Bob and I are always up for a road trip. Show us a free weekend and we're sure to drive two hours to the ranch in Cransfills Gap, TX. Given more time, we'll choose the 12-hour haul to the Alabama Gulf Coast in a heartbeat. Either way, the less I stress about packing the better.
That's why I keep a grab-and-go bag filled with little gems like these that make taking care of beauty a breeze.
1. Sunglasses with Serious Style
Whatever our destination, you can bet Bob and I will be enjoying the great outdoors so I've gotta have shades. My latest obsession: these classic, black wayfarers from Coastal.com, the planet's biggest online eyewear company. Great for bargain-loving Boomers like me, this sunglass mecca offers buzz-worthy brands like Ray-Ban, Guess, Oakley and Elle at discounts up to 70% off the original price.
On the Shelf: $79 at Coastal.com (Use code Sizzle for 30% off designer styles.)
Derek Cardigan 7004 Black
2. Face Savers that Double as Space Savers
Think you have to skip steps in your skincare routine when traveling? You can take that worry off the table with these face-saving minis:
Pink Papaya Facetini - Four, skin friends and a handy scrubber in a clear tote that tucks easily inside most bags. Designed to hydrate and nurture skin, this feel-good set includes botanical face wash, botanical toner, moisturizer and a facial mask with papaya extract that can be a real pick-me-up. ($32 at Pinkpapayaparties.com)
Pink Papaya Facetini
DNA Travel Companion - This road warrior is packed with an age-fighting foursome that helps reduce wrinkles, brown spots and skin discoloration while preventing future damage. Besides answering your anti-aging needs, this little bag's a budget-kind way to test drive advanced formula DNA cleanser, daytime moisturizer, night cream and SPF 30+ sunscreen. ($65 at Dnaegfrenewal.com where you get free shipping on orders over $100)
DNA Travel Companion
3. A Sassy, One-Stop Shop
The elegant eye, cheek AND lip colors in these pretty palettes put daytime and date-night glam in easy reach.
Sue Devitt Day and Night Neutrals - Filled with go-anywhere shades selected to flatter every skin tone, this slim, silver compact is a natural choice.
I keep coming back to the three shadows, three lip colors and two blushes in this lovely, coordinated set. It also includes a nice, large mirror and two, multi-purpose brushes. ($37.50 at SueDevittBeauty.com which has a 20% off Friends and Family event through 7/9)
Sue Devitt Day and Night Neutrals
Laura Mercier Six-Well Compact - More a free spirit? This chic, custom compact lets you get creative. Fill it with Laura Mercier's latest, sensitive-skin friendly shadows, lip glazes, cheek colors and face colors in any combo.
Laura Mercier Six-Well Compact
Laura Mercier Merlot (left) and Seashell Pink (right) Sateen Eye Colour
Feeling pale? Pick a sheer crème face color like Bronze Veil to get that healthy glow. Add a micro-fine pressed powder like Sweet Mandarin for a natural-looking blush that lasts all day.
Laura Mercier Bronze Veil Sheer Crème Colour (left) and Sweet Mandarin (right) Cheek Colour
Need lip options? These sheer, moisturizing glazes offer smile-boosting shine: Plum (a trendy red that won't overpower) and Soft Pink (for a natural pout).
Laura Mercier Plum (left) and Soft Pink (right) Lip Glazes
Thinking your mood may change? No problem. Just pop the lid and start again. There are tons more choices. (Six-Well Compact: $10; Sateen Eye Colour: $22; Sheer Crème Colour: $22; Second Skin Cheek Colour: $24; Lip Glaze: $20 at Lauramercier.com, Nordstrom and more)
4-5. Two Handy Helpers
I cannot make a road trip without a least one stop (sorry Bob!). But the facilities between here and the beach, or the ranch, are ... you don't even want to know! So I don't take any chances. I wash AND sanitize my hands; then moisturize between breaks. That's when these little helpers prove more than handy.
Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial PocketBac - Bob and I both count on Bath & Body Works itty bitty germ-fighter. Small but potent, this bug zapper leaves hands virtually bacteria-free.
