With the spring thaw afoot, it’s time to plan your next trip to the great outdoors. Particularly for those on a budget (or a desire to escape the city), a camping trip offers a lot of adventure at a relatively low cost. Though it’s not the kind of weekend for the high-maintenance type, a few key beauty items will help you feel presentable, if not pampered, throughout. Whether you're camping or “glamping,” these are 10 beauty products you'll be happy to have on hand.
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1. Don’t skimp on the SPF for exposed arms and legs. Avon Skin So Soft’s version pulls double-duty, with an added bug repellent to the lightweight formula ($14).
2. If you’re not sporting that outdoors flush yet, a tinted lip balm is an excellent backpack staple. Burt’s Bees offers several in sheer stains and also shimmery options, like the one featured here ($4.99).
3. Wipes have completely changed the travel game, and these lavender-scented ones are a particular delight. Infused with lavender oils, they’re both naturally antibacterial and antiseptic ($16).
4. If you’re blessed with perfect skin, just a layer of SPF will do. But if you need a hint of color, Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer (a favorite of beauty editors) evens out complexions while providing protection from the sun ($43).
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5. Looking to impress? Opt for cosmetics that enhance your natural assets rather than trendy items such as blue eye shadow. A few flicks of the mascara wand (Benefit’s They’re Real mascara has a natural finish, $23) and you’ll look like you’ve been slumbering beautifully under the stars.
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6. It almost seems counterintuitive to pack a cosmetics bag, but designs these days come in waterproof materials and with clever pockets that keep you organized, even when you're fumbling around in the dark ($29.99 by Sonia Kashuk).
7. Short on water supply? A facial cleansing wipe will sweep away the day’s grime. Steer clear of potential rashes by choosing one that will do the job, but without a lot of bells and whistles, such as Simple’s 25-pack for sensitive skin ($5.29).
8. If your trek will take you to a water source, then pack a nature-friendly biodegradable soap such as this one by Dr. Bronner, which can also double as a shampoo. The peppermint scent is particularly zingy and will revive tired calves ($4.69).
9. Following the outdoorsy theme, now would be the time to try a natural deodorant. Pick a travel-size bottle with an amiable scent to start; the classic rose is a good choice ($10 by Weleda).
10. In recent years, dry shampoo has become a vanity must. While in the city you might use the powdery stuff to prolong a blowout, outdoors you’ll find the product is much more practical: A dash of this non-aerosol dry shampoo by Klorane will keep you refreshed until you can hit the shower ($19.50).