If I were stranded on a deserted island, I wouldn’t need anything but sunscreen. But if I was there with, say, Ryan Gosling or Robert Downey Jr. (or both!!), I could not live without my five key make-up must haves. They may not be enough to walk the red carpet, but I wouldn’t want my matinee idols (or most people) to see me without them.

Do you have ugly cities? Places you go where all of a sudden your skin or hair looks less than its best? Or the reverse, the moment you arrive, you’ve mysteriously got your glow on? My two extremes are New York and Whistler.

We’re all about using the right tools for the job, and having the perfect vacation accessories is at the top of the list! We asked our friend VitaminDaily.com editor-in-chief Sarah Bancroft to share her packing list with us as she plans her spring break in California.

Wow, time really flies when you’re trying to grow your eyelashes. I’ve been using the prescription eyelash growth product Latisse for almost four years now, the longest I’ve ever committed to any single beauty product.

This year I have ONE New Year’s resolution: WASH MY FACE. A small confession: I’m really bad about doing it. Like really bad. If I’m feeling up to it, I’ll use a pre-moistened face wipe. If I’m feeling lazy, I skip it all together. In the morning, I’ll rinse with cold water. That’s pretty much it.

Whether traveling for business or vacation, we all have to deal with jet lag. It can even happen if you haven’t changed time zones due to dehydration. We learn tips from the experts on how to minimize the effects of jet lag.

Every once in a while I like to share my list of things I (currently) couldn’t live without. Here are a few of my go-to fashion and beauty items…

Although the name of our current TV show may suggest otherwise, I’m actually not a big beauty product junkie. I have one blush, one black eyeliner, one kind of shampoo, one moisturizer…you get the idea. Between my sensitive skin and my budget-consciousness, striking a balance can be tricky, but one product line keeps me coming back for more…

Leafing through Hello Canada magazine recently, I saw a spread with Jerry Hall in which she said she would never have plastic surgery. Wow, Jerry, you sure look great! Then I cracked open People Magazine, which trumpets 47-year-old Demi Moore’s beauty. I agree, she looks remarkable – dare I say it – for her age. And apparently she’s never had plastic surgery either. Hmm…

I’m turning 40 this year. Not for several months yet, but it will come before the year is out indeed. I feel pretty good about 40: I can run faster than I could ten years ago, I’m a better skier, and I dare say I love the dash of wisdom that comes with experience.