Travel Beauty

Travel Beauty :: Beauty Bars Around the World

beauty bars around the world[trip style = urban]

Being the beauty junkie that I am, I look for small beauty boutiques in every city I visit. Nothing gets me more excited than discovering unique products, especially in far-flung places. Here are some of my favorite beauty haunts I hope you visit one day! {Beauty bars pictured left to right, top to bottom.}

Larchmont Beauty Center {Los Angeles, California} I first discovered this beauty haven on a visit to LA and fell in love. I ended up moving to LA---and living around the corner from this boutique---so it pretty much became a weekly stop for me. This store is small, but somehow fits the most incredible range of beauty products I've ever seen. From big brands like Bliss Spa, Nars and Kerastase to lesser known brands like Yon-Ka and This Works, to cheaper drugstore products---you can find it all here. Fred, the owner of the store, knows his stuff, as do all the staff. Bonus: this boutique is a celeb favorite, the above picture is Christina Ricci leaving the store.

Neal's Yard Remedies {London, England} The location for this fabulous green beauty bar is an eco-chic gal's paradise. The bright colorful courtyard in Covent Gardens is hard to find, but once you do, you'll love what you see. Enjoy Neal's Yard Dairy, Salad Bar, Bakery, Bookshop and of course Remedies---my favorite. The yard, which has been dubbed "London's Secret Garden", came to be in the late 70s when an organic food store opened and was so successful that other ethical businesses joined. Neal's Yard Remedies has it all, from herbal potions you can concoct yourself {speak to one of the beauty experts and tell them what you're looking for}, to delicious bath and body products and cosmetics. All organic of course. I used the Wild Rose Beauty Balm daily when I lived in London.

Carthusia Perfumes {Capri, Italy} I stumbled upon this amazing perfume factory and store in the center of Capri on my honeymoon. Carthusia dates all the way back to 1380, when a queen visited the island of Capri and asked the Father of the Carthusian Monastery to create a bouquet of flowers for her. The water within which the flowers had been placed acquired a scent of the notes and this eventually became the first perfume of Capri. The same methods once used by the Carthusian monks are still employed for the production of the perfumes today, using all local ingredients from the island. All the scents are lovely, but my favorite is the Aria de Capri, which I bought as a solid perfume. Its fresh scent blends peach, jasmine and mimosa blossoms.

The Organic Pharmacy {Beverly Hills, California and London, England} This organic pharmacy was created by a homeopathic pharmacist from the UK. Every item they sell is organic and made with non-toxic ingredients. Not only do they sell their own range of standout products, they also custom-blend herbal remedies based on your needs. The pharmacy itself is stark white and clean looking, just like a typical European pharmacy, but the products are a lot more interesting. I love the Carrot Butter Cleanser, it's thick, rich and luxurious, and leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft. They also do some beauty treatments at the pharmacy, I did a pre-pregnancy scan to find out how balanced my body was before I got pregnant. Very cool and interesting. Sign up for their free newsletter online to get really helpful information on organic beauty and new products.

Les Ateliers de la Souris Verte {Paris, France} I stumbled upon this beauty boutique and classroom totally by accident, and was instantly charmed by how adorable it was. Customers can buy pre-made homemade beauty products or sign-up for a class to learn how to make their own. Everything is natural and made with pure ingredients. Products are formulated with rich essential oils and natural fragrances, and range from bath and body, to hair, to skincare and baby care. They serve French cheese and wine during classes---I can't imagine a better way to spend an evening in Paris!

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Trip Styler Loves BedbugLogic Protection & Treatment Spray On a recent trip to NYC I noticed there were crowds outside several well-known hotels with signs saying bed bugs had been found there---not what a guest checking-in wants to see! In no time I was looking up bed bug registries online and googling bed bugs to learn more about them. With all this bed bug buzz {try saying that 5 times fast!}, I was pretty excited to hear about a product that is "scientifically proven to knockdown 100% of bed bugs in seconds" and "conclusively render 96% of bed bugs dead after two sprays"...I was sold. Seeing as I'm always traveling back and forth from NYC, BedbugLogic Protection & Treatment Spray destroys bed bugs within seconds of contact with natural, biodegradable enzymes and essential oils. The formula isn't harmful to humans, animals or the planet and is 100% non toxic. Just spray on hotel linens and you can be sure that if any bed bugs did exist, they have now moved on to a better place. The spray comes in the following sizes: 2oz ($6.25), 8oz ($18), 24oz ($32), 32oz ($38) and 1 gallon ($78) and is available on Amazon.com and BedbugLogic.com. Obviously, I'd recommend the 2oz size for travel! - Lauren

