A Desert Getaway: Exactly What I Packed and Actually Used

Packing is really clarifying; the process shows us what–amongst all of our possessions–we don’t want to be without and, even better, what we actually use. Last week, we spent a blissful week at a house in the desert with my family and, because it was close enough to drive, I was able to pack unrestricted and with wild abandon. Here is what I brought and exactly what I used.

Palm Springs Travel Makeup and Skincare: Exactly What I Packed and Actually Used

Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of everything in action as well as the Bottom Line…

// SKINCARE //

In terms of skincare, I endeavored to choose products that would deliver intense hydration, soothe potential irritation and enhance relaxation.

For the face, I used the weightless yet formidable *MAKE Succulent Skin Gel Cream, non-negotiable Augustinus Bader The Cream (reviewed HERE) and glass-skin creator *U Beauty The Super Smart Hydrator (reviewed HERE). All three absorb instantly, nourishing and balancing skin on contact. I also brought along the soon to launch *Saint Jane Petal Cream (adore all things Saint Jane and this lightweight, velvety cream formula is no exception) and the *LULAAV Face Serum, which includes date fruit extract to moisturize, firm and balance skin…it’s a truly luxe formulation from an equally luxe independent brand. Each morning and night, I applied a drop of the Agent Nateur holi glow Ageless Eye Serum (reviewed HERE) to hydrate, lift and depuff my delicate orbital area while adding an ethereal glow.

For body, I used ample doses of the *Mila Moursi Firming Body Lotion (reviewed HERE) post-shower to revive my desert-baked limbs and applied the genius *Sisley Paris Le Sculpteur Intensive Contouring Care (reviewed HERE) on my arms and legs in the morning for the most taut effect possible.

After a full day at the pool, I embraced the *Tower 28 SOS Spray

A 3 ingredient elixir that reduces irritation and redness on contact (it’s even safe for Joey’s sensitive skin) and right before bed, used the *Alo Glow System Magnesium Reset Spray (this mist is pure gold for relaxing) to invite a restful night’s sleep naturally…it seriously works! 

// SUNSCREEN //

A trip to the desert means plenty of time in the sun and I relied on a menagerie of sunscreen–for both me and Joey–to keep skin healthy and protected. The *Supergoop! Play SPF 50 is excellent for arms and legs and I applied the *Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF 50 (love the clean mineral ingredients and zero fragrance) to Joey’s face multiple times a day along with the *Putissu Safe Baby Mild Sun Cushion SPF 50 (also mineral and so cute and easy to use) for touch ups. Additionally, my husband and used a lot of the new *Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 which is lightweight, smooth and white-cast free (while also protecting against blue light!). No sunburns for our family ; )

// HAIRCARE and CLEANSER //

I only brought a single shampoo and conditioner along with a few cleansers and hair styling options…talk about paring things down! The *Meaningful Beauty Strengthening Shampoo and *Meaningful Beauty Smooth and Shiny Conditioner have been recent staples in my routine so I kept things consistent and was happy to have both bottles with me in the desert. The sulfate-free shampoo features AHAs to masterfully cleanse the scalp for shinier, thicker, more restored hair with every use. The conditioner, which is rife with amaranth, melon extract and a plant-based alternative to keratin, smoothes and fortifies hair and I am super pleased with the results so far. More on this power pairing soon!

To cleanse, I love the ultra balancing *107 Chaga Jelly Low pH Cleanser, which feels rich and bouncy and cleans skin without stripping (one of my favorite accidental discoveries this year) and the opulent *Clé de Peau Beauté Skin Refining Clay Scrub (reviewed HERE) which exfoliates without irritation. I am halfway through my bottle of the *Kosasport Good Body Skin, which blissfully smells like a sophisticated spa and relies on AHA’s and enzymes to cleanse and smooth skin to oblivion. To take full advantage of the lavish sunlight each day, I indulged in a liberal helping of the *Oribe Bright Blond Sun Lightening Hair Mist, which relies on lemon and chamomile (read: peroxide-free) to enhance natural highlights and overall radiance and the *Hair Rituel by Sisley Cream 230 (reviewed HERE) for detangling, heat protection and a gorgeous soft shine.

// SUPPLEMENTS //

In addition to a wide array of vitamins and minerals that I take daily (will need to do a deep dive on that soon), I also like t to travel with some on-the-go supplements for energy, immunity and overall health. The MixHers HerPower keeps me focused and clear headed with an array of adaptogens. This powder mixes directly into water for a satisfying drink on the go. When I’m in the mood for something without sweetness, the *Pique Tea Earl Grey is a classic and refreshing option Use BP5 for 5% off).

To boost my immune system, I love the *Naked C powder (also available on Amazon). Boasting clean ingredients, 100% of your daily vitamin c, no artificial sweeteners or GMOs and antioxidant and antiflammatory properties, this powder is a great way to feel better (and stay better!) in a hurry. Finally, I take a scoop of the Agent Nateur Holi Mane ( Use Agentrachel for 15% off site-wide and Holi Mane is also available HERE) collagen and pearl powder everyday in iced coffee, tea or a smoothie no matter what. The difference in my hair, skin and nail health since incorporating this into my routine a few months ago is significant.

