Are you Vain about your Vanity (bags)?

It often happens that when I’m packing, whether it’s for travel, work, or a regular day, I always leave my trusty vanity bag for the last. In my head, I’m always thinking, pack all the big stuff, or get ready first and then you could just throw all these things together and rush out the door.

And needless to confirm, every time I’ve done that, I’ve always forgotten something necessary. Take today morning, for instance, I took out my trust Tangle Teezer from my makeup bag, brushed my hair and thinking if I put it right there on there on my dressing table, I’ll put in the bag after I’ve packed my laptop and the charger. And what happened? I left my brush at home, only to remember when I got to work and to brush my hair before a meeting. The hair tie came in handy as I managed a “purposely” messy bun.

There are several occasions where we forget to pack the little things, even if it’s not going to be a rainy day (pun-intended if you’re thinking I definitely sound like the kind who forgets her umbrella as she’s packing for Mumbai’s monsoon).

Different occasions will call different requirements, your everyday vanity won’t be ideal if you’re travelling or spending the day at the beach. Here are my recommendations on things you’ll need.

Sunglasses Edit

If you’ve lived in Dubai for a whole year, you know that sunglasses can be worn literally throughout the year. So, my search for sunglasses landed me on a few favourites!

GLASSING’S WEARE Sun Otto in Kristal

GLASSING’s WEARE Dubai Collection AED 1,150

GLASSING’S GP Collection AED 1,299

Namshi, Quay Eyewear AED 165

& Other Stories, round sunglasses AED 139

NAMSHI, Ginger AED 85 

 

 

Beach Bag: What to put in there!

I was thinking, and while most of my plans to the beach are super imprompt, I keep forgetting what to really take with me. So, I thought, why not make a little check-list for beach days!

Beach Tote: this is where a good beach day resides. Not by the beach, but by this. This is where everything goes!

Sunglasses: it’ll be sunny, don’t question it- just keep it.

Hat: And you know a hat to keep you safe from the sun- even if you’re planning to tan. You wouldn’t want to be with a headache and be the only one missing post-beach drinks!

Swim-wear: Often, when unplanned- this is what I actually forget to carry to the beach. I’m not even kidding. So, this is definitely one for this list!

Sandals!: You can carry all the chappals you want, but this little baby will transform you from beach day to post-beach night drinks wear 😉

Beach Towel/mat: This is where you plop your bum down and pretend to be enjoying the sun.

Good reads: This is what actually helps you through the beach day. I NEVER forget a book when I go to the beach. I’ve forgotten beach towels, swimwear, extra pair of shoes, even sunscreen- but, I’ve never been without a book!

Cover up: A quick cover-up that you can throw over your swim wear is always required! Especially, if you live in Dubai!

A quick change of clothes: I always carry a quick dress or shorts and tee so I can be ready to go somewhere else, which is always the case.

Sunscreen: Let me break it to you- in Dubai, you must always, always have, wear and carry sunscreen. Fin

Hairties and anklets: Because I like carrying colourful things! Haha

Travel: Summer’s Beauty Necessities!

Summer’s already here in Dubai, and it only means one thing- it’s travel time! Whenever I am packing my bags, I always look at the weather to decide on what clothes and shoes to keep. But, the weather condition also kinda guides me on what skin and hair care products I might need there. So, if you’re traveling somewhere like Dubai this summer (Although honestly, it’s scorching heat where you can’t exactly be walking outside and enjoying the many pleasantries in Dubai!), there’s a bunch of things I suggest you carry:

1. Sunscreen lotion
   
   It’s so hot and sunny, and you wouldn’t like your tanned skin when it is peeling and painful! I’ve been using the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer (SPF 50) Sunscreen since forever and it’s one of my favourites. It’s super light and super effective!
2. Lip Balm
   Those chapped lips aren’t gonna fix themselves. If you can, carry a lip scrub! The Lush Bubblegum lip scrub is one for the keeps! The Nuxe lip balm is also always in my travel case!
3. Hair ties!
   
