Beauty essentials for a beach/tropical vacation

Summer is right around the corner because although it feels like it already in some places, it technically doesn’t start until June 21st here in the USA. Because of that, we’re all getting ready to book vacations or already have vacations booked and can’t wait to hit the beach, if that’s where you’re headed. If you’re planning a beach/tropical vacation like me (just got back from Cancun and in Puerto Rico this week), you might be wondering what beauty essentials to take which is why I decided to write this post. Some women like to take a whole luggage full of beauty essentials which is fine, but I’m not one of them. For beach/tropical locations, I like to take the least possible because with the heat and humidity, the last thing you want to do is spend so much time on your hair and makeup to just have it mess up once you walk out the door. If you’re like me, then here’s a list of beauty essentials to take on your next beach vacation!

Please note that this is NOT a sponsored post for any of the brands mentioned.

Makeup Essentials

BB cream, CC cream or Tinted Primer: I use this instead of foundation because it’s much more lightweight and most of them leave your skin dewy looking which is the way you want it to look when you’re at a tropical destination. I personally prefer one with a full coverage since I have some imperfections and like to cover them up. Make sure you use one that has SPF in it as well as apply SPF underneath it since you will be in a sunny destination. I use either the it Cosmetics Your Skin But Better™ CC Cream with SPF 50+ ($38) in Medium or the tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12 Hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($36) in Medium. Both of these are sold at Ulta and can be purchased in travel sizes ($15 and $14 respectively) as well if you want to carry a smaller size on your trip.

Blush/Bronzer: You can use either powder or a cream one. I’m currently on a mission to find a cream one that I like but in the meantime, I use a powder one. You can use either/or or both together to give your face some color since you wont be using an eyeliner or eye shadow. I personally use one of the blushes and the bronzer in the e.l.f. Studio Blush Palette ($6) in Light.

Eyebrow pencil: Eyebrows are a MUST even when going light with your makeup because they complete your look; they can make it or break it. I personally use the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($21) in Dark Brown. 

Mascara: Mascara is also essential when it comes to a natural look because it opens your eyes. I use the L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Sculpt Mascara ($9) in Blackest Black.

Lip Color Sticks: I personally prefer the chubby color sticks like the one pictured above from Neutrogena (Moisture Smooth color stick in Cherry Pink #150) because they’re creamy, go on smooth and are also moisturizing which is good for the hot weather. Another option is the new e.l.f. Lip Kiss Balms that come in a variety of colors. Pictured above is the XO Red.

Hair Essentials

Hair product: When it comes to my hair, I like to go au naturel, which for me means curly hair. I don’t bother blow drying it or straightening it. I just put on one product and let it air dry and I’m done. No time wasted in getting a perfect blow out because it doesn’t last in hot & humid weather. To get the curls above, I use the It Haircare 12-in-one Amazing Leave-In-Treatment. I don’t add any other product to my hair to get these curls. Let your hair rest on vacation, too.

Skin Suncare Essentials

Face and body sunscreen: I’ve tried many different brands but my favorite is L’Oréal for sunscreen products. For the face I love the L’Oréal Paris Silky Sheer Face Lotion 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen because it dries fast and is non-greasy. It works great when layering your makeup on top, which is very important when it comes to face sunscreen because most tend to rub off when you apply your makeup; this one doesn’t. For the body, I love the L’Oréal Paris Invisible Protect Clear Cool Lotion 30 broad spectrum sunscreen. This one comes in a lotion or like this one which is a clear cool lotion and is similar to a clear gel. Again, it dries fast and isn’t greasy or sticky. These are the two I’ve been using and love them!

Body Oil Gel: I like using these body oil gels because it moisturizes your skin and makes it look dewy. You can use the Vaseline brand or store brands; they’re pretty much the same. I mostly apply it to my legs because I like the way it makes them look. It’s also a good idea to apply it after you’ve gotten a tan because it accentuates the color on your skin.

Insect repellent: Although not pictured, when traveling to a beach or tropical destination, it’s always a good idea to take some insect repellent, especially now that we have the Zika and Chikungunya viruses to worry about. Make sure it contains Deet, which is very important to repel mosquitoes carrying these viruses. I use the Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max which contains 40% Deet. An added protection you can use are insect repellent bracelets.

Hope these tips help you in planning your next beach/tropical vacation or getaway!