Traveling can be an adventure, but nobody wants to wake up from a long bus ride or flight looking like a zombie. You want to be photo-ready to capture those special moments during your journey. After a year of day trips and weekend getaways in Germany, I’ve picked up some essential beauty tips that will help you look fresh and fabulous, no matter how long the journey. Let’s dive in!

Stuff the Puff

Say goodbye to puffy eyes! A simple ice pack wrapped in a washcloth can work wonders to reduce swelling. Alternatively, gently applying a cold beverage can also help soothe your eyes. This quick fix will have you looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in no time!

Don’t Catch the Redeye

Keep eye drops handy to combat dryness, especially on long flights. A few drops can keep your eyes moisturised and vibrant. If you’re traveling on a tour bus, invest in a comfortable eye mask to block out light during stops. This will help prevent red, bloodshot eyes, allowing you to wake up looking refreshed. Just remember to wash your eye mask regularly to avoid spreading germs!

Be Mascara-Free

Skip the mascara during travel. It can smudge while you sleep, leading to raccoon eyes and the hassle of removing stubborn streaks. Plus, regular mascara may melt in hot climates or run in the rain. Instead, save your mascara for when you arrive at your destination for a polished look without the stress.

Nail Polish: Choose Wisely

Experts recommend wearing clear or muted tones on your nails while traveling because chips are more noticeable on bright colours. However, if you love vibrant shades like bright orange, go for it! Just apply several coats and seal it with a clear top coat to minimise chipping. For a longer-lasting option, consider getting a gel manicure. I recommend avoiding fake nails, as they can easily break while traveling.

Don’t Touch Your Face

Avoid the habit of touching your face, as it spreads germs from your hands and can lead to breakouts. Carry hand sanitizer or use drinking water to wash your hands whenever possible. I find that antibacterial hand sanitizers can dry out my skin, so I use hand masks after traveling to keep my hands hydrated. You can also create a gentle exfoliant with honey and coarse brown sugar for a refreshing post-trip treatment.

Plane Maintain: Hydrate Your Skin

Many travellers experience dry skin after long flights. If you’re prone to dryness, apply a good moisturiser before your in-flight nap. I personally use bio-oil or sweet almond oil, which keep my skin soft without clogging my pores. Fortunately, I don’t often experience dryness, but if you do, a good moisturiser will help you wake up feeling refreshed.

Hair Care: Freshen Up on the Go

To keep your hair looking fresh and smelling great during your travels, consider using hair powders and dry shampoos. If you can’t afford these products you can use baby powder. These products are perfect for those times when you can’t wash your hair. I’m lucky that my hair isn’t oily, so I often skip this step.I do like to spray a little perfume or deodorant on my hair, especially in environments where smoke is present. This helps combat any unpleasant odours and keeps my hair smelling nice.

Home Hair Care: Maintain Your Locks

Once you’re back home, it’s important to take care of your hair. Schedule regular trims to remove dead ends and use lightweight moisturisers like argan oil and sweet almond oil. These oils nourish and strengthen your hair without making it greasy.

Skin Care: Nourish from Within

Just as you care for your hair, don’t forget about your skin. Invest in quality masks and focus on a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Oranges and blueberries are especially beneficial for your skin. Avoid oily, deep-fried foods, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Regular exercise also contributes to healthy skin. By keeping your skin clear while at home, you’ll find it much easier to maintain its health during your travels.

Lip Care: Keep Your Lips Hydrated

To prevent dry, cracked lips, always carry a reliable lip balm like Labello or Soft Lips. I learned the hard way how important it is to apply lip balm regularly. Avoid 24-hour lipsticks, as they can dry out your lips. If you can’t resist long-lasting formulas, make sure to moisturise your lips frequently with a nourishing balm or even Vaseline, and drink plenty of water to combat dryness.

