Great Products for Your Next Summer Vacation

I’m back from vacation! I’m still jet lagged and exhausted but I’m glad to be home in one piece. The hubby and I did a ton of fun stuff during our visit to Hawaii. This visit was all about outdoor fun in the sun. We snorkeled at Shark’s Cove, took surf lessons and swam with dolphins. We were pretty busy every day of the week, so even though I brought my usual travel makeup I only had time (and energy) to put on a few essentials. Here are the products I used that stood up to the heat and humidity and didn’t require lot of effort:

Biotherm Forget It Concealer
Being relaxed and tan on vacation is the ultimate under eye dark circle remover, but sometimes a girl needs a little help. I love this stuff because I don’t have to use a lot of it (just the tiniest drop) yet it covers thoroughly and is easy to apply with or without a brush. It doesn’t feel heavy or cakey and once I put it on it barely budges. I have this in the color “30.” The only drawback is the color selection — there are only three shades to choose from. $14.00 for a tube.

MAC Tendertone Lip Balm
Honestly, I need another lip gloss like I need a hole in the head. I bought this on a whim before my trip because of the SPF. Lip balms sometimes dry out my lips, I was happy to discover that this formulation doesn’t do that at all. Like Forget It concealer, it’s easy to apply without a brush when you’re in a hurry to get out the door and hit the beach. Just make sure to wash your hands or use some Purell beforehand! I’m so glad I purchased this! It was the only lip product I used during vacation. I have it in “Take a Hint,” which is a mid-tone pink. $14.50 for a small jar.

MAC Factor 2000 Calorie Waterproof Mascara
I love how this mascara plumps up my lashes and keeps the curl. I wore this surfing, swimming, snorkeling … its good stuff, but I found that it smudges on me after a few hours of water activity. I have this in Rich Black, and I bought it on sale at Long’s for three bucks.

Origins Silk Screen Powder
This is a great powder, but if you need help finding a shade just make sure to go to a counter or a store where the makeup artists know how to match you. I went to a nearby counter and two different artists recommended powder that ended up being way to dark for my non-tanned skin tone. I was kind of irked for a while but decided to hold onto it. Good thing I kept it cause it’s perfect for when I get really tan. Although a tad pricy, this is a great powder because of its fine texture, moderate coverage and easy application. I have it in the Camel 05 shade. $23.50 for a compact.