SXSW (or, South by Southwest, for you newbs) IS UPON US! Scope the beauty essentials I won’t be heading to Austin without. BTW, ALL of these products can ALSO double as your “Coachella 2012 Beauty Essentials” come April.
#1: If you head to Texas sans sunblock, you’re the dumbest person reading this blog. I use Aveeno HYDROSPORT Sunscreen Spray (SPF 30)* broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It’s an easy breezy SPRAY application, which is idiot-proof, and it lasts through sun, sweat, and water balloon fights.
#2: Invest in some dry shampoo. I like Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray (it also comes in a powder) because who the eff has time to wash their hair properly during SXSW?! There are panels to crash and bars to visit and bands to see!
#3: SXSW involves a ridic amount of walking, dancing, moving, and if you’re into it, drinking. It’s all good, though, because “Help, I Have An Aching Body” is gonna rescue you with this cute lil’ tin of ibuprofen. Pro Tip: ibuprofen helps decrease swelling, which is why it is often prescribed for muscle injuries, cramps, and body aches. Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, but I’ll play one if you’re a cute dude with a beard 
#4: Eyedrops are one of those things you think you never need, espesh if you’re not some kinda hardcore stoner, until you use them one day and everything looks brighter – literally. I use Visine for Contacts, for obvious reasons (uh, I use contacts), but I totes recommend Visine Tired Eye Relief, because after full day of ogling hot dudes, paying attention to conferences, reading set lists / tweets/ directions, drinking, and basically being awake, your eyes will be dying for some hydration.
#5: La Fresh Oil-Free Face Cleanser Wipes (Fragrance Free) are 100% biodegradable and paraben-free, making them an easy choice to keep in your purse to wipe off the sexy SXSW cocktail of sweat, tears, alcohol, and grime off your face.
#6: Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer is a daily must-have for me. It’s super cheap, comes in tons of yummy delicious scents, and keeps your hands germ-free (I also rub it on my phone. This is probably a bad idea, but I have major germ issues when it comes my iPhone). God knows what you’ll be touching during SXSW, so keep a bottle or 5 in your purse.
#7: Last but not least, start a new love affair with Votre Vu’s Duette Luxe Lip Balm & Hand Creme Combo – it has a lip balm built into the top! The creme will keep your hands moisturized for all the texting, tweeting, waving, hand-washing, hand-gesturing, hand-shaking you’ll be doing, while the lip balm will keep your lips supple and ready for all the talking, yelling, networking, making out, and drinking (water OR alcohol) involved.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with press samples of products mentioned in this article by La Fresh, Bath & Body Works, Votre Vu, and Aveeno*.
*As you may (or may not) know, I am an Aveeno Brand Ambassador. However, this is not a paid ambassadorship; perks include access to products before they hit stores and gifted products for editorial consideration.
