Long Haul Flight ESSENTIALS

Over in the Instagram world, I’ve been asked time and again, what do I pack for long haul flights. First lets clarify definition of “Long Haul”, it’s flying time in excess of 6-7 hours for me. For flight time less than 6-7 hours, I’d have similar essentials but far more condensed version.

Generally my travel toiletry bags are not touched aka, not introduced to the main stash. It’s a one way road i.e. decanting from main stash to travel bag. Any samples of trusted products will make its way to the travel bag. NO experiments are encouraged in bacteria infested air of the vessel.

BASIC ESSENTIALS

Passport (uhhhh)

Tea – They keep changing all the time.Ginger is recommended for long haul flights.

Headphones – Not inserting or placing those filthy ones they provide….just No.

HYGIENE & HEALTH

Flight Duration Hygiene – Hand Sanitizer, Tissues, Wipes

Dental Hygiene – Wispy Toothbrush and Mints

Bodily Hygiene – Deodorant, Lavanilla or your preferred, Perfume – any travel size of pumped in Travalo. Not too strong just subtle and pleasant.

Health – Pain killer for headaches (airplane pressure), hangovers. Ear buds (I don’t have any because generally airline provides). Tiger Balm or any Muscle relax balm for soothe any muscle soreness.

SKINCARE

• Micellar Water (with cotton pads) – Bioderma Micellar Water
• Decanted cleansing gel or balm – I’ve decanted The Body Shop Nutriganics Cleansing Gel, or Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm and take it off with Micellar water soaked cotton.
• Acid Peel – Dr Dennis Gross peels always travel with me, Dr DG himself may not know but he accompanies me every travel.
• Sheet Mask – dont hesitate to walk around plane scarring those lil kids! Seriously, skin will thank you when you land. Just try to avoid eating with mask now, its epic fail.
• Toner or Essence – Keeps changing, although I do like Kiehls In Flight Anti Bacterial Refresher (has alcohol but not drying since I also follow with moisturizer and balm).
• Eye Cream – not regular with eye cream but try to include Retinol based eye cream like La Roche Posay Redermic R or an all rounder Indeed Labs Eyesilix.
• Moisturizer – Clarins HydraQuench. Hands down the best. Also love Origins Drink Up Intensive mask (smells pleasant and skin binges away).
• Face Oil – Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex, roller ball oil screams convinience with good skin.
• Face Balm – Generally decanted, love Mahalo Balm, May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon. Basically any face balm your skin will feel protected.
• Lip Oil & Lip Balm – Usually carry sticks, no finger dipping in my usual Nuxe Reve de Miel pot.
• Hand and/or Body Cream – with constant hand sanitizing action, hands will be dry. Need decent hand or body cream.
• Spot Treatment – THE MOST IMPORTANT. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo. Inevitably something would be brewing under surface, need to address before I scare the Immigration officer.

MAKEUP

Basic and Minimal.

One solid trust worthy Concealer – Mac Pro Longwear

Multipurpose product – Lip & Cheek kinda deal – Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge. I prefer cream product because they’re hydrating and easily blendable.

Brow Gel – Essence Make me Brow Gel – prefer to have brow gel and stronger brows rather than mascara. Turbulence in plane may result in eye poke….not allowing that to happen. Although I tend to keep a mascara just in case we are expecting clear skies and smooth landing.

Brushes – small and not too fluffy allowing precision and still multipurpose.

RANDOM THROWS:

The Body Shop Facial Massaging (keep that blood flowing), under eye masks (address major panda eye situation).

Entertainment: I dont carry reading material, hate reading in plane. I’m more of movie marathon kinda girl.

Clothing – Light, loose and breathable. Here’s why? Light because you want to feel comfortable, Loose because inevitably you will feel bloated and breathable because you don’t want to wreak.

Sleep – Always, without fail carry those U shaped travel pillows, the BEST. Ensure you wash and disinfect them after each travel. If you can’t sleep, move around, walk around, stretch, squats, lunge….do what you have to keep the body moving and blood flowing.

