skin hydrated on the plane.)
Olay Clay Stick Masks (These masks are revolutionary because you apply them straight from the stick to your face. No accidental spills in your makeup bag!)
HOW I KEEP MY SKIN GLOWING WHILE I TRAVEL
I can’t stress the importance of water and keeping your body hydrated. Planes have such bad air quality and travel can be exhausting.
I also try to eat well to keep my immune system up and my skin balanced. Otherwise keeping your skin glowing during your travels is actually pretty simple.
1. Always take your makeup off at night, no matter how tired you are.
2. Moisturize night and day and make sure you use you’re using SPF. (You all know I love my Olay WHIPS with SPF! I even have Geoff using it.)
3. Use a face mask to draw out impurities from your travels. Between the plane and the pollution of city life, it’s a good idea to detox your skin have some "me time" after a long day. Draw a hot bath, slather on the new Olay Pore Detox Mask and fire up some Netflix. Your skin will thank you because it’ll be soft, clearer, and glowing.
BEAUTY TRAVEL HACK: Keep a face mist in your handbag to keep your skin hydrated on the plane. Much more subtle than sheet masking on the plane. ;)
All of Olay’s new Clay Stick Masks are super easy to apply making it perfect mask when traveling. They’re formulated with Kaolin clay to draw out impurities and glycerin to keep skin hydrated and soft.
The Pore Detox Mask contains black charcoal making it idea for the T-zone since it reduces the size of pores.
The Fresh Reset Mask is a micro-polishing mask that gently buffs away surface clogging cells and transforms tired skin into a calm, fresh looking complexion.
The Glow Boost Mask transforms uneven lackluster skin into a natural healthy glow by removing the buildup of dead skin cells.
Olay Face Mask Sticks are available at Wal-Mart stores and walmart.com
MY MAKEUP BAG
Packing my makeup bag is a whole other beast and the thought of leaving my eyebrow pencil at home is enough to make me cry. From forgetting foundation to that time I forgot my eyelash curler, I’ve learned that having doubles of everything is ideal when traveling often.
MAKEUP PACKING LIST
Foundation, concealer, and powder
Eyelash curler + waterproof mascara
Eyebrow pencil + setting gel
Rosy pink blush + bright pink blush for get that healthy flushed from within look
Nude lipstick + red lipstick for a night out
I hope that sharing my travel beauty helps you perfect your own routine. My packing list might seem like a lot but keep in mind that sample size products are best when it comes to saving space. And remember to take care of your skin when traveling! Bon Voyage!
This post is sponsored by Olay. All photos and opinions are my own.
The Best Conditioner for Battling Hair Static & Dryness
Winter is just around the corner and we all know that does to our hair – STATIC. DRYNESS. DULLNESS. UGH.
Tackling static is one thing but in combination with winter accessories like hats, scarves, and coats, it’s a lot to consider. Or you know when it gets too warm indoors and you go to pull your sweater off over your head and whoosh, static mayhem, hairs flying everywhere for the rest of the day, sticking to your face and making it impossible to focus.
I personally have another winter hair issue all together. I have this terrible habit of tucking my hair into my coat. Don’t ask why but it’s a comfort thing. I have this idea that if I don’t then my scarf or my handbag will damage my hair form tugging on the strands. In actuality I’m probably just introducing friction to my hair therefore damaging the ends and turning everything into a big static’y mess. (I really need to stop.)
WHY DOES STATIC HAPPEN IN HAIR?
To help me with this question, I tapped into Pantene’s Principal Scientist, Dr. Jeni Thomas who told me that static is caused by lack of moisture - low humidity from indoor heating and harsh winter weather outdoors.
She also explains, “Proteins in our hair fibers give hair a natural charge, but this charge is dissipated by hair’s internal moisture. When it’s cold outside or with electric indoor heating, humidity levels are exceptionally low – our hair tries to match those levels, which means it becomes stripped of static-blocking moisture.
Add a touch of friction, like taking off your scarf, and SPARK! Instant annoying static electricity. Suddenly hair is sticking out in all directions. That happens as the electrical charge on one strand repels the charge from the neighboring strand, pushing each other away from like two opposing magnets rather than flowing together.”
HOW TO GET RID OF HAIR STATIC
Conditioners like the Repair & Protect collection from Pantene help keep static away thanks to the micro-moisturizers in the formula that hydrate every strand. “Pantene conditioners are formulated by carefully balancing moisturizing ingredients that regulate the hydration levels of hair and penetrate each layer of the hair fiber” says Dr. Jeni Thomas.
So now that you know how Pantene works to beat static, make sure that you’re conditioning from root to tip in the shower to keep those fly-aways away. ;)
Here’s to healthy, static-free hair this winter!
