I don't know about you, but a camping trip is one time when I really don't feel like I have to present myself in a certain way- whether that is as a professional, a wife, or a mom. I can be relaxed and minimal, focused on fun and family.
That said, I'm not an ‘all natural' kind of gal.
I pack a few beauty products to bring camping to protect my skin when we are exploring the great outdoors, but also to look nice if we happen to head into a nearby town for dinner or a grocery run.
The Minima-List: Camping Skincare & Makeup Essentials
Because ‘roughing it' doesn't mean you can't be pretty!
I'm no beauty editor, but these are the essentials I take camping to protect my skin and keep me feeling presentable.
I tote all my beauty essentials in this Timeless Beauty Bag by Thirty-One (now discontinued). I like the big zippered pockets, the fact that it rolls up, and that I can hang it practically anywhere.
As you can see, there isn't a load of stuff in here. And much of it you probably recognize. So I'll just work my way down the bag…
- CC Cream or BB Cream- this is an absolute MUST. CC stands for color correction and BB for beauty balm, and a good cc or bb cream will even your skin tone while providing sun protection. It's a perfect glamping product! My favorite is IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50.
- Toothpaste – this goes without saying, right?
- Coconut Oil – I fill a small container before every trip. (Sometimes I will even take the large jar!) I use coconut oil for so many things! It's my mascara remover, the base for my essential oils, a moisturizer, a soother for bug bites…
- Eyelash Curler – my one vice. I never go anywhere without mascara.
- Facial Moisturizer – after dealing with adult acne, I'm very careful about my moisturizer. My dermatologist recommends Vanicream Light Lotion for Sensitive Skin, which I use during the day. At night I like something to replenish my skin, so I use Secret Sauce by IT Cosmetics.
- Lip Balm – be sure it contains sun protection! I recommend Sun Bum with SPF 30. If you like a tinted lip try Fresh Sugar tinted lip treatment. I like Honey, but there are a few shades.
- Essential Oils – yep, I'm one of ‘those' people. I just prefer to not put things in my body if I don't have to. You'll find the oils I never leave home without listed later in this article.
- Mascara – as I said… I never go anywhere without it. For outdoor activities a waterproof mascara is a must. I use Maybelline SnapScara which is more like a tubing mascara- it doesn't move until you take it off!
- Toothbrush – because… obviously.
- Bobby pins & hair ties– to keep my hair back if I'm not wearing a hat.
- Shampoo & Conditioner – placed into travel size bottles. No running water? Try a dry shampoo. I like Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair Dry Cleaning Spray.
- Facial Cleansing Wipes (aka makeup removing wipes) – easier than soap & water and just as effective. These are the CVS brand, but there are so many to choose from.
- Cleanser for face & body – so I'm not toting too much I use the Vanicream Cleansing Bar (dermatologist recommended).
Not Pictured:
- Sun Protection – I always wear a hat (see the best hats for outdoor adventures) and use Vanicream Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen (again, recommended by my dermatologist).
- Deodorant – a must. I like the Love Beauty & Planet naturals.
- Bug Spray – read more about how to Banish Bugs at Your Campsite
Essential Oils for Camping
A note on essential oils. I only share how I use oils, and offer no claims of treatment or guarantees of miracles. This is what works for my family.
- Carrot Seed – I mix a drop of this with my moisturizer and/or coconut oil as a sunscreen.
- Lavender – Soothing. A drop on the pillow at night. I will also rub this on sprains and use it on bug bites.
- Lemon – A nice mix in to water. I also use this in insect repellent.
- Peppermint – Again, a refreshing addition to water on a hot day. Also useful in insect repellent.
- Lemongrass – Used on bad sprains or an injury that may bruise; in conjunction with lavender, peppermint, and copaiba.
- Purification – I diffuse this in our RV to get rid of nasty odors (think old campfire, wet bathing suits, or sweaty clothes).
- Thieves – We use this mainly as an anti-bacterial for cleaning or in place of hand sanitizer.
- Copaiba – I use this on injuries that may cause bruising.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this article!