Travel Savvy: Packing

I've just finished packing my clothes for Spain and decided to type up this quick post (including some pictures of my suitcase and how I packed). I don't really feel like typing a lot right now, so I'll just get to the point of this ;)

Packing Tip #1: Know the weather.  This one doesn't need much explanation, you've gotta know what you're packing for! Just look up the weather for the time period you're going to spend in the certain place -- it'll only take you a couple of minutes and save you a ton of hassle and luggage space.

Packing Tip #2: Make A List. I love making lists for a reason -- they can help you so much! Just make a list of the things you think you'll need for your trip (including the number of things). The number of clothing items as well as the clothing items themselves that you pack will differ, depending on the time you spend in the certain place. For example, if I'm going to Spain for a month and I plan to swim, hike, and walk around the city, my list will look somewhat like this:

• 10-13 t-shirts
• 2 pairs of jeans
• 3-4 pairs of shorts
• 3-4 skirts
• 2-3 dresses
• 2-3 swimsuit cover-ups
• 2 pajamas
• 2-3 cardigans/sweaters
• 2 pairs of socks
• 2 pairs of tennis shoes
• 1-2 pairs of flip-flops
• 1 pair of flats
• 3-4 bikinis
• 1-2 hats
• *underwear*

Packing Tip #3: Fold. Or roll. Or fold. When it comes to the actual packing process I prefer to fold my clothes. Everyone says how it saves space and time to roll your clothes but, honestly, it never worked for me, so I just fold them -- that way they don't wrinkle and are neatly packed away. I like to lay out all of my clothes that I'm taking on my bed first, then fold them, then pack them away.

Packing Tip #4: Categorize. When you arrange your clothes in your suitcase according to the purpose of the clothing, it is much more comfortable and convenient to unpack when you get to your destination. For example, if you have all of you tops in one stack, all of your bottoms and dresses in another stack, and all of your sweaters/scarfs in a third stack it will be much (and I mean much) easier to unpack or quickly find a clothing piece if needed.

Packing Tip #5: Leave your carry-on...empty. Okay. I'm just gonna put this out there. I love shopping. And, yes, I shop. A lot. So whenever I go somewhere I need extra space in my suitcase and preferably in my carry-on. As you can see by the picture my carry-on is practically empty. Well, on the way back, I can assure you, it will be jam-packed full. So if you're a girl who loves shopping (like moi) make sure to have tons of extra space.

xoxo,

Liz

pics from here ;)

Travel Savvy: Airport Fashion

I'm so excited about my trip to Spain this summer (I'm getting so bored just sitting at home doing nothing)! And I can't wait to share some tips and tricks that may help you travel with ease. So, I decided to start my very first series on this blog, called "Travel Savvy". In this first post out of the series, I'd like to share some tips on how to dress to the airport. Hope you guys enjoy and find this helpful!

Tip #1: Long Hair, Don't Care! Well, you should care. If you have long hair, it's best to put it up during the flight. It can be such a pain, especially if the flight is a long one -- your gorgeous locks will get all tangled up and messy (and very oily). So it's best of you put your  hair up in a cute pony or a bun, that way it won't bother you during the flight.

Tip #2: Less is More. When it comes to on-flight makeup, less is definitely more. Keep it simple with some mascara, powder, and some lipgloss. You're not going on a fashion show or anything, so it doesn't matter if you don't look your best.

Tip #3: Bundle Up! When it comes to what accessories to wear to the airport, a scarf is your best bet. You can easily take it off if it gets too hot, or bundle up in it if it gets too cold! You can also use it as an extra pillow or blanket if you decide to take a nap. The scarf in the picture is from American Eagle -- I love their scarfs, they have so many cute patterns and designs!

Tip #4: Keep it simple. Dark washed jeggings and a loose tee is the comfiest you can get without the outfit being too casual (you don't want to look like you just got out of bed!). Let the scarf do all the talking, don't put too many bracelets or bangles on, as it can be a pain to take them off while going through customs. Also, it's best to wear slip-on shoes, because lace-ups can get a bit uncomfortable tying and untying in customs. I personally love UGGs as 'airport shoes' -- they feel like slippers!

xoxo,
Liz

photos from here, and here :)

What's in my Travel Makeup Bag?