{Want more travel beauty? Get your fill the third Wednesday of every month. Lauren, our travel beauty expert, is already whipping up her next concoction post!}

Related {Travel Beauty} Travel Beauty Hair Tips from Celebrity Stylist Michael Shaun Corby 4 Products You’ve Never Heard Of In-Flight Essentials Q&A with 3floz Founder Olive Oil-Inspired Skincare

[Photos public domain]

Travel Beauty :: Travel Hair Tips from Celebrity Stylist Michael Shaun Corby

hairstyles for travel [trip style = multiple]

When he's not styling the locks of celebs like Rosario Dawson or Nicole Richie, leading a team at NY and LA Fashion Week or traveling the world representing Alterna Haircare as their Global Creative Director, Michael Shaun Corby is busy working on the next best hair tricks and trends. This hair guru found time to sit down with TripStyler to discuss what he thinks are the easiest and most gorgeous hairstyles for travel. Next time you're beaching in Bora Bora, pounding the pavement in Prague or weekending at the cabin, take inspiration from these 4 day- to night styles!

Best All-Around Daytime Style: The Braided Updo Celebrity inspiration: Sienna Miller celeb inspired hairstyles for travel This look is incredibly chic but also functional for travel as it keeps hair away from the face and off your neck. Second-day hair is fine for this style.

Get the look

  • Section off a small portion of the hair at the top of the head, starting behind one ear, going across the head to the other ear. Gather the back portion of the hair into a temporary ponytail to keep each section separate.
  • French braid the smaller section starting by one ear, braiding across the head along to the other ear. Secure the braid with a small pin.
  • Undo the ponytail and gather the rest of the hair and lightly twist it into a soft, loose bun. Use pins to secure this hair to the head, giving you a casual, relaxed updo.
  • Finish with Alterna's Bamboo Smooth Anti-Humidity Hair Spray over the entire look to keep it fresh and hold it all day.

Best 3-Minute Style: The Poufy Pony Celebrity inspiration: Jessica Alba best 3-min style for travel I love how polished and sophisticated a simple ponytail can be. Again, the hair is off the shoulders and neck, perfect for travel. Freshly washed and blow-dried hair or second-day hair work for this style.

Get the look

  • If starting with freshly washed hair, blow dry straight with a round brush using Alterna's Bamboo Smooth Kendi Pure Treatment Oil to control frizz and keep hair smooth all day.
  • Take a small amount of Alterna's Caviar Extreme Wax into your hands and warm the formula by rubbing your palms together. Use palms to gently smooth the wax onto dry hair from mid-shaft to the ends and along the sides of the head. Don't use too much, a dime's worth should work for most hair types and avoid the top of the head as you will be creating volume there.
  • Very carefully back-comb the top portion of the hair at the crown to get some lift and volume. Use a brush to lightly comb back over the top to smooth it out, making sure not to brush over the volume.
  • Gather hair into a ponytail keeping the volume at the crown and smoothing the sides of the head. Secure with an elastic.
  • Spray the entire look with Alterna's Caviar Extra-Hold Hair Spray to maintain the volume, add shine, and for all-day hold.

Best Quick Overnight Style: Beach Waves Celebrity inspiration: Kate Hudson best beach hair look + travel beauty This laidback beach style can be created the night before, making getting ready super quick and easy. I would recommend this look for the beach, as you might want your hair up and off your shoulders if you're sightseeing.

Get the look

  • Starting with damp or dry hair, divide the hair into small sections all around the head, twisting each section into a small bun. Secure each bun with an elastic.
  • The following morning, undo each bun and use fingers to lightly loosen the waves.
  • Spray with a texturizing spray like Alterna's Summer Hair Rx Ocean Waves Spray (which also has full UVA/UVB protection).

