Your cottage getaway beauty kit is here
From leave-in conditioner to the most natural brow pencil, here are the basics to tuck into your tote
This article was originally published May 23, 2019 and was updated July 7, 2020 to reflect current product prices and links.
The vibe 'up at the cottage' is pretty low key and unbothered, right? The point is to unwind and take in some nature. But you may still need a few beauty fixings, just not your usual heavy duty tools. If you're lucky enough to own a cottage or get invited to one, we've got some suggestions for you. These products are easy to use, many of them multipurpose and small enough to throw into your backpack or weekend bag. Remember that plumbing differs cottage to cottage; please be mindful of the the need for biodegradable products if they'll be washing into the lake through drainage, or if you're bathing in the lake.
As you head out on the day's adventure, grab this back pocket-friendly lip balm for all-day moisture. The formula was recently upgraded to make it fully vegan and it's made with agave and Madagascan vanilla extract. This pill shaped balm makes lips buttery smooth, but it won't get all melty in the sun.
BITE Agave+ Daytime Lip Balm, $18, Sephora
After a day of exploring trails or just lounging by the dock you might want to throw on some lip colour for dinner. But chances are you're not looking for anything too extra, and definitely not a matte or full coverage lipstick. STILA's convertible colour is lightweight, moisturising and adds just the right, sheer pop of colour, with a nice shine. It's non-greasy and also doubles as a blush that has a very natural finish. A quick pat on the cheeks, then on your lips and you're good to go. Plus it's smaller than the palm of your hand.
STILA Convertible Colour, $33, Sephora
I don't know about you but during the hustle and bustle of my daily grind, I don't often find time to indulge in face masks. A lazy night at the cottage is the perfect time to slap one on. Drenched in THE BODY SHOP's bestselling drops of youth green serum, this mask softens and revitalises skin. It smells heavenly, and the actual sheet is biodegradable.
Drops Of Youth Youth Concentrated Sheet Mask, $8, The Body Shop
Perhaps you feel the need to cover up a spot or two, or even out your tone. This tinted moisturizer is a great option; it minimizes any redness and imperfections, while proving 12 hours of moisture.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer, $37, Sephora
Face, elbows, knees, heels. Wherever — this hard-working cream is sensitive enough to use on your face and rich enough to use on your body. The tube isn't huge, so it's perfect to stash in your purse or dashboard for easy access en route to the cottage too.
Lano Everywhere Multi Cream Allover, $23, Sephora
This Canadian-made, natural, mineral sunscreen stick is ideal; it's compact, provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and has a tint subtle enough to work with many skin tones. It's sweat/water resistant up to 80 minutes, and you'll feel good knowing it's cruelty-free and is reef safe.
SPF50 Ultra Sun Protection Stick, $18, La Spa Naturals
Get squeaky clean from head to toe with this non-toxic, cult-classic liquid soap. It's an all-in-one cleanser so you can save space in your luggage, and on the counter in the often, already small cottage bathroom. It's got essential oils that will leave your skin supple, and a simple rose scent.
Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 Hemp Rose Pure Castile Liquid Soap, $24.59, Vitasave
You probably won't be blow drying or doing much else with your hair while at the cottage, but you might want to smooth on this leave-in conditioner post-shower. Thanks to green tea, shea butter and argan oil, it'll help to soften and tame your hair without a great deal of primping.
tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave-in Conditioner, $18.99, BSW Beauty Canada
No harsh bug spray smell here. This deet-free formula is made from natural oils of lemon and eucalyptus, giving it a cool, refreshing scent. It claims to provide up to six hours of protection from biting insects and ticks without a greasy residue.
Natrapel Insect Repellent, $8.99, Sport Check
While for many, this is a makeup-free time, some of us feel naked without some kind of brow zhuzh. If you're looking for an easy-to-glide-on, natural brow fill-in, be sure to pack this one. At under 20 bucks, it's cheaper than the most popular ones but it does the same job. Also if you do decide to take a dip in the lake, you don't have to worry about your brows sliding off thanks to the waterproof formula.
Sephora Collection Retractable Brow Pencil, $16, Sephora
Nneka Elliott (@nnekaelliott) is a lifestyle blogger, host and actor. She shares her adventures with fashion and beauty in her pursuit of a gutsy life. nnekaelliott.com