WHY DOES MY HAIR LOOK DULL IN WINTER?
Hair can look dull when there’s damage along the shaft and it doesn’t reflect the light on the strands. Pantene’s conditioners features “smart-technology” that targets the damaged parts of the hair.
Since I’ve been growing out my hair I’ve found that I not only tuck it into coats, but sweaters, AND it’s constantly getting caught on the shoulder strap of my handbag.
I kid you not, the damage is evident when I condition with something other than Pantene (look I have two bathrooms and right now only one of them is stocked with Pantene and the other one has a $30 bougie conditioner and shampoo that leaves my hair looking lack luster and frayed.) What can I say? Pantene is where it’s at.
Suggested reading: How To Combat Dry Winter Hair
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Pantene. All photos and opinions are my own.
THE FASHIONABLE WINTER BOOTS YOU'LL WANT TO WEAR YEAR ROUND
Finding fashionable winter boots that are as functional as they are cute is hard but not impossible. After many years of wearing gross chunky boots, I had sort of given up hope and gave in to the idea that winter = ugly footwear. I have exactly four IKEA Billy bookcases full of shoes, mostly designer, which typically go into hibernation mode for winter. Let me just say, there’s no way you’ll ever find me wearing everyday shoes in the rain or snow. I’d rather go barefoot.
Fast forward to fall/winter 2018 and Canadian shoe company Cougar has just released their exclusive, limited edition Small Batch collection made out of premium natural hide, full grain leather, and fur trimmed boots. While I generally stay away from fur for personal reasons, I’m aware that fur has a place for our extremely freezing winters. I’ve seen the use of it on my trips to Iceland and Banff in the dead of winter and learned it has the ability to keep away the cold (therefore frostbite) and repel water.
Since my winter boot wardrobe desperately needed an update, I went for Cougar’s stylish Darbi boot made out of natural cowhide with a leather trim. They feature a stacked 2” heel and anit-slip sole. They’re also part of the exclusive Small Batch collection which will only be available for a short time, so once they're gone, they're gone.
Like many of Cougar’s shoes, the entire Small Batch collection is waterproof and temperature rated from -24°C to -30°C to keep your toes warm but they’re also appropriate for milder weather. I wore my Darbi boots on a 12°C fall day while Geoff and I grabbed coffee and went for a stroll. My feet were comfortable and not overheated like I had originally feared. Honestly the best part is just finding a badass winter boot that’s not gonna mess with the flow of my outfit.
WHAT I’M WEARING: Frank & Eileen hoodie in LAB501 Blackout and trouser leggings in LAB600 Blackout (under the dress). Equipment silk dress. The Kooples leather jacket. Cougar Shoes Darbi Small Batch boot. CHANEL patent leather bag.
Geoff makes his second appearance on WoahStyle blog wearing Cougar’s Cranston boot from their men’s collection.
WHAT GEOFF’S WEARING: Frank & Eileen Luke twill shirts layered on top of each other in black with gray grid and black and red plaid. The Kooples cords. Topman wool overcoat. Alexander McQueen scarf. Cougar Shoes Cranston boots.
Disclaimer: In collaboration with Cougar Shoes. Photos by Melanie Rees. All opinions are my own.
My New York Trip with FRESH & Astrologist, Susan Miller
Fans of Fresh Beauty’s zodiac collection may be familiar with the name Susan Miller of astrologyzone.com and their previous collabs. Well, the brand has collaborated with my favourite astrologist again this year for a limited edition, zodiac version of their Sugar Lip Treatments.
Just in time for the holidays, these lip balms make excellent stocking stuffers. They’re also great as a little token gift for that person in your life who you want to wish Happy Holidays but don’t want to overboard on. Think - your boss, the host at the holiday party you’re attending, or your kids teacher. Trust me, during the harsh winter months they’ll be super grateful for their zodiac lip balm.
To celebrate the launch of their on going collab with Susan Miller, Fresh invited me to New York to hear her talk about the year ahead according to astrology. Below you’ll find my travel pics during my stay along with my visit to the Fresh Beauty Kitchen store in SoHo. If you haven’t been yet, I’d highly recommend it as the boutique is adorable with a quaint Anthropologie vibe.
CHECKED-IN, THE LUDLOW HOTEL, NYC
A bag full of Fresh goodies waiting for me upon check-in. The brand was super considerate about what I would be hauling back home in my carry-on and only included travel sized products in my goodie bag. LOVE!
