Viernes de Vanidades!

So my first attempt at blogging (really my second because I started blogging when I moved to Madrid in 2005) was to write about Brazil. While I'm still planning on focusing a lot on Brasa, I wanted to broaden my horizons and write about the things I love from all over the world. This isn't necessarily a travel blog but I'll be sharing the ways I like to celebrate my favorite cultures right here in the States and abroad. Now, for my first post!

I travel a lot for work and while for many packing is not an enjoyable task, it is for me. Especially because I love to find things that will make a getaway, even if it's for work, more comfortable. For me, it starts with the right toiletries. Whether you're taking an overnight flight or a puddle-jumper to a close destination, here are my top five beauty items I never leave home without. Links to products are in the pink titles.

Josie Maran Argan Oil (light)
I love me some oils. Despite my facial complexion being combination to oily, my lack of hydration (I know, it's a resolution) leads to some dry skin. Combined with the dryness of your average plane cabin, by the time I get to my destination my skin, especially my cuticles, are cracked and red. Enter Josie Maran. I tried many things to keep my cuticles from cracking to no avail. A couple of drops of this and my hands feel velvety and look pretty again. Latinas have to keep their ash in check, too and my elbows aren't a source of embarrassment thanks to this oil.

Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes
Especially when I'm traveling for work, these are a godsend after long meetings when I can't be bothered to wash my face. They're also great at reducing redness thanks to the soothing chamomile and cucumber. Love.

Emi-Jay Hair Ties
Despite my desire to keep my locks long, by the time 6 or 7 p.m. rolls around, I want my hair in a pony tail. I have thick hair so most times, the Goody bands can't keep my pony tail neat. Emi-Jay hair ties are a little on the expensive side for what they are but there are so many prints and colors, the premium price is worth it. My favorites are the Jaguar collection.

Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Conditioner
I'm not a fan of dry shampoo, mostly because I have curly hair and dry shampoo requires you to brush it out. Perish the thought! But after a day without shampoo, my hair does get a little parched and this dry conditioner not only makes it feel silky without oiliness but it smells delicious, too. Sometimes I apply after a shower when my hair is closer to damp than wet and it still works well.

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine in Beige Instinct
I'm a sucker for French make-up (I'll do a post on French pharmacy finds in a future post) and this is hands-down my favorite neutral lip. Not only is it a universally flattering color but it is thick and smooth enough to cover the lip lines of a parched pout. For an early morning flight, I slap this on with a pair of sunglasses and I don't feel so shlumpy.

Bonus: My favorite packing playlist includes songs that evoke my destination. Next week I'm heading to Los Angeles so my Spotify will be playing some Tupac and a Brazilian emcee that fits my West Coast vibe.