Destinations

Travel Beauty Tips

Fly Away: 8 Travel & Beauty Tips

Fly Away: 8 Travel & Beauty Tips 1024 684 Keir Alexa

I often have long commutes and flying can take a serious toll on one’s body and mind. Follow my simple beauty tips here! It’s important to take care of our selves while traveling.

The Face

I usually don’t wear makeup on long flights. But if you feel naked without it, make sure to wash your face really well and moisturize before applying any makeup. If you’re already on the plane and need to put your face on in a hurry, take a small amount of your foundation and use a beauty blender to apply all over your face. Then, I use bareMinerals powder which gives the skin a natural glow while feeling as if you are not wearing any makeup at all. Put on a lightly tinted lip balm, and that’s it! If you want to wear mascara throughout your trip just make sure it’s waterproof and flexible. I also recommend getting professional eyelash extensions for longer trips. I tried them for my summer trip to Europe and I am hooked!

Clothes

You want to be comfortable on a long flight. My typical airport outfit is black stretch pants, a cotton t-shirt and a comfy sweatshirt. I used to always wear converse while traveling but now I love to wear slip on shoes which makes it much easier to take off when going through airport security.

Drink Water

Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the flight. The stress of traveling such long distances plus the air quality in the cabin can take a toll on your body. Drinking water also keeps your skin fresh and your eyes bright. For extra hydration, I will use Chloroxygen in my water. This helps build red blood cells and combat dehydration.

Eat Light and Often

Resist the urge to eat heavy meals on a long flight. To combat hunger, pick up some pre-packaged sealed snacks if your airline permits. Simple foods like dried fruit, nuts, and those yummy dehydrated veggies are really good. I find rice chips are a nice addition, they are filling and good for you. Plus you don’t get the bloat like you would from soda or cheesy foods that are popular. If I do not have time to hit the grocery store before the trip, I will eat the on flight food. Try to request a lighter meal, if there is a vegetarian or gluten-free option — take it.

Center and Distress

I practice transcendental meditation while flying. I use a mediation app on my phone. Meditation helps reduce stress both in the mind and in the body. I use the time to reflect on my trip, what is to come, and things I look forward too. After 20 minutes, I feel like I am centered and relaxed. Everyone is different, so take it as you can.

Also, meditation helps me sleep which definitely helps combat looking haggard when you get off a long flight. If I do not sleep on a long flight, I end up feeling sick.

Favorite Products

Find products that will revitalize your skin and give you an energy boost. My favorite hydrating spray is Heritage Rosewater. I spray it on my face throughout the day while traveling. It is also a great body spray to use. It has a fresh scent and it helps return nourishing properties to your skin.

Fresh Breath Always

Fresh breath is important, especially since you are in close quarters with strangers. I always travel with a mini toothbrush and pack of gum.

Moisturize!

The air on the plane is always dry. I always pack a face, hand and eye cream. Do two in one with African Shea butter as a facial moisturizer and eye cream. I also use Dr. Lancer intensive night treatment, which helps with dry skin. Also, make sure that all the items are TSA approval. (3.4 OZ) Travel size kits are available on Amazon or in any drug store.

For my lips, even off the plane, I try to continually put on lip balm. My all time favorite lip balm is from Avalon Organics. I love that it is all natural and smells like fresh citrus with two powerful forms of vitamin C.

Do you have any travel and beauty tips? Please comment below!

 

 

 

 

La Mamounia Marrakech Keir Alexa

Checking In: La Mamounia Marrakech

Checking In: La Mamounia Marrakech 1024 683 Keir Alexa

I read somewhere that Winston Churchill called La Mamounia Hotel, “the most lovely spot in the whole world.” Churchill and I had a very similar experience, especially considering I had the privilege of staying in the same suite he spent many months in, decades ago. The 5-star hotel’s plush decor combined with the hand-carved architecture, insanely tasty restaurants, green gardens spanning 24 acres and a gorgeous spa to top it all off — La Mamounia Hotel is definitely close to paradise.

ALL ABOUT LA MAMOUNIA

La Mamounia Hotel has been in existence since the 1920’s, built in the midst of the “grand hotel” era — the time and place creating a cool mix of Art Deco design and a more classic Moroccan style. The hotel’s gardens have been around even longer, dating back to the 18th century when they were given to the Prince of Morocco as a wedding gift from his father, the Sultan.

The royal origin makes complete sense given its decadent atmosphere.

