Exploring the West Coast has been on my bucket list for quite some time, so I put together the perfect staycation packing list as John and I head to a charming town just an hour and a half away to celebrate our nine-year anniversary. I’ve been craving a real getaway, but since international travel isn’t in the budget or schedule right now, a staycation is the perfect way to fill the void. Here’s what I’m packing to make this mini getaway feel just as special.
With our trip just a week away, I’m treating this as my packing reference when the time comes hah. We’ll be in Carmel for four days, and I’m really trying not to overpack. My goal is to be intentional with my makeup, beauty products, and outfits – versatile and practical is the vibe. But let’s see how that actually goes.
Beauty Staycation Packing List
I don’t have any travel-sized skincare, but since we’re staying close to home, I don’t mind bringing my full-sized products. Plus, I’m trying to cut back on buying more since I already have a lot to use up.
Skincare
- Bringing my favorite cleansing gel and balm duo at the moment
- Need to bring my trusted Aquafor in case my skin/lips crack + bringing my Rhode peptide lip treatment for on-the-go
- Hydrating skin serum for day and night
- Vitamin C is a must
- Eye cream for my dark circles and wrinkles
- This Alpyn moisturizer has seriously saved my dry skin
- Supergoop SPF of course and this stick makes my skin glow
Makeup
- I’ve been using this tinted moisturizer since college, and it’s been a staple in my makeup bag ever since. It’s super versatile, even for nights out, since it doesn’t cause flashback.
- Bringing the limited-edition Tarte Everyday Essentials Amazonian Clay face palette—unfortunately, it’s no longer available. But Tarte has some great face palettes with blush, bronzer, and highlighter, making them perfect for travel. These palette here and here have nice shades
- Underpainting with this bronzer stick
- Love the formula of this tubing mascara
- This setting spray does the job – I love the e.l.f. Power Grip primer, but there’s nothing special about the setting spray. I’m not sure if I’d repurchase
- Lippies!
- The Rhode peptide lip shapes have the perfect nude colors and are super hydrating, but are def not long lasting
- This lip plumping gloss has such a pretty glimmer
- My absolute fave lip plumping serum from Makeup by Mario – I’ve repurchased more than 3x
- A simple, hydrating primer
- I’m very picky about my concealers, so these have been part of my makeup routine for the longest time
- The Laura Mercier translucent powder is another staple in my routine
Hair
- The Dyson Airwrap is worth the investment – trust me!
- All the products for an at-home salon blowout:
- The usual toiletries:
- This shampoo and conditioner from Unite smells like summer
- Just want to share this wide-tooth comb that super cute
Outfit Staycation Packing List
I’ll def snap some pics during our trip to show you the outfits I actually wore, but for now, here’s my vision:
- Bringing matching PJs (Victoria’s Secret has the cutest sets)
- For our first night, I’m keeping it casual with loose jeans, a tank top, a short trench coat, and UGGs.
- Our first full day is all about exploring downtown – love the look of a Canadian tuxedo, so I’m packing loose jeans, a denim jacket, and my Prada loafers
- For our anniversary dinner at a cute Italian restaurant, I’m keeping it classic with a simple black slip dress, a trench coat, pointed-toe heels (or sandal heels?), and jewelry
- Our last full day we’re making time to explore the coast, so I’m going for comfort – wearing my super comfy Nike set (top + bottoms), my Cotopaxi jacket, and Nike V2Ks
- For the morning we head home, keeping it simple and cozy in my brown Alo (sweater + bottoms) set with UGGs
Entertainment
- I’d love to wake up in the morning to have time to read, but also enough time to wind down and read on my Kindle
- Bringing my Sony A5100 for photos
- We’ll be vlogging during our trip with the Dji Osmo Pocket 3 (bought a bundle from Costco, but it’s been selling out, but looks like the camera is in stock at Target here)
So excited for this upcoming trip, as it’s very much needed 💆🏻♀️