I’ve turned into the master of packing comfortable yet versatile outfits. Here I’m wearing a navy H&M sweatshirt, Levi’s 711 skinny jeans, and the Isabel Marant loafers that I picked up on my last trip to New York. I accessorized with my gold aviator Bonlook frames and tan coloured leather Hermes bracelet.
This is my second time staying at The Ludlow in New York but the first time staying in one of those very Instagrammable bathrooms with a tub! Sadly I didn’t use it but I certainly appreciated the window and natural light for my photos. I should also mention that I’m totally wild about the decor in this hotel. I used it as inspiration when decorating my living room and guest bathroom.
FRESH HOLIDAY EVENT 2018, NEW YORK
My first holiday event of the year dressed in black and white of course. Fresh has come out with an array of gorgeous gift sets to suit all skincare lovers on your wish list. My fave, the Nonstop Radiance gift set. It includes the Soy Face Cleanser, Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask, Vitamin C Antioxidant Glow Face Mist, Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer and Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment in travel friendly sizes for $76. All of Fresh’s holiday sets are limited edition.
FRESH BEAUTY KITCHEN, NEW YORK
Last stop on our trip, the Fresh Beauty Kitchen store in SoHo. This boutique is jam packed with all of the Fresh skincare you can imagine. It’s also very different from the store on Broadway, which has a more polished feel. The Beauty Kitchen is more quaint, with vibe that’s very similar to Anthropologie.
Make sure you check out the small batch artisanal jams at this location. The flavours are to die for and make excellent hostess gifts for the holiday season. I came home with six jars of the Cherry & Apricot flavour.
I used to be a visual merchandising manager at Anthro so I really appreciated all of the details that Fresh put into the Beauty Kitchen. From the vintage weight scale, to the SMEG fridge full of skincare and fruit, to the Sugar Lip Treatment table, no detail was left unnoticed.
Actually, when I was photographing the store I realized all of fresh roses had been gently misted with water to give the appearance of dew drops!
MY HORROR-SCOPE STORY
I’ve been following Susan Miller’s Astrology Zone since a friend introduced me to her five years ago. I was religious about planning my month around what Susan wrote according to my sign, Sagittarius. I know, it sounds kinda nuts but I found comfort in what she wrote.
Anyway, I got so intense about my horoscope that I completely changed my plans for Christmas one year because Susan had written to stay close to home.
She said something ominous about “bad things happening” and to “stay safe” (at least that’s how I remember it), so I opted out of the dinner plans that I’d already been apprehensive about and made alternate plans for that day.
That particular winter was horrible and it was snowing almost every day. Conditions where clear that morning so Diana and I decided to drive into the city for some shopping. We were looking for some pre-loved Louis Vuitton pieces and I ended up getting a tote from the 90’s, which I eventually gave to my mother, and Diana got some super cute wristlet that she still uses today.
We finished at around noon and headed back home. It started snowing while we were shopping and the roads were now slippery so I knew I had to drive carefully.
It took one bad decision on the highway as I made a lane change and BAM, I slammed into the car in front of me.
I felt horrible and sick to my stomach.
Diana is a Sagittarius too so we share the same horoscope. Susan had told us to stay close to home and we didn’t.
Looking back that was possibly the worst year of my life. That car accident was just the icing on the cake.
My beloved grandmother had passed away earlier that year. We had a house fire that summer because the contractors had carelessly rushed some electrical work. Geoff got laid off from the company he had been working at for 13 years. Geoff’s grandfather got sick and passed away soon after. Geoff got shingles because of the stress from losing his grandfather and his job.
Oh, I’m not done yet.
Our neighbor's car somehow reversed out of his parking spot and CRASHED into our car that happened to be parked in our driveway. I know, how does that even happen? And finally, I got into not one, but two accidents on the highway thanks to the daily snow dumps. It was awful.
By the end of the year, I was done. I remember breaking down and crying hysterically.
But that’s the thing, all of that shit makes you stronger in the end and I told myself I would never let things to me like that again. Sure, death is one thing but I just remember feeling so hopeless and out of control with my life in every situation.
The next year I changed my mindset and regained control how I react to life in the moment of crisis and it changed everything. I left my full-time job and started freelancing and started traveling more. It took Geoff a year because we were still feeling the ripple effect of the recession, but he eventually found himself a new job just a ten minute drive from our home. (A total change from his two hours a day commute from the last thirteen years.)
That saying about “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” rings some truth. I stopped reading so much into my horoscope after that. I’ll still read it here and there but I never want to get to the point where I’m rearranging my life because it told me to stay close to home.
I mean, the car accident happened. Again, my life lesson that year was changing my outlook. I learned it’s the one thing we can control and when we feel lost and hopeless, it makes us feel more powerful and confident and I’m pretty sure I asked Susan, she would agree.
Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Fresh Beauty. All photos and opinions are my own.
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VUARNET
I once posted a photo on good ol’ Instagram and used the hashtag #grunge cuz you know, I was wearing ripped jeans and a leather jacket or something like that and hashtag grunge felt right. Some little troll left me a comment, “That’s not grunge. You don’t know what grunge is!” I looked up his profile and I swear he didn’t look a day over twelve. Mmm, okay.
Anyone who actually grew up in the 90’s will remember grunge and think of it synonymously with plaid shirts, ripped jeans, and dirty greasy hair a la Kurt Cobain. There were cassette tapes, boom boxes, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey’s Emotions (OMG how good is that album even today?), 90210, Doc Martens, and Vuarnet t-shirts.
Full disclosure, I didn’t have the coolest wardrobe growing up but I sure had a wicked cassette tape collection thanks to my parent’s Columbia House membership. On the other hand, a lot of my classmates wore Vaurnet and I was jealous.
Vuarent France is celebrating 60 years and bringing back their iconic logo tees. I for one am totally digging it cuz hi, I never had one till now. Also, how badass does it look paired with my Isabel Marant boots? It's not exactly 90's grunge but it's authentically my style so that's fine by me.
*Disclaimer: Vaurnet tee was provided as a PR sample. All photos and opinions are my own.
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LINCOLN ROAD TRIP
I’ve never been in a vehicle more comfortable than the Lincoln Navigator. While it’s actually a behemoth of an SUV that seats seven, it feels as luxurious as cozying up in bed under the fluffiest duvet. Just press the massage button found on the driver and passenger side and you’ll see what I mean.
My friends fondly nicknamed it the “Napigator” after taking numerous naps in the back seat. This coming from someone who used to adamantly stood behind the belief that he “can’t nap in cars”. So much for that.
Aside from the cozy leather interior, the Navigator puts on quite the show from the exterior. It lights up to welcome you back as you walk back to the car thanks to the sensor found in the key fob, which by the way, can be customized so that each driver has their own personal seat and mirror settings.
Overall it’s a beautifully designed vehicle with all of the comforts and luxury one could ever want from a car. Geoff and I had the pleasure to drive a Porsche last year on the Mosport Race Track and dare I say, the Lincoln beats it in terms of everyday driving and comfort.
*This post is in collaboration with Lincoln Canada. All photos and opinions are my own.
CHESTER HILL LOOKOUT
A ten minute drive from the Broadview Hotel is Chester Hill Lookout, one of Toronto’s best kept secrets. It is in a residential neighbourhood so be mindful when you visit.
Wearing; Club Monaco tank, Bodaskins leather jacket, GRLFRND Denim Karolina jeans, Saint Laurent black platform boots (circa Hedi Slimane), TOMS white retro style sunglasses.
BROADVIEW HOTEL, TORONTO
Guests at the Broadview Hotel have the chance to drive a Lincoln Navigator to get around the city in style. Doesn’t get any better than that.
Wearing; Mackage leather jacket, Lululemon pants, Givenchy boots, Bonlook gold aviator frames.
Rooftop cocktails wearing; Nordstrom beret, Madewell oversized denim jacket, Dries Van Noten skirt, Valentino star studded boots, Louis Vuitton clutch, Bonlook gold aviator eyeglasses.
Traditional Modern rooms with velvet curtains, floral wallpaper and marble counter tops.
PACKING TIP: Bring at least six pairs of shoes for a one day excursion. Pack three pairs amongst two carry-ons. LOL
AWAY carry-on luggage featured next to Isabel Marant sparkly boots, Isabel Marant studded cowboy boots, Givenchy floral studded boots, Cartel Miranda boots, Valentino star studded boots, and Saint Laurent Paris black platform boots.
Wearing; silk Equipment leopard print dress, Isabel Marant studded cowboy boots and Bonlook gold aviator frames. Aluminum AWAY carry-on with monogrammed leather stickers featured on the right.
Breakfast at the Broadview Café + Bar.
AGA KHAN MUSEUM
Just 9km away from the Broadview Hotel is the picturesque Aga Khan Museum. Stroll through the outdoor gardens or have a look at the current exhibits. The building itself is stunning and highly photographable so be ready to snap plenty of pics. When you’re ready for lunch, pop into restaurant Diwan.
Wearing; TOMS sunglasses, Topshop leopard print cardi, Mackage leather pants, Cartel Miranda boots.
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Glamping with BURT'S BEES
Glamping; modern luxury camping for people terrified of roughing it out with real camping. AKA, me.
