Jet Set in Style with Caylin
For my first post, I knew I had to interview my co-worker and close friend, Caylin Cowie. Don’t let her angelic appearance fool you; she is a refined, bold, eloquent, and confident powerhouse. She has quickly become the go-to girl in the office for advice on just about everything — beauty, dating, health, sex, and more. As a friend, she has offered me the tough yet nurturing love every girl needs in her life. As a project manager, Caylin travels the world, makes her mark in a male-dominated industry, and always looks the part in her black stilettos, tailored blazers, and her signature topknot bun.
How would you describe your personal style when you travel?
I follow the 3 Cs: chic, classic, and coordinated. Utilizing neutrals and basics with interesting accessories, I can literally get dressed in the dark and still end up looking fab!
How do you prepare for an upcoming business trip or vacation?
First, I lockdown my anticipated itinerary (travel days, meetings, special nights out). Then, I develop outfits around the events I’m going to, keeping in mind that I want to be able to reuse pieces in different ways to suit the various occasions. With this approach, I can reuse pieces while still tailoring them to match my needs. This allows me to not over-pack and ultimately over analyze my outfits for the day, meaning more prep time for meetings or piña coladas on the beach, and less time fussing in front of the mirror.
To ensure I remember the outfits, I take photos of each combination and save them to my phone. This allows me to quickly pull an outfit together based on the events of my day. I get a secret rush knowing there is a good chance I might be ready before my husband on vacations or my colleagues (which are mostly male) on work trips.
How does your style differ when you are travelling for business or going on vacation?
I work in a male-dominated profession, so my travel wardrobe is much more classic and utilitarian than my vacation wardrobe, which is generally much more girly. I also play around more with en vogue styles for vacation but still always integrate the classic pieces.
What are your top 5 items that you pack for every trip?
A well-structured neutral blazer — They are versatile and can dress-up any outfit. You can also remove it and take an outfit from day to evening without having to change.
A fashionable scarf — They keep you warm on a plane, tie up your hair in a fashionable style when it’s hot, and add colour and style to an otherwise simple or neutral outfit.
A simple black cardigan — It goes with everything and is easy to carry.
A passport wallet is a must — These thin, chic, and often very cute extended wallets can hold your passport, travel documents, cash, cards, pen, and even phone.
Miniature everything — I have a major fear of my luggage being lost, so I always keep all toiletries and beauty tools in my carry-on. I ensure to only pack miniature versions of toiletries. Instead of purchasing smaller versions (which are wildly expensive for the amount you get), I buy reusable travel bottles and try to make my own miniature bottles of everything I can.
What are some of your fashion and beauty secrets for travelling in style?
I always strive to buy and pack clothes that travel well and are wrinkle resistant. It doesn’t matter how pretty, fashionable, or expensive your outfit looks. If it is wrinkled, you’ve missed the mark. Stick to wool, lyocell, polyester, cashmere, knit, and spandex. Not only will wrinkle-resistant clothing make you look better, it will save you the time and money of having to have your clothes pressed when you unpack at the hotel.
I know it is easier said than done, but when you buy basics — which should form the foundation of your wardrobe — make sure to purchase high quality garments. They look and wear better, and give you a more polished appearance without any additional fuss.
What are your go-to beauty products when you travel?
MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation — As a waterproof formula it lasts for 24 hours and can be used as a foundation or concealer. All day coverage makes sure you look polished all day regardless of what you are up for. I especially like it for hot destinations, as it stays flawless when swimming or sweating.
MAC Pro Longwear Blush — Great consistency and 8-hour wear means you don’t need to reapply.
Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray — This weightless setting spray keeps makeup looking just applied for up to 16 hours. It’s basically hairspray for your face!
Make Up For Ever Microfinish Powder — This finishing powder sets the foundation and gives skin a matte appearance without changing its natural contours. It softens the appearance of imperfections, fine lines, and pores and completely evens out the complexion for a glowing, radiant look. It also eliminates shine and oil.
Batiste Dry Shampoo — I am sure this is a no-brainer but dry shampoo is imperative while travelling. It minimizes washing your hair while still looking fresh and fab, leaving more time to enjoy yourself.
Do you have a beauty regime on the plane?
Who says an 8-hour flight needs to take a toll on your looks? With some specific products and tricks, you can turn your flight into a spa day.
Always take off your makeup. I use textured makeup removal cloths that also lightly exfoliate the skin.
I then apply an overnight moisturizing mask; the one I use is lightweight and colourless so no one knows you are wearing it. Make sure to also apply a high quality lip balm, as flying can dry out your lips.
Try to drink as much water as you can before and during the flight, and try your best to avoid alcohol.
I also bring along a sleep mask, and on occasion have brought along cucumber slices, which I hide underneath while I sleep. Crazy? Maybe. Effective? Definitely!
When I wake up, I remove the mask, spritz my face with Evian Mineral Water Spray, roll on my CLINIQUE All about Eyes De-puffing serum to remove any bags, add eye drops to remove any redness, and finish up with a lightweight moisturizer.
Finally, throw on some light makeup and you will look like a million bucks!
