On the road again

Through the years of modeling I have racked up quite a few frequent flyer miles, averaging around 200 travel days per year. During that time I have traveled to every kind of climate and condition and sometimes 3 totally different destinations at one time, forcing me to become a self-taught expert on travel packing.Yesterday I packed my bags and caught a

flight to Florida for a little beach time and while I was laying out my clothes and products to pack I thought I could share some of my travel tips with you.

Starting with the complete carryon beauty products. These things area must have for me to freshen up after a long flight and they are small enough not to make my shoulder bag/tote feel like I'm carrying a small child in it. A website I also suggest you check out is 3floz.com. This NYC based company list all TSA approved beauty products from luxury brands to drugstore favorites and they only list products that they try. They have a list for babies and men as well.

(In photo; Jacket: French Connection, Jeans: Vintage 1, Shirt: J Crew, Shoes: Jack Purcell)

Giovanni Refresh Towelettes:

They are organic and antibacterial but the hidden gem is that they come in awakening Peppermint oil, soothing lavender and energizing grapefruit oil. Smells and feels amazing.

La Fresh Sunscreen Wipes:

It’s your skin and you need to protect it, but carrying around bulky bottles of sunscreen is just not convenient, that’s why I love La Fresh SPF Wipes. They block the sun and they are biodegradable so you don’t have to worry about damaging mother earth either. The only thing is that when using a SPF wipe; make sure you apply evenly, like you would a cream. Most people just wipe it on and then later at home they notice all the places they missed are burnt. Wipes are a great way to protect your skin but they should not replace cream sunscreen completely.

MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel- Travel Packs:

I like peeling my face and trying my best to repair the damage I did as a sun-loving child and these wipes are perfect for me! Formulated to improve skin firmness, tone and texture, Alpha Beta diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boosts skin density and vitality, and reduces pore size and breakouts, as it gently restores radiance to the skin, with a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acid. It really is a miracle in a nice little travel pack. Just because you’re away doesn’t mean you can slack on your skincare.

Benefit's Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain:

Add just the right amount of color to your cheeks and lips with this stain. It looks dark but really ends up being more of a roy blush color that you can layer on to make darker if you want.

CO Bigelow Lemon Hand Treatment:

This hand lotion smells great, adds moisture without being greasy and even has a skin-brightening formula so your hands stay looking young. Most people are only concerned with youthful products for their faces but you hands will always tell on you, so take care of those paws too.

Kate Somerville Somer 360 Tanning Towelette:

I don’t go in the sun so this little wipe is great if I need that sunkissed look on the go.

Revlon One Step Nail Prep:

It’s nail remover and I love it! If my nails are painted these wipes are great for touch ups or last minute polish changes.

Peter Thomas Roth Mineral Powder SPF45:

This instant mineral SPF powder starts to work immediately. It’s small so you can pack it in your beach bag or your purse for the day and it’s dry so you don’t have to worry about any gooey sun-cream leeks or oily faces!

Tweezerman PetiteManicure Set:

How many times have you needed a nail file or hangnail clipper. Invest wisely and get this kit. It’s small enough to carry anywhere and it’s all you need to keep those hands looking fabulous. Includes: Nail File, Cuticle and Hangnail Clipper and nail cleaner in a cute little carrying case.

Dior Hydraction Eye Cream SPF 20 and DiorShow Mascara:

One thing a girl should never be without is good mascara. A bare face can be transformed with just a little swoop of this ultra glam black polish for your eyes. And it’s not harsh on your pupils like most department store mascara’s are. Come on, it’s your eyes people…don’t just put anything on them.

Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo to Go:

This dry shampoo absorbs oil and build up that can happen on a long flight. To avoid looking like I haven’t showered I just simply apply a little to my roots and gently rub in and presto, full body hair that smells like I just walked out of a shower. And the best thing is not only is it small in size but that it’s powder, so no worrying about it passing airport screenings.

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Sheer Shine Mist To Go:

After applying the Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo I need a little shine and Fekkai’s Sheer Shine does just the trick.

It delivers the right amount of encapsulated olive oil to leave my hair looking shinny and healthy, not flat with build up.

Evian Mineral Water Spray To Go:

To refresh my complexion after a long flight a spritz of this neutral pH moisturizing spray will not only set your makeup but also revitalize your skin. It’s also TSA approved!

Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit:

This kit is great! It has everything you need to do either touch ups or apply an entire face. The kit includes Foundation Primer, Tinted Moisturizer, Undercover Pot with 2 shades of concealer and translucent powder, 2 brushes (concealer and powder), a velour puff and egg shaped sponge. And everything is only 1 oz. each.

Sephora Foldable Hair Brush:

I use this brush all of the time. It starts as a small compact but then opens and folds out into a small brush with a mirror. Perfect for touching up windblown hair and taming fly-aways.

Pacifica Lotus Garden Travel Solid Perfume:

I love, love, love this perfume!! It’s so small that I can carry it even in the smallest clutch and it smells like a floral paradise! The best perk of this perfume is that it’s all natural, no chemicals to absorb into your body, and it last all day (even though I’m totally addicted to it and apply it several times a day).

Smith’s Minted Rose Lip Balm:

This is the one thing I can’t live without. In fact I have 10 of these little tins placed all over my home, car, purse and office so I never have to go without it. It is the only lip balm that doesn’t dry my lips out and the rose mint nourishes as well as smell amazing!

Packing Tips:

1) Shoes: If you want to make sure everything in your bag stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside a tube sock. It not only protects your clothes but it keeps the outside of your shoes safe too by keeping them from banging against each other and scuffing the leather. And if you really want to go the extra mile, stuff the toes of your shoes with socks to help keep the shape and form of the shoes.

2) Roll it up! Keep clothes from getting wrinkled by rolling them before you pack them. It also allows you to pack more since rolled clothes take up less space.

3) Don’t forget to keep all the important things with you in your carry-on bag, medications and important papers especially. If it’s a long flight a change of clothes is a good idea too.

4) If you really want to get organized by separating certain clothes from others than use a piece of cardboard by placing it in between the layers or upright to use as a divider.

5) If your going to the beach on your trip than pack you beach bag with all the things you need before you pack it in your luggage. It’s a timesaver!

6) I love to pack in plastic (zip lock bags). They are clear and let me see what’s in them, no more rummaging! It’s great for small items like underwear, bras and tights.

7) Split up your valuables. Carry some of them on you and keep a little money in your luggage. That a way incase you get robbed you wont be completely broke. Also make copies of your drivers license and passports incase they get lost and you need to go to the US Embassy.