Travelling abroad: Preparing for the unexpected

Wish you were here...

Scott and I are both planners, but sometimes we overlook packing some of the smallest, yet vital necessities.

In Italy the mosquitoes turned Scott's legs into Swiss cheese, the insect repellent we borrowed on the eleventh hour was in reality hours too late. One visit to a hospital and several vials of blood drawn determined poor Scott had an infection from all the bites. If only we had packed a bottle of bug spray – did I mention we didn't have screens on the windows (minor detail)?

Before leaving for Singapore I remembered to pack my razor and never thought to grab my shaving cream. Ten Singaporean dollars later I was good to go, but the expensive, albeit unnecessary, purchase still stings.

Sun blisters, you can get those (I did). Unfortunately, I applied my sunscreen with a light hand on our first day in Kauai – my pasty winter skin was well and truly shocked and went into overdrive. A bottle of aloe from the Hyatt's sundry shop, a tube of hydrocortisone cream and a day spent indoors helped calm things down.

So, where am I going with this? You can't plan for the unexpected, especially when new surroundings can sometimes be unkind to us and even put a damper on our adventures. For these "oh, crap I forgot the thing-a-ma-bob" moments or times when you don't feel like packing your whole entire bathroom, pick up travel size toiletries – perhaps, even, purchase a couple of products that’ll push you out of your comfort zone.

Here are the places I hit up to get most of my travel essentials:

• Sephora – I always buy brands I’ve never tried before
• Priceline in Australia or Target in the US – for the basics (shampoo, lotion, wipes, etc.)
• MiniBarCo – It’s the sort of site you’ll hit back up for seconds and thirds and they’re currently having a month-long sale. Simply enter EOFY14 when you’re ready to checkout!

Bonus: leftover products often make their way into my gym bag, which oftentimes bring back memories from the amazing places I’ve visited.

Good things really do come in small packages and TSA will never be compelled to snatch them away from you!

Where do you go for your must-have travel essentials?

Got any travel oh nos?

Eyes to mesmerize: Clinique's Lash Power Mascara

Clinique's Lash Power Mascara

My lashes might not be as beautiful as my husband's or even my brother Richard's. While we're on the topic, why do guys get long, luscious lashes? Enquiring minds want to know.

Alas.

When it's time to go shopping for a mascara, here's what I look for: 

• Won't break the bank
• Panda bear-free
• Removes easily
• Lasts the day
• Finally, gives me length

The formula I can always count on to accomplish all these things is tubing mascara. Kevyn Aucoin's The Mascara Volume sucked me in with its petite wand and lash hugging ways. Tubing mascara is hands down the jam to my peanut butter. Now that I know what I like, I'm on the hunt to find the best performing tubing mascara out there.

Clinique, good start with your pretty little wand

Clinique's Lash Power Mascara in Black Onyx ticks almost all my boxes. The Aussie price tag is a major drawback, if mascara only lasted longer and didn't have the potential to give you pink eye. Second, it sometimes clumps my lashes together which creates more work for me after application -- I just want to swipe and go. The trick to avoid clumping is to remove excess product from the bristles prior to applying.

It's also worth mentioning that Lash Power Mascara loves to be layered...

One coat for daytime

Two coats for evening

Top and bottom lashes fully covered for that extra edge

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Clinique's Lash Power Mascara:

• $38.00 AUS / $16.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 7 out of 10 bags — With a little patience Lash Power will give you flirty, playful lashes.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Lash Power Mascara now has a sister!

Swatchophile: Diorshow Mono Fusion Mono in Chimere

Swatch of Chimere

More like, c'mere with that glass of bubbles.

Review and look to follow.

You can take it home with you: The Masseuse

Elemis' Japanese Camelia Body Oil Blend

Man, if I could get a weekly massage I'd be one happy camper, albeit a poor one. For those stress-y weeks when I'm not willing to part with my hard earned dollars I spa at home. Before showering I reach for my Cactus Brush and give my limbs a proper rub down (start at the heart and work the brush in a circular motion), the dense bristles gently agitate and exfoliate the skin -- it's almost an electric feeling.

Once you've finished dry brushing hop in the shower, wash up, rinse and dry off. Next, grab a body oil. I've been hooked on Elemis' Japanese Camelia Body Oil Blend for its ability to moisturise without leaving a greasy residue and the scent, it's barely detectable. When you're rubbing the body oil in, really try to massage the major muscle groups especially if you've been super active all week long. I realise this little treat isn't nearly as relaxing and enjoyable as the spa, but it feels good taking a little extra "me time" every now and then.

Elemis Body Oil Blend is also available in Cellutox Active (detoxifying), Frangipani Monoi (Hawaii in a bottle) and Musclease Active (great for frequent gym goers). Japanese Camelia Body Oil is recommended for mothers-to-be, as well as for the prevention of stretch marks.

If Elemis' Body Oil is too expensive for you or it's not to your liking, here are a few other notable suggestions:

• Neutrogena's Body Oil - $
• Aesop's Geranium Leaf Hydrating Body Treatment - $$
• Osmia Organics Light Body Oil - $$$

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Elemis' Japanese Camelia Body Oil:

• $62.00 AUS / $48.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 8 out of 10 bags — Expensive, but a little goes a long way. This bottle will last me a year, at least.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Scott and I are both absolutely entranced by Elemis' Sharp Shower Body Wash. The peppermint wakes you up and prepares you to take on another day.

*PR sample provided  –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.