   I am literally never without additional hair ties. I first bought the Invisibobble hair ties at the train station in St. Petersburg and to say I’m obsessed with them in an understatement. They are the nicest hair ties ever. Especially for travelling because they don’t leave any kind of impressions on your hair. The number of times I’ve whipped my hair back and forth for a selfie is crazy!
4. Tangle Teezer
   I don’t think you should buy it just for travel- but mostly because it is the most brilliant invention ever. Never before have I used a brush which detangled my hair so easily (and painlessly) in one go. Also bought this baby at the St. Petersburg train station and it turned out to be one of the best buys ever. It’s always in my purse- wherever I am.
5. Face Wipes
   Look, it’s simple. If you’re travelling- you are going to need these. I’ve tried several, and I always keep coming back to Neutrogena makeup remover wipes. They’re perfect and have kinda ruined me even when it comes to day-to-day cleaning. They are very effective and not only make up but the face’s impurities.
6. Moisturiser
   The travel always takes a toll on my skin- face and body. The flight makes it dry and patchy. I always carry like a tiny scoop in my purse (the allowed amount!) and a slightly bigger version in my suitcase.
   For face, honestly, you should use whatever suits your skin best- based on the type of skin you’ve got. I’m not a beauty expert, so I can’t even begin to explain you why you should use a certain cream. 
   For your hands and body, I can make a recommendation. The Lush Dream Cream is a dream for the body. I usually put a scoop just before I crash and wake up with smoother, hydrated skin. Another one to use is the Lush Pot (Lush Charity Pot), but its not available right now at the Lush stores.
7. Washing stuff: Facial Cleanser, Shampoo and Conditioner
   Even if I know I’m staying at the fanciest hotels, I still prefer to carry my own wash stuff. Now, again, I’m not going to make a recommendation for this one- because you know your face, scalp and hair needs better. And I’m not a beauty expert to make a suggestion. What I can suggest is- I buy tinnier empty bottles, usually from Daiso or Carrefour and transfer my necessities into those. It’s easier to carry, and you only put it the amount you actually will use.
8. Toner Spray
   This is a fairly new addition in my travel bags- but one I savour. It just refreshes and tones your skin. You can even spray it on your hair to make them look refreshed and happy. I’ve tried several- but my favourite is the Caudalie Grape Water- mostly because it’s soft and smells delicious! Again- please choose another one if you’ve got super sensitive skin!!
   

6 Things to Pack if You’re Coming to Dubai in the Summer

Most countries have a few months that are known as the “tourist season”, in Dubai it’s all-year around. And with summer break coming, there are so many people flying into Dubai to travel and visit the futuristic city. With temperatures easily crossing 45 celsius, it’s only going to get hotter.

Living in Dubai, we know what to carry around to survive, so I thought why not do a piece on what to carry to Dubai in the summer!

1. Sunscreen
   
   Whether you are planning to soak in the sun or not, the sun is going to soak you in its rays. Carry good sunscreen that isn’t too oily on the skin (because it wouldn’t look flattering in the pictures).
   In case you forget, every supermarket and medical store have a good collection to choose from.
2. Umbrella-ella-ella-eh-eh-eh (and hats and sunglasses)
   
   If you want to see the sights and walk around the town- even if for 10 minutes- listen to Rihanna and stand under an umbrella. Whenever I take the metro, I’d rely upon my trusty (pink) umbrella to save me from the scorching heat and an impending migraine.
3. A light cardigan
   
   It might be cold outside, but it will be freezing inside the malls- especially Dubai Mall (because of the ice rink) and Mall of the Emirates (because of Ski Dubai). Make sure you carry a little cardigan- especially if you get cold quickly like I do!
4. A Map
   
   Or you know Google maps- if you’ve got a data plan. It’s very normal to sit in a taxi only for the driver to tell you that it’s his first day at work. It’s very common for it to take a while!
5. A Light Bottle of Water
   
   It is hot and you will get very thirsty. Do I need to explain more? You will pretty much get a bottle of water on every supermarket, metro station marts and more- but it’s just smarter to carry a small bottle in the bag everywhere.
6. Larger (empty) Suitcase
   
   Especially if you are coming to visit during the Summer Sale- with everything tax free, you will end up buying things you will never use.

 

Did you pack these? The 6 things you can’t travel without

So, I’m packing for my trip that I’m leaving for in less than 48 hours – and I am still running around looking for things. And the idea of the little things that we almost always forget came to my mind.

When we are packing- we concentrate on the more visible things- documents, outfits, shoes, accessories, skincare/beauty essentials, so we tend to forget the little things until we are already in the middle of our travel and saying, “Ah, damn it!”.

These little things, that I always should pack- but I forget- most of the time.

1. Extra hair ties!
   I always forget to carry extra hair ties- I’ve ended up buying during my travels because the one I was wearing broke- and the spare that I wore on my hand is about to break.
2. TOOTHBRUSH!
   Okay, I can’t believe myself on not putting this first. But, that’s because I always forget to carry my toothbrush. Yeah, I know all hotels stock toothbrushes in the loo- but I can’t remember one time that I’ve actually remembered to carry it. Eh maybe you will.
3. Tampons and Sanitary Napkins
   These- I never travel without. Even if I know I might not need them, I still take them with me.
4. Safety pins
   If you didn’t think you needed these nifty little buggers- think again. You’re carrying a limited number of clothes- any rips/tears or emergencies- they’ll come in handy! Mine mostly help in changing the sim card for my phones!
5. Band-aids, crepe band-aid and muscle pain relief cream. 
   For someone as clumsy as me- THIS is a necessity. Every country/city I’ve been to- I’ve twisted my ankle or injured by falling on my knees.
6. Small stain remover
   If you are packing band aids- it’s a safe bet to say you might be from the clumsy club like me. Keep a little bar of stain remover to get rid of any coffee stains and more!
   

Travel Friendly Shoes

While we are busy packing clothes, beauty essentials, the only two bags you’d really only use, one of 3 passport cases you have, and other things- we tend to just stuff in the shoes- sometimes without a lot of thought. But really, how are you going to walk in heeled boots throughout the day without crying with pain after 3 hours of wandering. No number of amazing pictures will match the aching pain you’ll have every step of the way.

