Hey, ya'll, yes, this is a bit late, but worth the wait if I do say so myself. I couldn't blog about a solo vacation without giving you some of my product recommendations because it's about that time in the year when any of us who have to face the dread of winter are looking for a warm destination to escape to sooner rather than later.
Sunscreen (Face): we all need it, but not all are made equally. For us black and brown girls, when using standard sunscreens, we look like Casper, the friendly ghost, and it's very annoying. There is always a white film left on our skin, but now we have a fantastic product, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, that is truly unseen, and as a dark skin beauty, I can attest that this SPF 40 is 100% invisible and gives the skin a nice healthy glow.
Sunscreen (Body): This one is called Supergoop Glowscreen, also in an SPF 40 and leaves a slight shimmer on the skin while protecting it from the sun's harmful rays.
AVENE Eau Thermale: As much as I like lounging on the beach, I get extremely hot, and to keep myself cool and my skin calm and hydrated, I always turn to my trusty Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray. I know the ins and outs of this product from my Shoppers Drug Mart days, and I can attest that it is the best one on the market. It has naturally built-in histamine, so it also keeps your inevitable mosquito bites calm, and you don't spend your days or nights itching and scratching them, leading to scarring.
Vitamin C: When I am at home, I am pretty good at taking my vitamins, but I tend to forget while I am away and because I am getting the vitamin D from endless sunny days, I take a Vitamin C supplement to keep my immune system in check while vacationing. This effervescent vit C 1000mg per disc is dropped in water and will fizz into oblivion and taste like freshly squeezed orange juice. Nutrazul is my favourite brand.
Lip Balm: The one I used most was very fitting, 'Liquid Sunshine' by Saje Natural Wellness. It smells like coconut and citrus and was deeply moisturizing and not glossy. My lips were soft and supple all week long. I like that it's natural with a coconut oil base and natural essential oils. My second favourite is called Peppermint Twist, which is refreshing and moisturizing. I kept one in my beach bag and another in my purse to keep my lips hydrated. There is no excuse to be walking around with chapped lips, lol.
Waterproof Phone Pouch: This Joto waterproof phone pouch is a game changer. I tested it out at home with paper and submerged it in a full sink, and it was perfect. The real test was putting my phone in the case and using it in the ocean, and it was fine. I highly suggest ordering this from Amazon. You can swipe with ease, and the pictures come out crystal clear. You get two in a pack, which will change how you do beach vacations. You're welcome.
Tumbler: I made a small investment in this fantastic Yeti Rambler Straw Mug in Rescue Red and was so glad I did. I always kept it with me to remain hydrated throughout my trip. I purchased mine on well.ca, but you can get them from various online retailers. There are cute Straw Covers purchased on Amazon to keep the flies in the air and out of your beverage. (Heads-up: the Yeti colour I bought is a limited edition, also available on Yeti.ca
Beach Sandals: Birkenstock Arizona Essentials or Crocs Sexi Flip. These are the only two sandals you will need on your vacation. I wore my Sexi Flip when I went out and about in town and my Birkenstocks in my room to have the additional support the room slippers do not offer. Both are waterproof and expand with your feet should they become swollen like mine did near the end of my trip.
Sneakers: I couldn't do a top 12 without adding a pair of sneakers. The Nike Rift was introduced to me back in 2008 in the UK, and I fell in love with it. They have a barefoot feel and give the support you need. Nike went on hiatus in North America with these for a long while until reintroduced in early 2023, so your girl bought three pairs, including the original Kenya colourway. You will either love them or hate them, but for me and my house, we love them!! They don't come in half sizes, so size up for comfort. I am a 9.5 and bought these in a 10.
Bluetooth speaker: Any brand will do. I am using the Anker Soundcore Mini speaker. It's compact, boasts a big sound, and is a perfect companion whether on the beach, balcony or in your room.
US Cash: Okay, even if your vacation is all-inclusive, the dedicated and hard workers offer a service, and tips are greatly appreciated. I like to bring small US bills, $1 and $5. The US dollar is pretty stable in relation to Caribbean countries. It converts well relative to their local currency, so please be courteous and give those assisting you with service in the heat of the day and night a few dollars to show your appreciation. A little goes a long way. If you choose to have butler service as I did, I gave a few dollars at the start of my trip to set the tone and then left a healthy tip on my last day as an additional thank you. Lean towards $5-$10 per day, depending on how well they treat you, but I suggest adding tips to your vacation budget.
Chafe Stick: So yes, thick thighs save lives, but you want to know what else they do? They start fires in hot weather. This KT Performance+ Chafe Safe saved my life and thighs this trip. I am not lying, and will never endure warm weather without it. It allowed me not to wear chub rub shorts under my dresses and gave me the bonus of using it when I wore shorts and my bathing suit. It's a life and thigh saver I highly recommend. (Also available on Amazon)
Black Girl Bonus: Okay, sis, we all know when we go on vacation, we first get our hair braided. Trust me, I was about to do the same, but my hairdresser, shout out to Nikaelia from Anna Kaye Hair Studio, suggested I mini twist my hair instead, and can I say it was the best suggestion? First, I easily washed my hair while maintaining my style, and second, I had zero tension on my scalp and edges; it's a zero-weight style. Last, my scalp could breathe easily. Thanks to my sissy, who did a fantastic job on my hair, I was looking fresh from day one to seven.
So, I hope you try a few or all of these items as you plan your next vacation. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Shout out to Royalton Grenada for giving me a week I'll never forget.
Be Inspired!!
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