This winter, I cheated on Canada.
Every Canadian knows how difficult it can get when the holidays are over and the days are shorter than ever. It feels like spring might really never come this year. So, I took matters into my own hands, and booked a surf trip to Nicaragua.
I knew that for the trip to be successful, there were really only three things I needed:
- My passport
- My laptop
- The Small Nice Line
The first helped me get in the country, the second helped my keep my job, a the third helped my skin thrive through the transition from sunless, dry, Whitehorse winter, to the extreme heat and humidity of Central America.
The Small Nice Line includes my complete 6-step skincare routine, in travel-sized, carry-on friendly packaging. There’s really no excuse to leave it behind.
Minimalist Packing Without Sacrificing Skincare
Skincare used to be the last priority on my packing list. I’m a light packer—almost to a fault—and would always convince myself I could do without it. If my bag had room for an extra pair of socks or face wash, socks won, every time.
This wishful thinking usually ended with me paying ungodly prices for basic skincare at duty-free counters all over the world.
Now that LAKE+MAIN had carried me through one of the harshest winters Canada has to offer, I wasn’t about to leave my skincare routine behind. Best decision ever. Let me tell you how The Small Nice Line brought true luxury to my backpacking trip.
The Zinc Dilemma: Removing Sunscreen Without the Scrub
If you’ve ever used a mineral sunscreen, you know the struggle—zinc sticks like glue. The usual fix? Scrubbing your skin raw. But CLEAN and SMOOTH changed the game.
I started mixing SMOOTH’s oat grains with CLEAN after surfing, creating a soft, milky mixture that melted away sunscreen, sweat, and saltwater without irritation. No more aggressive rubbing, no more redness—just fresh, clean skin, ready for another round in the waves.
Midday Maintenance: Toner to Reset
Salt water, wind, and sun usually leave my skin feeling tight and dry, but this time, Small Nice had my back. I can’t tell you how many times per day I reached for BALANCE, the non-alcoholic toner that became my go-to for an instant refresh.
With aloe vera to soothe, rose water to hydrate, and witch hazel to calm redness, BALANCE felt like a splash of relief every time I spritzed it on. Whether I was rinsing off after a surf session or just feeling the heat settle in, a quick mist reset my skin, keeping it soft and comfortable instead of tight and parched.
I carried it everywhere—midday spritzes were a lifesaver, and soon, the girls (and guys) at my hostel were lining up for a quick mist. Turns out, nothing bonds a group of travelers faster than shared sunburn prevention. Next time, I’m packing more.
Sun Prep & Recovery: Hydration is Key
Going from subzero temperatures to relentless tropical heat, my skin needed time to adjust. So I made hydration a priority—morning and night.
Mornings were all about protection. I started with ELEVATE, packed with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate and strengthen my skin barrier. NOURISH followed, absorbing fast with shea butter and squalane, locking in moisture without feeling greasy—even in the midday heat.
Evenings were for recovery. After cleansing, I reapplied ELEVATE to replenish moisture, followed by NOURISH for deep hydration. GLOW, with rosehip and sea buckthorn, sealed it all in, repairing sun-exposed skin overnight.
This simple routine kept my skin balanced, resilient, and ready for another day under the Nicaraguan sun.
The Verdict: A Travel-Sized Routine That Goes the Distance
Five weeks of tropical heat, salty air, and relentless sun, and my skin never felt better. The Small Nice Line adapted to every challenge—hydrating, soothing, and protecting without ever feeling heavy. Whether you’re chasing waves or just need a foolproof, all-natural skincare routine that works anywhere, The Six is your perfect travel companion.