After a lot of travels, and some unfortunate choices of footwear, here are my suggestions for when you’re packing for your next travel.

1. Sneakers
   
   Comfortable sneakers that you can do pretty much anything in are the key. I carried some really heavy sneakers that didn’t really add to the purpose- so I ended up buying new sneakers/trainers when I was in St. Petersburg to make the rest of the trip easier.
2. Ballerina Flats and Espadrilles
   

   

   Picture from Weheartit.com

   I actually never travel without a pair of these. I have some very comfortable pairs that I especially keep for my travels that I walk in. They are versatile (the right ones, at least!), they look pretty and go with pretty much anything- dresses, skirts, pants, jeans.

3. Boots
   

   

   Picture from Weheartit.com

   If you’re packing boots, better pack tall boots for somewhere with a cold climate. I carried my pair of fancy boots to Rovaniemi, they had a little back heel in them- and after 2 hours of exploring the city in my boots, I walked back to the hotel and swapped them in for my trusty sneakers. Carry boots- because they can be functional and fashionable but make sure they are flat and comfortable for longer than 10-12 hours!

4. Sandals
   
   They are actually perfect if you’re going somewhere beach-y and hot. Because if it’s really hot- ballerinas and sneakers can get sweaty- and that’s never good. There are some really pretty ones that you can go for!
5. Flip Flops
   
   Don’t get me wrong- I’m a sucker for hotel room slippers- but I still like to carry my flip-flops whenever I’m travelling to somewhere I know I’ll be in the water at some point. They are actually especially perfect for beach days!

 

Travel Essentials for me

When packing for more than 3 days, we all have mental checklists of items to carry. These are the most basic items that we most definitely will need when we travel.

I’m a little OCD. If I could, I would carry everything- basically my whole house- with me. But, I can’t. Also, this is one of the reasons why I don’t think I’d ever be able to do any backpacking. Mostly, because a backpack won’t be able to hold the million things I travel with. But these items below, I can’t imagine travelling without!

1. My passport. DUH.
2. My camera. I love my camera- I’m an amateur photographer- who tried to listen to unlimited podcasts, read about photography and do a lot more research on improving my skills. I can’t imagine travelling without my DSLR.
3. Earphones. I’m a very social person, but the best way for me to really enjoy a place is to put on some music and walk around like I’m in a movie singing that song. Are there any songs with Bollywood dance sequences I imagine myself in? Yes.
4. A good book. As much as I love staring out of the window to the clouds, I love reading my romance novels. I always have a book (or two) that I carry for any trip.
5. Diary and a pen. I like penning my thoughts on occasion. And my favourite muse is travel. I like to make incessant notes about my travel, or anything that inspires me to write.
6. My little vanity bag. Umm. I like to look a little presentable when I’m travelling- or at least look like I’m making some effort. While, I’m not a beauty fanatic or know-it-all, there are a few things I simply can’t travel without:
   – Neutrogena Facial soap
   I’ve been using this baby since I was 15 years old, and needless to say, I’m still very loyal to it, mostly because it’s suited my skin really well and really done wonders for any funny zits around that time of the month.
   
   – Shampoo and Conditioner
   There are lots of people who are crazy about using and collection hotel shampoos and conditioners- I’m just not that person. I bought these tiny bottles that I keep refilling for every trip- but I carry my own shampoo and conditioner to keep my hair and scalp healthy and happy. *does a little hair flip* Currently, since the last 6 months, I’ve been absolutely obsessed with Lush’s Rehab shampoo and American Cream conditioner. So I carry them in little bottles everywhere.
   
   

   

   – VICCO Turmeric cream
   Most of you might not know this, but this is my miracle moisturiser for my face. And if you’re Indian and don’t know this- you are bizzzzzzare. My maternal grandma used to use it for as long as I can remember. I started using it after she passed away because it smelt like her- it’s been some 6 years, and I still love it. It’s like a little bb cream that works for my skin.
   – Make up
   Again, I’m not a beauty fanatic or genius, but I’m all for trying fun make-up brands. I’ll at any point have a lip colour, concealer, bb cream, blush, liner, mascara and highlighter in my make up bag. Although, I’d probably only use the lip colour- but I’d still carry it everywhere. The BEST lip colour to carry is Huda Beauty’s lip matte. They are amazing. They stay on the lips for FOREVER, so you don’t need to do any retouching and they are matte- just the way I like my lip colours!
   – A bazillion hair ties
   I think I have pretty much donated a hair tie in every single hotel I’ve ever been in.

7. Sanitary Napkins- do I need to explain why?
   
8. Crepe Bandage and other emergency first aid crap
   I’m the clumsiest person ever. I’ve fallen and really badly bruised my knees in Moscow, my ankle in Goa, my knees again in Jordan, my ankle again in Singapore, my hand in Singapore, my knees in Kashmir, had an incredibly bad and viral case of warts on both my feet in Maldives (don’t ask- it was bad) .
   
   

What are somethings you can’t travel without? Let me know! Until then…