Why I Create a Vanity In My Hotel Room

 

In this definition, a hotel room vanity is a small space where I can comfortably sit with my products organized in front of me and get ready for the day.

(Not to be confused with my vanity as a personal trait, which is an entirely different and complicated topic.)

SITTING while I get ready is crucial to my routine and a relaxed hotel room experience. 

Enter: my makeshift hotel room vanity.

What my hotel room vanity looks like is dependent upon the room itself.

I most often don’t use the bathroom mirror for my hair and makeup routine.  Usually, the lighting is poor (read: horrifying) and the seating is nonexistent. (Am I the only person who prefers to sit while I get ready? Surely not..)

If possible, I’ll use the room’s desk or another small table I can sit at to unpack my makeup bag*and hair supplies and set up my travel mirror. 

*This makeup bag is so good for this situation- it opens wide so everything is visible, but still IN the bag to keep things tidy. Love it.

A travel mirror may seem a little insane, but it’s been a GODSEND for me in many situations where my hotel room vanity setup is less than ideal. 

It’s also good for checking the back of your hair and up-close operations like eyebrow plucking that might be difficult leaning over the bathroom sink.  

In the event that I don’t have a desk or table to turn into a vanity, I’ll use the room’s floor-length mirror. 

I’ll lay down a hand or face towel to keep my products off the floor and unpack my makeup bag there (or at least place the bag there if lots of loose makeup and hair products will be in the way).

This allows me to sit in front of the mirror (usually on a towel and in my robe) and comfortably apply my makeup and do my hair for the day.

ADDITIONAL BUT VERY IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you’ll be washing your hair on your trip (you don’t have to!) always check out the hairdryer situation in your hotel before you leave home. You can usually see photos online of the hotel room bathrooms to peep the type you’re going to be working with.  I CANNOT with the dinky little ones that hang on the wall. 

I have long, thick, caucasian hair and tiny wall-mounted hairdryers mean I’ll be standing at the bathroom sink for the better part of an hour waiting for my hair to dry in heat equivalent to an Easy Bake Oven. 

Luckily, most modern hotels have upgraded to powerful hair dryers in the room (usually tucked in a little dust bag near the sink), but if there isn’t one, it might be worth the luggage space to bring your own. 

This is entirely your call, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.  Also, be careful about international power needs and be sure your hairdryer (or curling iron or whatever) isn’t going to fry due to incompatible voltage in the country you’re traveling to!

(Another lesson I learned the hard way.)

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