Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UWB chapter.

I work in a retail department store and let me tell you the number of customers I work with that are already looking for swimsuits and dresses is pretty insane. But that’s a really good sign for all of us who need a well-deserved break from the stresses of college and the cold, cold winter. Spring break is coming!! So here’s five of my essentials that I know are going right into my bag when I head for my vaca.

1. Setting Spray

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Ulta.com 

Once spring comes along and the days are warmer OR you’re heading out on a vacation with plenty of heat and sun, the last thing you want is to become and oil slick. Putting on too much powder will look like you caked on too much makeup, so save yourself the heavy makeup in spring and settle for a good setting spray to lock all the good stuff in. My favorite setting spray is the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. This baby keeps my makeup and skin from getting too shiny for the longest time. I have naturally oily skin and without spray or powder, I am shiny by the afternoon. I need this spray in my bag to keep it all together. And hey, even if your skin doesn’t get oily, it’ll still keep the makeup from melting off your face in the heat. 

2. Mobile Charger

Mophie Power Station Bestbuy.com

Let’s be honest. When anyone goes on any vacation, you know people are gonna be pulling out their phones and snapping test Instagram shots and Snapchatting the new food and sights every second. Now being completely honest, you should know I am definitely one of those people. My boyfriend can vouch for me. And because I use my phone every second, I need to remember that in case I get lost in a new area I’m going to have to rely on Google Maps. That’s why a mobile charger is always a good idea. I have two of the Mophie Power Stations and these portable chargers charge my phone really fast. It’s definitely handy to have at least two of these. You can use both for double the juice for you and your friends or family if they’re coming with you. 

3. Argan Oil

Moroccan Argan Oil Target.com

When going on a journey to a bright and sunny place, your skin is not the only thing that can get affected. Your hair can take a lot of damage because of UV rays, so I know for a fact I’m going to bring my travel sized Moroccan Argan Oil with me. Argan oil has so many really great properties that can protect your hair from UV rays and heat damage and can help lock in shine. Also, if you’re prone to frizzy and staticy hair like me then this will definitely save your life.

4. Concealer

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer Sephora.com

Spring time means less makeup. PSYCHE. While spring is usually the time I let my skin breathe, I haven’t reached that point where I’m willing to walk out every day of my life without some makeup on. The basics for me are concealer, brows, a lined tightline, and mascara (maybe a teeny bit of highlighter from Colourpop). So in the spring time when I stop using my heavy foundation, I’m gonna need a good concealer to replace that foundation to spot conceal and make me look more fresh than glammed up. My favorite concealer is the mighty Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer. The formula is a bit thick but not too thick and provides fantastic coverage. It’s perfect for those days when I want to look natural but still want to hide some of those darkspots and dark circles.

5. Polaroid Camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera Urban uttifiters.com

While this should sound a bit cliche by now, a polaroid camera is a great thing to have with you on vacation. Little memories can be really sentimental, so what better way to make those memories last than being able to instantly have a photo to hold onto? I’m bringing my Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera with me when I leave for vacation. It’s a bit heavy to carry around, but it’s nice to have on hand in a backpack instead of a purse to hold all of the essentials including your polaroid. If you don’t want to carry the bulky camera, invest in a Polaroid ZIP Portable Color Direct Thermal Photo Printer to wireless print polaroids with ease.

We all need Spring Break right now, so hopefully you all get to do something fun. If you are going on a nice and sunny vacation, grab these items, stick them in your backpack and get ready to take on your vacation fully prepared for anything. Have a nice and safe break everyone!

Loralyn Narvaez is a California Native who previously attended UWB. Although she currently lives back in California, she served as Head Writer for the chapter publishing articles and writing her own. She recently graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and a Business minor and was Campus Correspondent for HC UCSD. She is currently attending CSU Fullerton pursuing her Master's Degree in Communications. Her interests include cosmetics, fashion, food, literature, linguistics, and Asian culture.