Best Nighttime Style: The Sleek Bun Celebrity inspiration: Jennifer Lopez best nighttime travel hairstyle This sleek look will take you from resort casual to urban chic in a matter of minutes. Add some dangly earrings and you are set with this HOT look!

Get the look

  • Create a part. You can do a center or side part, whatever suits you best.
  • Take a small amount of Alterna's Caviar Extreme Wax into your hands and warm the formula by rubbing your palms together. Use palms to gently smooth the wax onto dry hair from root to tips.
  • Smooth the hair back into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic.
  • Twist the ponytail into a bun and pin the bun to the head.
  • Finish with Alterna's Bamboo Shine Luminous Shine Mist over the entire head and bun, for a sleek, shiny look.

{Want more travel beauty? Get your fill the third Wednesday of every month. Lauren, our travel beauty expert, is already whipping up her next concoction post!}

Related {Travel Beauty} 4 Products You've Never Heard Of In-Flight Essentials Q&A with 3floz Founder Olive Oil-Inspired Skincare

[Photos: Sienna, by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images. Other ladies unknown sources.]

Travel Beauty :: 4 Products You've Never Heard Of

4 travel beauty products you've probably never heard of[trip style = any]

Have a vacation coming up and want to look your best for the trip? Here are some unique products that will get you gorgeous and glowing in no time! {left to right}

Get Your Complexion In Shape: Ladi Avokanto by Sponge Skincare I can't say enough about this amazing product with a very cool name. Made with pure organic olive oil and avocado oil, this potent oil serum is chemical-free and really does create radiant skin. Start using it a few weeks before your trip, day and night. Sponge is an impressive company from Greece that was started by a doctor who created these natural products for his pregnant patients. The entire line is hypoallergenic and uses powerful organic plants and herbs.

Get Your Lips, Nails, Elbows and Feet (plus a million other things) In Shape: Egyptian Magic Cream This miracle balm softens ANYTHING and even helps heal stretchmarks! It's natural and made primarily of olive oil, beeswax and honey, and has a thick, rich texture. Use to heal cuticles, soften hands, get smooth lips, soften dry cracked feet---you name it!

Get Your Hair In Shape: Huile D'Ales Intense Hydrating Oil Treatment There's something very serious about anything that comes in an ampoule, and this is no exception. This super-hydrating oil treatment is applied to dry hair and can be left on anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. I left it on overnight and was very impressed with the results---my hair was so soft and felt so healthy. Plus NO parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or any harsh chemicals. Sexy vacation hair is only an ampoule away!

Get Your Skin In Shape: Skin Trip by Mountain Ocean I came across this delicious coconut oil-infused lotion at my favorite beauty store in Los Angeles, Larchmont Beauty Center. It's made by a family-run business and is totally organic and natural. It smells like a just-broken coconut {not that artificial scent} and hydrates the skin like nothing else. Slather it all over the body after your bath or shower and I guarantee you'll have baby-soft, beach-ready skin in no time.

{Want more travel beauty? Get your fill the third Wednesday of every month. Lauren, our travel beauty expert, is already whipping up her next concoction post!}

Related {Travel Beauty} In-Flight Essentials Q&A with 3floz Founder Olive Oil-Inspired Skincare

Travel Beauty :: In-Flight Essentials

in-flight beauty essentialsWhen I get on a flight, I have a full on beauty routine that begins as soon as I sit down. I think of those travel hours as valuable beauty time, and a chance to try new products. Here are some of my tried and tested favorites that allow you to walk off a plane feeling and looking totally pampered!

