A winter getaway is something that many people dream about and hope to be able to fit in. Whether you live in Toronto, or any other city out there, a winter getaway can be that little break you need in a long season that basically gives you that spark and reenergizes you. In fact, it can give you that boost you need to get through the rest of the season and cruise right into spring.
If you happen to live in Toronto and you’re looking for a quick winter getaway but don’t necessarily have the time or budget available to travel far, then Montreal can be a fabulous option. It provides visitors with old-world charm, stunning architecture, and a city steeped in incredibly history. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a city in Europe thanks to the cobblestoned walkways, French architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
With all that said, there are a still some things you’ll want to do on your end to ensure that your Montreal getaway is as fun, exciting, intriguing, romantic, and relaxing as you had hoped it would be. One of those things is ensuring you’ve packed the right beauty essentials that will pamper your skin and have you looking fresh and radiant the entire trip.
We’ve gone ahead and compiled a list of all the must-have beauty essentials, plus a few bonus tips that can help with trip planning.
A Hydrating Moisturizer
For those travellers who plan on flying to Montreal from Toronto in order to reach the destination quickly, then one of the most important items you can pack is a hydrating moisturizer. Air travel can be extremely harsh on your skin, stripping it of its much-needed moisture. Your skin can be left looking and feeling dry, it can feel tight and uncomfortable, and even itchy. A good quality hydrating moisturizer will help protect it before the flight and then you can re-apply when you land just to give it that boost it needs.
An added tip during flights to Montreal on popular airlines such as Porter, found at flyporter.com, is to ensure you drink plenty of water during your flight. While the flight is just under an hour, it’s still enough to dehydrate your skin. Flying with Porter is more of a luxurious experience than the typical airline, which means you will have plenty of access to drinks aboard your flight. Be sure to take advantage of the offerings and stay hydrated.
A Thick and Moisturizing Lip Balm
While you’re busy packing that moisturizer for your face, you want to be sure to remember your lips as well. Again, the air travel can dry them out, but once you arrive in Montreal the cold air can certainly do a number on them. To ensure you don’t end up with flaking and cracked lips, carry a lip balm with you at all times and be sure to reapply during the day and before you go to bed.
You may also find it helpful to pack a lip exfoliator just in case your lips need a little extra attention.
If you’re the type that likes to wear the popular liquid matte style lipsticks that dry down, you may want to leave these at home for your trip. These styles of lip products can be drying on the best of days, never mind in the middle of winter in a Canadian city. Instead, choose a hydrating or crème lipstick that will help impart moisture into your lips. They also sell a variety of tinted lip balms which will give your lips color while providing the benefit of a lip balm.
Keep Your Hair Looking and Smelling Fresh with Dry Shampoo
When you’re on your holidays, you don’t always have time to do the same type of beauty routine you do at home. That may mean you skip steps in your makeup application, don’t spend as much time on your hair, and may not even wash it as many times as you would at home.
In order to keep your tresses looking and smelling great, you can always use a volumizing dry shampoo. You can give your hair a few spritzes in the morning and enjoy a refreshed looking style. You can find a wide variety of these shampoos in a handy travel sized container so it won’t even take up much room in your luggage.
A Lightweight Non-Greasy Hand Cream
Hand cream is another one of those beauty essentials that you simply shouldn’t travel without, no matter what the time of year or the destination. Look for one that is lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs into the skin quickly. The last thing you want to be doing is walking around waving your hands in the air doing your best to help it absorb into the skin. You want to be able to apply the cream, see instant results, and have it absorbed immediately.
Always Carry Water with You
Of course, one of the best ways for your skin to look and feel hydrated is by making sure you’re drinking enough water. As you are travelling around the city, sightseeing, shopping, and checking out attractions you may not always have the time to stop in a restaurant and grab a drink. Instead, be sure to carry water with you so that you can sip on it all day long.
With that in mind, you’ll want to use a purse or bag that provides enough space to store a water bottle.
Skip the Heavy Foundation and Use a CC Cream Instead
If you’re the type that never leaves the house without a full face of makeup on, then there’s no doubt you’re already planning which items you need to pack. This leads us to another essential that will help ensure you look your best. Rather than packing a heavy or thick foundation, opt for a CC cream with SPF in it instead.
A CC cream will still give you coverage but is much lighter weight. It will leave your skin glowing, and some even have moisturizing properties in them.
If you get one with SPF in it, then you eliminate that added step and it also means you don’t have to pack a separate SPF lotion.
Cleansing Wipes
The final beauty essential that you’ll want to pack for your Montreal getaway is cleansing wipes. Not only do these do a great job at removing makeup, dirt, and grime, but they are also very easy to pack and you don’t have to worry about anything spilling.
Look for cleansing wipes that claim to be moisturizing and lightweight. You may even want to look for ones that have argan or coconut oil in them, as these do a wonderful job at removing makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
You’ll Be Looking and Feeling Great on Your Holiday
As you count down the days until your holiday in Montreal, be sure to give thought to what your skin will need in order to stay fresh, glowing, and hydrated in the winter weather. Travelling can be extremely stressful on your skin, so by packing the proper essentials you’ll be able to address any issues that may occur.
