People usually fall into two camps: Evangelical campers who can’t stop talking about how good the fresh air is for the soul, and those who would rather spend their time in a live volcano than take up residence in a glorified canvas sack for a week.
But one thing both parties can agree on is that packing for a camping trip is unlike packing for any other holiday. With the car already filled to the brim with outdoor survival essentials (What? A 10-step Korean skincare routine is a ‘non-essential’?) it’s a good idea to make sure everything you’re bringing can pass the ‘do you really need this?’ test from your outdoor-loving friends and family.
So to save you the embarrassment of walking your diffuser and jade roller back inside, here’s what should actually make the cut in your camping beauty kit…
RELATED: The ultimate beauty travel essentials checklist
RELATED: The best makeup minis to travel with
ecostore Complete Care Mouthwash
Although camping is no excuse to stop brushing your teeth twice a day, try keeping some mouthwash in your wash bag for when you need a refresh but don’t want to trek it to the (scary, outdoor, hole in the ground) bathroom. Try one like ecostore Complete Care Mouthwash that helps protect from bad breath – ideal for nixing the fragrant mix of smores and beer.
Manicare 3 Way Make-Up Mirror
The single most annoying thing about camping isn’t the screaming kids or the mosquitos, it’s the lack of mirrors. Save yourself the trouble of trying to muscle your way to the front of the communal bathroom by packing the Manicare 3 Way Make-Up Mirror. You’ll be finished your face and hair before even stepping outside your tent.
Syrene Skincare Travel Companion
Camping is a holiday that requires heavy-duty packing (think bulky items like coats, beanies and boots), leaving little room for full-sized beauty products. A mini-set like the Syrene Skincare Travel Companion will keep your skin in check, and save you from trying to stuff cleanser into your socks.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream is a CC+ Cream with SPF50
In the essence of light packing, the more benefits a product can provide the better. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream is a CC+ Cream with SPF50 can be your foundation, color corrector, primer, concealer and day cream. So if you don’t want to go entirely without makeup, but you do want a natural look, this will give you a fresh and dewy finish that doesn’t look like you’re wearing a heavy base.
Dermal Therapy™ Crystal Deodorant
Dermal Therapy™ Crystal Deodorant is a natural deodorant that actually passes the hardest test: the air conditioner-free zone that is a camping trip. You might have to reapply a couple of times throughout the day, but the fact the formula is alcohol-free, aluminum-free, and won’t irritate sensitive skin makes it worth it.
Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Gel
Even the most diligent sunscreen applicants can fall victim to a camping sunburn, thanks to the sheer volume of hours you’ll be spending outside. If you accidentally get a little roasted, keep some Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Gel on hand for an instant cooling sensation and to protect your skin from peeling.
WaterWipes Facial Wipes
WaterWipes Facial Wipes aren’t just great for cleaning your face, they’re also a great tool to have on hand for the classic camping ‘wet wipe shower’ (if you think that’s gross, never step inside the toilets at a music festival). Wet wipes are also super handy for cleaning up spills, wiping down surfaces and sanitising your hands before eating. Best to bring a couple of packets.
NatraSan Antibacterial Instant Hand Sanitiser
With all the shared amenities that come with camping, you need a powerful antibacterial hand sanitiser to make sure you keep any bugs (not of the mosquito variety, the can’t-get-off-the-toilet variety) away. A natural one like NatraSan Antibacterial Instant Hand Sanitiser will kill 99.99% of germs without drying out your hands.
Key Sun Zinke Sunscreen Insect Repellent
A multi-tasking superhero, the Key Sun Zinke Sunscreen Insect Repellent isn’t just a high protection sunscreen, it’ll also stop mozzies feasting on your flesh whenever they’re looking for a you-shaped snack.
Lilysilk Silk Sleep Eye Mask
If you don’t wish to be rudely awakened at the crack of dawn by the sun streaming through your canvas roof, pack a sleeping mask. A silk one like Lilysilk Silk Sleep Eye Mask is extra gentle on the face and won’t leave any creases.
Bonus points if you also remember earplugs to drown out the 5am game of kids’ touch footy, or the 11pm acoustic crooner who only knows how to play ‘Wonderwall’.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle
The less time you have to spend time in the showers the better, so put some time between hair washes by packing Klorane’s Dry Shampoo with Nettle. The nettle will help control oil while the micronized powders have absorbing properties. Within a couple of minutes of use, your hair will look light and with renewed volume.
everything including hand santiser and especially SPF and hot chocolate is what I would take on a camping trip