How to keep tresses silky on the beach

AT THE LAST MINUTE, I’d decided to tag along with family to a beach trip to Camiguin island.

As much as I looked forward to sandy beaches and sunny skies, I’d only originally packed for my cousin’s graduation in Cagayan de Oro City. My suitcase was as bare-bones as bare-bones could be. It contained two dresses, a change of clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, razor and my trusty bottle of Olay Total Effects Gentle SPF 15.

Missing from this travel arsenal are the usual canisters of sunscreen, anti-UV (ultraviolet) hair conditioners and after-sun products I would normally tote if I knew I’d be soaking up warm summer rays and enjoying our lovely tropical weather.

I’d managed to swing by Watsons and SM Department Store for a few essentials, but I got to thinking: What is the quickest way to prepare for the beach without looking like the tide washed you in?

Here are express-beach travel tips to get you packing right-and light.

Hair care

Taking care of your hair on every hot and humid day is key to avoiding split strands and dry fringes. I would’ve wanted to bring my new Kérastase Oleo-Relax Nuit masque—a mane-softening powerhouse that can be used day or night, rinsed off or left on.

I remember years ago, an editor friend would pop open a sachet of Cream Silk conditioner and work it all over her hair before dashing to the beach (rinsing it out only at the end of the day). So if your locks feel brittle at a sunny shindig, head to the nearest sari-sari store for an instant hair treat.

SPF smarts

If you’re diligent with skin care, chances are, your daily moisturizer already contains adequate sun protection.

I rely on my bottle of Olay Total Effects only because the formula is gentle enough to be used at night—meaning, you only have to carry one bottle for all your moisturizing needs. As for body SPF (sun protection factor), I’d traveled with my cousin who has two little girls, so I simply dipped into their Coppertone stash.

Breezy booty

The great thing about sun-drenched trips is that they don’t require many layers of clothing. The same theory applies to bath and body products: the simpler and more streamlined, the better.

Load up your luggage with citrusy washes and light lotions to keep skin smooth, but not sticky. Leave bulky perfume bottles and splash-on breezy colognes instead. Again, feel free to borrow the Denenes and Nenuco from the little ones in your family.

Mariel Chua is former beauty editor of Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, and Ok! Magazine Philippines. Visit her blog at NyMinuteNow.com.

(Original Inquirer article link here.)