After about a ten minute drive from the airport, my boyfriend and I stepped into La Mamounia. We were immediately escorted to enormous plush couches and graciously given fresh almond milk and dates! The hotel manager welcomed us warmly as we sunk in and bathed in the red cushions — from then on, the luxury was endless.

Marrakech Morocco Food

La Mamounia Marrakech

La Mamounia Marrakech Morocco

La Mamounia Marrakech Morocco

La Mamounia Marrakech Morocco Travel

Keir Alexa La Mamounia Marrakech MoroccoAlan Keohane

THE ROOM

Room 300, The Churchill Suite — As soon as I walked in, I was hit with all the Moroccan vibes. Ornate, detailed couches, carved wood and stone, everything romantically lit and red-wine in color. The table in the front room even gave us a warm, Moroccan welcome with an assortment of fruit, roses, dates and champagne. Churchill’s opinion of the hotel was absolutely accurate. The hotel gave him homage in thanks for his praise, his name written in Arabic above the bedroom’s headboard.

The suite’s layout — one bedroom, two bathrooms, two closets, two living rooms and a balcony overlooking the plush green garden outside.

La Mamounia Marrakech

La Mamounia Marrakech Morocco

La Mamounia Marrakech Morocco

La Mamounia Marrakech Morocco

La Mamounia Marrakech Morocco

La Mamounia Marrakech Marble

THE DINING

The food is definitely consisted with the hotel’s high standards. With four restaurants, amazing cuisine, diverse options and a Sunday brunch to die for, you can almost feel a little overwhelmed. We had so much to do in Marrakech and too little time, so I only had the chance to eat at two of the restaurants — Le Marocain and Bar Italien.

Le Marocain — An à la carte restaurant combining Moroccan classics with modern interpretations. It’s widely considered to be one of the best restaurants in Marrakech, both for its food and atmosphere (they have live Moroccan music!), and I have to agree. I ordered the vegetable tagine, my favorite meal of the entire trip.

Bar Italien — Known for their Sunday brunch, there were so many options it was hard to choose! The kitchen has its own garden, so there are plenty of fresh veggies along with seafood, salads and tagines. I chose a sushi plate, paired with a shrimp soup — tasty and fresh, though my heart had been stolen earlier at Le Marocain!

Alan KeohanLa Mamounia Marrakech Morocco Food

La Mamounia Marrakech Restaurant

La Mamounia Marrakech Morocco Pool

THE SPA

What’s luxury with out a Spa — At La Mamounia’s Spa, I indulged in my first traditional hammam and body scrub. Moroccan’s regularly take part in large communal hot baths, called hammams. Friends and families gather and chat, gossip and generally socialize. However, La Mamounia’s Spa is far more secluded and serene.

I spent ten minutes in the hammam, sweating all those toxins out, and enjoying the calming atmosphere. After some meditation, the spa specialist took me into a soothing, dark room. I lowered myself onto a square black stone and let the scrub begin. The specialist was wonderful and comforting, although she definitely got close and personal! After the scrub, she hosed me down, completing the cleanse. I completed my personal refresh with a well done blow-dry at the hair salon. I left calm, collected and ready for more Marrakech adventures!

La Mamounia Marrakech Morocco

Keir Alexa Travel Blog Fashion

Before my visit, I had dreamed of experiencing Marrakech and its luxurious hotels, but the quality and service at La Mamounia exceeded all expectations. Seriously, an-all-around WOW!

Also, big thanks to Alan Keohane for photographing me around Marrakech.

 

Keir Alexa Summer Aspen

Top Summer Activities In Aspen

Top Summer Activities In Aspen 1024 683 Keir Alexa

Aspen is a gorgeous town, usually associated with images of glistening snow-capped mountains and luxurious ski resorts. The red-brick downtown oozes comfort on chilly nights. However, many locals will tell you they came for the winter, but stayed for the summer.

Summer in Aspen is gorgeous. With greenery and wildflowers in every direction, the town booms with outdoor activities — hikes and rock climbing, paragliding, golfing, kayaking, whitewater rafting and horseback riding, just to throw out a few of the multitudes of options. For more low-key days, visitors can always hit the shops! Downtown offers wonderful shopping, including Boogies, a personal favorite, with the largest collection of jeans I’ve ever seen! As you walk down the brick sidewalks, passing from shop to shop, symphony music echoes down the street. Live musicians gather and play for everyone to hear, really topping off the relaxing downtown experience.

The people of Aspen only add to the welcoming atmosphere. Neighbors look out for each other like family. Doors are rarely locked. The safety of such a tight-knit community is truly inspirational. You feel right at home, no matter how far you’ve traveled.

