Beauty Buys for Spring Travel
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
As April draws ever-closer, no one can deny the lure of Spring Break and the opportunity to skip out on March's final frigid stand. But, whether you're hitting the sand or the slopes, this is no time to leave your beauty regime back in the Creative Capital. Pack your bronzer, sunscreen, and waterproof mascara — a sun-kissed glow (minus the sun-ravaged skin damage) and staying power are the essentials for Spring Break travel.
Sun protection
The Gloss & Glamour Salon in North Providence boasts an impressive array of products from Dermalogica — a skin therapy line dedicated to beauty through healthy, nourished skin. Their Solar Defense Wipes SPF 15 ($22 for a pack of 15) make applying sunscreen quick and simple — no sticky lotions or dripping sprays. Sunscreen is a must for both beach-goers and snow enthusiasts — UV rays, even those reflected off a snow-covered mountain side can cause long-lasting skin damage, and a bad sunburn can be painful enough to ruin the rest of your vacation. If you do get burned, try Dermalogica's After-Sun Repair Lotion ($32 for 3.4 oz) — a fragrance-free balm that cools sunburn and eases discomfort. The line also offers its UltraCalming Mist — a lightweight spray designed to relieve agitated skin of redness and sensitivity — in a travel size option ($8.50 for 1.7 oz.)
Glow to go
If you want a natural-looking bronze without the baring your wintry skin to dangerous UV rays, or just to get a head start on your tan before leaving the Ocean State, Fake Bake self-tanning products are another favorite of Gloss & Glamour. The line features a new Self-Tanning Lotion for Fair Skin ($29 for 6 oz) — a great option for those of us with stomachs whiter than a Clorox bottle and first-time or reluctant self-tanners. The "show as you go" cosmetic color guide allows for precise application of subtle color and can be reapplied over several days to build a darker shade. The line's standard version is also available in a carry-on friendly 2 oz. size ($10.95).
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTInstant color the moment you land
For those reluctant to commit to DIY tan, Sorme Treatment Cosmetics, a favorite brand of Christiaan Salon in Providence has a luminous Believable Bronzer available in three soft, natural tones — Goddess, Sunkissed, and Terracotta. Using a large, soft makeup brush, concentrate the subtly glistening formula on your forehead, cheek hollows, nose and chin, but don't hesitate to lightly dust your decollete for an all-over glow. The product is light enough for pre-beach primping but also has the wherewithal to survive a big night out on the town — or the ski lodge.
Grab-and-go in one travel bag
New Leaf Hair Salon in Bristol regularly stocks up on CARGO cosmetics —"after all," the cosmetic line's web site reminds, "makeup is a woman's 'CARGO!" The brand new Safari Kit ($34), a collection of products inspired by the African Savannah, is packed with a full-size "Coral Beach" Blush, khaki eyeliner pencil, and gold/khaki eyeshadow duo plus two fun-sized products: a sheer, non-sticky "Serengeti" lip gloss and Triple Action Mascara. All five are packaged in an adorable vintage-looking, travel-inspired makeup bag that will have you singing "Bon Voyage!" long after your own adventure ends.
Mascara for the beach
The Bellevue Beauty Walk in Newport is a fan of glo cosmetics — and for good reason: the line's gloWater resistant mascara ($19.50) packs a dramatic, lash-lengthening punch that won't leave you racoon-eyed, even after a Baywatch-style romp in the ocean. The creamy formula goes on smoothly and dries quickly, but don't forget your makeup remover (though baby oil works in a pinch) to get it off at night — they're not kidding around with the "water resistant" label.
The bag to put it in
Bellevue also likes apple&bee, an Australian-owned bag design company that specializes in eco-friendly products. The line's carry all traveller, made from adorably-patterned organic cotton and recycled PET plastic, is perfect for packing all your new (and some time-tested classic) products and hitting the road. The bag features four separate zipper compartments and comes in 7 different prints (we like Turtle Dove Red). Don't leave this carry-on in the overhead compartment.
