This past week my brother got married. He, and his now wife, chose to have the wedding on the Gulf Coast so, for all except three of the guests, this was a destination wedding. My Aunt Susu suggested that we make the drive from New York and, since I had not driven to Florida since early in my youth, I accepted the offer and readied myself for the 18+ hour adventure.

Every time we stopped for a meal, or just a rest, my Aunt mentioned that she wished she knew the most minimal basics she could keep in a small bag to pull herself together. After her third mention, this article was born.

Beauty on the go: the ultra basics….

Traveling, whether by car, train or air, is stressful to the mind, the body and the skin. I am no authority to speak on protecting the mind, but one of the most important things you can do for the body and skin is protect your hydration. Not only is it important to drink your water, but also it is also equally important to hydrate your skin. At present, my favorite skin hydrator is Keep it Lite by Beauty Society ($28.50, http://matthew.societyskincare.com). This ultra light crème-gel contains 60% sodium hyaluronate. This amazing little ingredient will keep your face supple for hours and hours. There is nothing else like it on the market. I keep mine in my bag and use it all the time.

The right concealer really can do amazing things. Use it straight from the tube to conceal under your eyes or cover stubborn spots and blemishes. Or, mix it with your hydrating moisturizer to create the perfect tinted moisturizer for you. Your tinted moisturizer is meant to be sheer, so add just enough concealer to the moisturizer to even out your skin tone and pull your face together. Amazing Concealer ($42, www.sephora.com) has an awesome set of concealers. They will cover even the most stubborn darkness and they mix beautifully with moisturizers.

Eyes are essential but they take the longest on the face, so we are going to make them pop with one simple step: Mascara. The depth and darkness of beautiful long lashes is the greatest quick fix to opening up the whole face. Apply several coats to the upper lashes and pull the brush over the lower lashes once to add color. I am in love with Voluminous by L’Oreal. I have found that this drugstore brand rivals all of the bigger name brands.

A flush on the face is the fastest way to look fresh SO, last but not least, we are going to add a touch of color to the lips and cheeks. I just adore Scarlet Peony Lip and Cheek Stain ($22.50, www.threecustom.com) by Three Custom Color Specialists. In the package, the color appears too deep and dark for anyone to wear, but it goes on so sheer and beautiful it is actually breathtaking. When used on the lips, it heightens your natural color so they look full, lush and stung.

Looking good does not require a ton of products or a lot of time. This little traveling routine will take you less than two minutes and best of all, it will fit in a tiny little bag. Whether you fix yourself up in the car mirror at a rest stop or in the Denny’s bathroom, it will be simple and easy.

Being beautiful is easy…Now get out there and love the day.