Baggage regulations--whether federal or boyfriend mandated--force me to stuff my carry-on luggage with what I've convinced myself is necessary to look beautiful pre- and post-trip. But by the time I've stepped off the skin-drying airplane, picked out my Afro from being flattened by the bus seat or peeled my face off the side of the blazing hot car window, the products and tools inside my tote seem like no match for these disasters.
With another holiday weekend rapidly approaching, we asked Jacqui Stafford, YouBeauty style expert and "The Wow! Factor" author and Mally Roncal, president of Mally Beauty and celebrity makeup artist, to dish on what's inside their makeup bags, reveal how they tackle unexpected breakouts and create glamorous hairdos using bobby pins and hand lotion.
What five products are always in your bag when traveling?JS: Self-tanning wipes to give skin a hint of a glow; a mini hairbrush to keep hair tidy; blotting papers to remove excess shine, without the cakiness of powder; lip gloss for moist, fuller lips; and nail polish remover wipes for instant touch ups without the hassle of a finding cotton balls and a bottle.
MR: Visine to reduce redness so your eyes look refreshed and bright; Q-tips which are perfect for smudging eyeliner for that sexy, smoldering look; makeup removing wipes which come in handy when you don't have a place to wash your face; Mally Beauty Evercolor Poreless Face Defender to seal makeup in place and reduce the appearance of pores; and Dr. Brandt Lineless Infinite Moisture to keep my skin hydrated.
If you only had 10 minutes, a few bobby pins, hand lotion and pink-tinted ChapStick, what look would you create?MR: For a quick take on the boho trend, take a small section of hair on either side of the head (right above the ears) and twist back towards the crown of the hair. Then secure with the bobby pins. Hair pulled back instantly opens up your eyes and makes you look like you’ve had an instant facelift. Next, apply your tinted lip balm to your lips and cheeks for a pop of color, which will make you look fresh and well-rested. Smooth a drop or two of your favorite hand lotion on your hands and neck–-use the excess to tame any flyaways.
JS: A fuss-free way to tame your mane: The "va-va volume pony." The key is to finger tease the crown of your head after you have secured a tight ponytail. Pull out hair piece by piece for desired lift and a sexy, messy finish. Secure with bobby pins and set the style with hand lotion.
How do you handle sudden skin irritations and reactions?MR: Traveling can be tough on your complexion. Flying, lack of sleep and always being on the go can also cause changes in your skin. That’s why it's so important to find a skincare regimen that works for you, that way, if you do find yourself having a reaction you can cleanse your skin, apply a soothing moisturizer, then cover any blemish with concealer and foundation.
JS: Old-fashioned aloe vera works brilliantly for sunburns.
What is the weirdest product that you've used to get gorgeous on the go?JS: I discovered Lucas' Papaw Ointment traveling in Australia and I use it on literally everything. Cuticles, lips, and insect bits.
MR: One of my friends cuts the foot off of a tube sock, then uses it roll her hair into a bun. When she gets to work, she takes the tube down and her hair is set. Plus, she has a cute hairstyle for her commute. Meanwhile, find out how to avoid in-flight dehydration with these three tips.
Meanwhile, see how the stars travel in style:
