The Best to Travel With For Long Trips {A Continuing Learning Experience, Part I}

I do this to myself every time I get ready to travel: I pack, unpack, repack, analyze, unpack, repack. And somehow,  I always end up with a ludicrous amount of extra baggage I never needed. It just doesn't fail.

On a recent trip to St. Thomas, I thought I was doing super-well when I managed to get everything in a carry on. Everything for 5 days, including a laptop, my digital camera, all of my toiletries, 3 hats, 2 sunglasses and a crazy number of shoes. I was so excited. So proud. I had finally conquered that need to take everything and more.

But, it was the islands. And the weather was hot. I didn't need much.

So perhaps, not a practical success; more of a personal victory.

But I'm now in Europe, traveling through the continent and totally regretting not having edited down my traveling wardrobe. I have only worn 60% of my packings, though I've committed to wearing each pari of shoes for the sake of not feeling like a complete tool for bringing so much. And even more disappointing is that I've only needed 20% of my toiletries and makeup. So even though I brought three (and more) of everything, I have managed so far to stick to a few that have just worked marvelously every day, no matter the weather (because as you can imagine, every city has dished out something wildly different) or occasion! And that minimized the amount of times I mulled over which products to use.

So now that I consider myself graduated from the school of proper packing for extended travel, I'm going go share what are the perfect essentials to travel with which allow you to get by for a month! It'll free you from over-packing and being that weighted bag lady!

TRAVEL ON!

BEAUTY EFFECTS

Facial wash: This is the only thing I don't bring in travel size because with all the walking around and exposure to the elements, I figure I'd be washing my face a few times a day... I didn't picture it but Aveeno's Skin Brilliance skin brightening wash is glorious with its super smooth feel and gold sparkle.

Toner: A small bottle could do tho I ran out last week! I typically keep Artistry Beauty's travel size stocked up but it's so good I go through it too fast. Set the face for everything that's too come.

Moisturizer/SPF 50: A must-have no matter where you go! Keeps you protected from the sun even tho it could be cloudy. I've been swearing by Artistry Beauty's Ideal Radiance SPF 50 from their latest skincare collection. It offers great protection and a great base before applying my makeup without that cake-y white opaque look others do.

Skin Smoother: This is something relatively new in my regimen and I'm now swearing by it. After I apply my SPF, I run a quick layer of L'Oreal's Youth Code Texture Perfector to give me a super- supple effect. Next to their Miracle Blur gel, this is everything! This is the regular size and fits your ziplock bag if you're forced to put everything in one of those.

CC or BB: This isn't totally necessary but it's been extremely helpful when I want to go super-light on makeup. Peter Thomas Roth's CC cream has been magical! It's given me a great even toned layer before a bit of blush. Even after the SPF and Code Perfector, it's still light enough to not feel over done. I skip pressed powder when I use this yummy stuff. The travel size is enough for a month! A bit a day will go a long way!

Night Face Oil: I can't get enough of Orico London's Superico Face Oil! I need supersize bottle of this stuff! This is now my 3rd bottle. I use it only at night to revive my pores after a super-long and stressful day of moving around so much! It's like butter on your face! And it smells like the best spa you could ever be treated in. Its $43 but so worth the effect. I've written about it here and here Treat yourself to this. You will not be disappointed.AT.ALL.

Eye Cream: Only necessary if you're moving 100 miles a minute and traveling to 5 countries. Your eyes will show the tiredness. A light but effective eye creme will revive the happy look.

Travel Size Perfume: Because I'll never make the mistake of carrying a full size bottle of my favorite perfume again. I did that in 2006-- and left a $300 bag full of makeup on the plane in Nice, France. I learned my lesson good and well. Little sample tubes are perfect! Plus, they don't occupy space or add on weight. Take three: one for day, one for night, and one to switch it up. Jo Malone is ideal.

Hair Elixir: Matrix has you covered. Curly, straight, textured, or processed hair is in good hands with their Exquisite hair oil. This isn't a travel size but it's such an essential to keep your hair looking bright during the stress of on and off planes, trains, cabs, hotels, apartments, etc... Not to mention the changing climates! Trust me on this one. It's almost like having a little bit of gold in a bottle! A smaller bottle would have been better but they didn't have one. SO.... you know I did bring a 2nd option, better sized, but it just hasn't been as wonderful as this. Stick to what's good!

