My Secret For Fire Vacation Pics (No Filter Needed)
So… in theory, I pack light.
In reality? Who am I kidding—I still overpack.
But I’ve learned how to pack intentionally. Vacation should feel like ease—not a 12-step routine in 90°F heat.
Especially when the sun is out and your skin is glowing (or, let’s be honest, tanning by the hour).
Funny story…
I was in Thailand once, and the foundation I packed was way too light. I was getting darker by the day, and my foundation was giving Casper. So I did what any beauty lover would do—I grabbed my MERIT Bronze Balm in ‘Leo’ and used it all over my face. It became my bronzer and my foundation by the end of the trip. And honestly? My skin looked gorgeous. Glowy. Effortless.
Moral of the story?
Always pack:
Your go-to skin tint
One or two shades darker to mix as your tan deepens
A super cute vanity case like Etoile Case
My Favorite Beauty Travel MVPs:
YSL Nu Bare Look Tint – lightweight, breathable coverage
MERIT Essentials Set – bronzer, spot conceal, and good lip/cheek tint
Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Spray – checked bag must-have for glowing skin
COOLA Organic SPF 50 Spray – travel-friendly and luxe
SPF for the lips- Jack Black Lip Balm SPF 25 Sunscreen or Hello Sunday SPF 50 Hydrating Lip Balm
Brown mascara – yes, brown! I love the soft glam effect. I use YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown for definition without doing the most.
Biggest tip?
Multi-use = less to carry, more to love.
Let your products flex while you relax. The goal is to feel like you—refreshed, radiant, and real. Shoot, sometimes all you need a great SPF and some shades.
Wait—one more thing.
Okay, this is a little secret I’ve been gatekeeping (sorry lol)... but it’s the reason my vacation photos always come out so good—no filter needed.
Pack a digital camera with the FLASH on.
Yep. Not your phone. If you’ve ever wondered how my travel pics hit so hard—how my skin looks rich, deep, and buttery—it’s because I use a Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III.
And here’s the real tea:
I don’t even own it—I rent it.
I use Lens Rentals and grab it only when I need it. It’s easy, affordable, and totally worth it. I’ll be renting it again for Cowboy Carter in Paris this June—because why not slay in high resolution?
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to pack a USB-C SD card reader so you can transfer those pics straight to your phone immediately. No laptop needed. Look at me, all tech-savvy and stuff. LOL.
P.S. There’s still time to register for the Ember & Tide Retreat in Costa Rica—a luxe wellness getaway for YOU if you're ready to glow from the inside out. It’s rest. It's a reconnection. It’s the reset you didn’t know you needed.
I’d love to have you.
Your big (or lil) sis,
Tiff
