HOW IMPORTANT IS TRAVELLING TO YOU?
I love going on holiday with my husband and three sons. And now that my two eldest sons are away in college, family vacations are even more special. It’s a time when the whole family can be together and catch up. Travelling is also important for my creativity.
I get a lot of inspiration for my seasonal collections while on trips – when I travel, all my senses are heightened and I get a lot of ideas. For example, I once created a collection of products based on a beautiful, hand-sewn pink scarf I saw while biking through Provence one summer.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST HOLIDAY AS A CHILD?
I don’t know if it was my first trip, but I remember travelling to Miami to visit my grandparents. They lived in what is now the very cool Art Deco District, but back then it was full of retirees. We’d go to Wolfie’s deli for chicken soup and turkey sandwiches, and spend hours at the beach.
AND WHAT DOES TRAVELLING MEAN TO YOU NOW?
I travel a lot for leisure, but it’s also a big part of my job. Typically, I travel internationally once or twice a year on business and quite often throughout the US. I spend every winter holiday at our home in Telluride, Colorado, with my husband, sons and extended family. And when I feel like relaxing, I’ll spend the day at the Golden Door Spa at the Wyndham Peaks hotel there. During the summer, I spend most weekends in Bay Head, New Jersey. There, I enjoy cooking, reading, watching movies, playing family games and just spending time relaxing on the beach.
CITY BREAK OR BEACH HOLIDAY?
There’s nothing better than a relaxing week at the beach with my family. It’s perfect because there’s so much to do – like biking, walking and swimming – but it’s also just so easy to lie on a blanket with a book and relax (wearing plenty of SPF of course!).
HOW DO YOU ENSURE A HOLIDAY GOES SMOOTHLY?
I think it’s important to plan ahead and get a sense of where you’ll be travelling to. I recommend looking at the five-day forecast so you pack appropriately, researching your hotel and surrounding restaurants, and reading up about any local customs.
My husband and I went to Morocco a couple of years ago and I was so glad I knew to pack a shawl to throw over my shoulders when entering monuments or holy sites.
I loved travelling with my boys when they were young because it’s the best way to introduce them to what the world has to offer and teach them about different cultures. It was important for me to show my children they didn’t have to be afraid of the unfamiliar.
WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE?
Once I arrive at my destination, I always walk as much as I can to help my circulation (it’s also the best way to take in my new surroundings). If it’s daytime, I skip the sunglasses, as daylight helps the body adjust to its new time zone.
WHAT ITEMS WOULD YOU NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT?
My essential products for travel are a creamy concealer, a pot rouge and a good moisturising balm. Cabin air is dehydrating, so cream-based formulas help keep my skin feeling comfortable and looking fresh. All of these products are multi-purpose, allowing me to pack less without sacrificing any part of my beauty routine.
WHAT, FOR YOU, WOULD BE THE PERFECT HOLIDAY?
Well, I’d love to go on a South African safari with my family. Our favourite vacations are the ones that involve being outdoors and I’ve no doubt that would be the ultimate adventure. But, for me, the perfect trip involves family, being active and taking in all a new culture has to offer. Oh – and with a few relaxing activities thrown into the mix, too.
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer, Pot Rouge and Extra Moisturising Balm are available at International airports and bobbibrowncosmetics.com