MAKEUP EFFECTS

Never leave home with 10 lip glosses. Or 5 tubes of lipstick. Ever. We've established I'm carrying way too much so I've narrowed down what works just perfectly on an long trip! You just can't go wrong with these selections for every day. There are a few things here and there I've left out... but that's mostly for contouring and a more dramatic look in the event you have a cocktail party or black tie soirée to attend.. and I did which is another reason I'm overloaded. But who's to tell a girl that too much makeup is too much?!

Mascara and lipgloss are like water. We just need them. Don't ever leave the house without! Where'd I'd typically defer to L'Oreal's Voluminous mascara I pulled out the fancier stuff since I had some fancy events to go to. Lancome's new and ultra sexy Grandiose mascara is full of drama for night. But it's lovely for day, too, since it gives a bit of daily umph we don't always go for. It stays on ALL day and doesn't run. That's what counts.

10 glosses is too much. Seriously. But it's what I brought. After trial and error the first few days, I realized all I really need is a good red to act as bold at I need to at night. A good and pretty pink for all day. A rose-y balm for in between the selfies. And a great dark mauve for evening on nights you're  taking a break form the cherry red. I left out a neutral colored gloss, but it's essential. It tones down any color. Lancome's mauve gloss is super-yummy and lustrous for night fetes. Aerin's new red gloss is perfect for black tie. Her rose balm is even more practical. Artistry's plum pink from last year is a fab option for all day. I've done well without proper lipstick.

Going light on these long trips will also keep you free from going mad trying to have different looks. Make it easy for yourself.

One blush. One eye palette. One eye liner. One pressed powder. You already know I bought a few of each. And you already know I found the perfect one of each for every day.

Lancome's new Color Design 5 Pan eye palette in Bronze Amour is more than stupendous for a fall look. You have all the colors you need to go light, bold and sexy. Clinique's latest chubby stick for the cheeks in a soft mauve is gorgeous and last longer than powder blush. And finally, Aerin's Essential Brown liner from her latest fall collection pairs well with any look you go for.

This is all tried and true. I'm on Day 20 of this fabulous Eurotrip and I've fared oh-so-well with these! Trust a traveling girl!

A few more essentials I've found super-helpful that you may want to consider; and also avoid having to buy while on the road -- like $11 for a small bottle of nail polish remover! Yup. Had to do that.

Nail polish- two colors max : Nail polish remover wipes : Tweezers : Nail file : Chapstick : Hand sanitzer : tissue : travel size hand lotion : makeup remover wipes or facial wipes -- Korres makes a really great one : Aspirin or Tylenol (trust me on this one!)

I'll address perfect travel essentials for your wardrobe!

Check out these other travel posts and series:

Winter Travel Essentials...The Beauty Edition
Chic Essentials for Winter Travel
Holiday Travel
Chic Essentials for Travel in 24 hours!

Follow the sexy fun on TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM  | GOOGLE + :) 

*All prods on counters now! If you want specific colors, leave a comment and I'll let you know! 

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Perfectly-Sized Travel Essentials for Fall {Update}

Fall is here! Yes! That means our amazing wardrobe is finally allowed to come out for wonderful showcasing. The boots, scarves, the hats -- oh! the hats -- tights, and coats. So much to get excited about. For me fall also means an intense travel schedule. I've already done quite a bit this year but my major, more exciting trips are yet to come. 

I'm finally planning and pining down my dates for Europe, but first, I'm stopping in St. Thomas and Jamaica later this month! In my constant research and need to have some of the latest essentials to make my travel more convenient (and chic!), I came across these few that I'm certain will make my 9 day trip a comfy one. 

A CHIC WEEKENDER

A bag this size can double as a weekender but also a great carry-on for taking all the things you need on flight... I'm a huge advocate for taking one change of clothes... one great, but casual look, just in case your checked luggage doesn't make it on time. Oh yeah, that's happened to me several times, most inconveniently in Paris.

This super-fresh bag by Aerin has enough space to pack gear for 3 days of light staples. I'm seeing it with me at the beaches of the Caribbean at the end of this month... and then again as my "purse" for my Euro trip -- for the magazines, makeup bag, over ear heads, etc.. I'll still take carry-on suit case. That's for what didn't fit in checked luggage!

BEAUTY

We all have different needs, but there are basics we take on each trip, right? I have my go-to toiletry bag but I switch it out depending on where I'm going and for how long. Considering this particular trip which is a bit longer than my usual press trips but shorter than a proper vacation, these'll do the job of keeping me in tact.

Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C Beaty Drops. These little capsules for reviving the face are perfect for chucking in the bag and taking with you. After you've washed your face with the brush, apply this wild arctic cloudberry super-packed capsule  They're made for 28 day regiment so just remember to pull them out of your bag once you're home. I'm on day 6 so I'll come back let you know bright and smoother my face really is. For now, I love the simplicity of it.

You'd think I'd get more sleep on vacation or the press trips I take, but not so much. On the go, go, go keep me tired most times. And looking it, too, the next day. So I love taking an eye illuminator wherever I go. I use on at home, but my new Erno Laszlo luminous eye complex (gel) is the best thing to happen to my eyes, yet. It's perfectly sized for travel and actually brightens my eyes when I'm most exhausted. I did have to try it for a god 3 weeks to see a good difference. But it does the trick.

EOS chapstick. Admit it. These are super cute. I have 4 and rotate tops and bottoms, depending on my mood. They're the most playful way of keeping your lips hydrated. A bit bulky, I think, but I just love them. And clearly, so does J.Lo. Did you see a pink one in her 'Booty' video. Oh. wow.

I've become such a germaphobe over the last 3 years, I'm actually a bit concerned. I wash my hands every time I enter and leave a place and more OCD is wiping down everything, especially on a plane.  As such, I have all kinds of cleansing wipes on me at all times. Been trying out these GUD by Burt's Bees ones and I love. Different scents will keep you guiltless while you wipe your hands clean of the guck you didn't know you touched on that restaurant chair. I'm telling you! It's bad. These come in so handy when I want to wipe down anything.

Clarisonic facial brush. Where has this been my whole adult life?! No, seriously? This little thing here is joy to my skin. After days of beating my face in the sun (mostly in Mexico when I go) and the elements of busy cities, the new Mia 2 electronic brush strips away all the dirt, guck, and impurities that cause break outs and an aged look. After 3 uses, I'm in love. And it comes with a travel case to protect both the bristles and the brush. It's my new best beauty friend. Go grab yourself one and take anytime, anywhere.

L'Occitane Roll-on Relaxant. This beats any kind of sleeping pill. The stress of traveling always requires some mental down time before starting the next day; even if you're on vacation. Apply a bit of this lavender-infused oil on your wrist or decollatage at night (or throughout the day) and you'll be sweetly dreaming. I like pairing it with a candle (love traveling with one) as I do my nightly meditation. It smells amazing and puts you in a calm place. And its size allows you to carry anywhere, not just when traveling.

Sun Bum Shorties SPF. Never leave home without SPF. Ever. It should be your best friend. No matter the time of year. No matter your skin type or complexion. Yes darker skins have much more melanin to protect against sun damage, but for everyone else, it's critical a proper amount of lotion is used. These cute little bottles were made with us travelers in mind. They do the job... protect from sun rays but still allow a tan. I'm all about that tan! But I'm more about protecting my skin... it's already super sensitive. SPF 15 for non-beach trips. SPF 50 for Mexico.

Artistry Ideal Radiance SPF 50+ Sunscreen. I swear by this little white thing. This is now my 3rd little bottle from their 3rd line of batty (full review of the new Ideal Radiance line coming). But these itty bitty 1 oz. bottles of glory are it. I literally apply to my face and neck every morning. And it stays in my travel bag. This is permanent.

Shaving cream... not really an essential but if you're into using cream and gels for shaving, these are perfect for traveling. This little duo by Shaveworks 'Get Smooth' comes with the cream which is super duper creamy and pearly and the cooling gel reduces the redness. My SIL gets in-grown hair so I'm can't wait to give it to her.

Earphones. Really. Who travels without earphones? I love talking to my flight neighbor, you know the person sitting next to you that has a story to tell -- but when I want to work or sleep, pulling out earphones is the all-tell sign "please do not disturb." For long distance, I like over the ear heads, but for quick flights and shorter trips, ear plug types are great. Loving on these new Sol Republic two-towned JAX pair. I go through earphones like socks... they get lost but I'm determined to keep these close to me. And I love they don't tangle so I can use them while running. A bit pricey for $150 at RadioShack, especially since they don't come with a case, but the sound quality beats the 'Beats by Dre' I rocked all last year. And good sound is key!

So many other essentials I could list, but since I'm literally trying out stuff for these amazing upcoming trips, these are some fun new finds for fall. Even for overnight fishing trips, which I love taking, these make sense.

