Beauty Must-Haves for Camping This Summer
Ah, summer. The season of sun, sand, and… sleeping on the ground in a tent with no bathroom in sight. Camping is nature’s way of reminding us that our comfort zones are for wimps. But just because you’re roughing it doesn’t mean you have to look ugly in nature, right? 😆 Here’s your guide to staying gorg while dodging mosquitoes and sleeping on rocks.
1. Body Sunscreen
You know I would start this blog with sunscreen as the number one item in your camping beauty arsenal, right? 😛 Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is non-negotiable, even when you’re under the shade of tall trees. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Look for one that’s water-resistant and suitable for sensitive skin. Remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Here are all my favorite body sunscreens:
2. Tinted Moisturizer with SPF
A tinted moisturizer with SPF provides light coverage, evens out your skin tone, and protects you from the sun all in one step. The GOAT is Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral SPF 36. I’m in love with this product because it’s hydrating, the tint offers extra protection from visible light, and it’s packed with antioxidants. Plus, it has a blurring effect that leaves my skin even and glowing.
3. Reapplication Sunscreen Mist
Now that you have sunscreen on, you must remember to reapply it. Personally, I prefer using an SPF mist for reapplication since I don’t have to put my dirty hands on my face, and it takes two seconds if you are busy on a hike or swimming. Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Face Mist goes on clear, is lightweight, and smells truly like summertime.
4. SPF Lip Balm
Between the sun, changing temperatures, and swimming, it’s easy for your lips to dry out. I’m a lip balm junkie, so I will have a few SPF lip balms and regular lip balms always on hand.
5. Essential Skincare - Cleanser & Moisturizer
If your campground has running water or a sink (if it is extra fancy) nearby, I highly recommend, at the very least, washing your face at the end of the day. Just think about all the sweat, dirt, sunscreen, lake or salt water, and campfire smoke accumulating on your skin. Ew, no thanks. It's okay to simplify your skincare routine for a few days and stick to the basics. Bring your favorite cleanser and moisturizer, or grab a basic mini Cetaphil face wash and moisturizer from the travel section. Pat dry with a fresh paper towel. Your skin will thank you!
6. Baby Wipes
I kid you not; I bring like five packs of unscented baby wipes when I go camping. I do try to avoid using them on my face and doing a proper cleanse, but I sure as shit will be wiping down all the smelly parts of my body and my feet before I get into my sleeping bag at night.
7. Hydrating Mist
A hydrating mist can be incredibly refreshing on hot summer days. It’s perfect for giving your skin a quick boost of hydration and can help soothe sunburn (which you should not have)😜 or irritation. My ride-or-die is Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin Face Mist. It comes in a bunch of sizes, but the 2oz is perfect for travel and camping. If you want something more than hydration, try a hypochlorous acid mist with antibacterial, antimicrobial, and skin-soothing benefits. It’s particularly lovely for acne-prone skin.
8. Dry Shampoo
If you care about having clean-er-ish hair, then dry shampoo is a fantastic option for camping. It absorbs oil and adds volume, giving your hair a freshly washed look without water.
9. Hair Brush & Hair Ties
Now, if you are like me and embrace dirty hair and will have your hair piled into a bun on the top of your head for the entire time, a hairbrush, hair ties, and a headband are essential for keeping your hair off your face.
10. Body Lotion
For some reason, this is always an overlooked product to bring, but after spending time camping as much as I have at the ocean or lakes through most of California, I always feel dryyyyy at the end of the day. Like human jerky. So, having some nourishing, unscented body moisturizer in a tube is handy. (I say unscented because bugs like perfumes/scents!)
Bonus Tips
Now, if you want to be extra, extra, here are some bonus things you can do to prep before you go camping.
Apply Self Tanner - Exfoliate, get your last shave in, and apply self-tanner to your body. But the real tip is applying it to your face, even if you don’t normally. When you are sans makeup, having a bit of color on your face is a nice way to look alive and not like a sickly child from 1890 with influenza. Adding a few drops of the Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops to your face moisturizer will do the trick.
Tint Brows & Lashes - This is especially delightful if you have light-colored lashes and brows.
Wax - Who is shaving in the forest? Get your pits, and parts waxed to be hair-free your entire trip.
Happy summer and happy camping!