Summer in Aspen

Keir Alexa Travel Blogger Summer Aspen Travel

Keir Alexa Summer Aspen

Keir Alexa Summer Aspen

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

As fun as downtown Aspen can be, the real draw is the town’s scenery. There’s no better way to enjoy the surrounding nature than to jump right in and explore.

HIKING — During my stay, we started our exploration with the Maroon Bells — two peaks around 14,000 feet tall, separated by a third of a mile, Maroon creek accumulating at the basin between the two mountains. The hike was awe-inspiring, filled with wildflowers and gorgeous pines. The view of the creek between the two peaks is known as one of the most photographed sites in Colorado, and once you stand at the basin, you can easily see why.

Summer Aspen Travel

Summer Aspen Colorado

GOLFING — With such green and sprawling terrain, Aspen has quite a few golf courses. Though I had rarely golfed before my trip, Aspen’s adventurous nature was getting to me. I was ready to try something new and had the great opportunity to learn from the best. Susie Berning, three-time U.S. Open champion, taught me how to play golf during my week in Aspen! I am so thankful for her thoughtful and skilled teaching. Susie had me hitting balls like a champion… well, at least it felt that way to me! I definitely improved exponentially and I am so thankful for the experience.

Golf Summer Aspen Travel

Golf Summer Aspen Travel Blog

Golf Summer Aspen

PARAGLIDING — For me the most nerve-wracking, exciting and exhilarating of all the activities had to be paragliding off Aspen Mountain. It left me wanting to go again and again, and definitely warrants its own post.

FOOD AND SLEEP — That’s an activity, right? Aspen has great food, and all that adventuring can really work up an appetite. Down times were spent eating and hanging out at our hotel, The Residences at The Little Nell. I’ve stayed there multiple times and would recommend the luxurious hotel to anyone heading to Aspen, any time of year.

Keir Alexa Santorini Greece

Santorini Getaway

Santorini Getaway 1024 683 Keir Alexa

In Santorini, the sea is all aquamarine and the traditional Greek architecture is all white stone, but the sunsets are every color you could imagine. Birthed from a volcano millions of years ago, the Greek island of Santorini floats in the southern tip of the Aegean Sea. Volcanic activity has left the majestic island with black and red sand beaches and a mountainous terrain.  The terrain adds so much romance to the already charming, cosmopolitan island. The perfect location for romantic strolls, intimate outdoor dining, and smooth sailing!

Santorini Greece Getaway

Keir Alexa Santorini Greece

Santorini Greece Getaway

Santorini Greece Getaway

Santorini Greece Getaway

Santorini Greece Getaway

Santorini Greece

Santorini Greece Getaway

Keir Alexa Santorini Greece Getaway

 

THE HOTEL CANVASES OIA SUITES

White from the walls to the furniture, our suite at the Canvases in the village of Oia could be compared to fresh air — simple and clean and great for relaxing, deep breaths.

The suites are built right into the cliff side overlooking the Aegean Sea, where the buildings have stood since the 1600’s. Originally built as wineries, all the suites have been impeccably refurbished and decorated with much sophistication. The layout includes a King Size bed in the open plan bedroom, a spacious living room and the option of private jacuzzi and/or plunge pool.

Santorini Greece Getaway

Santorini Greece

Keir Alexa Santorini Greece Getaway

Santorini Greece Getaway

The calming atmosphere definitely cools off even the driest of hot of summer days. As the temperature lingered in the high 80’s the majority of our stay, the pool became part of our daily routine. Nothing like a big umbrella and some smoothies to kill the heat!

Santorini Greece Getaway

Topping of our three night, four day stay, we stopped by the spa for a soothing massage. The massage rooms were indoor/outdoor with an incredible view of the sea. The ocean breeze added a whole other level of serenity to our relaxation, recharging us as we said our goodbyes to Santorini.

Santorini Greece Getaway

Santorini Greece Getaway

Keir Alexa Santorini Greece

THE LAND

Santorini is the most famous of its neighboring islands for a reason. Apart from its magical landscape, Santorini is busting with bustling villages, a variety of unique shops and exquisite dining.

As we stayed in Oia, we spent most of our days perusing the maze of the cliffside town. Time flew browsing down cobblestone streets, stopping in almost every storefront we passed — clothing shops, souvenir shops, storefronts packed with paintings of Santorini, even fish spas! We let the fish nibble off and exfoliate our feet for a good ten minutes, before returning to our travels. Overall, the shops were great for strolling and window shopping, though I did walk away with two sun hats for some much needed sun protection, and a couple postcards to send out to my brothers.

