When I get invited to a weekend of camping, my first reaction is jubilation. My second reaction is wondering how to not look like a swamp-thing by mid afternoon on the second day.
Unless you’re at one of the more commercial spots, there’s not much by the way of running water or mirrors. But fear not, ladies. After about three straight weekends of camping with boys, I think I’ve gathered enough insider tips to get anyone through a weekend rafting trip, a weekend festival with camping accommodations, and everything in between.
Here are the five beauty essentials you need to keep your babe status, even when roughing it.
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Dry Shampoo
This is at the top of the list because I, without a doubt, consider it to be the most crucial component to your camping beauty gear. Some of you ladies might be blessed with roots that look flawless for days on end. But people like me need a fresh hair washing at least every two days, especially when getting sweaty from hiking and then sleeping outside.
The tried and true solution? Dry shampoo. A travel size is easy to fit into your bag and can extend the life of your hairdo for at least three to four days.
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Moist Towelettes
“Moist towelettes” is a really uncomfortable sounding phrase that is actually a godsend. While your boyfriend might be content to just take a jump into the Colorado River, no one will judge you if you want an option slightly more cleansing.
The trial size section of your nearest grocery store will offer small packages of cleansing cloths. Hit your most odor-prone areas (like your armpits) for a shower substitute.
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Salicylic Acid Face Wipes
There’s nothing worse than a dirty face, unless maybe having egg on it. But a scrubbed-clean face can you make you feel like a whole new human when you’re waking up outside.
These pads help to exfoliate your skin, serving as a passable substitute for your normal skin care routine. They also do a great job at getting that layer of dirt and sweat and river water off of your face.
www.ebay.com
Travel Size Hair Brush
When allocating space within your backpack, your big, bulky hairbrush can seem like an unnecessary luxury. Girls, I’m here to tell you that it’s not. It is one-hundred percent a necessity.
One weekend I spent two nights in a tent and one day floating the river, and let me tell you, I had deemed my hairbrush as unnecessary and wound up with one giant dread by the end of the weekend. There’s always room in your pack for a two-inch tall hairbrush, and you’ll never regret having it.
www.garnierusa.com
BB Cream
No one has time for smokey eyes when they’re camping, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a right to an even complexion.
BB cream will kill up to three birds with one stone in your beauty routine, because a good BB cream will work as foundation, SPF and moisturizer. It looks and feels light and stays on all day.