Beauty Essentials for the Traveling Gal

It's not difficult to over pack when going on a trip for either business or pleasure. When traveling we want to feel secure in knowing that we have all of our favorite products at our fingertips, but having everything we need, doesn't mean having to lug our local beauty supply store along with us! Here are some invaluable tips to keep you looking beautiful while you travel light.

1. Drink lots of water pre boarding and while on the plane. This will help you stave off water retention and dehydration and will keep your skin fresh and clear. Don't be afraid to ask your flight attendant for as much H2O as you want!

2.Buy a small cosmetic case and limit yourself to adding only those items that will fit.

3.Buy cream blush that can double as a lip tint. Nothing like a two-in-one to help you cut down on beauty product clutter while you travel!

4.Carry baby wipes or cleansing cloths that come in flat packages to use for make-up removal and to refresh your skin on long flights.

5.If you must keep your manicure and pedicure, chose colors that are very light or clear in order to avoid obvious chips and having to lug around nail polish and remover. However, you always want to carry a nail file with you because Murphy's Law mandates that the minute you step on the plane you'll end up with a huge nail snag!

6.Try a facial moisturizer that has a tint and SPF. This three-in-one product gives you the sunscreen, moisturizing and finished make-up look you need all in one bottle.

7.Always carry eye drops. You can use them for your travel weary eyes, and in case a pimple pops up....a few dabs of Visine on a pimple will reduce redness and inflammation.

8.Purchase travel sized bottles of your favorite shampoo & conditioner as well as face wash, deodorant, hairspray and toothpaste. Your hotel may have their own pint sized bottles of this stuff, but it's always nice to use products you already know work well for you.

9.Ask your local make-up counter for trial sized samples of your favorite eyeshadows, lip colors, and perfumes. For a shorter trip, these samples are all you need and they won't take up any room in your carry-on.

10.For true downsizing of your travel beauty necessities, check out the complete beauty essential packages by Burt's Bees and Molton Brown. Both sets include everything you need to keep clean and smell great from head to toe and can be easily placed in your carry on or even purse. For the man in your life, Elamis has a kit called "The Universal Traveler" which has compact version of all those products every man needs to stay looking good.

Traveling light doesn't mean you have to give up looking good and feeling fresh on your next trip. With smaller sized portions of the beauty essentials you love, and products that have more than one use, you'll find yourself with plenty of room left over in your bags to bring home all the great stuff you know you'll be buying at your new destination!