Fun, laughter and relaxation are what we look forward to while planning on a trip to some exotic location. But by the time we get back, we end up looking like charcoals! Basking in the sun is what we love to do whether we are in a beach or a place where the temperature refuses to rise above zero degree. Just because you are in a mood to unwind, you don’t have to give up looking good!

Heat is On
Gone are the days when sunscreens were unheard of. In presence of UV rays, there is no way you can save your skin unless and until you cover it up. Sunscreen does this job wonderfully. “When you are outside you should apply a sunscreen irrespective of the temperature as it protects your skin,” agrees Clint Fernandes, Lakme makeup expert. But stepping out of your hotel room with just a protection on your skin is incomplete. Applying some makeup won’t harm you in any way. “Use gel base or compact foundations as these don’t turn messy in heat. To avoid oily skin apply loose powder or translucent powder over the foundation. Then use water proof mascara and powder eye makeup. Choose pastel colors with different shades of brown, gold, peach and beige. For
lips, use natural colored lip-gloss or a smooth lipstick in neutral colors. To compliment the sunny skin apply bronzer,” suggests Kashmira Mobedji, Chambor makeup artist.

Cool Escape
Watching the snowfall or simply taking a walk with your loved ones in a chilly place is a great way to take time off but with skin drying up, the pleasant experience soon transforms into unpleasant one. Moisturizing your face before applying any makeup is a must. This will help to rehydrate your skin and makeup always stays on for long hours on a well moisturized face. “Use liquid foundation instead of powdered foundation, and a translucent loose powder on top. Use a lip conditioner before applying lipstick and always use a moisturizing lipstick. Choosing a long lasting, building mascara will help to open eyes and define features. A liquid liner is a quick fix for make-up. An illuminating product can help to give skin a glow in the cold weather. Dotted over blusher or used to highlight cheek bones this can give a fresh look back to tired skin,” advices Tashnu Khariwala, Brand Manager of Shiseido.

Do It Right
Most of us can’t do without foundation but on application of the same, sometimes our face appears to have grown in size or our complexion seems to have changed for the worse! “You need to choose correct foundation. Now-a-days each brand has trained people who can guide you while selecting a makeup product. For foundation you can put a dot on your forehead. If it is invisible then it is your colour. It should blend with your complexion,” says Fernandes. With skin that produces huge amount oil, it becomes important to control it or make it less visible. “Apply a light layer of pressed powder to set the makeup and to keep shine and oil to a minimum. Powder will also help keep makeup on longer,” says Khariwala. To enhance your eyes, a single coat of mascara is sufficient and for lips, a gloss is enough which will keep your lips fresh all day.

Carry Comfort 
Traveling with ‘n’ number of bags is never convenient and to carry a vanity box to all the places is not a good idea but at the same time you don’t want to miss out on things that can accentuate your looks. “You’ll need a few basics such as mascara, lip gloss and a base for the skin, then everything else should be dual-purpose. A good moisturizer is essential, so choose one that you can wear a little or a lot depending on what your skin needs at any given time. You can also mix moisturizer with your usual foundation or concealer to create a lightweight base that’s more comfortable and beats the parched, dry air of an airplane,” says Mobedji. Getting your hands on lipsticks which will stay for long will be an add-on. Mascara is good to go for eyes but if you want to add colours to your peepers try skipping the eye shadow and settle with colour pencils. “They are easy to carry and are more versatile. Four pencils are what you need and then you can mix those colours,” says Fernandes.


 
Culturally Sensitive
• As Clint Fernandes, Lakme makeup expert believes it is not only important to understand the climate of a place but also its culture.

• While in religious towns you should keep makeup minimal, in Middle East you can play with various makeup products as women there naturally wear a lot of makeup.

• European countries are more about lipsticks, mascaras and compact so avoid applying kohl and bindis there.

• In Bangkok, overdoing makeup can be considered to be rude.


Makeup Aid

• For liquid or cream makeup such as foundation or blush, sponge applicators are best. Sponges provide an even distribution of makeup that’s even better than your fingers. The variety of sponge shapes is wide with the wedge being the most popular. Wedge shapes can get into difficult areas such as under the eyes or the corners of your nose without discomfort.

• Powder Brush – This is big and round and so soft!  They’ll set your powder with the perfect finish.  This one is a must have.

• Blush Brush - These are smaller than the powder brushes with either rounded or tapered ends.  It’s a matter of preference which one you use.  You can use this if you ever want to do some contour facial effects with your brush and bronzers.
 
 
With makeup products to applicators, all in  place you can look fabulous even during your break time but don’t forget to slip in makeup remover as you don’t want to rely on soaps or face wash to remove all the chemicals from your face.