Ready to look your best for your upcoming vacation? Here’s a list of pre-vacation beauty treatments, prep and products from mild to full-blown diva status to help you look your best!

At-Home Treatments and Vacation Beauty Prep

  1. Exfoliate
    A few weeks before your trip, begin to add exfoliating into your beauty routine. This will help remove dead skin cells and give your skin a healthy glow. Best time to do this: Start 2 weeks before your trip
    To try: Rodan + Fields Microdermabrasion Paste ($83), M3 Himalayan Scrub ($23)
  2. Whiten Your Teeth
    Get those pearly whites camera ready! My two favorite ways to brighten my smile are with a whitening toothpaste used daily, and for an extra boost of brightness, the Opalescence Go! Whitening kit. This kit comes with pre-filled trays that are ready to use, and super easy to apply. My favorite whitening kit I’ve tried by far!! You just apply them to the top and bottom teeth, wait 15-20 minutes and then you’re set! Best time to do this: 5-10 Days before your trip for the whitening system, whitening paste should be used daily
    To try: Opalescence Go Whitening Kit ($68), AP 24 Whitening Toothpaste $20
  3. At-Home Faux Glow
    If you don’t want to get a spray tan, there are several products on the market that are fantastic! Again, be sure to exfoliate before using, and apply to freshly washed skin. For the at-home spray version, try spraying yourself in the shower so that you do not get the product on the floor. Best time to do this: 1-2 Days before your trip
    To try: Rodan + Fields Foaming Sunless Tanner ($18), Neutrogena Micro Mist ($9)

Beauty Services

  1. Manicure and Pedicure
    Get those toes ready for flip flops, and treat yourself with a manicure and pedicure! I highly recommend doing dipping powder on your hands, and gel polish on your toes, as it’s sure to stay chip free throughout your trip! My favorite local place for this is Geist Nails. The owners, Anne and Andy are wonderful, they do an incredible job, and their shop is super clean and relaxing.
    Best time to do this: 1-2 days before travel
    Cost: Approx. $40 for nails and $50 for toes
  2. Spray Tan
    Get your sun kissed glow without the added risk of skin cancer by getting a spray tan. Before going in, make sure you’ve showered, shaved and exfoliated and your skin is free of any lotions or oils. You’ll need to wait 6-8 hours after getting sprayed to shower, and you’ll want to wear loose clothing to the appointment. The tan will last 7-10 days. I highly recommend Air-Tan.
    Best time to do this: 1-2 days before travel
    Cost: Approx. $35
  3. Wax
    Stay stubble free by getting your legs and bikini area waxed. To prepare for waxing, do not tan 24 hours before or after. It’s best to lightly exfoliate the skin before as well. You’ll need to have at least 1/4 an inch of hair to wax, so for most people, this is approximately 10-14 days of growth. Note that certain medications can cause the skin to become aggravated when waxed, so be sure to check with your waxing spa before your appointment.

    Best time to do this:     2-4 days before travel
    Cost: Varies
  4. Lash Lift and Tint
    This is my absolute FAVORITE pre-vacation treat! Being able to go mascara free when we’re in the water and not feel like my lashes are non-existent is the BEST! The procedure takes about 30 minutes and lasts 6-8 weeks. If you’re in the Indianapolis area, I highly recommend Deidra at The Beauty and Brow Studio…She’s the best!!!! Here’s a picture of my own results from having this service done. SUCH a difference! I prefer this service over lash extensions, as it does not damage your natural lashes, and there’s no upkeep required. Keep in mind that you cannot get your lashes wet for 24-hours after this service, so be sure that you will not need to apply makeup or get super sweaty after your appointment!
    Best time to do this: 2-3 days before travel
    Cost: Approx. $40 for nails and $50 for toes
  5. Botox and Filler
    For those who want to go all-out before their vacation, Botox and Filler procedures should be done 2-3 weeks before travel so the results are at the optimal point during your trip. Botox ranges in price from $10-12 per unit, and can be used to combat frown lines and crow’s feet. It can also be used in the upper lip to create a “lip flip” giving the illusion of volume. This procedure is much less expensive than lip filler, and requires no downtime. There are also a variety of fillers available to fill the cheeks, lips, folds around the mouth and more. Contact a medical spa near you to learn more.

    Best time to do this:     2-3 weeks before travel
    Cost: Varies

Have you tried any of these products or services? Anything that’s a must-do before a vacation for you? Comment below if so!