Traveling constrains your time, luggage, and even energy. My skincare (and makeup) routine is cut in half when I travel. Read on to see what I prioritise!

In an ideal world, you have sample or travel sizes of all of your products, so you know your skin won't break out from it. Trying new products is always a risk as you're already in a new environment that your skin/body may not react well to. 
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CLEANSER
Sephora's Facial Wipes - You're tired; you've been on your feet all day. I get so lazy with my skincare routine when traveling so using wipes are the easiest way to go. 

A facial cleanser is a must. I love getting travel kits as they're so convenient. Belif's bestsellers On-The-Go Travel Kit has the basic essentials to keep your skin happy and healthy while you travel. Belif is one of my favourite brands but you can get whatever kit that makes your skin happy. I also recently got the Drunk Elephant birthday gift from Sephora, which includes their Jelly Cleanser and Protini Cream so I've been trying it out on my more recent trips. 
              - If you DO breakout, carry a sheet of acne patches to help alleviate it a bit. 

EXFOLIATE
Don't exfoliate on your trip. It's not worth the space nor the risk. 

TONER
I believe toners are still worth bringing. I'm currently packing Son & Park's Beauty Water that I bought in Korea. They were selling the full size + a free travel size in a pack. Most if not all toners should be kind to all skin types so you shouldn't have to worry about breaking out from a new toner. 

ESSENCE
Unless you are in dire need of this, I think you can skip it. 

SERUMS & AMPOULES
This one is very dependent on how you think your skin will react to where you're going. I've been bringing my marula oil(1oz) with me when I know it's going be dry and I have not regretted it. 

SHEET MASK
Masks are definitely a luxury to bring, not an essential (in my opinion). They barely take up space so it should be fairly easy to pack. They're great for unwinding after a long day, or hydrating your skin on the plane, as Mama recommends. 

EYE CREAM
I think this is one of the few things in the gray area. I love bringing eye cream to make sure I look refreshed when traveling but I realise it's more space and may not be essential. I think the best option for this is to bring sample sizes since eye creams are usually clean because they're made to moisturise an area that is more sensitive than the rest. 

MOISTURISER
This is a MUST. Of course you need pack moisturiser. I'd argue to bring whatever size you want (as long as it's TSA compliant). You need a good moisturiser that will lock in the potent-yet-minimal amount of product you've just applied. It's not worth letting your skin suffer. 

SUNSCREEN
This is also a MUST!! UV protection is not essential, it's a requirement. Protect your skin- don't be a fool. Make sure you are applying sunscreen daily. 

For hot or humid destinations: Blotterazzi by beautyblender. I personally don't like using the pack of blotting paper because it gets messy and I feel like my fingers get oily. Blotterazzi is a reusable blotting applicator that's easy to use and easy to travel with because it comes with a case and a mirror. 

I really couldn't have asked for better weather! It felt so nice to be outside and walk around to get some Nashville sun (although it did get cold when you stayed in the shade). 

Accommodations in Nashville are expensive... Not sure if it's a normal thing but it was also an eventful weekend for Nashville... but then again, all of my Lyft drivers said it's always packed in Nashville so maybe it's always expensive?

We ended up booking a private room at a lovely lady's place in North Nashville. It definitely felt far from Downtown but the cost to get to and fro wasn't actually all that bad. ​

We started with a slow morning, having brunch/lunch at Monell's. I don't have any photos because I was too busy eating, but here's how it works: 

• You sit at a large dining table with other guests.
• They set the table with: cinnamon rolls, biscuits, gravy, peach preserves, coffee, iced tea... Then they bring out all sorts of food like fried chicken, pancakes, a platter of meats, and corn casserole.
• Eat as much as you want. They'll refill whatever platter you want more of. 
• You pay a flat rate.

When people say it's 'family style,' it's really family style: You're sitting at the table with a large group, passing around plates and bowls like you were at a family dinner. The decor is super homey and comforting so it makes you feel like you're having an authentic Southern home meal. 

Once I had the courage and energy to stand up from all that food, we walked about a mile to Frothy Monkey for some caffeine. They have really unique and interesting drinks so worth trying. 

