When Zero George, an historic property that also happens to be the coolest boutique hotel in Charleston, asked me to guest-blog for their Black Book, I didn’t jump, I leapt at the chance.   After all, nothing is more sustainable than historic preservation and restoration, and their property is gorgeous.  If you ever visit Charleston, it is absolutely where you should stay.  I put together a list of my Green Beauty travel necessities.  (My husband is probably rolling on the ground laughing at this list, as my actual Green Beauty travel necessity bag is ahella-lot heavier than this, but you know, if I were on a desert island…)

Many of us fantasize that when we go on a glamorous trip, we will be, well, glamorous.  Alas, most of us are mere  mortals and even if the stale plane air doesn’t make us sick en route, we arrive at our destination dehydrated and tired with lackluster skin.  So unfair, right?  Let me help you.  Here are some of my favorite Green Beauty travel essentials.

(Shown left to right, top row first.)

W3LL PEOPLE Bio Brightener Stick:  This illuminating stick can help you fake anything from high cheekbones to a good night’s sleep.  The no-fuss solid formula easily brightens skin and lasts all day long.  Cost: $34.50

One Love Organics Healthy Locks Dry Shampoo Powder: This is the best dry shampoo I’ve ever used, Green or not.  The fact that it’s not an aerosol keeps you and the environment healthier while saving space in your carry-on toiletry bag.  Cost: $12 for .8 oz.

Jurlique Rose Hand Cream: This rich, hydrating hand cream doesn’t leave my side in the winter months.  It soothes parched cuticles and fingertips and the natural rose fragrance is so uplifting.  Cost: $25 for 1.4 oz.

Kahina Giving Beauty Brightening Serum: Antioxidant-rich green tea, white lily, seaweed and argan oil protect against environmental damage while visibly brightening and evening out skin tone.  Cost: $72 for 1 oz.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist: Vegetable glycerin and marshmallow extract hydrate and soften while rose and aloe soothe and restore balance.  Perfect in flight, after flight, or to refresh makeup throughout the day.  Cost: $34 for 3.3 oz.

Annee de Mamiel Altitude Oil: I swear by this antibacterial aromatherapy formula.  Dab a little under your nose or onto a tissue and breathe deeply to ease sinus congestion and revitalize the spirit.  Whenever I use this throughout a flight, I don’t become sick.  Cost: $42 for 10 ml.

Proud Mary Navajo Clutch/Cosmetic Bag: Charlestonian Harper Poe works with artisans in the developing world to create ethnic-modern works of art like this signature bag.  Handwoven in Guatemala.  Fair trade.  Cost: $38.

RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Smile: Whether applied to lips or cheeks or both, this sheer, coral-pink cream instantly perks up any complexion year round.  Cost: $36 for .17 oz.

EO Cleansing Hand Wipes: Pure essential oils, organic aloe vera and organic alcohol sanitize and moisturize hands on contact.  I don’t leave home without these.  Cost: $5.99

One Love Organics Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm:  This buttery balm removes makeup, cleanses skin, moisturizes dry hands and cuticles and doubles as a lip balm and eye cream all without any petroleum jelly or mineral oil.  Cost: $39 for 1.3 oz.

What are your favorite travel essentials?

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