Travel beauty essentials

I’m not a great advocate of make-up products (perhaps owing to the fact that I only know how to use a handful of them) but as far as toiletries go, frequent travel calls for a carefully curated kit. Our skin and hair are used to the humidity levels and temperatures of the place we call home. But when they are assailed by new weather conditions involving salty seas, drying mountains or clammy forests, they may react adversely, leaving you with sunburnt skin and rough hair. Here are six travel beauty essentials that I’ve used and loved.

1. Anti-tan face pack

The sun is a constant companion when you’re on a hectic exploration spree. So when you return, you’re bound to find that your skin is several shades darker than it used to be. Sunscreens and sunblock notwithstanding, some darkening of one’s complexion is inevitable after a holiday, especially if it was in a sunny area like a beach or mountain-top. An anti-tan, de-tan or lightening face pack can help restore the natural skin tone and glow and it’s not as harsh as bleaches.

We like: Himalaya’s Fairness Kesar Face Pack

With the goodness of saffron, turmeric, aloe and walnut, this fairness face pack leaves your skin looking lighter and brighter. The consistency is light and the fragrant pack dries very quickly. Apply a thin layer on your face and neck and leave it on for fifteen minutes before washing off. The pack contains CINNABLOC™, a patented, herbal sunscreen agent that protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Price: Rs 130 for 100gm, Rs 70 for 50gm

1. Exfoliating scrub

Exfoliating your skin with a scrub helps to get rid of dead cells, deep-seated dirt and tan. The result is fresher, smoother skin that is free of impurities.

We like: Himalaya’s Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub

Some scrubs can be too harsh on the skin but that’s not the case with Himalaya’s walnut scrub which also contains crab apple and wheat germ oil. Walnut shell is the primary exfoliating agent while crab apple reduces skin inflammation and wheat germ oil improves the skin’s elasticity.

Price: Rs 130 for 100gm, Rs 70 for 50gm

1. Purifying face wash

You can’t trust the soaps you’ll find in random restrooms and sometimes, even your hotel. Your face needs a gentle yet effective and refreshing face wash while travelling.

We like: Himalaya’s Purifying Neem Face Wash

Neem is a fantastic anti-bacterial agent and combined with the healing properties of turmeric, this face wash packs a punch. It’s known to be effective against acne and gives you a wonderful, squeaky clean feel.

Price: Rs 110 for 100gm, Rs 60 for 50gm

Here’s how the face wash works:

1. Strong sunblock

I’ll be honest – as a traveller who loves exploring cities on foot and tiring herself to the maximum, a little bit of sun and grime is the least of my concerns. Yet, it takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to bring my original complexion back if I don’t use any sunscreen. Besides, too much sun exposure isn’t good for your skin. So, invest in a strong sunblock which is much more effective than a simple sunscreen with 30-50 SPF.

1. Body lotion with SPF

A heavy sunblock is great for the face but you don’t really need that for the rest of the body. Also, sunblock isn’t meant to focus on moisturising. So the best bet for skin that feels and looks great while holidaying is a body lotion with sun protection.

1. Moisturising hair oil

I always feel that you can afford to experiment with exotic shampoos and conditioners at hotels across the globe, as long as you are armed with a moisturising hair oil that protects and coats the hair and scalp. Use it to massage your hair before a shower or as a leave in conditioner. Oil is especially effective for the damage caused by sea water or the chronic dryness in hilly regions. Place the bottle near the heater to melt the oil in case it gets frozen in the cold.

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