Uhhhh if you’re flying Qantas, keep away from Tim Tams and Muesli bars….major addiction.

The products/brands of products themselves keep changing, however the categories remain a constant. What do you carry in your bag? I’d love to peek inside your bags? Am I missing anything?

Feel free to use this as a checklist when you travel. Of course I haven’t covered entertainment needs, pillows, clothes, etc.

HHW.com

xx

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Repurchases & Back Ups

As a part of blogging and micro blogging, I’m fortunate to try new products, however there are some products I’ve continually repurchased and restored the “stash” for an apocalypse. This post may come as no surprise to regulars as they would have seen the products time and again.

The post intends to round up most of the repurchases, backups, trusted products in compromised dire situations (dramatic much!).

THE JOY OF MY LIFE: CLEANSERS

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm – Simple, effective and now synonymous with Must-Have. Gorgeous smelling buttery balm, that melts in an oil and dissolves all war paint. Take it off with steaming cloth and you’re officially at gateway Heaven.

The Body Shop Nutriganics Softening Cleansing Gel – annoyingly discontinued by The Body Shop, so I’ve stocked well considering TBS website is clearing at $7.25! Just as fabulous as Emma Hardie balm at a fraction of a price.

Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm – perfect second cleanse or morning cleanse or aromatherapy-esque massage. Slightly waxier in texture but on contact with skin its Lush.

Rodial Glamtox Cleansing Balm – my beloved travel companion. Only brand (until Sarah Chapman) who did cleansing balm in a pump bottle and ticks all the  requisites of good cleansing balm. Detailed review on Rodial balms….click here.

MY REASON TO LIVE – ACIDS

Alpha H Liquid Gold – my first ever Acid product, loaded with Glycolic acid, operates at pH level of 2.5 and super effective.

Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Peel Pads – claims to be at 20% but operates at higher pH of 5, very gentle on skin and all round worker (not limited to exfoliation) for days when skin needs a pick me up.

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel – Two words. Travel BFF. I’m willing to leave the Man at home on a holiday, but not these acid pads. Conveniently packaged with a punch of acids and genuinely gives you holiday glow!.

Bravura London Lactic Acid 10% & Salicylic Acid 2% Peel – peel, serum, spot treatment, acid tone, or part of Triple Mask routine (explained here). This is as Versatile as you’d like it to be. Solid, basic, effective acid – must have in an acid arsenal.

My detailed review on these peels….click here.

ESSENCE OF LIFE – TONERS

La Roche Posay Serozinc – so simple yet so effective. My review on Serozinc can be found here.

Kama Ayurveda Toning Mists (Rose and Mogra) – I wish I had come across this brand sooner.

The steam distilled face toning mists, not only smell divine but also soothe irritated skin. Always keep least one as a back up and one specifically for travel.

SOUL SEARCHERS – SERUMS

Sunday Riley Good Genes – Unneutralized Lactic Acid at 40% that gives major light bulb glow the following morning. The key with this product is Use Wisely, not abuse it. This will always remain in my stash when I need glow before an event or need to slap my skin to some form of radiance.

Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic+Retinol Brightening Solution – may it be ‘breakout’ville, or post breakout ‘scar’ville, this serum is plain fabulous for addressing scaring, uneven skintone, irritated or inflamed skin. Also used as a spot treatment on that bastard that left a scar.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair – all round, good skin in a bottle. Hydrates, plumps, calms, soothes…..literally Good Skin in a Bottle.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron – essential dose of hydration, my skin just binges on this stuff. Instantly see the difference in skin.

A guide to All Serums….Click Here.

FACIAL OILS THAT GIVE ME BLISSFUL FEELS

The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil – Must Have. Calms my angry spotty skin, hydrates, fakes my sleeping pattern. Light texture, immediately absorbs. My detailed review here.

Aesop Fabulous Face Oil – Smells amazing, absorbs instantly, excellent for combo skin. My detailed review here.

