Because I'm still recovering from acne scars (yeah, eating random foods for a year didn't exactly do wonders for my skin), I'm pretty loyal to my face makeup. Or more to the point: I don't dare to dabble when it could cause a breakout. Of all the products I lugged along on 40+ flights (yep, you read that right), I made sure to bring my favorites from Dermablend and It Cosmetics. In fact, I even asked my bestie to bring more IT when he visited me in Kyoto (on a very, very long flight — thanks James!). It might seem a bit strange to use DermaBlend Leg & Body Makeup, $34, on my face, but I love it because I don't have to wear very much. I mix it with my moisturizer and only need a dab. In fact, I've only needed a single container for a whole year. When it comes to the dark circles that happen after a 40-hour travel day, nothing compares. And on the days when I was working by the beach in Croatia or a pool in Bali, I only used a bit of It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder Illumination with SPF 50+, $35, full-coverage compact, which always did a great job of hiding the fact I was #exhausted.
In January, At the six-month mark of the lap around the world, our travel group had an eight-hour layover in Auckland as we transitioned between Thailand and Argentina. This inspired a few of us to extend our stay for a week. After all, how often do you get the excuse to stop over in New Zealand? While we were here, a handful of my friends and I decided to explore the North Islands. It was here that I stumbled across Pure Source Rotorua Thermal Mud Face Mask, $22.10, a volcanic clay mask made from natural ingredients in the area. Since it had been a long time—ahem, like before I left NYC—that I used a mask, I instantly bought a sample pack. After trying it that night in our hostel, I loved it so much that I went back the next day and bought a travel-sized bottle. When I experienced breakouts the rest of the journey, I applied a bit to my face and my skin cleared up quickly, making for a smart purchase for my carry-on.