Enriched with Moisture-Plex and hydrating Tahitian Palm Milk, it also softens and comes in all sorts of cool scents. I like Japanese Cherry Blossom; he's more Eucalyptus Mint ($1.50 at Bathandbodyworks.com)
Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial PocketBac
Soap & Glory Hand Food - A treat for dry, chapped hands, this lightly scented cream contains smoothing Shea butter, macadamia oil and marshmallow. Available in a petite, 1.7-ounce size geared for girls on the go, it soothes skin without any greasy after effects. That's my kind of lotion! ($5 for 1.7 ounces at
Sephora.com and Sephora)
Soap & Glory Hand Food
Josie Maran Mini Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick
6. Intensive Care for Problem Spots
A travel must-have, Josie Maran's Mini Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick does it all. You can rely on this popular, little workhorse to rescue dry areas from head to toe. It soothes chapped lips, dry skin, sunburn (why is it always my ankles?), stretch marks and more. It even tames fly aways and stops itching from bug bites ... take that you nasty no-see-ums!
This organic wonder is infused with the healing power of Argan Oil, Morocco's legendary skin cure-all which includes anti-aging ingredients rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. Gentle enough for all skin types, it conditions and repairs skin as it hydrates.
On the Shelf: $14 at Josiemarancosmetics.com and Sephora
Josie Maran Argan Lip Treatment
7. Lip PowerJosie Maran's organic Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick works so well she made a concentrated formula just for lips. Besides soothing chapped skin, her Argan Lip Treatment firms and plumps your pout. This creamy, Boomer-rific formula bathes lips with a touch of soft pink shine while filling, smoothing and fighting loss of volume. So long fine lines!
On the Shelf: $18 at Sephora.com and Sephora
8. T
ake-on-the-Day Hair Spray
Heat, humidity, no matter what the climate, Philip B. Jet Set Precision Control Hair Spray helps keep you in the driver's seat. Talk about a lifesaver, this lightweight formula holds without making hair feel stiff and adds subtle shine. It comes in a small can that's easy to tote and it's great for fine, thin hair like mine because it amps up both volume and texture. What's more, Jet Set includes delicate flower oils and other healing botanicals that nourish hair from the inside out. That's a BIG plus in my book. After journeying to no-hair hell and back almost three years ago, I steer clear of all harsh hair products.
On the Shelf: $18 for 2.25 ounces at Sephora.com and Sephora
9. A Healthy Approach
Another of my favorite better-for-you options, Lavanila Healthy Deodorant, comes in a petite size perfect for popping in your purse, desk or carry-all. This best-selling, 100% natural deodorant is as safe as it is effective and comes in the brand's signature scent, Vanilla Lavender.
On the Shelf: $10 for .90 ounces at Lavanila.com and Sephora
Mini Lavanila Healthy Deodorant
It's hard to beat a sweet, little pair of shoes styled for any season. Unless, they're rollable flats like my silver Footzyrolls that fold up to fit in even smaller handbags. Why not take them with you? They're super cute not to mention comfortable.
I first wore my Footzyrolls when Bob and I visited the JW Marriott San Antonio, where they were a pack-me-please substitute for house slippers. Since then, those ballet flats have traveled everywhere from the ranch to New York because they work in the house or on the street. Also praised for rescuing tired feet from the pain of high heels, Footzyrolls include two drawstring bags; one for toting the foldable flats and another for stashing your stilettos.
On the Shelf: 18 different styles and loads of colors at FootzyRolls.com, Macys and more
11. Samples for a Steal
A service that ships sample-size beauty products to members monthly can be a real deal, especially if you stay on the go.
I'd like to try Sample Society. This members-only subscription service provides mini versions of premium hair care, makeup, skincare and fragrance products plus insider beauty information each month. Each Sample Society delivery includes a $15 gift code, which can be used to purchase any item offered by the brands in that month's delivery (not just on full-sized versions of the products included in that mailing). Since the monthly membership fee is $15 that means each box almost pays for itself!
Along with this exclusive gift code, members receive the following each month:
Each Sample Society shipment includes five mini beauty products perfect for travel.
We'd like to shout out a big "Thank You" to the brands in this post who provided free samples for review and testing.
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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