#vmvhypoallergenics

Traveling in the wintertime can be somewhat scary, especially if you grew up in a tropical country. Like other girls out there, there have been times wherein I packed a certain set of clothes only to find out that the weather in my destination is totally different from what had been predicted days prior - an example being my trip to Seoul, South Korea. Having said that, I decided to come up with a list of things that will be extremely useful during a winter holiday.

1. Puffers: Having a puffer during the cold months is a must, as it will keep you warm and double up as a non-existent boyfriend. I own a few from different brands and must say that my all time favourite would have to be from Uniqlo. Their clothes are honestly the best, especially for the minimalists out there. 

2. Walking Shoes/Boots: I personally would rather be sporting a pair of Stan Smiths, as these are extremely comfortable and stylish. However, given that I am traveling to Tokyo in less than a week, I think wearing boots would be a more viable option because it’s like having an extra layer of protection for the feet and legs. My family got me a pair of black Uggs when they went to London a little over a year ago and I have been in love! For those who aren’t into boots, I would highly recommend wearing a pair of tennis shoes or Nike Air Force 1′s.

3. Heat Tech: My fingers freeze so easily during the wintertime, so having a pair of gloves is definitely an essential. Being a photographer means having to snap photos here and there, so I prefer a pair of tech-friendly gloves as opposed to the more traditional ones. 

4. Face Cream: Applying a face cream as opposed to a lotion is a MUST in the wintertime, as it is a lot thicker and adds a more protective layer onto the skin. My personal favourite is the St. Ives Timeless Skin Moisturiser, as it still keeps the face dewy-looking but is thicker than my other holy grail, the Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Lotion.

5. Sunscreen: Like a face cream, sunscreen is also a very important item in my essentials list. Wandering about throughout the day means being exposed to the sun more than I usually am. Despite the fact that the sun’s rays aren’t as harsh during the wintertime, I still think applying a sunscreen all over is a necessary step in order to avoid wrinkles at an early age! I used the VMV Hypoallergenics one for about two years, but recently switched to one from a local brand called Human Nature. Although thicker in consistency, it still gets the job done and doesn’t feel too sticky on the face.

6. Handbag/Backpack: A handbag is a must whilst traveling, as you need something to store your belongings in! Totes and backpacks are my personal favourites because they’re spacious and are closest to your body. I find that the Longchamp ones are the best travel-friendly ones. Easy to clean and stylish, they go well with any outfit and there is an array of colour to choose from. 

7. Hand Sanitiser: I always keep a small bottle of alcohol and sanitiser with me no matter where I go. Being in a foreign country means having to walk and commute from one place to another as well as touching things. Seeing as I won’t have an access to soap and water everywhere I go in Tokyo, I think having something to clean my hands with will make me feel more fresh and at ease knowing that the germs will be kept at bay.

8. Lotion: Alcohol and/or hand sanitiser can dry out the hands so fast! Make sure to keep a small bottle of hand cream or lotion in your bag in order to add a protective layer onto your hands when necessary. I find that the Kiehl’s Creme de Corps is a good one during the wintertime as the formula is thick and locks in moisture without feeling sticky.