SMART(ER) PACKING // REVISITED

Errythang I used

So I'm back - and I apologise that it's taken me so long to recover. Those sleepless nights really take their toll!

But back to the task at hand. I think I did okay, given that I was only away for 42 hours! Not even two days.

I was a more efficient packer this time around, as I used most of what I took (clothes-wise, anyway), which is pretty good for me, as I'm usually that person who wears the same outfit three days in a row on camps... Though I didn't use much of the other 'just in case' stuff that I packed (like last time) - it's always difficult to know what will be necessary, especially when you don't know what to expect (e.g. what the facilities are like, etc.) That's how I'm justifying it, anyway!

Without further ado, here's the recap...

What I used (skincare-wise):

What I used (makeup-wise):

What I didn't use at all:

The verdict:

I actually surprised myself that I didn't use hand cream at all, despite the crazily-cold and whiplash-windy weather (I guess the gloves helped in that respect). I didn't wash my hair at all, but stretched an extra day out of my freshly-washed hair with the aid of Batiste dry shampoo. (I did wash it as soon as I got home!) I'll admit I was a bit naughty and used the Garnier makeup wipes instead of cleansing properly (but in the wee hours of the morning, no one's really bothered, right?) My skin was okay - well, happy enough with Cetaphil lotion that I didn't need to bring in reinforcements by the way of La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. My face was well-hydrated with Clinique DDML+/Neways Barrier Cream, so I didn't end up using Clinique Moisture Surge, nor Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Moisturiser. I used nearly everything that I brought makeup-wise, though I found I looked mostly alive (thanks, NARS concealer and Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light!), so didn't need the help of Bloom cream blush - and I didn't end up using the eyeliner pencil (which was really just to give myself another option, in case I wasn't bothered with gel eyeliner). Yes, I'll admit that I'm a chronic overpack-er! And when you're that tired, I figured I could be excused for not taming my facial hedges (though I tidied my brows when I got back). Who's looking, anyway?

Hmm... Perhaps I'll be a proficient packer one day (here's hoping!) We all need something to aspire to, right? ;) 

Are you a proficient packer, or a 'just-in-case' excessive packer like myself?

Any tips? (Teach me your ways!) x

SKIN SAVIOURS OF YESTERYEAR //

The weather of late has been...temperamental to say the least! Lovely sunny days with a gentle breeze quickly succeeded by rainy days with a bitter wind...followed by beautiful weather again. With the chillier weather fast approaching, I thought I'd recap the few products that provided much needed relief and comfort to my skin in Winter last year - and remind myself of what I need to have in my arsenal before Winter hits!

Avène Soothing Moisture Mask - One day I discovered that my regular night cream just wasn't cutting it anymore. Maybe it was my wind-chapped face, or the hot water I used to wash my face with in the shower (naughty, I know)... I'm still not too sure what caused it, but suddenly I found that my face was very sensitive, red, dry, irritated and itchy. I grabbed this on a whim, as it looked thick and hydrating - and gentle enough for highly sensitive skin, and sure enough, within a few days my skin had returned to normal. Over Winter I used this as a 'booster' or a mask for when my face was feeling especially dry or sensitive. I found it also worked wonders on other parts of my body, such as elbows and patches of mild eczema.

Avène Cold Cream Hand Cream - I also toted this around with me so I could apply it when my hands became dry and chapped. My circulation is poor to begin with, and even worse in cold weather, exacerbated by indoor heating and chilly weather outside - therefore hand cream is my best friend! I found this one by Avene to be soothing and hydrating; it absorbed quickly and acted like a moisture-retaining barrier.

Natio Moisturising Lip Balm with SPF 30 and Vitamin E - I know I've already harped on about this sufficiently, but it really is my favourite lip balm. I like a lip balm with SPF even in Winter, especially for those surprisingly sunny days. This one is rich enough for Winter during the day, though I prefer something heavier for night.

Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream - Enter this little tin of scrumptiousness. I loved slathering this on before bed for the scent alone to keep lips moisturised throughout the night. After a while it seemed oddly drying - it seemed to sit on the lips rather than sinking in, but I found it worked well with a wash cloth to exfoliate lips. I would apply a generous layer, before gently buffing lips with a wash cloth soaked in warm water in circular motion. It's of a lovely buttery, creamy consistency and doesn't harden like some other oil-rich lip butters.

Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion - This has been a firm favourite of mine for years now - not too heavy for Summer, but hydrating enough to use in Winter. It's also sensitive skin-friendly and non-comodogenic (doesn't block pores). It has a slight scent that isn't very noticeable or unpleasant. This is definitely one of my can't-be-without skincare basics.

Reniu Coconut Body Lotion - Oh my, this smells absolutely delightful. This is perfect for when my legs need a bit of extra TLC to stop them from being dry and flaky. It's fast absorbing and provides lasting hydration (plus it makes my clothes fragrant, too). I'm not sure where you can buy this from as it was a souvenir from Fiji, though I'd say The Body Shop has some equally delicious coconut-scented offerings.

What are your Winter skincare essentials?