Travel Beauty Month :: Pre-Trip Primping

pre-vacation beauty ideas[trip style = any]

{Editor’s Note: In addition to our regularly scheduled content, each week this month we're doing a Travel Beauty feature. Don't forget: today is the last day you can enter to win ONE of FIVE Oxygenetix travel-sized moisturizers. Details here.}

What are your pre-trip beauty rituals?

The ones I choose depend on my trip style and the amount of time I have before I leave. For example, last fall when I trip style = sunned in Maui for an extended weekend getaway, the trip was really last minute and there was no time to prepare, so I did my toenails on my hotel room's lanai {review of the Fairmont Kea Lani} when I got there. And while we're on the topic, don't ever try to open a nail polish in-flight, Heather our Travel Fashion contributor found out the hard way it isn't allowed! When I have a little more time to prepare and am going to do an active, beach, or glamping trip style, I usually take a quick visit to the spa for a lash and/or brow tint to make sure my eyes appear bright with or without any makeup.

Here are a few pre-trip primping ideas we've complied, either for planned indulgences and last-minute alternatives:

Hair Planned - Make an appointment at the salon for a cut and colour, or blowout. ////////// In A Pinch - For a colour refresh, try one of these temporary solutions: Rita Hazan Root Concealer spray {Sephora, $24} or Oscar Blandi Pronto Color Root Touch-Up & Highlighting Pen {Sephora, $23}. Bonus: both come in travel-friendly sizes.

Eyebrows Planned - Get your eyebrows shaped/threaded, or tinted. ////////// In A Pinch - Use clear mascara, vaseline or {tinted} brow gel to shape and tame, and a brow pencil or shadow to fill in, complete or darken.

Eyelashes Planned - Visiting the spa for a lash tint adds a little more 'natural' oomph to your peepers. ////////// In A Pinch - Use clear or waterproof mascara at the beach, pool or on a nigh flight, and regular mascara for day-to-day.

Teeth Planned - See the dentist for a quick teeth whitening session {approx $400}. {Trip Styler Tip :: teeth whitening is always offered via Groupon for a much cheaper price, just make sure to thoroughly check out the dentist before you go}. ////////// In A Pinch - Use Crest Whitestrips {buy at any drug store for $35}, add a little baking soda on top of your toothpaste or try Pearly Wipes {$7} to maintain a glow on the go. *A few years ago when I was waiting in Heathrow Airport to fly back to Vancouver, I read a fascinating article in a UK women's magazine interviewing 5 ladies in the beauty industry about their top tactics for keeping a youthful appearance. The one I'll never forget is a bright smile...

Nails Planned - Do a traditional mani/pedi, or for something that looks nice and lasts much longer, consider a soak-off weightless gel lacquer {approx $30 for a manicure at the nail bar}. ////////// In A Pinch - Use a nail buffer {we LOVE Revlon's new Crazy Shine nail buffer, $7 at any drug store} for a natural gleam or bring polish with you for a steady-handed DIY attempt {we LOVE Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Nail Polish, $6 at any drug store}!

More Travel Beauty Oxygenetix Moisturizer Giveaway NYC’s Best Beauty Dr. Murad Interview The Best Fragrance For Each Trip Style Q&A With tarte Cosmetics Founder

[photos sourced from web, graphic put together by @tripstyler]