Goodness Chia Seed Oil – Cold Pressed Chia Seed Oil (excellent source of fatty acids and omegas), fabulous on its own or mixed with any other oil, mask or cleanser (read, majorly versatile here). Does a fab job with just 2 ingredients : Chia Seed & Meadowfoam Oil.

Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Facial Elixir – Decadent oil with incredible ingredients where I only need  a drop or two, can be mixed with Chia Seed Oil and massage in the skin to glory. My detailed review here.

For a snapshot on ALL facial oils used….Click Here.

CANNOT FUNCTION WITHOUT A LIP BALM

Nuxe-Rêve de Miel – this should come as no surprise, I’m almost married to this balm.

Lucas Papaw Ointment – this is my childhood in a tub and tube and it aint going anywhere at all.

Follow my Lip Balm Trail …..Click Here.

DISASTER RECOVERY PRODUCTS – BREAKOUT HELPERS

Effaclar Duo, K and AI – with the slightest indication that my skin is going to rise in a battle, I will bring the ‘A’ team out to settle matters.

Duo on spots – always with me (travel, purse, home, side table….every where).

K is for overall calmness and Salicylic acid helps sort the situation.

AI is again for spots specifically when I know that bastard will leave me a scar.

LUSH TREATS – MASK

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask – honey is such a fabulous ingredient, although I feel its very underrated for what it offers. This mask is such a stellar product, calms, purifies, hydrates, plumps….this time I will call it Good Skin in a Tube.

Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Mask – in my opinion, the stand out product of Aesop. Used as spot treatment or an overall cleanse, fabulous. The only clay mask where I don’t need a chisel to break through.

I’d love to know what are your backups and repurchased products? What do you rely on in a major situation or an emergency? Who are your fall backs and trusted souls?

HHW.com

xx

 

 

 

DIY Aromatherapy Facial

We’ve been to spa’s or heard of various Aromatherapy treatments. One of which is the aromatherapy facial, which got my attention. These facials are known to soothe the skin and relax your mind. With the use of essentials oils based on your skin type, the scents from these lush oils induce relaxation to a stressed mind. Different essential oils are suited to different types of skin such as:

• Dry Skin- cedarwood, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, myrrh, patchouli, roman chamomile, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, ylang ylang
• Oily Skin- bergamot, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium, helichrsum, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, orange, patchouli, peppermint, roman chamomile, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, ylang ylang
• Normal skin/Combination skin- geranium, chamomile, lavender, orange, ylang ylang petitgrain, palmarosa.
• Sensitive Skin- geranium, jasmine, lavender, chamomile, neroli
• Mature Skin- clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium, helichyrsum, lavender, lemon, myrrh, orange, patchouli, rosemary, sandalwood, ylang ylang.

While the above list is commercial, I was once advised that take a deep breath and have a good sniff at these oils. Based on that, listen to what your body signals. Your body and mind will react to the scent either in a pleasant way (wanting more) or simply gross you out. This exercise will determine what your skin/body needs. I haven’t looked back since and truly believe in this method. At home aromatherapy facials have shaped up as follows:

Cleansing – Makeup Removal – Rodial Dragon’s Blood Cleansing Water to remove my eye makeup and whatever is left on cotton pad I swipe across my lips and rest of face. Then follow with Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm and gently massage all over my face. Once the balm is all over my palms, I cup them and inhale deep breath. Wipe with warm wash cloth.

Cleansing – Skin Nourishment – Followed with Rodial Stem Cell Super Food Cleanser and again massage away to glory. Dip my hands in ice cold water and shock my skin with varying temperatures. Now I don’t know if this would be recommended however I know I thoroughly enjoy it.

Steaming – Next step of temperature shock is boil a pot of hot water, add a few drops of essential oil, hold a towel over my head and let my skin steam away. In an ideal spa environment, this stage will be followed by extractions but I’m a chicken when I do it over myself.

Exfoliating – Instead of extractions, I use grated almond shell (nourishes and gently exfoliates) with orange rind (vitamin c) mixed with whole cream milk (lactic acid) and gently massage all over my face. Wash it off with regular tap water.

Alternatively I use PMD after steaming. Will post a separate review on that.

