Beauty tips for stress-free traveling

TRAVEL LIGHT

It’s no secret that stress can be a major beauty (not to mention health) hazard. While vacations are the perfect way to unwind, leaving all your worries behind isn’t always as easy as you think. These spa insider secrets are quick and easy, so you will be able to relax as soon as your getaway begins.

—Christina Kallery

CHECK YOUR BAGS
De-puff stressed, tired eyes by applying a soothing gel. And when you return home, try this easy stress-busting technique from Kimberly Sayer, an organic skincare expert: Grate a potato and collect the juice in a bowl. Apply juice to cotton pads and leave on the eye area for 15 to 30 minutes.

SPRITZ AWAY STRESS
Lance Etchison, spa director at Bluemercury, suggests misting on a toner spray to perk up a weary complexion. “It’s great for anytime you want a quick-fix for dehydration or just to freshen up,” he says.

PAMPER YOUR FEET
Nothing helps banish stress like a luxurious foot bath. Sayer recommends mixing a quarter cup of sea salt to a bowl or basin of hot water, then adding a few drops of essential oil, like lemon, lavender or tangerine. “This wonderful bath soothes, relaxes and restores the feet and body to a calm and balanced state,” Sayer says.

MASK YOUR WORRIES
Etchison’s Rx for stressed, dehydrated skin? A moisturizing gel mask. “Apply it all over the face, leave it on for 10 minutes, then gently massage into the skin. You can leave it on overnight as a deep hydrating treatment. You’ll wake up with firm, refreshed skin.”

THE PRODUCTS

Kimberly Sayer Cellular Extract Eye Lift Gel Th is gentle gel tones, hydrates and de-puffs the eye area. $38, www.kimberlysayer.com
Thymes Sleep Well AHA Body Lotion Rose oil, chamomile, valerian and alpha-hydroxy acids hydrate, exfoliate and help you sleep. $32, www.thymes.com
Astara Golden Flame Hydration Mask Infused with aloe, cucumber and vitamin E, it leaves skin hydrated and refreshed. $31 for 1.3 floz, www.astaraskincare.com
Naturopatch of Vermont Aromatherapy Body Patch with Bergamot Th ese travel-friendly, easy-to-use patches contain stress-busting essential oils. $16, www.naturopatch.com
MD Skincare Hydra-Pure Mist The mist refreshes skin while removing impurities left by tap water. $32, www.mdskincare.com

COOL PRODUCT ALERT
You thought only those with bathtubs could have fun with fragrant bath bombs? LUSH Cosmetics’ new Emotibomb makes shower-time just as indulgent. $4, usa.lush.com