Share! What are your travel essentials? What new prods are you loving on?

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Winter Travel Essentials....The Beauty Edition

It's #TravelTuesday and I'm back at sharing what I know are the essentials in traveling. No matter where you're off to or for how long, these are some of the key beauty products I simply can't survive without.... and neither you should you! So, let's share the goodies!

Featured clockwise.

Long flights, layovers, and horrible hotel beds (though I swear I could stay at the Westin or The W forever more and be one happy traveling chica!) are culprits and creating dark circles and bags. So not cute. No one wants to walk around looking sleep deprived and 10 years older simply because we're enjoying life in the friendly skies and in foreign land. Eye creams are essential. Like drinking water. Our eyes need moisture and care. Shiseido's eye correcting eye cream from their sensational and award-winning IBUKI collection. I've been swearing by this pretty little bottle for 3 months now and love how rejuved I look after any amount of traveling. It's relived me of looking like a mean mugging chick. Thanks for that! It's made for us on-the-go types. Genius science development behind it. I need mas.

This bag is everything. So everything I had to get three black, two navy and one large purple. Because you know, no professional traveler packs without a multifunctional bag that organizes everything. I found this at Target last year during the holidays and take it everywhere. Even when I'm in DC. Just experience it for yourself and eliminate the madness of looking for hand wipes. Pockets galore. Sonia Kashuk got this so right. I love her for it. Them.

Keep your pretty hands moisturized with Curel's hand and cuticle therapy. No ones likes looking at, let  alone shaking ashy, cracking hands. Plus, you know your age is very giving by the health of our hands. Keep those face palms super smooth :)

If you color your hair and are traveling for an extended period of time... like an unexpected jaunt to Morocco while visiting friends in Spain... and need to touch up your color, grab these colour glosses by John Frieda. It instantly boosts faded colors. Don't look drabby. Keeping our hair done is enough of a job. This is wash and go.

We must wash our faces daily in order to keep the junk away. Biore's daily one minute charcoal mask is perfect for maintaining an at-home regiment while in the hotel. It's not intrusive and doesn't take forever. One minute. We all have one minute.

Artistry Beauty's lighted lip gloss is my most favorite makeup product ever. Ever. I'm not lying. I'm not paid to tell you that, either. I wish. But, in my most serious, puckered lip face I could give you, it's seriously the best lip gloss ever invented. It has set the bar for everything in the gloss category. Pigmentation isn't  what'd you'd get in most major dep't store brands, but the sheer light and mirror makes this the one thing I need to keep in inventory the rest of my life. You should too. Do not ever leave home without this oh-so-genius stick.

Chapped lips are never sexy and traveling, especially now during winter, makes them a little more unattractive. Keep your kissers moisturized with Clinique's intensive lip repair. It heals, not just leaves them smooth and soft.

An eye palette makes the most sense. All in one color for fancying your look. If you've figured out how to use the little brushes that come with the palettes, even better. Less to pack. But, you'll go so far with a neutral colored palette like Lancome's Color Design Eye Brightening All in One 5 Shadow in 'Dancing Rose.' It'll match any wardrobe you pack.

My second favorite ever makeup is L'Oreal's True Match Color Crayon concealer. I can't tell you the times I've been stopped anywhere and everywhere to ask about my under eye concealer. I actually use it any where I have blemishes... so if I happen to forget my foundation or loose powder, this will still do the trick. It's smooth like butter and perfectly matched. A real must.

Winter has no mercy on our skin or hair. The damage from dryness is brutal. For your hair, keep the fly-aways and curls tamed with this anti-frizz serum. It's light, smells, good, smoothens out the wild and crazy stands. Wonderfully small enough to carry on not require check-in if you're traveling light.

Don't ever leave home without mascara. It's just sinful. It's an essential for existing. But for travel, find one that doesn't smudge, like Bobbi Brown's no smudge. Touch trips to the bathroom before landing won't be as necessary with messy proof prods.

And finally, if you love BB creams, you'll love Smashbox's under eye coverage. Their camera ready formula seems to possibly be bold enough to work on raccoon like dark circles. This is great after you've rested overnight with Shiseido's correction cream. Double yay.

Certainly, there are more essentials every girl should travel with. But if in a bind and you have to edit your toiletry bag, these are it. Check out my other travel guides! Next one in the series is for the tech savvy travelista.

