I just returned from what my husband and I have deemed to be our annual “forced relaxation vacation.” As someone who is truly terrible at relaxing due to an unrelenting need to be on the go, this is the one vacation per year that doesn’t entail walking a minimum of 10 miles per day. The trip is always short, but oh so sweet - and I say this as I daydream of having a margarita in hand that only tastes that good in Cabo. Take me back!
The goal for this trip is always to pack light and keep it simple, so I focus more on ensuring that I have the right skincare and beauty essentials to make relaxing by the beach feel as easy and breezy as it should.
First Up: Suncare
While I never leave the house without my tinted Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C (the universal, sheer luminosity shade is perfection), this trip, I added some SPF gifted to me by my k-beauty angel and friend. Round Lab’s Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen in SPF 50 passes the Acne App non-comedogenic ingredient test with flying colors. I don’t find it to be greasy or shiny, so it’s easy to layer under makeup. It’s also more wallet friendly than most face sunscreens on the market.

Next was my SPF lip care, which I discovered during a trip to Heyday. Image MD now has an SPF 15 lip sunscreen that I used on repeat. I’ve tried so many SPF lip brands over the years and often struggle with the product taste. This one doesn’t taste like anything, so the experience is completely pleasant. No surprise since I’m already a fan of their Ormedic Balancing Lip Balm.
Next: The Glow
Minimal makeup always feels most appropriate when seaside and in the evenings, accentuating the subtle glow from the extra dose of vitamin D always feels like the best play.
This trip, I used three products. The first was Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlight Stick in Nectar. My friend introduced this to me prior to leaving and it provided such a nice sheen.

My other favorite product is rms beauty’s Master Radiance Base. It gives an all-over-glow that is easy to blend with makeup or incorporate for highlights along your cheeks. I find this to be a bit more matte vs. the Westman Lit Up stick.

When it comes to the eyes, Ilia’s Liquid Powder Chromatic Tint is just right for warmer vacations since it has such strong staying power. The glaze color is nice for highlighting the inner eye. My everyday color is cork - I’m officially on my 2nd order.

Finally: The Gold
Nothing makes one feel like a golden glow goddess like the ultimate accessory, gold jewelry - especially since it’s resilient to sunscreens, salty air and water, and pool water. On this front, I always say invest in pieces you love and that feel authentic to you. Ideally they’re ones you’ll wear over and over for many years to come. Everything packed for this trip I’ve cherished for quite some time.

Cheers to embracing that glow.
x
jz
Images | @b.g.mckay
This post contains some affiliate links. Please note that all recommendations and opinions are my own.
_________________________
Looking for a gift? Check out picks below $50 and items for the ultimate hostess with the mostest. And these guides all have female-founded options across capsule wardrobe fashion, luxe style, beauty, home decor, food, and general gifting
Need a gift for your favorite guys? You’ll find recommendations here and here
Read more about my morning with stylist Allison Bornstein IRL - part 1 and part 2
Packing tips for your upcoming trip can be discovered here and here for a recent trip to Paris, plus options and accessories for the beach, sunny cities like Miami, and perfect summer totes for every occasion
And if you’re a modern classics lover like me and seeking timeless pieces, you’ll love this analysis of Camille’s style from Emily in Paris, plus this and this. And if you’re a fan of denim on denim, look no further