My pre-travel beauty rituals aren’t just about looking good, they’re about feeling grounded and confident no matter where my adventures take me.
Traveling is part of how I stay grounded in myself as a woman, a mom, and everything in between. I recently scrolled past an Instagram post that said “Millennials skipping their midlife crisis and going straight to traveling like they’re retired,” and I felt that in my soul. Whether I’m planning a quick weekend getaway to a boutique hotel or a week-long luxury travel escape, those precious hours before I leave are about more than just packing; they’re about preparing to show up as my best self. And let’s be clear: this isn’t about perfection. It’s about feeling good in my own skin while exploring new places or revisiting old favorites.
I’ll walk you through my pre-travel beauty rituals that help me step off any plane, train, or automobile feeling put-together and ready for whatever the journey brings. I’ll be sharing some of my tried-and-true products (yes, with some affiliate links, mama’s gotta fund these getaways somehow!) that have earned permanent spots in my travel prep routine.
Why Beauty Prep Isn’t Just for the Beach
Let’s talk about why I put effort into my beauty routine before traveling and why you might want to consider it too. For me, travel is an act of self-care; why not extend that mindset to how I prepare?
These rituals aren’t just about appearance. They’re about mood, confidence, and mindset. When I’ve taken time for myself before a trip, I step into new environments feeling more present and less self-conscious. There’s something powerful about knowing you’ve dedicated time to yourself before dedicating time to an experience.
Whether I’m hopping on a plane for a solo getaway or loading up the car for a family road trip, feeling polished (not perfect!) sets the tone for how I experience everything that follows. It’s like setting an intention for the journey.
My Travel Beauty Rituals
Here’s my no-nonsense breakdown of what happens before my suitcase is even zipped:
Fresh and Styled Hair: Crown First
I always start with a fresh ‘do because there’s nothing like good hair to kick off a trip. Growing up in Bed-Stuy taught me to never sleep on the power of well-maintained hair.
My style choice completely depends on the trip length and destination vibe:
- Braids for beach vacations and low-humidity spots. Why? Because silk presses don’t stand a chance against sea salt and moisture. Plus, the versatility means I can be in and out of the water without a second thought.
- Curly weave is another beach vacation go-to. It can get wet and still look amazing, giving me that carefree style similar to braids but with a different look.
- Silk press strictly for city breaks and low-humidity areas. Nothing ruins a silk press faster than humidity turning it into an unplanned afro! This style can’t get wet, which means I break out my Hairbrella (shout out to this Black-owned business!) if there’s any pool or water activity planned.
Waxing: Smooth & Simple
This part of my routine is non-negotiable:
- DIY underarms with my Gigi Hard Wax Kit have become second nature. The results last longer than shaving and I’ve got my technique down to a science now.
- Brazilian wax from a professional is worth every penny before any trip. I used to do this myself, too, but let’s be real: I’m older and less flexible, and my 5-year-old doesn’t understand the concept of bathroom privacy yet. I don’t need to traumatize her with that visual!
Why bother? Comfort, confidence, and one less daily maintenance task while I’m trying to enjoy my vacation.
Nails: My DIY Apres Setup
Have you seen the costs of a full set of nails lately? No thank you! My Apres Gel-X in Coffin Shape has been a game-changer:
There’s definitely a learning curve, but I’ve mastered the technique and regularly get asked where I had them done. The look on people’s faces when I say “I did it” is priceless.
Melody Susie Gel Polish [Amazon link] has become my go-to for seasonal colors that are opaque and easy to apply.
My nail prep tools [Amazon link] make all the difference in how professional the finished product looks.
If you’re curious about the process, I actually have a quick tutorial over on my TikTok that walks through my nail routine.
Pedicure: At-Home Luxe
Even in boots-only weather, my toes are always done:
- Maccibelle Salon Foot Pumice and Scrubber [Amazon link – 3-pack for $3.99] keeps my feet summer-ready year-round. For serious winter foot revival, I’ll use the BabyFeet foot peel when nobody’s going to witness the not-so-glamorous shedding phase!
- My cuticle game stays tight with the MR.GREEN Cuticle Nippers [Amazon link – $18.90] for clean edges.
- Always gel polish because who has time for chips and touch-ups while exploring?
- My feet are done year-round even if I’m not heading to a beach resort. There’s something about having soft feet and colorful toes that just elevates my mood. My husband notices too, and for those surprise date nights during trips? I stay ready so I don’t have to get ready.
Hair Removal: Legs & Arms
- Nair [affiliate link] is my ride-or-die for quick, effective hair removal. I’m not naturally very hairy, but when a swimsuit is involved, smooth legs are a must.
- Side note: I recently tried HERS oral hair growth supplements that had my body growing hair in places I’d never seen before! Nair helped me manage that unexpected side effect until I stopped the supplements. Thank God things are back to normal now!
Why I DIY (Mostly)
You might be wondering why I don’t just book a spa day before traveling. Here’s why my bathroom becomes a beauty station before trips:
- Cost savings are real. Not everything needs a salon price tag, especially when you’re already budgeting for fine dining experiences and boutique hotel stays.
- It’s genuinely cathartic. This is my me-time. I put on a playlist, pour a glass of something nice, and get into it. There’s something meditative about focusing on these rituals.
- I’m actually good at it. Beauty-related things come naturally to me—I used to be a makeup artist, after all. I surprise myself with the nail designs I create, and the compliments don’t hurt either!
But here’s the thing, this works for me. If DIY beauty isn’t your thing, book those appointments and enjoy every minute. The goal isn’t to follow my routine exactly; it’s to find what makes you feel prepared and confident.
My Travel Beauty Checklist
Here’s my essential pre-travel beauty checklist that keeps me looking and feeling my best on the road:
- [ ] Hair styled appropriately for destination climate
- [ ] Waxing completed (underarms and Brazilian)
- [ ] Nails done with design appropriate for destination
- [ ] Pedicure with gel polish
- [ ] Leg/arm hair removal as needed
- [ ] Satin bonnet or travel silk pillowcase [affiliate link]
- [ ] Travel-size shea butter body oil [affiliate link]
- [ ] My signature rollerball fragrance [affiliate link]
- [ ] Emergency beauty kit: nail file, tweezers, mini deodorant, edge control
Finding Your Own Travel Beauty Rhythm
At the end of the day, beauty prep isn’t shallow; it’s intentional, personal, and when I feel good, I travel even better. This Brooklyn girl turned suburban mom has learned that maintaining these rituals isn’t about impressing anyone else; it’s about honoring the fact that how I present myself to the world matters to me.