We explored downtown starting with Broadway first, which was crazy even at 1pm! All the honky tonks and bars were filled up already. We explored the streets, visited all the touristy spots like Ryman Auditorium, Johnny Cash Museum, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

We made our way to Third Man Records, which was super cool. The entrance leads to a storefront for visitors to listen and buy records, and then a recording studio in the back. They also have a recording booth for anyone to record for $20. We also ran into Jack White, no big deal.

My friend found this gem: Carter Vintage Guitars. Heaven for any guitar player; ironically, neither of us play decent guitar HAHA, but we can't go to Nashville without playing some music, right? They have acoustic, electric, banjos, new and used pedals, amps... They also have a few small amp rooms to plug in and play, which was really fun! Highly recommended for guitar players visiting. 

Channeling our basic selves, we took photos at the Nashville #WhatLiftsYou mural. Having walked all day, we ordered a scooter and made our way back Downtown where we got drinks at Layla's. Let's get it out of the way right now: It's safe to assume that every bar/honky tonk we went to had live music. We also stopped by Luke Bryan's Honky Tonk for dinner. I love the multi-tiered honky tonks because every floor is different: casual bar + live music, dance floor + live music, bar + seating, rooftop bar + dining. 

The most awkward part about me not knowing the words to sing along. It's more people watching for me than it is for my own enjoyment. I so appreciate the musicality and honestly, how they remember to play all these songs on command, but it was hard to sit through half an hour of this. 

• A thought that went into my head this night: I wonder if I'm anyone's first? First Asian person they were seeing in real life, that is. 

We ended the night at a restaurant called Sambuca, after The Station Inn was sold out. There was a soul/jazz band performing and I had the most fun! They were super good and playing all the songs I loved. We probably spent over 2 hours there watching them. 

We started the day having Sunday service at Fellowship Bible Church where their services are held at an elementary school & celebrated afterwards with some decadent 100-layered donuts from Five Daughters Bakery. 

We ended the night at a lowkey bar, borderline speakeasy called Attaboy. The interior is really retro, has summer night in the 60s vibes. There's no menu: you tell the bartender you choice of liqueur + taste preferences and they concoct you a drink so all the cocktails are priced the same. A really cool bar that I'd definitely want to visit again! 

Our last day in Nashville. We decided to explore East Nashville. They have a great deal of thrift stores, including a second hand bookstore where Charlotte the cat resides. 

We made our way to Hattie B's to try their famous fried chicken. I know it's not their star dish, but I got a sandwich, which was still delicious! I got their medium heat because I'm too chicken (ha) to try their 'damn hot.' 

Lastly, we went to Cafe at Thistle Farm, which was attached to a storefront where they sell goods like essential oils, jewelry, bath salts, etc, all made by women survivors. They're actually an incredible brand that happens to be a social enterprise (and not a social enterprise with mediocre products). Please please check them out here and support them. Their cafe was also delicious and delightful! Highly recommended. 

There are, surprisingly, hipster parts of Nashville that you would have never found if you went for a bachelorette party. I enjoyed my time there. I wished I knew more country music to I could follow along (jk I don't really wish that). I'd probably come again for a special occasion (bachelorette, birthday, etc.) but probably not on my own accord. 

This is my checklist on how to ensure that I'm prepared to have the best flight possible.
Huge disclaimer: This is most likely... scratch that... THIS IS more than you need to pack. I am an over-packer. It's my sin to bear.

• Double check that I have my ID or passport
• Pack my electronics and chargers
• Standard packing list: 
  • Snacks for the flight (easy to eat, nothing smelly)
  • Trtl pillow
  • Chapstick
  • Earplugs / noise-cancelling headphones
  • Headphones with an aux jack because y'all already know the ones plane gives you are whack (and some airlines charge for them)
  • A pair of fuzzy socks in case it gets cold on the plane (mostly for red eyes or international flights) 
  • Basic toiletries (makeup remover, moisturiser, toothbrush&toothpaste, floss are usually my go-to). 
  • Zzzyquil or melatonin to fall asleep 

Mama recently gave me a suggestion that I've been meaning to try that I'm sure I won't regret: pack a face mask and wear it halfway into your flight. It will hydrate and moisturise your skin, and make you feel more relaxed and cool during your flight. Can't wait to try it out!