Cottage Essentials - What to Pack for the Cottage

I was just at the cottage for the long weekend and as I was going through my products, I thought I would share what I brought and what I think is essential for a cottage weekend.

I rarely style my hair when I'm at the cottage so I love to spritz some Matrix Rough Me Up - Salt Infused Spray. It adds a little bit of texture and a little wave to my hair. Perfect for when you don't want to do much, but still look somewhat put together.

Another hair product I always bring to the cottage with me is John Frieda Frizz Ease. I like to use this after coming in from the dock. Especially if we are heading out to town I like to add a little to my hair for those frizzy flyaways I usually get when I'm out at the dock.

When I'm at the cottage I wear little makeup so this Clinique Pep-Start - pout perfecting balm is great. It's a balm with a nice touch of colour. Ideally I would love this to have SPF in it...so if anyone knows a great balm with an SPF and a bit of colour, let me know.

Speaking of SPF I usually like to bring a few options with me. I just recently tried out the Neutrogena Hydro Boost sunscreen in SPF 50 and love it. It's super hydrating and gentle on my skin. I even applied it to my face one day and I had no bad reaction. I'm thoroughly impressed with this sunscreen.

Another favourite is the Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport in SPF 30. Whenever I know I'm working out in the sun or doing a lot of activities that day I usually grab this and can count on it for being lightweight and protecting my skin.

On to my face SPF! I have always been a mineral sunscreen fan for my face. This Clinique Mineral Sunscreen in SPF 50 is fantastic. I think it does a great job at protecting my skin, with no irritation and being a great base for my makeup. In the past I've also used the Skin Ceuticals and Kiehl's mineral sunscreen for my face and have also loved those. 

Whenever I'm at the cottage I know I'm usually going to be outside the whole day which is why I start off with the mineral sunscreen and then apply my tinted moisturizer after. The bareMinerals Complexion Rescue tinted moisturizer is my latest obsession. On regular days I just apply this without the mineral sunscreen because this tinted moisturizer has SPF 30. However, when I'm at the cottage I like to make sure I'm not missing any spots on my face so I apply the mineral sunscreen and then my tinted moisturizer. Although I wear this tinted moisturizer as my base most days, it really is perfect for the cottage because its lightweight and no fuss. It gives a nice glow and even complexion and thats all I need.

After sitting and playing in the sun all day going from the water to the dock, it can take a toll on our skin. Obviously I try to wear SPF all the time but sometimes I can get the odd burn which is why I like to pack the Avéne After-Sun Repair Creamy Gel. To be honest even if I don't burn but have been out in the sun all day I like to use this after the shower at the end of the night. It's very soothing and cool and feels amazing on my skin. 

Now for the more random but necessary things for a cottage weekend.

Slides!! Last year I didn't have any slides and I kept stealing everyones shoes to head down to the dock. I find I'm constantly going in and out of the cottage so having slides is crucial. The furthest you go is the dock so you need something comfy, breezy and easy to slide on. Already this weekend I used these the entire time. 

Slides: Roots

Hats, comfy sweaters and track pants are a must for a cottage weekend. Whenever it gets chilly at night or in the morning you will want to snuggle up in a big comfy sweater and track pants. If you are sitting out by the fire you will want a sweater and track pants so you don't get attacked by mosquitoes. When it gets a bit windy down by the water you will need your sweater. Waking up early while it's a bit cool out to drink coffee on the dock...you will need your sweater. Many, many reasons why you must pack a sweater or two. Make sure they are big and comfy!!

Sweater: Roots

Making sure you have hats is a no brainer for the cottage. Not only is a hat protecting me from the sun but usually my hair has not been brushed or styled all day so a hat just makes my crazy lake hair look a bit better.

Hat: Roots

Lastly, a great beach bag. There are some days I will throw a few things in a bag and stay down on the dock all day. Having a large beach bag is so convenient so you aren't juggling all the things you need at the dock for the day.

Bag: Tuck Shop Trading Co.

 I know bug spray may be a common one I didn't include but if I'm out late by the fire I just cover myself up from head to toe. Bug spray just smells and feels nasty on my clothes and skin so I try to skip bug spray as much as possible. 

There are definitely some things I'm missing so let me know what are some of your cottage essentials!?

-Sydney Hoffman

*Some of these links contain affiliant links and some of these products mentioned have been gifted to me.*