BEAUTY
How to stay feminine during long-term travel
For a long time, motorcycling was considered predominantly a male domain, and even today there are countries where the number of female motorcyclists is significantly lower than males. My opinion is quite simple – if you really love something, you should pursue it. But I also believe that we have our own advantages and strengths that there's no need to hide. During this journey, I've gained the skill and, most importantly, a strong desire to remain feminine. When you spend days or weeks on end getting exhausted, sweating, with sun-faded hair, dirt under your nails, and machine oil stains, mascara smudged from wind and rain, there's a strong desire to tidy up, put on a beautiful dress, and enjoy a nice dinner in a decent place rather than at a gas station or in a tent.
Little road trip hacks
- Wet wipes are a lifesaver. I use the gentlest ones meant for baby skin. They're handy for wiping off dust from my face, freshening up, cleaning the headlight or visor (I keep them separate and wipe the visor dry afterwards), drying off the dipstick to check oil levels, and of course, cleaning up any sticky dirt.
- If doing a manicure, opt for shellac if possible. It lasts for 3 weeks; regular polish tends to chip after the first chain adjustment.
- There's a fantastic lash treatment called "lash lamination". I'm not sure what they do, but it keeps them looking great without needing mascara. I strictly avoid extensions—they're inconvenient, and wind and daily riding make them look good only for the first week before they start falling off in clumps.
- Every couple of weeks or months, I use restorative masks (in packets); I still have some Japanese ones left.
- Talc in my socks and even on my butt during tropical or hot days.
- Dry shampoo is a fantastic emergency fix, though.
- For bangs, washing just them at gas stations in the morning lets me stop avoiding my reflection in the mirror and freshens up my appearance.
- I've been doing Afro braids for over 10 years. They offer better helmet ventilation and create channels for air circulation on both sides. They keep my own hair better preserved, like in a cocoon. Plus, they provide hairstyle variety and vibrancy. Full-head braids are time-consuming, costly, and heavy, needing timely re-braiding; so, I opt for three pieces on each side. I can find a good stylist in any major city every 4 months or so, and on the Caribbean coast—right on the beach and almost free.
- Always carry hygienic lipstick in your pocket. In dry climates, lips dry out; in cold, they freeze and crack. It's a must-have.
- I collect small soaps, shampoo bottles, and mini toothpaste from hotels whenever possible.
My travel kit includes:
Shampoo, conditioner, makeup remover, deodorant, scrub, body lotion, face cream, eye cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, razor, hygienic lipstick, mascara, concealer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, tweezers, nail file, scissors, comb, pocket mirror.
About dresses: All my dresses came from my travels. Some have reached the end of their journey, while others are still with me. I have five dresses in total, the most expensive costing $10. Multicolored and black from Australia, black and white from Honduras, green from Peru, pink from Nicaragua, and red from New York. They are all very light and airy, take up little space, are quick to change into, instantly transform me, and make me feel priceless.
And remember— a beautiful woman is first and foremost a happy woman. When you're behind the handlebars of your motorcycle, which brings you joy and excitement, opens up new horizons, calms or inspires you to achieve, your eyes shine with an inner fire that even a helmet can't hide, your smile can't be concealed, and your gear becomes a comfortable and second skin. You're confident and capable of anything, and the rest doesn't matter. Love yourself, shine on, and dare to be bold! You are beautiful!
- Wet wipes are a lifesaver. I use the gentlest ones meant for baby skin. They're handy for wiping off dust from my face, freshening up, cleaning the headlight or visor (I keep them separate and wipe the visor dry afterwards), drying off the dipstick to check oil levels, and of course, cleaning up any sticky dirt.
- If doing a manicure, opt for shellac if possible. It lasts for 3 weeks; regular polish tends to chip after the first chain adjustment.
- There's a fantastic lash treatment called "lash lamination". I'm not sure what they do, but it keeps them looking great without needing mascara. I strictly avoid extensions—they're inconvenient, and wind and daily riding make them look good only for the first week before they start falling off in clumps.
- Every couple of weeks or months, I use restorative masks (in packets); I still have some Japanese ones left.
- Talc in my socks and even on my butt during tropical or hot days.
- Dry shampoo is a fantastic emergency fix, though.
- For bangs, washing just them at gas stations in the morning lets me stop avoiding my reflection in the mirror and freshens up my appearance.
- I've been doing Afro braids for over 10 years. They offer better helmet ventilation and create channels for air circulation on both sides. They keep my own hair better preserved, like in a cocoon. Plus, they provide hairstyle variety and vibrancy. Full-head braids are time-consuming, costly, and heavy, needing timely re-braiding; so, I opt for three pieces on each side. I can find a good stylist in any major city every 4 months or so, and on the Caribbean coast—right on the beach and almost free.
- Always carry hygienic lipstick in your pocket. In dry climates, lips dry out; in cold, they freeze and crack. It's a must-have.
- I collect small soaps, shampoo bottles, and mini toothpaste from hotels whenever possible.
My travel kit includes:
Shampoo, conditioner, makeup remover, deodorant, scrub, body lotion, face cream, eye cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, razor, hygienic lipstick, mascara, concealer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, tweezers, nail file, scissors, comb, pocket mirror.
About dresses: All my dresses came from my travels. Some have reached the end of their journey, while others are still with me. I have five dresses in total, the most expensive costing $10. Multicolored and black from Australia, black and white from Honduras, green from Peru, pink from Nicaragua, and red from New York. They are all very light and airy, take up little space, are quick to change into, instantly transform me, and make me feel priceless.
And remember— a beautiful woman is first and foremost a happy woman. When you're behind the handlebars of your motorcycle, which brings you joy and excitement, opens up new horizons, calms or inspires you to achieve, your eyes shine with an inner fire that even a helmet can't hide, your smile can't be concealed, and your gear becomes a comfortable and second skin. You're confident and capable of anything, and the rest doesn't matter. Love yourself, shine on, and dare to be bold! You are beautiful!
© Kate'n'Ride, 2024. All rights reserved (my Dad is a lawyer)