Needless to say, all the walking certainly built up an appetite! By the end of the day we were always ready for some nourishment, which Oia had plenty to offer.

My favorite spot — Ambrosia. With two gorgeous terraces overlooking the sea and amazing Modern Greek Cuisine, Ambrosia found a special place in my heart and my stomach. Our first night in Santorini, we dined underneath the stars, which I highly recommend. It may have been the 20-hour flight from Los Angeles, but I was starving upon arrival at Ambrosia. I ordered a bread basket with homemade dips, a warm tomato soup, rocket salad with spinach, slices of parmesan and walnuts with a pomegranate dressing, and Tagliatelle with cherry tomatoes and shrimp to finish. I was definitely more than satisfied.

Santorini Greece Getaway

Santorini Greece Travel

THE SEA

What’s an island with out the sea, and what better way to explore than an afternoon cruise?

We chartered a boat from Sunset Oia and spent the day sailing the Aegean Sea, lounging and admiring the soothing waters as well as the spectacular view of the island. We plugged in our own music and let the songs sway with us on the sea, visiting Santorini’s neighboring islands. The red sand beach most vividly stands out in my mind — the setting, the deep, alluring red against the aquamarine water, was more dream than reality.

Santorini Greece Getaway

Santorini Greece

The food, the shops, the cliffs, the suite, the stars and the sunset — Santorini was truly a picture-perfect fairytale getaway!

Dragonfly Den Burning Man Birthday

Dragonfly Den Burning Man Birthday 1000 667 Keir Alexa

i-kT68bB7-X3i-H5WwxNm-X3i-cvTwGCQ-X2i-VjfXTmw-X2i-JrWGVzc-X2i-zNN3tP4-X2i-hpXPnqz-X3i-qjBc34v-X2i-mrRGHPR-X2i-LpCJSmN-X2i-cNBHSs9-X2i-GKmH7Xx-X2i-fsSgjtv-X2i-H7qVbpS-X3i-tXrcLR8-X2i-W2mVR79-X3
i-87rKJNG-X3 copy i-7pkxTh8-X2 i-9NS8TcN-X2 i-QDLZC9f-X2

(Memories from last year)  My boyfriend and our friends decided throw a Burning Man Decompression party. We also celebrated my birthday! Isaiah Martin from Magic Box Productions brought in a beautiful Moroccan style tent and props from our Burning Man Camp – Dragonfly Den. Everyone dressed in fun costumes and danced the night (and morning) away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Russell James – “Angels” Book

Russell James – “Angels” Book 983 692 Keir Alexa

Last year, I was invited to shoot with world-renowned photographer, Russell James, one of the exclusive photographers for Victoria’s Secret. Our first session was in Miami the day before the Victoria’s Secret summer campaign shoot. A few days later we traveled to Necker Island to shoot at the home of Richard Branson.

This experience was a dream come true as every aspiring model hopes to, one day, shoot with a photographer of Russell’s caliber. Little did I know that this shoot would result in me being included in Russell’s new book, “ANGELS” which is comprised of some of the world’s top models and celebrities. I was incredibly excited and felt truly honored that Russell would include me in such lofty company.

You can learn more about “Angels” as well as read my exclusive interview with Russell at MODELINA.COM

Victoria’s Secret sponsored the launch of “Angels” during New York Fashion week. It was a huge success. The launch was held at the renowned Stephan Weiss Studio in New York. Many of the ANGELS from the book were at the event including Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel and Lily Aldridge.

Here is a sneak peak of the Angels event and below is my personal interview with Russell!

Graff2Graff Diamonds dressing me in their gorgeous diamond earrings and heart shape bracelet! OC3A1334Getting hair and makeup ready with the talented Donald Mikula. If you are ever looking for a hair and makeup stylist in New York – he is the best! You can view his website HERE.OC3A1355OC3A1359En route to the event with my mom. I am so happy she came to New York to support me!Angels1Thank you Jaimie Murray for coming to celebrate!photoDSC01536 copyRihanna looking hot on the wall!!DSC01577 Posing next to my portraits! I am wearing a Barbara Bui dress, Jimmy Choo shoes, Graff Diamonds, and a Chanel purse. DSC01593

With Russell James on the red carpet! 
Facetune
Thank you Russell and Victoria’s Secret for a night to remember! 