I love traveling. Who doesn't? And traveling during Summer Break is even better! This summer I'm going to Spain for a month and to the U.S. for 3 weeks. I'm leaving for Spain in a week, and since I'm just Liz and I like to plan everything way ahead, I already have my packing list and my makeup and toiletry bag is already put together (I might be doing a "What's in my Travel Toiletry Bag? later). So, I decided to show you guys what's inside my travel makeup bag. But, before I start listing the products, I'd like to give you a little background information. I'm not packing much makeup at all, just because I don't wear a lot of makeup in the summer in general, but also because I'm planning on spending my whole time out by the pool tanning ;) So I wanted something sweat-proof and waterproof, but also some fun colors to add to the simple face makeup. Well, here it is:

1) Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Eyeshadow in the shade 82 Émerveillé 

A great cream-mousse eyeshadow that is easy to just swipe on the lid with your finger and go -- it gives you a very natural, yet put-together look. It also stays on even after I swim so that's a plus, too.

2) Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Perle in the shade 114

The packaging, of course, is major. Makes me feel like a tumblr girl ;) A very nice fuscia color, goes on smoothly. So worth the money.

3) Yves Saint Laurent Volupté Sheer Candy in the shade 9

Something in-between a lipgloss and a lip balm -- very moisturizing and glossy product with a slight tint of a pink color.

4) Sally Hansen Eyelash Curler

Just a random eyelash curler I got because I had a coupon :p Works well, though, nothing bad I can say about it!

5) Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Everyone raves about this, so there's nothing much I can add -- keeps your eyeshadow fresh and put all day long.

6) MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Fling

I usually use the Benefit BrowZings to fill in my brows, but because this is smaller and more compact, I decided to just pack this. Works good for me, I've been using this for a long time already.

7) MAC Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner in Undercurrent

I haven't heard anyone talking about this eye liner formula, which is weird, because it is awesome! It glides on like a liquid eyeliner but is easy to apply like a pencil. The color is uh-ma-zing -- a turquoise-ish green with gold shimmers, it brings out the blue and green in my eyes. LOVE.

8) L'Oréal Studio Secrets Professional Smoothing Resurfacing Primer

An okay primer, makes my skin feel really smooth and silky, but I feel that it does make my face a little oiler, though, but it's the best primer I've got, so I guess I just gotta work with what I got. Oh, and it does make my face makeup stay on all day, though.

9) The Body Shop Chocomania Lip Butter

I put this on every morning and night, it makes my lips very smooth and they stay moisturized all day/night. This is my 3rd pot of this, so I guess it just shows you how much I love this.

10) Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact Foundation

 A great foundation! Very moisturizing and it blends in like a miracle! Like it more than the original Vitalumiere Aqua

11) MAC Brush Case 

Got this with a brush set last summer, can't remember which collection... Very convenient to travel with.

12) Maybelline Falsies Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara

Just ran to the drugstore to get a waterproof mascara for the trip, and since I've already used and loved the non-waterproof Falsies mascara I just decided to get this.

13) MAC Pro Longwear Lipglass in the color Full Speed Ahead

Wears for a long time and makes me look like a stupid blond...What not to love? ;D

14) MAC Clear Brow Set

Just what I use to set my brows, since mine are pretty thick, I like to keep them nice and groomed, and since I'll be doing tons of walking around and swimming a brow set is a must!

15) MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink

A very moisturizing lip color that gives you that effortless "yeah, I just slapped on some lip balm when I left the house, but my lips still look pink naturally glossy anyways" look, which I love.

I can't wait to go to Spain! I love the people, the food, the air, the water, everything in Spain! Okay, I'm done rambling. Hope you guys enjoyed and found this somewhat helpful!

xoxo,

Liz