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Chic Travel Essentials: Anytime, Anywhere

My travel season is about to get giddy, super fast and super furious. I've talked about it plenty here on B So Chic! and so you probably know one of my biggest challenges is editing my packing list and really sticking to what I need to take... you know, my basic essentials. My tendency is to take it all, no matter what my luggage fees are going to look like; but I realize my back is going to pay for it years down the line. And since I don't plan on tapering my traveling, then I need to get to it and just streamline. I just can't take everything fabulous I want.

For the next fews weeks, I'm going to be sharing with you my best finds and suggestions for traveling essentials. As you can imagine, I've got a lot to choose from having learned from trial and error. I'm starting with this basic wardrobe essentials guide. I'll follow up with beauty, accessories, and tech, though I've already done a few theme-specific post.

For now, these items will help make your trip, wether a cold weekend getaway or a few days to Europe (where I'm off to next!), much easier, and still afford you some style!

OUTERWEAR

We all need a coat in this weather for sure, so I left that out intentionally, but an anorak isn't something everyone would think of packing. You never know what the weather's going to do so bring a nice, packable, good weight anorak for those unpredictable days. Try to find one with a hoodie, also. That helps!

Gloves are must in the wintry mix. Your hands are no good if they're frost bitten. Cashmere, wool, or angora are good options. Leather with cashmere lining is a good option also. Don't take your really expensive ones though since gloves are so easily lost and you can grab a pair in any street stand wherever you are. I recently forgot mine while in Boston. Fortunately, I was walking distance to a Marhsalls and grabbed a leather pair that are doing me well. But had I....

Hat! What a must in my world! If you know me then you already know I own as many as shoes. I never travel without at least two hats. They are essential for several reasons. Keeping your head warm in case your coat doesn't have a hood; and because they're just so chic. I love this Eric Javits option. It's super stylish and will take you from day to night.

I love brining at least two scarves: one for the for flight and a warmer one for wearing daily. Plane cabins are always cold (tell me it's not just me!) and I find light and pretty scarves keep me cozy while I nap away.

WHAT TO WEAR (everything else)

Leggings are fantastic to take everywhere. I have over 20 paris and have no problem picking a pair to take. They make actual travel very flexible. Throw on an oversized sweater and ballet flats (with that hat!) and you're good to go. No belt hassle, etc... For winter, I suggest some plush or fleece-lined ones. These Lagalle's are smooth and have great texture. Plus they're ultra warm.

Flats are a simple must. But they have to be fabulous. I used to run through the airport in heels. Yeah, not so much anymore. Ever. Find a practical and attractive pair you can easily slip in and out of while going through security, but can still rock while you're hanging at your destination. These leopard ones from Banana Republic are everything. Go with everything and speak everything!

Bring at least one pair of booties. You know your feet will thank you later; especially after you've been dining in 6" stilettos (which you must take, too, you know!). I found these uber swanky navy blue ones at Neiman Marcus and can't wait to take with me to NY later this week! They're perfect for running around the city.

The LBD. Yes, you know I had to add this. Because again, you never know where you'll end up and what may come up. An evening dress is necessary. A sexy one is a must. Love this Max Azria pleated action. It just works. With flats and all!

A pretty clutch that can double as a wallet is great for those days you really don't want to bring your carry all. The tote is essential yes, and if you're a traveler, you know that, but a clutch that holds all your cards and even a lip gloss is the star. HoBo has a great selection at all major dept. stores. They're worth the $100+. They last forever. I've got 3 and love them all.

Umbrella. I've been hit with rain and snow out of nowhere. Better be safe than sorry. Keep all of your fabulous goodies dry with a large enough packable umbrella. Don't travel with a full sized handle one. Find a travel size one that opens up to average circumference. Oh, and these smaller ones fit in your bag.  I opt for red when I can because I won't be included to leave it behind.

Socks. Good ol' socks. Yes, socks! Keep you feet clean and warm while walking around your hotel room. Thousands of feet have walked that suite you're in! Keep your pedi nice and tight while you're traveling with socks. Marled slipper socks are even better.

This is a starter guide for you. There's much more to essential traveling. Different season, counties, regions, etc.... all require different packing essentials, but these will get you started on going anywhere without overthinking it!

Stay tuned for the beauty series next Tuesday! That's ones for the beauty product lover! You just can't live without certain yumminess.

Here are a few other travel guides I've written for you!

Holiday Travel
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Follow the sexy fun on TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM  | GOOGLE + :) 

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