Camping enthusiasts often say that getting dirty is part of the joy of being in nature. And for some people, that may be true! But for others, though, the thought of coming home to greasy hair and a face full of clogged pores is less than ideal. If you love showers and a good face serum, fear not, because there are plenty of products that can help you stay fresh and clean in the wilderness. Ahead, check out nine beauty products that you can take with you on your next outdoor adventure.
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Shampoo Bar
Bulky shampoo bottles take up tons of space in your bag and run the risk of leaking and spilling on your clothes. Why not ditch the liquid stuff and bring a shampoo bar instead? Perfect for home or travel, these solid sudsers are often concentrated with natural ingredients that make hair unbelievably soft and shiny. Shampoo bars are lightweight and compact, making them easier to carry to and from the campground bathhouse. Best of all, no plastic packaging! It’s a win-win for your hair and the environment.*
Conditioner Bar
Unless you co-wash (shout-out to curly-haired people), packing a bottle of conditioner might seem a little excessive for an overnight camping trip. But if your conditioner comes in the form of a teeny-tiny bar, well — why not bring it along? Packed with hydrating ingredients, conditioner bars offer excellent protection against humidity and heat. And if that wasn’t enough reason to bring a conditioner bar on your next camping trip, here’s one more: you can also use it in place of shaving cream. That’s one less product you need to lug around on your back.*
*Just make sure not to use these bars in or near any body of water. Any water runoff should be collected or filtered like it would be in a bathhouse.
Dry Shampoo
Hot showers feel wonderful, especially after a day of being outside. But if you’re too exhausted (or maybe too grossed out) to use the campground bath house, dry shampoo is your best option. These powder-based products absorb excess oil from the roots, adding tons of texture and volume to hair while preventing greasiness. Simply grab a bit of powder, apply it to your roots and brush through your hair. That’s it! No shower necessary.
Pro tip: Aerosol dry shampoos often contain ingredients that are notoriously bad for both your hair and the environment. For a better option, choose a plastic-free dry shampoo with natural ingredients.
Compostable Cleansing Wipes
In case you missed it, cleansing wipes are awful for the environment. Traditional cleansing wipes are usually made with a blend of plastic, which takes forever to break down. Enter compostable cleansing wipes. Perfect for a post-hike refresh, these eco-friendly towelettes contain natural ingredients that help clean, deodorize and moisturize the body. Still, depending on how fast they compost, it’s always smarter to pack them out instead of burying them on-site.
By the way, compostable is not the same thing as biodegradable. The term biodegradable can be misleading because, technically, almost everything breaks down eventually. Compostable products are generally better for the environment because it means that product breaks down within a specific timeframe.
Micellar Cleanser Water
Need to wash your face, but don’t have easy access to running water? Micellar water is the hero product you need for camping. Suitable for all skin types, this water-based cleanser is super effective at removing dirt and grime after a long day. It’s particularly useful for campers and travelers because you don’t need to wash it off. Simply pour a little into a reusable cotton round and wipe off your makeup, sweat, oil and other unwanted debris.
Coconut Oil
By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the many uses and benefits of coconut oil. While it’s definitely not the miracle cure-all some people make it out to be, there’s no denying that coconut oil is extremely useful for camping trips. For starters, coconut oil is a great moisturizer for the skin. You can dab a little on your chapped lips for relief or apply it to your feet at night after a long hike.
Coconut oil is also great for hair. If your strands are dehydrated, put a dime-sized amount in your hair as an overnight treatment.
Need a morning pick-me-up? Coconut oil can be consumed for a healthy energy boost. Try adding it to your morning coffee or using it to fry up a delicious meal.
Foundation with SPF
If you’re going to wear makeup when camping, it might as well have built-in sun protection. Foundations with SPF are an easy way to sneak in more sun protection while creating a uniform complexion.
However, keep in mind that most foundations with SPF only go up to 25, which is below the recommended amount. To protect your face from sun damage, it’s best to think of your foundation SPF as a sidekick to your broad-spectrum sunscreen. (Don’t forget: Sunscreen should always go underneath your moisturizer and makeup!)
Natural Insect Repellent
It’s not just your imagination — bugs really are attracted to some people more than others. If you have that special something they crave, you’ll definitely want to have bug spray handy. To keep bugs at bay, try a botanical insect repellent that uses natural ingredients — like lavender, citronella and lemon. Although bugs may not care for the smell of natural insect repellent, these fragrances are usually pleasing to humans!
Obviously, you don’t need to bring everything on this list for your next camping trip. But if you’re planning a camping trip with friends this summer, these beauty products will go a long way in keeping you feeling fresh and clean in the great outdoors.