Instead of sleeping in a tent on a blow up mattress, or worse yet, a sleeping bag on the ground, glamping means cozying up to a king sized bed and fluffy duvet at night. Sure, the concept borders on ridiculous for real campers but for someone like me who loves the outdoors without roughing, it’s actually perfect.
On a rainy October morning we headed to Whispering Springs for a night of glamping with the Burt’s Bees team to chat about their upcoming launches.
Fans of the brand will be happy to learn their makeup line is expanding in a big way to include liquid lipsticks, highlight sticks, and an extended colour range of foundation and concealer. For skincare, a new facial oil, body wash, and more face sheet masks will be added.
BTW - I used the Lavender & Honey body wash in my bath that night and it was divine. It smelled natural and didn’t irritate my skin.
Keep reading for more on my glamping experience at Whispering Springs and for more on the Burt’s Bees.
New Burt’s Bees Makeup
Sneak peak at some early 2019 Burt’s Bees launches - highlight stick, new foundation shades, concealer, and liquid lipsticks are amongst their growing line of natural makeup. Their skincare range will expand to include body wash, sheet masks, and a new facial oil.
What I’m Wearing
Aritzia Neelam red plaid jacket. Uniqlo navy striped shirt and HeatTech hat. Levi’s skinny jeans. Cougar Kismet rubber moto boots. Bonlook gold aviator eyeglasses.
Lunch is Served
Our meals at Whispering Springs were inspired by the natural ingredients found in Burt’s Bees products such as apricot and honey. We ate under the main tent which also featured a small bar.
What To Expect Glamping at Whispering Springs
Nature and luxury are in harmony here at Whispering Springs. They offer yoga, massages, nature hikes, volleyball, and have a hot tub on site. Make sure you bring cozy knits and warm layers this time of year.
Each room at Whispering Springs contains a bathtub. (Sorry bath haters, no showers on site). I ended the day with a hot soak full with bubbles from the new Burt’s Bees Lavender & Honey body wash. I also tried the Detoxifying Charcoal sheet mask for the first time and moisturized my lips with the Overnight Lip Treatment.
WHAT TO BRING & WHAT TO WEAR FOR GLAMPING
In my opinion glamping in the fall is better than the dead of summer because at least you can throw layers on and take them off as needed. There is no escaping the summer heat and mosquitoes so you take that for what it’s worth.
Surprisingly I didn’t bring a ton of clothes and brought only a single pair of shoes - rain boots. Trust me, that’s all you’ll need. It gets muddy this time of year so leave those cute shoes at home.
GLAMPING ESSENTIALS
THERMAL LAYERS. Uniqlo makes the best ones with their HeatTech collection of tops, bottoms, and accessories. It kept me warm in Northen Iceland so you can bet it kept me warm glamping in Ontario.
WARM ACCESSORIES. Hats, socks, gloves, scarves.
SWEATERS. One good one is really all you need. I love one that covers my neck so I can forfeit the scarf.
LONG SLEEVED TOPS, JEANS, AND OR LEGGINGS.
RAIN COAT. Because umbrellas are too cumbersome when glamping.
WARM COAT. I opted for a wool coat from Aritzia that I’ve had forever.
WATERPROOF SHOES. I wore my Cougar rubber shoes. They’re badass because they look like motorcycle boots but they’re actually rain boots. Genius.
Depending on the time of year, you should consider outdoor staples such as bug repellent, sunscreen.
Also consider travel essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and everyday toiletries - facial cleanser, moisturizer, eye cream, etc. Whispering Springs has you covered with bath towels, robes, and mini shampoo, body wash, and body lotion.
Ten glamping tents can be found at Whispering Springs. Each room features a cozy king sized bed, heater, mini fridge, coffee maker, bathtub, sink, and toilet.
Glamping essentials: my aluminum AWAY carry-on with monogram stickers full of warm layers.
Staying true to the glamping theme, Whispering Springs delivers breakfast to your tent in a picnic basket containing fresh fruit, granola, yogurt, a croissant, butter, jam, OJ, and milk. Plates and culterly can be found in the room as well as the coffee machine for your morning brew.
MAKING OUR OWN BURT’S BEES CUSTOM LIPSTICKS
On the second day we got to make our own custom lipsticks with the help of Burt’s Bees Chemist, Abeena. This is my second time meeting her and I’m convinced she’s the most badass woman around. She walked us through the process and how they test the shelf life of their natural products. With a base of beeswax and apricot oil, we added pigments after pigment to get the shades we wanted.
I made three shades of red lipsticks varying from blue red, orange red, and russet. Are you actually surprised?
DISCLAIMER: Special thanks to Burt’s Bees and Whispering Springs for the stay.
All photos and opinions are my own.