Maintain Your Routine

Stick to the same beauty products for at least a month. Switching brands too soon can prevent you from understanding what works best for your skin. Be patient and give your products a chance to show results. When travelling, try to maintain your routine by using the same brands. If you can’t bring your favourite face cleanser, opt for facial wipes that match your cleanser. For example, I use Garnier facial wipes since they align with my anti-blackhead and pimple cleanser at home.

Fun Size: Travel-Friendly Beauty Products

Opt for mini travel versions of your favourite beauty products to save space in your luggage. These smaller containers are not only convenient but also easy to refill. For example, I still use my tiny German sunscreen bottle, which I refill whenever needed. It just takes a bit of patience and skill!

Keep It Simple: Pack Smart

Avoid overpacking by choosing essential items only. I once had a friend who brought a beauty bag the size of a medium suitcase for a weekend trip! Remember, you’ll want space for any travel purchases, and in many destinations, makeup can be cheaper than at home. I’ve bought items abroad and still use my makeup brushes from Germany and a few other beauty products.

Skip Foundation: Lighten Your Load

Foundation is often unnecessary while traveling, especially in hot climates where it can melt off your face. Instead, consider using a concealer like Essence’s Stay, which comes in a compact cylindrical container with an attached brush. It effectively covers dark circles and blemishes without feeling sticky on your skin.

Beauty Rest: Prioritize Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for looking and feeling your best. There’s a reason it’s called “beauty rest.” Make it a priority during your travels!

Cold Water: Wash Your Face Wisely

When washing your face, opt for cold water. If that’s too uncomfortable, lukewarm water is a good alternative. Warm water can dry out your skin, and the water quality in different locations it will vary. Some areas have different pH levels, which can affect your skin and hair texture, potentially leading to dryness and breakage.

Versatile Products: Maximise Your Space

Look for beauty products that serve multiple purposes, lipsticks that double as lip gloss or eye pencils with brush attachments for easy eyeshadow application. These versatile items are fantastic for saving space in your luggage while providing flexibility in your beauty routine. For example, I have a royal blue eye pencil from DM in Germany that works perfectly as both an eyeliner and an eyeshadow. If you want more options while traveling, consider trying out similar versatile products. While my sister isn’t a fan, I love them—experiment and see what works for you!

Hide It: Stylish Solutions for Bad Hair Days

If you’re struggling to tame your tresses, opt for a stylish beret or an elegant silk scarf to draw attention away from frizzy hair. These accessories not only elevate your look but also keep your focus on your overall style.

Sunscreen: Essential for Skin Protection

Always wear sunscreen, whether it’s sunny or cloudy. UV rays can accelerate skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. If you’re visiting places like Cape Town (my home city), choose a sunscreen with a high SPF of 40 or more. Apply it regularly—at least every hour, and more often if you’re swimming. Your skin will thank you, and you’ll avoid the painful experience of sunburn. Trust me, I’ve experienced the agony of red, lobster-like skin!

Be Yourself: Authenticity in Your Photos

When taking photos, it’s crucial that you look like yourself. Avoid making drastic changes, a rushed haircut or eyelash extensions, right before your trip will make you look totally different. You want to cherish your memories, not regret how you looked in your photos. Enjoy your travels without the hassle of worrying about your appearance. If you’re accustomed to a certain style, stick with it! I prefer bright matte lipsticks in shades like orange, red, and bright pink, as they align with my personality. Darker shades can sometimes make me look out of place in photos, so I save them for special occasions.

Finding Your Style

I started my makeup journey in 2015 after moving to Germany, where drugstore products were affordable. For instance, I could get a Maybelline lipstick for just €4.45, which is about R67—much cheaper than in South Africa. This allowed me to experiment with makeup and develop a skincare routine. Growing up, I wasn’t surrounded by women who wore makeup regularly, so my year abroad was a fantastic opportunity to explore new beauty products.

What are your beauty tips? I’d really like to know even if they aren’ travel related beauty tips. Please share. I still can’t apply liquid eyeliner it’s looking at me barely used in my makeup bag so help a girl out if you are an expert at it pretty please.

Happy travels!