Our recent trip, half of which was without our luggage, showed that it is possible to be a minimalist, which those of you who know me, know that I am not.
I do, however, pack light. I traveled to China 3 times with one suitcase -- and a second one for my daughters.
I could pack considerably lighter if I wore no makeup and used no moisturizer. (I can hear you laughing!) And if I didn't need clothes or jackets for cold weather.
It used to be that my carry on had my makeup and hair products, because I felt that I could wear just about anything, if the rest of me looked good. Now, with the regulations about what can be carried on, it is impossible. (I believe I will try to do it next time, however, taking small portions of some of the products that can be repackaged.)
I am very picky about the products I use, as those of you who read my blog know. I've found products that work for me, and I prefer to use them.
I know David will understand this, as he was without the moisturizer that works for him. I hope he comments and tells us what it is.
I mean seriously, who gets up in the morning and thinks I will use products that I like the least: I think I will look my second best today!
My firm belief is that anyone can enhance his or her appearance with the right skin products and color -- even men!
Here's what I did: I used the hair products in our cabin, and bought two things to use along with (a shine product and a curl enhancer) (which were more expensive and less effective than what I had in my lost luggage.) Limited to what was available on the boat: I used a sample of moisturizer from Estee Lauder (whereas I usually layer up), borrowed eye makeup remover and a sample of Lancome makeup, and bought a Lancome travel set of eye and face makeup. (By contrast our last cruise on Royal Caribbean offered more upscale indie products and much more perfumes.)
I traveled with my own brushes and samples of Aromaleigh shadows. So at least I had those!
Most days I wore makeup from the night before until after I swam, then I redid for the evening (and next day.) Yiyiyi.
And I had a great time! No one knew what my best is anyway. Ha!
It was more important to make the boat, though I think my luggage is more well traveled than I am and likely has a story to tell!
One of the young women also lost her luggage and received it the same day we did. She looked radiant in her own clothes, fixing her hair the way she is used to, and having her own makeup. She said to me, "Do you see why I was so upset not to have my own things?"
By contrast Book Girl was loaned both beautiful and functional clothes. She looked fab the whole time.
I was able to make do with the clothes on my back and a couple of T's from Delta and the cruise. I had a couple of necklaces and a scarf. I wore a denim skirt -- and thankfully I had worn tennis shoes, not the sandals I had packed, so my feet weren't cold in Antarctica.
I threatened to wear a toga, as I had in college! But I didn't. It might have been fun!
On cold days, I layered blankets under my skirt -- and wrapped a heavy plaid blanket over me to go out on deck.
And I had a blast.
I think I will try to pack even lighter next trip. Take half out again. I am tired of schlepping luggage! The hardest thing was my hair, but it is possible to do with a whole lot less than what we are used to.
You can see an iceberg behind me.
What I think:
Having my own moisturizers is a definite plus. My skin looks better each day. Someone asked me after I got home if I was rested, because I looked so good. Ha! we lost more sleep than I care to count -- and got up early and hit the road running. But I was happy, and it shows.
My hair definitely did better with my own products, and I wouldn't want to go much longer than I did (a week.) But it was still in good condition.
Now that I'm a bit more rested, I'd even consider another trip -- in the future!
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
Related Posts -
Cosmetics for Un femme d'un certain age Have you ever noticed ...that most makeup blogs (and images) are written by younger women... ...that advertising shows young women, even if they are advertising... - How not to look or be old Recently I've been thinking about the subject of youth and age and what constitutes beauty. Is beauty cookie cutter, the way some plastic surgeons make...
- Cosmetics and beauty, more than a hobby Once upon a time in a previous lifetime, at least it seems that way, it was so many years ago -- I taught professional makeup....
Related Websites -
Pooh Bear: Week Ten So today (Tuesday) begins my tenth week of pregnancy. I'd like to say that time has flown, but I would be lying. And I... -
Taking Care of Your Coin Collection There are plenty of different people who jump into the world of having a coin collection without thinking beyond the actual acquisition of the coins... - Find Out How To Increase Your Productivity When Blogging Blogging is a passion for many, and they don't really need to work on their productivity. There are other people, though, who find their productivity...