// TRAVEL BAGS //

I managed to pack all of my skincare and extra makeup into two dream bags. My tried and true *Vacationer KUSSHI Bag in soft camel leather is perfect to hold delicate items in a secure manner and I am extremely impressed with the *Leo Gonta Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag (shown in green), which features four roomy pockets that hold a great deal (including devices!) while folding into a neat little rectangle. It’s sturdy yet lightweight, the hanging option is a space saver and the plastic zipper pockets keep the packing experience waterproof.

// BASE + FACE //

For foundation and base, I heavily relied up on my  Colorescience Flex SPF50 in Medium and Tan. I mix both together along with the luminzing, light coverage Huda Beauty GloWish Skin Tint in Medium to create the most flawless medium to full coverage finish that looks completely natural, offers SPF 50 and doesn’t budge, even in hot, humid weather. I cannot recommend these stellar formulas enough for an effortless (and protected!) summer face.

My favorite concealers as of late are the *BeautyPie Superluminous Undereye Genius in Medium/Dark (medium coverage and a fresh and glowing finish unlike anything I have in my collection) and, perennially, the Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer in Buff which is in my bag year round.

For bronzer and blush, I only used two products the entire week: the Huda Beauty GloWish Bronzer in Medium which adeptly sculpts and blurs for an airbrushed finish (and has insanely good reviews, I might add) and the luminous baby pink Nude Envie Powder Blush in Enamor (reviewed HERE)…so good. For highlighters, I exercised similar restraint and brought a powder an a liquid. The Givenchy Teint Couture Highlighter (reviewed HERE) makes skin look lit-from-within with the least amount of effort and the new *Revlon Rose Glow Face Gloss imparts immediate hydration and a bouncy radiance that I am absolutely loving.

//EYES + LIPS //

For EYES, I focused on an array of long lasting warm peachy rose tones including my ever favorite, Tom Ford Golden Peach cream shadow (on pot #5!), the brand new *EM Cosmetics Venetian Rose Palette (stunning color payoff and crease free performance in pinky neutral shades that look good on everyone) and the gloriously luminous *Laura Mercier Eye Caviar Sticks in Strike a Rose and Kiss From a Rose which can be blended out with fingers and do not budge once they set.

For brows and lashes, I am never without my Kosas AirBrow in Dark Brown (reviewed HERE) and the clean and false-lash effect of the *LAWLESS One and Done Mascara. Long days at the pool were the optimal time to test the newly launched *Wayne Goss Waterproof Mascara, which creates natural and lush lashes that withstand wet environments.

For LIPS, I embraced a pinky beige nude color palette. Ever into lip liner, I cannot get enough of the creamy and retractable Huda Beauty Sandy Beige (a true neutral beige) and Muted Pink (a cool mauve nude…already on #2 of this gem). In terms of balm, I am super enjoying the new *Kosasport Lip Fuel in Flow, which is a lovely peachy nude with intense conditioning properties. I picked up the Too Faced Lip Injection in Pretty Pony (sheer glittery pink) and Wifey for Lifey (a true rosy nude) right before I left and love the glaze of color and cooling sensation that really seems to increase lip volume.

Of course, I don’t leave the house without my Beauty Professor x au Naturale lip stain in LA (reviewed HERE) as I wear it, in some capacity, everyday.

The pinky peach opacity and slight luminosity always feels right. I also brought the latest from my beloved BY TERRY…the *Hydrating Lipstick Hyaluronic-Hydra Balm in Tea Time (like tea with milk…a peachy nude of epic proportions that will look good on everyone) and Dare to Bare (a my lips but better rosy nude), which instantly hydrates while adding a rich and plumping wash of color.

All of this, by the way, fits in my *KUSSHI Vegan Everyday Bag (reviewed HERE).

// STYLE NOTES // When temperatures hit 116, light tones and buttery soft wedges  effortlessly take care of business. 

• White Blouse: Lightweight with a roomy men’s wear cut. This shirt is so timeless (and highly rated!).
• Gold Choker: I bought this on a whim and am so glad that I did; weighty with gold-filled links, this choker features a genius magnetic clasp (why doesn’t this exist with all jewelry?!) and a classic gilded look that matches everything.
• Free People Shorts: I now have five pairs of these shorts in a range of shades including these pale yellow wonders. They’re so comfortable and short while still covering everything they should. They are the shorts of my summer, indeed.
• Sam Edelman Agatha Wedges: Pillowy soft and luxe, these slides feel divine on the feet while giving you a couple extra inches of height.

 

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Bottom Line: I sincerely hope you enjoyed this travel skincare and beauty breakdown as much as I enjoyed documenting and creating it and would love to know what caught your eye…do tell.

Good things ahead, including a skincare spotlight of one of my favorite brands of life, my initial Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Shopping Guide (going live the evening of 7/12 after I shop it in person…STAY TUNED!), a fresh video on my YouTube channel and a host of new product procurements. Cannot wait to share!

Stay strong, seek wisdom, much love and more soon,

xx

–The Beauty Professor

**Press samples indicated by asterisk. As always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.  © 2012-21 Beauty Professor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.