Spring Break Essentials

Let’s be honest. This winter has been brutally long and incredibly cold. But thankfully March is here, which means one thing: SPRING BREAK.

It’s that time of the year when most people venture further west or down south in hopes of enjoying some quality time on the beach. With a few spring breaks under my belt, I have learned that being prepared for your week of relaxation in the sun requires a little bit of pre-planning. There are three essential categories that every gal needs to keep in mind when packing for the ultimate spring break vacay: skin care, hair care and entertainment.

SUNKISSED SUN: 

 As we all know, the most basic tip to having forever-youthful skin is simply taking care of it. (Much easier said than done!) Although I have a pretty solid skin care regimen, I feel it’s important to change things up a bit when the warmer weather hits. For most of us, spring break is our first extended amount of time in the sun since the previous summer. While vitamin D is necessary and desirable during this time of the year, make sure you place the same value on keeping your skin protected and hydrated.

An absolute skin care essential is great sun block!  I’ve grown quite fond of the Neutrogena Beach Defense stick because it’s totally mess-free. A conditioning lip balm is also essential, as the lips are highly sensitive and can sunburn easily. For post-sun adventures, I find it important to rehydrate the skin with a facial cleansing cloth and some moisturizer on both the face and the entire body.

 HAIR HYDRATION: 

Another beauty area to consider when preparing for spring break is your hair care regimen for the week! Many {myself included} become so focused on skin care that we forget that our hair needs some special attention when in the sun. Without proper care, your hair can become dried and damaged, so the easiest protective measure you can take is hydrating it! Rather than using your everyday shampoo and conditioner, opt for a thicker and more smoothing choice. I’d also recommend a lightweight oil you can quickly spray on your hair prior to heading out in the sun.

Beachy weather screams messy buns and ponytails.  However, pulling the hair back consistently without proper hydration can cause damage to your strands. When pulling your hair up, be sure to do it loosely with the strongest hair tie possible. My recommendation would be Goody’s Ouchless Hair Ties, as they do not pull or snag. And be sure to wear your hair down while sleeping in order to give it a little breathing room.

STAY ENTERTAINED: 

Last but certainly not least: entertainment. On most spring break adventures, there will be that inevitable bit of rain, which ruins all plans of day-long sun bathing. Although the concept of doing “nothing” is the entire goal of spring break, let’s be honest and admit that it does not work for most of us! Rather than sulk indoors if the weather’s not on your side, I encourage you to pack accordingly and bring a few “inside all day” essentials.  My entertainment roundup happens to include yummy snacks, a few good reads and a new bottle of Essie nail polish.

And there you have it – just a few essential categories to consider when packing for this year’s Spring Break! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

The post orignally appeared on Meijer Style. All thoughts and opinions are my own.