Look good on the go

Sun is the biggest enemy of skin during summer and protecting your skin from the sunburn and harmful UV rays is an absolute must on hills and beaches so that you have a trouble-free journey, says beauty diva Shahnaz Husain.

When you travel, beauty care begins from the time you start packing. So think of your travel essentials first. For skin care, remember to take your sunscreen lotion. An anti-tan sunscreen or sun-block would be good.

Apply broad spectrum sunscreen when out in the sun, not only on the face, but on all exposed areas. Apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before going out. If you are out in the sun for more than an hour, re-apply the sunscreen. Use high SPF of 30 and above for sensitive skin.

You would also need a moisturiser, rehydrant cleanser, hand cream and lip balm. For oily skin and during the summer months, a scrub would help to brighten the skin and allow deep pore cleansing.

After swimming in the sea, rinse your face well with plain water. When you get back home or to your hotel room, dab face with cold milk and leave on for a few minutes. It helps in soothing sun burns. Then apply moisturiser. A peel-off mask would be ideal to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. Or mix honey with egg white and apply on the face. Wash off after 20 minutes. Honey is a natural moisturiser. This combination leaves the skin soft and glowing.

The salt in seawater can make your hair dull and matted. A swimming cap would help to protect the hair from sun and salt. Wet your hair thoroughly before swimming in the sea. The hair is porous. It can absorb that much and no more. Wet hair will not absorb that much sea water. Rinse it thoroughly afterwards too. Use a mild herbal shampoo to wash the hair after swimming in the sea. After shampoo, apply leave-on conditioner or hair serum.

For make-up for the beach, less is better. But for your make-up when travelling, carry an eye pencil, mascara and lipsticks that are suitable for both day and night wear. Include lip gloss, compact powder and powder blush-on. Remember to take a few tissues. If you have oily skin, or the weather is hot and humid, pre-moistened tissues are best. Take deodorant and talcum powder too.

A few skincare tips would help to look your best while travelling. Cleanse the face twice a day and rinse with water as often as possible, especially if you are out sightseeing.

A “pick-me-up” face mask can leave your skin clean and glowing. It is a simple of way removing fatigue and refreshing the skin. You may not have time to mix ingredients, so take along a peel-off mask to add a touch of brightness to the skin. Ready-to-use peel-off masks are easily available.

In dry and cold weather, or at mountain resorts, the skin and hair may lack moisture. The hands and lips can also suffer from dryness. Apply moisturising cream on the hands two or three times and massage it into the skin. For hair care, carry hair cream with sunscreen, herbal shampoo, herbal hair serum and conditioner.

Use a mild herbal shampoo and conditioner to soften the hair and make it smooth and manageable. A mild herbal shampoo is a must. Carry a scarf along to protect your hair from exposure to the sun, wind and dust. You will need it if you are out motoring, boating or even walking.

Even during your holiday, you can use natural ingredients for your hair to look beautiful. Ingredients like tea and beer may be easily available and can be used to rinse the hair and add shine to it. Beer works well for dry hair. Add the juice of a lemon to the beer and rinse the hair with it. Leave it for a few minutes and rinse off with plain water. It softens and smoothens the hair and also adds shine.

For oily hair, add a tea bag to 4-5 cups of warm water. Remove tea bag and cool the water. Then add the juice of a lemon and use it as a last rinse. This helps to make the hair silky and shiny.