MY INTERVIEW WITH RUSSELL: 

1. What happened in your career path that lead you to become the Victoria’s Secret photographer? 

The path for me to Victorias Secret was more like a maze. I can’t say I set off with a plan to arrive as a photographer for Victorias Secret. In fact, being an Australian who grew up the remote North West, I didn’t know there was a company called ‘Victorias Secret.’ I didn’t even know there was something called the fashion business. I started out as a metal worker making trashcans, a dog trainer, I had a business cleaning offices and the list goes on. It was not until I was 30 and found myself in Sweden and was introduced to photography. It was love at first sight. That was the year 1989. I worked in Europe (well I think it was work, I shot lots of images, however I didn’t get paid). Eventually though, in 1996, I received an offer to shoot in New York for Sports Illustrated Swimweat Edition and W magazine in the same week. The Sports Illustrated turned out to be the cover of Tyra Banks and theW magazine gave me some street creds as a ‘fashion guy.’ Victorias Secret President Ed Razek eventually saw some of my published works a couple of years later and that was my first shoot for Victorias Secret.

2. I know your book is full of beautiful woman. Is there any other inspiration behind the book? 

It is a significant book to me because I have always had trouble ‘picking a lane.’ I love so many genres of photography and in fact was the one reason I was constantly rejected by agents in New York. However, one incredible agent, Palma Driscoll at Bryan Bantry, eventually saw the vision I did; that it is possible to love shooting landscapes, indigenous culture, fashion, nudes and many other things and not have to say I am just known for one genre. I have previously published books on my love of nature (Nomad Two Worlds), my first book covered many areas I loved to shoot (Russell James 2009) and several other books. However, ’the nude’ is a delicate area and I wanted to wait until I could create a collection that would not just be gratuitous nudes. I wanted it to be a series of expressions from the most subtle sensual to the overtly sexual – because that is the complexity and mystery of women that I admire. It was important to me that I finally paid this genre of photography the respect of a full book. The nude has long been the artistic fascination for so many going back to the time man learned to etch or paint.

3. What are your top three favorite locations to shoot at and why? 

Having traveled so far and so often I have love affairs with many locations around the world. However, three standouts are Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, home of Richard Branson, The Kimberlie Ranges in North West Australia that defy description and are beautiful beyond words, and Bali.

4. You shoot so many beautiful woman from around the world. How did you select your models for the book? 

Part of the book is models I met through Victorias Secret, or through similar type shoots. Then over time I think (and this I find humbling) I found I had developed something of a trust with women that I would always treat their nude form with great respect, that I would partner with them and that I would NEVER publish a nude they themselves didn’t love. So now I seem to be approached by models, celebrities and people in general who would like to capture their own beauty, but not feel bad about it afterwards.

5. How do you make girls feel comfortable in their birthday suits? 

[Laughs] Well, no matter how gently I prepare to make sure it is as comfortable an environment as possible, there inevitably comes the time where I am standing there with a camera and the subject is standing there naked. It’s the 500 pound gorilla in the room.  However, I usually start by shooting a portrait and not a full figure nude. The conversation is important, I talk about anything from food to family – and not the fact we are doing a nude shoot. At some stage I relax, they relax and then we get absorbed in the art of making images.

6. What inspired you to shoot the book with all nudes? 

I finally felt I had the confidence to shoot an entire book on the subject that would be respectful, provocative, tasteful and above all else, that the people in the photographs would be proud to be in the book.

belvedere ice room canada travel

Belvedere Ice Room

Belvedere Ice Room 1024 683 Keir Alexa

One of the highlights of my trip to Whistler, Canada was the Belvedere Ice Room.

Hidden, in a separate room of the Bearfoot Bistro restaurant, is a cave-like ice room. It is known to be the world’s coldest vodka tasting room in the world.

Before entering, a vodka expert took us to a hall where we donned a parka worthy of an Arctic explorer. As soon as I put my Canada Goose jacket on, I felt comfy and cozy. It was much needed before entering a room with temperatures at -32C (-25F). After we were all zipped up and were ready to go, our host led us to a blue, glowing glass door that opened into the tasting room.

belvedere ice room canada travel

belvedere ice room canada travel

All along the luminous ice walls is a collection of over 50 world-class vodkas from which to choose. In the center of the room sits a table made of ice. Shot glasses line up on the top, waiting to be filled with the luscious liquors.

belvedere ice room canada travel

belvedere ice room canada travel

The vodka’s we tasted 

The whole experience takes about 20 minutes and includes four shots. The ice was remarkable and my fingers were freezing. But, my insides were warm and toasty after that delicious vodka! 

If you are in Whistler, DON’T miss this experience!

Pin It on Pinterest