Vacation Time

If you’re like the rest of us, it’s that time of year, at least in the northern climes, where we are about to take a sunny vacation. Travelling from North to South is not for the uninitiated.  Just when we think we have conquered winter, we hop on a plane down south, strip down to deal with the sweltering, humid heat and suddenly we are fully exposed. Yikes! Since we’re covered up for most of the winter, we may not measure up to beach standards.  There are a number of issues to consider before we are truly ready to hit the beach in high style;

1. Suntan – To tan or not to tan? That is the question.  I usually like to take a few suntan sessions in a salon to get a base. However a few years ago I had to have a small cancerous growth removed from my chest and I’m not so sure this time around. On one hand, with spray tan or self-tanner, any time you’re out in the sun you could burn without strong sunblock.  Then there’s the fact that you have to re-apply every day and keep an even application….insert eye rolling emoji here.  Sally Hansen has some great self tanner for legs which appeals to me because my calves never seem to tan quickly.  Whichever method you choose, always pack a few high number sunblock.  I usually go with a 60 and a 30.  In equatorial sun you will have to reapply these often and its best to avoid tanning altogether before 2 or even 3 p.m. to avoid a bad burn on your first day ocean side.  You don’t want to look like the lobster on your plate at dinner.
   

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2. Legs – To avoid unsightly cellulite and dry, scaly skin, start hydrating weeks in advance.  The appearance of cellulite can be minimized.  See our blog on cellulite here for recommended creams. There are some really good products out there so all hope is not lost!  If you have access to a dry sauna, this is also very helpful for cellulite if used on a regular basis.  As for scaly skinned calves, I like to pack a scrub such as Arbonne Sea Salt Scrub with Essential Oils.  Leaves you smooth and glowing for hours.  No sign of the alligator.
   

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3. Feet – Recently I purchased one of those high speed foot grinders for callused skin and I have to say, I love it!  Just be careful you don’t apply it in one place for too long or the skin will become too thin and may bleed and be very painful to walk on for days.  Leaving a blood trail at the beach is not a good idea and may attract sharks lol.  Do your pedicure the night before you leave and it should last all week.  Start with the sea salt scrub and then move on to the toenails.  Go wild!
   

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4. Manicure – When I’m away on vacay, I always worry about whether my manicure will hold up for the week.  One solution is to do your manicure using a sophisticated nude polish which goes with everything and doesn’t show chips.  Either way, chances are wherever you are going will not have that exact shade, so bring your bottle for touch ups and of course your daily topcoat.  I always pack nailpolish in plastic bags in case it gets broken inside my suitcase. You can also use polish with metal flake which stays on longer or add some kind of striping accent, either tape or deco polish designs that will prevent your nail color from peeling prematurely.
   

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5. Make Up – It’s best to keep make up light in the tropics.  It’s hard to keep your face from sweating so rely on your tan to give you a healthy glow and ditch the foundation.  I toss a waterproof mascara and bronzer blush into my bag and use an illuminating makeup base by Clarins called Eclat Minute (Instant Light).  Used under concealer it tends to project light away from the face giving you that flawless photo finish for a night out on the town.  Pair that with a gel eyeliner for night but make sure it’s the non smudging type or you may start to wonder about those strange looks you’re getting. One statement lipstick and a lip pencil.
   

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6. Hair – Having beautiful hair on vacation can be a problem when you’re in and out of the water so much.  Obviously, if you have short hair, you’re cooler but I’ve had issues with styling short hair in the heat and humidity.  Try to use as little product as possible as it weighs down the hair.  Long hair always seems either fuzzy or limp.  If you have long hair you can tie it back in a high ponytail or pay a local to braid it.  Beware.  Braiding can be expensive and the tinfoil used on the ends can break brittle locks.  If all else fails, go for a colorful do-rag.  Keeping long hair silky in high heat is a breeze with Moroccan argnan oil.
   

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7. Airport Fashion – Ah, the eternal question…because in the dead of winter the temperature could be -20C when you get to the airport and 30C when you reach your destination.  Quel dilemma.  Some sweat it out in winter clothing until they reach their hotel room, some freeze on their way to the airport in flimsy summer garb.  Some change on the plane, tying up washrooms much to the annoyance of that passenger that had 5 beers during the flight.  I like to wear leggings and a light summer t-shirt under my turtleneck.  I bring sandals in my carry-on and switch as we get close to landing.  Then I just remove my sweater and voila! No fighting for the washroom (so icky anyways) and ready to deplane in paradise.
   

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8. Bathing Suits…GAHHHHH!! – Never shop for a new bathing suit at the last minute.  If you’re like most people, you’ve gained a few pounds here and there while cocooning during the winter months.  For many women, there is nothing more frustrating and demeaning than trying on bathing suits.  It’s usually the mirrors in the changing room.  Has to be.  I know I don’t look THAT bad when I’m at home?!  Anyway, for Montrealers, I found a great store in Place Rosemere called ‘Aqua La Vie en Rose’ https://www.lavieenrose.com/ that has tinted mirrors in the change rooms so you look tanned and bumps and lumps are minimized, enabling the shopper to get on with the task at hand without the constant horror of their pale, dimply reflection getting in the way.  Reasonable prices and cute designs too!  Thank God someone invented bathing suit cover ups, they can hide a lot of flaws on the lower half of the body.
   

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9. Diet and Exercise – Yeah…should have started my diet a month ago but there was always just one yummy little thing to be finished from Christmas.  Now I’m panicking lol.  Green tea and green coffee pills are helpful in speeding the metabolism to burn calories.  Try to eat half a grapefruit at least once a day as it helps regulate sugar and fat in the body.  Other than that, strictly no junk food (groan! WHY do we do this to ourselves?) and as few carbs as possible.  Add that to your daily workout routine and hopefully, you’ll be in sick shape when you hit the sand and ready to blow your diet with endless pina coladas.
   

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10. Packing – Less is less.  Nothing worse than not bringing enough clothes.  Try to choose pieces that can be versatile with other items, then roll them to minimize wrinkling and allow for more space.  The hard part is figuring out which shoes to take.  Although Espadrilles tempt, wedge heels are heavy and a less than ideal choice given airline baggage weight requirements.  Usually I have one pair of walking shoes in my carry on, my lightest pair of boots and one pair of heels.  Don’t forget the Dr. Scholl’s blister tape!! You can’t even walk on the beach barefoot if your shoes are killing you and your feet are covered in blisters.  I speak from sad experience so unless you are visiting a place with sampans, visit your local pharmacy and don’t leave home without it if you plan to do any serious walking!

Most of all have FUN! This is your much-needed chance to unwind 🙂

Be beach ready!