Lush Bar Shampoos

While beauty editors recommend sourcing travel size versions of your regular products, sometimes the mini portion won't see you through your holiday. Having incredibly thick hair, I've always found myself coming to the end of my shampure bottle sooner rather than later. It was a very happy day when I came across Lush's bar shampoos. These little discs pack a lot of power. I can leave one of these in my travel bag for months and never run out. The Karma Komba has a pleasant scent and works well to get the hair super clean. And according to their website, it can also be used to wash clothes! My only complaint is that it's slightly too drying for every day use. So if you've got curly/wavy hair like me, be sure to pack lots of conditioner.

Nars Orgasm blush

For years, I eschewed blush. Recently, however, I've discovered the joys of blush. What's to like? Well, for those days, when you're feeling and looking rough, a sweep of blush can give you a lift. Although I'll use bronzer in a pinch, nothing beats Nars Orgasm Blush. The name alone makes me blush!

To see the power of blush in action, witness SJP's transformation in Season 5 SATC. Season 4 she was looking rough, but by the next year she was wreathed in blushes looking like a mere slip of a girl.

Aveda

I've been a big fan of Aveda for years. I love the salons and I love the products. The smell of Shampure is divine and nothing beats the conditioning power of brilliant. It makes my curly hair feel like silk. The finishing lotion is great too. It's perfect for hot summer days where you just want a light finish.

Clinique

As you can tell, I'm something of a Clinique addict. I'm a big fan of the three step although I usually skip the toner in winter. I can't live without the Total Turnaround skin renewer. Although word to the wise: never apply to bare skin. It's a bit too intense! (And not in a good way)