Fashion

10 Beauty Products You Need For Camping

Young woman on camping in nature swinging and relaxing in hammock.
ArtistGNDphotography/E+/Getty Images

When I think of camping, I think of s'mores, fireflies, and snuggling up in a sleeping bag under the stars. I also think about the time I got my period in the middle of the woods in Northern Maine and had to make do for two days without any sort of paper products, which was absolutely traumatizing. The reality is, spending a weekend in the woods doesn't exactly scream "glamorous!" (Trust me, my experience certainly wasn't.) However, there are certain beauty products you need for camping to keep yourself safe and sane while you're learning to embrace the great outdoors.

My advice? Take the absolute bare minimum (so you don't have to carry anything extra) and embrace the feeling of going au natural. After all, you're supposed to be roughing it! A weekend away is the perfect time to let your skin breathe, and let the sun and fresh air work its magic on your skin. Plus, chances are, you'll be so swept away by the natural beauty surrounding you that you'll totally forget about your own beauty hangups.

Here are ten simple products you need to survive a weekend in the woods — though maybe bang some sticks together to scare away the mountain lions, just in case.

1. Insect Repellant

Meow Meow Tweet Tweet Herbal Insect Repellant, $18, Meow Meow Tweet Tweet

Camping is great... until you're covered in mosquito bites and can't sleep because you feel like you're going to scratch off your skin. Bug spray is an absolute must, but a lot of the ones on the market are filled with harmful chemicals and smell terrible. This one, from Meow Meow Tweet Tweet, is all natural but still strong enough to keep the bugs at bay. It's made up of plant based essential oils and natural skin toners, and can be sprayed directly on your skin, face and hair.

2. Dry Shampoo

Captain Blankenship Mermaid Dry Shampoo, $29, Amazon

Considering the lack of showers, camping and clean hair don't exactly go hand in hand. Thankfully, we have dry shampoo, like this one from Mermaid, to help add volume (and a more socially acceptable odor) to your dirty, lifeless hair. Make sure to comb through your strands thoroughly — especially if you've been swimming! — to avoid serious knots.

3. Shower Wipes

Nathan Power Shower Wipes, $4, Amazon

Since we've already established that there's probably no showering on a camping trip, for the sake of yourself and your fellow campers, bring along some shower wipes. After all, no one wants to be the girl stinking up the tent (and no one wants to be next to her, either).

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4. Deodorant

Pure Deodorant, $18, Reset Yourself

Last but not least on the list of "things to help you not smell like a pile of garbage on your camping trip": deodorant. Because you're probably going to do a lot of tough, sweaty outdoor activities, you'll want one that lasts. This one is 100% aluminum-free and is made with coconut oil, baking soda, arrowroot, and beeswax. According to Reset, the all natural formula has been tested and approved in a variety of climates and countries.

5. Hydrating Sunscreen

Purlisse Blue Lotus SPF 30 Essential Daily Moisturizer, $55, Derm Store

If you're spending time in the great outdoors, it inevitably means you're getting some serious sun exposure. While working on your tan may be one of your ultimate #summergoals, it's still important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The pur~lisse Blue Lotus SPF 30 Essential Daily Moisturizer is made with with White Tea, Soy Proteins and Algae Extracts, and offers superior full-spectrum sun protection without leaving behind an annoying white tint. Plus, it's sunscreen and moisturizer, so you only have to pack one thing!

6. Cleansing Wipes

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes, $7, Amazon

By the end of the day, your face is bound to be covered in sweat and dirt (and possibly tears, if you realize halfway through the trip that camping is definitely not for you). A quick swipe with a facial wipe — followed by moisturizer — should do the trick to clean your skin.

7. Lip Balm

Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36, $22, Sephora

When you're shielding yourself from the sun, don't forget about the lips! This balm comes in an easy, twist up container and offers sun protection and hydration at the same time. Remember to drink lots of water (especially if it's hot!) to keep the rest of you hydrated, too.

8. Anti-Itch Cream

Aveno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion, $6, Amazon

No matter how much bug spray you cover yourself in, you're pretty much guaranteed to get at least a few bug bites along the way. Ease the pain with some anti itch cream, which also works if you accidentally squat in a pile of poison ivy.

9. Spray Water

Evian Mineral Water Spray , $13, Sephora

The real trick to staying fresh faced while camping (or anywhere else, for that matter)? Hydration, hydration, hydration. Spritz some Evian on your face to maintain your dewey glow and stay cool in the summer heat.

10. Tampons

Honest Organic Cotton Tampons With Applicator, $12, Amazon

Or whatever your period solution of choice may be. Trust me —I learned this lesson the hard way.

Images: ArtistGNDphotography/E+/Getty Images; Courtesy of Brands