Inspired by another round of world travel I’m about to embark on, here’s some tips on how to get around the city or the globe in a spill-proof, earth-friendly, & wallet-friendly way.
This weekend I take off to Milan, Italy to do makeup for another fabulous photo shoot (eeek! excitement), followed by two more weeks on the west coast. Just about everyday even if I’m not getting on a plane – I am transporting a rather large suitcase of my work supplies around New York City.
The proof is in the photo above. A blogger was getting a pic of the famed Vogue editor, Anna dello Russo, and caught me as I was leaving the Dolce and Gabbana fashion show. I had just finished working for the uber-famous Pat McGrath, and lugging what else, but a suitcase of makeup. Oh the glamor!
With all this hauling around, I now consider myself a “pro-packer”of delicate, spill-able items and a rather resourceful traveler, from which I hope you will benefit!
Reduce, reuse and recycle: an eco way to contain your items….
Instead of using disposable, plastic zip bags to contain their spill-able items, consider investing in some durable, leak-proof bags is much kinder to the planet.
The bags that get me through every airport and every job are Eagle Creek’s Pack-it Sacs. I have a collection of these leak-proof zipper pouches to use on a daily basis carrying supplies for my work as a makeup artist and personal items for various travels. The oldest one I have is about 8 years old and it still looks as good as new!
If anything spills inside, at least the mess is contained to just the bag and not creating a new pattern on a favorite scarf. Then it’s easy to wash out the bag, let it dry and use again.
The vast majority of security checkpoints don’t require you to use a disposable plastic bag for your liquids these days. Your liquids just need to be contained in one small bag together, and this one is perfect for that!
Another reusable bag I can’t live without is a light-weight shopping bag that folds up into a neat pouch. Having this little guy on hand makes it easy to refuse the plastic bags when making purchases. Here’s a picture of the exact bag I use from Reisenthel. For such a lightweight bag, it is surprisingly large and sturdy. The bonus is that it comes with a handy clip to attach to a backpack or other loop.
Make your own travel sized products
If you want to avoid lugging full-size products in your suitcase, you don’t need to buy small bottles of each brand you like to use, which is far more expensive per ounce of product. Just get generic, leak-proof bottles to pour your shampoo, face wash, moisturizer, etc. in. You can always clean them out and put something else in if you need a change. Be sure to label each one so you don’t get confused and end up trying to moisturize your body with hair conditioner!
Be aware that some products can react poorly to being transferred into plastic containers that may alter the stability of the ingredients. If you are concerned about reactivity, the best option is a small, dark glass bottle.
Fill, hydrate, refill, hydrate, repeat…
Bringing along a refillable water bottle is my top essential for traveling. Using a refillable bottle cuts down on expenses and plastic use, saving anywhere from $3-$6 for a bottle of water at the airport. Keeping hydrated is also super important because it helps stave off jet lag and is a healthy move all around for proper body functions which GBT Expert Donna Sonkin explains in-depth in her article about water.
From a beauty standpoint, being dehydrated makes skin look tired, dull and wrinkly. Not cute.
So take your empty (BPA-free) bottle through security, then fill up at a water fountain once you are through. The Bobble Bottle is great for water refills because it has its own filter.
When you are on the plane you can sip at your leisure and not rely on the tiny cups that shakily rest on your food tray.
With just those few, simple “reduce and reuse” steps you will be keeping the planet and yourself more beautiful when you travel!
Leave your comments below on favorite ways you like to be green when traveling!
Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Green Beauty Team, Kristen Arnett has been immersed in the world of beauty for over 15 years, with roles ranging from product development to a career as an international makeup artist. She uses only the best in natural, organic, green makeup and skincare for her high-profile fashion and celebrity clientele.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
i know its AWFUL all these celebs that are suolpsedpy supposed to be a example or whatever and THERE WEARING heavy makeup i mean what DOES THAT SAY TO THE REST OF US?!!! we need makeup to be beautiful?!!! the first day i didnt wear makeup i felt akward and self conscious actually i felt like that for the whole WEEK! and a lil bit after that week and every day it became less and LESS and now its been about 5 months of no makeup and i WILL NEVER wear makeup again! i am confident and sTRONG!