Bliss Softening Socks The gel lining in these socks contains hydrating ingredients like Olive Oil and Vitamin E, allowing your feet to soak in moisture. For an extra treat, slather on foot lotion before the socks. Get it: Sephora or Sephora.ca

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Nothing, I repeat, nothing makes hands softer than this hand cream! I worked at L'Occitane during college and fell in love with this product---there is absolutely no better hand cream on the market. I reapply it throughout my flight to keep hands hydrated. This hand cream comes in a travel-friendly size (30ml). Get it: L'Occitane stores

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment I love this product because not only does it keep your lips ultra moisturized but it gives them the most beautiful flush of natural color. I like walking off a plane looking refreshed and this product definitely helps. Get it: Sephora or Sephora.ca

Alterna Caviar Overnight Hair Rescue This treatment is applied to dry hair and left on overnight (or "over-flight") to repair dry damaged hair. I like to apply it from root to tips, put hair into a ponytail, and wash it out that night or the following morning once I reach my destination. The result is very shiny, extremely soft, smooth hair, and it comes in a travel-friendly size. Get it: Sephora and salons worldwide

Evian Mineral Water Spray + Creme de la Mer My in-flight skincare routine includes a spritz of Evian Mineral Water Spray, which I let dry, followed by a thick layer of Creme de la Mer. This combo protects your skin from dry plane air and lets you walk off a flight looking radiant. Go to your local beauty counter and ask for a Creme de la Mer sample to test it out---it's a big investment so make sure it's right for your skin type. Get it: Sephora or Sephora.ca, Neiman Marcus or Holt Renfrew

{Want more travel beauty? Get your fill the third Wednesday of every month. Lauren, our travel beauty expert is already whipping up her next concoction post!}

Travel Beauty :: 3Floz

3floz interview + travel beautyFor this month's travel beauty fix, we're excited to interview a gal who knows what she's talking about when it comes to travel beauty. After constantly globetrotting for work, Alexi Mintz wondered why it was so hard to find carry-on size versions of her go-to beauty products. Turns out, the answer to this question lead to the co-creation of 3floz, a website dedicated to top travel beauty brands all 3floz or less---compact enough for a weekend trip style or an epic adventure! Alexi dishes on 3floz, her favorite trip styles and go-to travel beauty products.

1. How did you come up with the idea for 3floz.com and how does it work? 3floz travel beautyCo-founder Kate Duff and I traveled together all the time when we worked at Archipelago Botanicals. She always checked huge suitcases filled with full-sized beauty products, and I just carried on and skipped bringing travel-sized products because I could never find my favorite brands. We realized that our bad packing habits were the result of a void in the marketplace. We need one convenient location to get all of our favorite brands in travel sizes, so we created the online store 3floz.com. We ship from our offices in NYC. *3floz has been mentioned in a host of news outlets and mags from BBC Travel to In Style, and we're proud to have featured the company back in August as part of Travel Beauty Month.

2. What are your favorite trip styles (beach vacations, adventure travel, etc...) and why? I like to alternate between adventure trips and beach trips. If I only have 4 or 5 days for a vacation, I look for a spot that is a 3-4 hour flight from NYC so I don't waste a whole day traveling. It is hard to see a destination in 4 or 5 days, so I usually chose a beach vacation for shorter trips. For a longer 7+ day vacation, I usually opt for an adventure trip. I can spend a day traveling and not feel like it is cutting into my trip. I love exploring new places and I don't want to feel rushed. Recently I spent 14 days in Vietnam, moving around each few days to a different spot. The vacation was the perfect hybrid between adventure (I went on a jungle hike!) and beach.

3. What are your go-to travel beauty products and why? Cucumber Towelettes are in every travel bag I own! The wipes are my favorite multi-use towelette: face cleanser, make-up remover, and sweat remover (for my jungle hikes). In Vietnam they even came into the bathroom with me (they aren't big on TP in Vietnam). Another travel beauty must is First Aid Beauty 5-in-1 lotion w/spf 30. Less is better when I travel. This product covers all my moisturizing needs, and has SPF 30 so I don't have to think about an additional sunscreen.

4. Do you ship to Canada? Yes we ship to Canada for $18.99. {Trip Styler Tip: Order a bunch of products at once to test what you like best. Take advantage of shipping once versus multiple times!}

PS - Stay tuned for a fabulous 3floz.com giveaway! Details coming soon!

{Want more travel beauty? Get your fill the third Wednesday of every month. Lauren, our travel beauty expert is already whipping up her next concoctionpost!}

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