As you may, or may not be aware, I work in London. However, I don’t live in London. Instead, I choose, like thousands more, to commute to work each day. Whether this is a wise decision or not is to be debated, but that pretty much sums up my 9-5 (actually, it’s more like 7-7. YAWN)
So, what relevance does this have for my blog? Well, I’ve been thinking for some time to incorporate some of things I’ve learnt whilst travelling into some blog posts, so if you ever have to commute for work, visit London, or simply have a long journey ahead of you, I can hopefully help you.
This is the first blog in the series, and I wanted to start with the basics: The 10 commuter commandments: beauty and fashion edition. Let me know if you have any other commandments I’ve missed out, and anything you’d like me to investigate re. travel based beauty hacks, for example.
The Commuters Beauty and Fashion Commandments
- Hello hygiene! It might seem obvious (I hope this is obvious) but travelling for long hours isn’t just boring, it can also be stressful. Running for trains, especially in heat, can wreck havoc on your blood pressure, let alone your sweat levels (yuk). So, next time you’re heading the big smoke, stock up on your preferred brand of spray and go wild! Boots also do travel size versions so you can chuck one in your handbag for a cheeky top up at the end of the day. Not that you need it, but, y’know, just in case…
- Face wipes, face wipes, face wipes. I can’t say it enough, keeping your skin clean in a polluted city can make a biiiig difference. London is notorious for drying skin, and can change your unblemished complexion into one you’d rather hide. Only problem is, when you do get a breakout, you want to then cover up in heavy make-up. So, avoid those pesky blackheads and grab some face wipes next time you’re in Boots/Superdrug etc. My favourites are from Simple’s range. They are great at cleaning your skin, and getting rid of make-up – double whammy.
- Layers or big coat? Always a tricky one. I’m definitely in the ‘layers’ camp. That way, I can de-robe on the Northern Line should it be rammed (which is ALWAYS). I always find that the temperature on the tube has no relation to the actual weather, so wrapping up warm for the bus is always wise, but bare in mind the packed Tube you’re about to get in when picking your outfit that morning. H & M and Topshop do some great basics pieces, which are great for layering, as well a some great statement coats if you want to opt for a big coat to get snuggly in.
- Freshen up! Your commute might not take long, or you might be on a 7 hour flight – either way, if you don’t have access to a toothbrush you might feel like you want to inject some minty freshness in to your travels. Stick some gum in your makeup bag and you won’t be stuck avoiding after work drinks because you had tuna sarnies at lunch.
- Heels or flats? The age old debate I’ve seen rage on in several Metro issues: should women who work in the City (i.e. those who wear suits to work) wear trainers to work, and then change into heels in the office? Personal preference? I’d wear black flats, and then change, but honestly, each to their own. There are some great smart trainers nowadays, and flat pumps which double as fitness trainers, so you can wear them all day without worrying you’ll forget your backup heels. Especially if you have to rush into that meeting sans Kurt Geigers.
- It’s free, so why not? Who doesn’t love something that’s free? You are literally spoilt for choice in London which, like several other major cities, offers free magazines and newspapers to its visitors. Tuesday is my personal favourite – it’s Stylist day! I love Stylist because it covers everything from fashion to female opinion articles, beauty and book reviews. To be honest, I’d quite happily pay for Stylist – It’s that good. They’ve got a Twitter account too, if you don’t have the chance to pick up a copy.
- Hair refresh, or another hit of the snooze button? A daily challenge I can assure you. Do you get up and fully wash your hair, or leave it 5 minutes, and just condition? Or was it a crap night sleep, and you’d rather not even bother? No judgement, we have all been there, but if you do want to dodge the shower in the morning, grab some dry shampoo and hair ties/pins, and stick them with your travel sized deodorant for a quick spruce up half way throughout the day. They are also great if you get caught in a downpour, and your do just isn’t doing it any more.
- One outfit, or two? Been invited out for drinks after work, or visiting friends but don’t want to lug a massive over night bag on the train? Check out my previous blogs on day to night outfits that can take you from desk to dance floor in a quick change of makeup and jeans. It means you can take less to work, but still have a great night. Take a look at my Polyvore too if you want more outfit inspiration, or you just want a cheeky nose. I won’t tell anyone, promise.
- Let there be…water? hydrates your skin, especially in winter when there is less hydration in the air (hence dryer skin in December). So grab a bottle and stick it in your handbag for a top up on the train. Remember to drink up at your desk too. Try keeping a 2litre bottle by your laptop so you can see how much you’ve drank throughout the day.
- Experiment and explore. You could be travelling to a city you see every day, or visiting one for the first time. Either way, there is so much you could see and do, but more importantly there are so many new places to SHOP. Even in the train stations you can cram in a quick purchase or two before the train back home.
I hope these commandments help you in your travels in the future! Would you add any others if you wrote your own commandments? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy travels!
Alice x
alice louise's wonderland 