Mask – Back to wonderful smells and injecting hydration in skin I smear Una Brennan Rose Hydrating Mask all over and let it sit for 15-25minutes. If I fall asleep I guess I stop there if not…here’s how I continue

Toner – Spritz Pixi Glow Tonic, very refreshing and smells wonderful

Moisturizer – Followed with Dr Scheller Lavender Night Moisturizer, since it has water content skin will absorb immediately and then follow with

Facial Oil – Estelle & Thild Oil – Rose scented goodness!

Understandably,  to some this could be sensory overload or a simple assault on senses but to me this is perfection!

xx

HHW.com

Wine Tasting – Vineyard Skincare Edition

Recently when I published my weekly Good Morning post, in my comments section I found out A Vibrant Day was soon visiting Napa Valley. So I reminisced my recent visit and remembered all that wine tasting (strictly tasting) wreaked slight havoc on my skin. I know red wine (my personal preference) is packed with goodness of antioxidants however they never fully transferred to my skin. So here’s a quick guide to skincare essentials for a getaway to the wine region.

• Balm cleanser – Emma Hardie Moringa Balm, Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm, The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Balm, Clinique take the day off…plenty of options.
• Hydrating Toner – Derma E Hydrating Hylauronic Acid Toner
• Hydraluron – pure hydration for my skin!
• Face Oil – Vitamin E Serum-in-oil, Badger Organics Damascus Rose Oil with Antioxidants.
• Spot Treatment – La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (if needed)
• Overnight Hydrating Mask – Laniege Sleeping Mask, Origins Thirst Quench
• Night Lip Balm – Nuxe
• Day Tinted Lip balm (spf) – Lanolin
• Sunscreen – Biore sunscreen protect protect…sun is harsh
• Hair mask to nourish dry ends, try even wearing a hat!
• Sachet face masks with Avocado to really nourish the skin

Goes without saying, plenty of water to keep everything hydrated and ensure continuous flushing of toxins from your system. Grazing healthy snacks all day helps since the alcohol doesn’t mix as quickly with your bloodstream and you stand a better chance of covering more wine tastings;)

I really hope you have a fab trip and I can’t wait for my next one 😉

xx

HHW.com

My Thoughts: Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

I’m definitely not the first or the last reviewer of this product. It’s achieved a cult status among bloggers from myriad backgrounds. And I’m here to add my two cents to the rave & rant. Being in USA, I had to purchase this online ($66) however due to very high demand I had to wait till it was back in stock.

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm with Cleansing Cloth

Finally the much awaited moment came, and the first thing I do is take a nice deep breath sniffing the pot of goodness! Lush is all I can say, although there may be a possibility that this scent ain’t for all. I take a clean spatula and smear the balm all over my face. Good Lord, it smells awesome and just melts my makeup (yes Revlon Colorstay I’m talking about you). I kept massaging it in my face until I had a sensory overload. Then soaked flannel/face cloth/wash cloth (whatever you refer it in your respective country) in warm water and let it rest on my face. Emma Hardie has her own Cleasing Cloth, which has flannel texture on one side and smooth texture on another. With extreme paranoia of using anything white, I’ve yet to try her cleansing cloth.

After a long day, nothing comes close to a state of tranquility and relaxation as this step. The epilogue of warm flannel steam mixing with the balm’s scent is Nirvana (technical term:aromatherapy of sorts.

It left my skin soft, supple, clean, no uncomfortable stretched feeling. Subsequently followed by another cleanser (part of my 2 step cleansing process).

This indulgence is blatantly blamed on and enabled by Mrs. Caroline Hirons.

The balm is marketed not only as cleanser but also as rescue balm, mask. Now I haven’t tried it as rescue balm however smeared it all over my face as mask and continued doing my laundry (30 mins)! Once again I took it off with warm flannel and it left my skin soft as baby’s bottom and calmed some redness on my face. Personally I think I can justify the price with its multipurpose properties but certainly not an everyday indulgence for me.

Have you used it? What are your thoughts?

xx

HHW.com