Tips for what to pack to look rock and roll glamorous and stylishly put together on the road…

As with packing my travel wardrobe I try to take just enough to meet my needs without over doing it. While I can rely on luxurious toiletries at stays at some of the best hotels, I still like to have my own face creams and hair products. And while I probably won’t spend as much time as I would at home with make up,  I have a tried and tested kit with just enough to make me look and feel turned out.

Consider ditching the hairdryer – Most hotels have their own hairdriers so I feel less inclined to haul one of my own. But if you are one who needs to give yourself a pro style then of course go ahead. I on the other hand do a rough dry and follow up with…

Travel set (of 5) heating rollers – For me this fixes the problem of frizz, gives me a bit of glamour and I can leave them in while I do my make-up. Alternatively, a curling iron or straight iron takes up little room and will give your hair a bit of quick flair. Just remember to pack an adapter if going abroad.

Brushes – For make-up to look good you need the right tools and that would mean proper brushes. Of course I am not going to take my home kit, but to avoid pre-packing stress I  have a small kit of 5 basic make up brushes which I just leave in my suitcase so they are always there and I never forget them. I also have a small hair brush which also always stays in my suitcase as well ready to go.

Make-up colour palettes – I’m a huge fan of Nars make-up palettes. I love the line, but also the palettes are a choice range of coordinated colours that are easy to pack and ready to go. Look for their Narsissist range at a Nars counter or online. Many times they have them at Duty Free shops along with limited edition, only at Duty Free ranges.

Know your red – Nothing gives instant glam like red lipstick. Find the right shade of red for you and make sure to take it with you. It is amazing how chic you will feel just by putting on a red lipstick. Its classic. It also makes an easy and quick way to dress up your look without having to put your whole face on if you are pressed for time.

Thick colour pencils – Quick and easy flash of colour and great in all weather. A workhorse for me are the Clinique Chubby Stick moisturizing lip colour as it serves a lip balm with sheer colour which is perfect for day. For eye colour Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon thick pencils add a bit of quick glam and can be used as eye shadow and eyeliner.

Best face forward – I am always lazy about my face routine even at home but I try none the less. I depend heavily on make-up remover wipes and take travel size packets with me on all my trips. But I do like to have some kind of moisturizer as well and a proper scrub at least once a day. Eve Lom is a wonderful skin care line and they offer a travel size, complete with travel pouch, of their top skin care essentials. Glowing skin ready to go.

SPF – Protect your face from the sun! Always pack some kind of sun protection, even if you are not heading to the beach. Travel does involve a lot of time outdoors walking around so better to be safe than sorry.

Scent – I wear scent every day and of course will travel with some. Usually I have travel size bottles of my favourite perfume, or ask the counter where I buy perfume to give me some samples to take along. I usually just take one scent and use it for the whole trip so as not to over clutter or weigh down my bag.

And don’t forget… travel is a great way to pic up great beauty products and brands you don’t normally find at home. I always stop into a European pharmacy and check out products. Be on the lookout for old fashion apothecary and perfume shops as there are always wonderful finds and make for wonderful souvenirs that will remind you of your travels…