I Recently Explored the Rainforest—Here Are the Essential Beauty Products I Needed

      (Image credit: @shawnasimonee) I recently had the opportunity to visit Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize—a stunning resort that is part of the Family Coppola Hideaways. It is nestled right in the heart of the rainforest, featuring cascading waterfalls and vibrant vegetation that truly create a dreamlike atmosphere. This was my first trip to Belize, and to be honest, I was unsure of what to expect. As someone who likes to prepare and know which products to pack for different climates, I had to do some guessing to determine what I should take with me. Fortunately, my instincts were spot on. The items I packed were exactly what my skin required, and I felt compelled to share them. If you’re headed to a similar climate soon, you’ll want to keep reading. I’m revealing all my essentials that helped me navigate my rainforest adventure.

      Dagne Dover

      Landon Carryall - Large

      I must begin with the luggage I brought because it deserves high praise. I've previously raved about Dagne Dover travel items, but the brand's new S/S 25 Lakehouse collection features beautiful limited-edition colors that I couldn't resist. I took the large Landon Carryall in pine with me, and I can confidently say it's one of the best travel bags I own. It's incredibly spacious and has pockets for everything. I can easily fit a 16-inch laptop, a few outfits, and various accessories like headphones. It’s also compact enough to fit under an airplane seat, so there’s no need to stow it in the overhead compartment. I never travel without a Landon bag nowadays, along with some of my other Dagne Dover favorites.

      Dagne Dover

      Indi Neoprene Diaper Backpack - Medium

      I needed a really reliable backpack for this trip because we booked a lot of full-day outdoor activities. Although this is technically categorized as a diaper bag, I appreciate its versatility. It would certainly make an excellent diaper backpack for everyday use, but it also performs exceptionally well for hiking and outdoor adventures due to its dedicated slot for a water bottle (or baby bottle) and ample storage space. Once again, Dagne did not disappoint, as the number of pockets is unmatched. The medium size was ideal for my weeklong trip.

      Dagne Dover

      Sydney Checked Luggage in Onyx, Smaller - 25 Inch

      While I have several smaller Dagne travel bags, this was my first time using a full-size suitcase from the brand. I know it’s on the pricier side, but trust me, it’s totally worth it. The 25-inch size is perfect for a trip lasting four to seven days—like all of Dagne's other travel items, it feels like a true Mary Poppins bag. It accommodates so much and I particularly love the front pocket feature. It zips open, allowing me to retrieve items without needing to unzip the entire suitcase. This was incredibly convenient when I wanted to grab smaller items and toiletries packed in that section without accessing the whole suitcase. It rolls smoothly and is quite lightweight overall.

      I’ve owned a lot of cosmetics bags, but this is by far the best (and most stylish!) one. The bag features the brand's trademarked Pristinium lining shield, which is heat resistant and incorporates barrier technology to help maintain your products at a safe temperature. Not only did it prevent my products from leaking or exploding on the plane, but it also fit perfectly in my suitcase. I usually avoid bringing cute cosmetic cases as they tend to be oversized, but this one is the perfect size and doesn’t take up too much space. While it’s hard to justify spending over $200 on a cosmetics case, I absolutely adore this one. It’s incredibly durable, and I can tell it will last a long time.

      MATTER OF FACT

      Remove + Replenish Gel Balm Cleanser

      I’ve become quite fond of Matter of Fact's minimal skincare range lately. My skin tends to dry out during travel, and this glycerin-rich gel-balm cleanser was exactly what I needed. It has a unique texture—not like a traditional cleanser—but it leaves my skin feeling wonderfully hydrated and soft. I have acne-prone skin, so switching to a non-foaming cleanser can be challenging, but I assure you, this one is exceptional and functions as both a makeup remover and cleanser.

      MATTER OF FACT

      Brightening + Firming Serum With 20% Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid

      This vitamin C serum was my first experience with Matter of Fact, and I instantly fell in love. It has a 20% concentration of vitamin C, which might irritate some, but if you can handle it, it is the best vitamin C serum I’ve ever used. The ingredient list is minimalist, yet it delivers impressive results in terms of brightening. I've received more compliments about my skin while using it, and it helped protect my skin in unfamiliar environments.

      MATTER OF FACT

      Minimalist