When I think of camping, I think of s'mores, fireflies, and snuggling up in a sleeping bag under the stars. I also think about the time I got my period in the middle of the woods in Northern Maine and had to make do for two days without any sort of paper products, which was absolutely traumatizing. The reality is, spending a weekend in the woods doesn't exactly scream "glamorous!" (Trust me, my experience certainly wasn't.) However, there are certain beauty products you need for camping to keep yourself safe and sane while you're learning to embrace the great outdoors.
My advice? Take the absolute bare minimum (so you don't have to carry anything extra) and embrace the feeling of going au natural. After all, you're supposed to be roughing it! A weekend away is the perfect time to let your skin breathe, and let the sun and fresh air work its magic on your skin. Plus, chances are, you'll be so swept away by the natural beauty surrounding you that you'll totally forget about your own beauty hangups.
Here are ten simple products you need to survive a weekend in the woods — though maybe bang some sticks together to scare away the mountain lions, just in case.
1. Insect Repellant
Meow Meow Tweet Tweet Herbal Insect Repellant, $18, Meow Meow Tweet Tweet
Camping is great... until you're covered in mosquito bites and can't sleep because you feel like you're going to scratch off your skin. Bug spray is an absolute must, but a lot of the ones on the market are filled with harmful chemicals and smell terrible. This one, from Meow Meow Tweet Tweet, is all natural but still strong enough to keep the bugs at bay. It's made up of plant based essential oils and natural skin toners, and can be sprayed directly on your skin, face and hair.
2. Dry Shampoo
Captain Blankenship Mermaid Dry Shampoo, $29, Amazon
Considering the lack of showers, camping and clean hair don't exactly go hand in hand. Thankfully, we have dry shampoo, like this one from Mermaid, to help add volume (and a more socially acceptable odor) to your dirty, lifeless hair. Make sure to comb through your strands thoroughly — especially if you've been swimming! — to avoid serious knots.
3. Shower Wipes
Nathan Power Shower Wipes, $4, Amazon
Since we've already established that there's probably no showering on a camping trip, for the sake of yourself and your fellow campers, bring along some shower wipes. After all, no one wants to be the girl stinking up the tent (and no one wants to be next to her, either).
Want more fashion and beauty tips? Check out the video below and subscribe to Bustle on YouTube!
4. Deodorant
Pure Deodorant, $18, Reset Yourself
Last but not least on the list of "things to help you not smell like a pile of garbage on your camping trip": deodorant. Because you're probably going to do a lot of tough, sweaty outdoor activities, you'll want one that lasts. This one is 100% aluminum-free and is made with coconut oil, baking soda, arrowroot, and beeswax. According to Reset, the all natural formula has been tested and approved in a variety of climates and countries.
5. Hydrating Sunscreen
Purlisse Blue Lotus SPF 30 Essential Daily Moisturizer, $55, Derm Store
If you're spending time in the great outdoors, it inevitably means you're getting some serious sun exposure. While working on your tan may be one of your ultimate #summergoals, it's still important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The pur~lisse Blue Lotus SPF 30 Essential Daily Moisturizer is made with with White Tea, Soy Proteins and Algae Extracts, and offers superior full-spectrum sun protection without leaving behind an annoying white tint. Plus, it's sunscreen and moisturizer, so you only have to pack one thing!
6. Cleansing Wipes
Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes, $7, Amazon
By the end of the day, your face is bound to be covered in sweat and dirt (and possibly tears, if you realize halfway through the trip that camping is definitely not for you). A quick swipe with a facial wipe — followed by moisturizer — should do the trick to clean your skin.
7. Lip Balm
Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36, $22, Sephora
When you're shielding yourself from the sun, don't forget about the lips! This balm comes in an easy, twist up container and offers sun protection and hydration at the same time. Remember to drink lots of water (especially if it's hot!) to keep the rest of you hydrated, too.
8. Anti-Itch Cream
Aveno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion, $6, Amazon
No matter how much bug spray you cover yourself in, you're pretty much guaranteed to get at least a few bug bites along the way. Ease the pain with some anti itch cream, which also works if you accidentally squat in a pile of poison ivy.
9. Spray Water
Evian Mineral Water Spray , $13, Sephora
The real trick to staying fresh faced while camping (or anywhere else, for that matter)? Hydration, hydration, hydration. Spritz some Evian on your face to maintain your dewey glow and stay cool in the summer heat.
10. Tampons
Honest Organic Cotton Tampons With Applicator, $12, Amazon
Or whatever your period solution of choice may be. Trust me —I learned this lesson the hard way.
Images: ArtistGNDphotography/E+/Getty Images; Courtesy of Brands
