Get Pretty for a Business Trip

Traveling for work is one of those things that you either love or hate. I’m always excited when I get to go on a business trip, mostly because it involves staying in a hotel with an enormous bed that has nobody in it but me! But I’ll admit they can be a pain to pack for. When you’re living out of a single small suitcase for a few days, it’s vital that each and every single item in it goes the extra distance.

On-the-Go Beauty

A business trip isn’t the right time or place to break out the experimental colors and products. When you’re traveling with colleagues, it’s all about looking pulled-together and polished while keeping the amount of products you have to use to a bare minimum. Here are some of my favorites:

La Roche-Posay Effaclar K Daily Renovating Acne Treatment: Traveling is an easy way for me to get a guaranteed breakout, and this stuff takes care of blemishes literally overnight. It’s a miracle worker.
L’Oréal HiP Studio Secrets Professional Crystal Shadow Duo in Darling: This 2-color pot looks good on everyone, and is the only shadow you’ll need to bring along. Apply the lighter color during the day, and then layer on the darker shade for a slightly smokier evening eye.
Vincent Longo Lipstain SPF 15 Lipstick in Fleur de Flirt: Nothing finishes off a look like the perfect pinky-brown lip color, and this formula is one of the best I’ve found. It’s ideal for day or night.
Essie Nail Polish in Chinchilly: A neat manicure is a must for looking professional, so I tend to skew toward lighter colors and neutrals. This dove-gray shade is a chic alternative to the more standard pale pink.

Prepping for Your Hair

I never know how my hair is going to respond to new products (or to the weather and water at my destination), so I tend to bring along sample-size versions of my shampoo and conditioner from home. I also always remember to pack a bunch of extra elastics and bobby pins, in case I have no time to heat-style my hair in the morning and need to create a quick, elegant updo.

To make your hair look perfectly presentable in a flash, try spritzing on a little dry shampoo to add texture and freshen your strands. Create a low side part, and pull hair into a ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist the ponytail around itself, and pin the bun into place.

Packing Your Wardrobe

For a work trip where the attire is casual, I pack a pair of black skinny pants and a pair of skinny jeans (both with some stretch to them, so they’re comfortable), a couple of solid tops, and colorful scarves, earrings and necklaces to add interest to my outfits without bulking up my suitcase.

If your trip requires you to look a little more professional, try bringing along a totally packable dress, like one from Anne Klein’s Leo Legacy line. The dresses are polished enough for a meeting, chic enough for dinner afterward, come in tons of colors and prints, and can emerge from your bag without a single wrinkle. Magic!