Packing Light

So I’m hot off the heels of a quick trip to Miami this past weekend and I was challenged to only pack things that would pass through security in a carry on. Let me tell you, that is no easy task- for me or for my favorite products. It was truly a quick trip though (only 48 hours), so my husband raised an eyebrow when I entertained checking a bag… I knew it didn’t make sense though. Many of my clean, green products are beautifully packaged in glass, which poses a problem even for packing in a checked bag. No one wants to arrive with a favorite face oil broken and leaking all over everything you packed. Yet, I really don’t want to sacrifice the safety of my products by making a run to pick up some drug store travel sized products (which is what I would have done in my pre-nontoxic days). So I’ve got some tips for packing a little lighter, while still having all your favorites with you and I’m sharing some of my favorite products for travel.

It’s not a secret that samples are the way to go for certain products that are harder to transport. Especially products like balms or oils can be difficult and messy to transfer into a travel container, so it’s way easier to save up mini sample versions of the main items in your routine. A few people have asked where to find samples of natural beauty products. It’s easier than you may think, since a lot of natural beauty retailers offer samples with purchases just like conventional beauty stores do. My favorite retailers for samples are Beauteabar.com and IntegrityBotanicals.com. BeauTeaBar has a pretty sweet deal. If you’ve been eyeing something or have a particular product you want to try a shade in (like foundation for example) you can leave a comment on an order letting them know and as long as it’s in stock, they’ll send some your way. I love being able to try something I’ve been lusting after before fully committing! Integrity Botanicals allows you to choose up to 3 different samples from their sample selection (often a pretty lengthy list of items), along with the ability to purchase some sample items or kits as well. I was able to purchase a generously sized sample of Nudus lipstick in 27 Kisses and I’m so glad I did- I think I may be the only person in the world this color isn’t flattering on! I’m so happy I didn’t throw down cash for the full size. It was $2.50 well spent.

My other source for samples is subscription beauty boxes. I rotate who I subscribe to, but the two that have blown me away lately are Goode Box and Petit Vour. They both offer amazing samples along with some full size items. I find this to be a great way to not only get samples, but also to discover new brands and products I haven’t tried (and sometimes haven’t even heard of).

Onto my favorites! I think it’s so important to take good care of your skin on vacation since you’re often exposing your skin to extreme climate changes and extra sun or wind. I always try to stick to products my skin is used to, so I don’t end up with a major eruption on my face. And I always bring a mask. I know my husband secretly things I’m crazy. Who masks on a short two night trip?? But, I really can’t be without my Mermaid Mask though! It’s the perfect antidote to skin thats stressed from traveling, climate change, or whatever the case may be. Another favorite travel companion is also from Leahlani. She makes some amazing perfumes that come packaged in cute rollerball tubes that are the perfect size to throw in your bag and take through security. Suntegrity’s 5-in-1 tinted moisturizer comes with me wherever I go and was perfect for laying by the pool in Miami. Some oil blends I like to keep handy are Zoe Organics Refresh Oil and La Bella Figura Travel Mood Booster. Both are great for resetting your mood, a headache or even a tummy thats off kilter. Some other must-haves are face cleansing wipes, a good body oil and a good exfoliator! 

So I want to know where you all are headed this summer and what you’re planning on packing! Any tips on packing these delicate products? xoxo