Blonde and beautiful (and the girlfriend of actor Sam Worthington—some girls have all the luck!), model Lara Bingle looks like the quintessential ‘beach babe,’ so it makes perfect sense that the Australian-born stunner recently launched The Base by Lara Bingle, a line of self-tanning and bronzing products that will leave even us mere mortals sun-kissed and glowing from head to toe. Here, the on-the-go jet-setter, who always has a packed suitcase at the ready, talks to us about her ‘all black’ travel uniform, her favorite finds from around the globe and childhood memories of family trips to Byron Bay.

City you call home?

Sydney, Australia

How often do you travel?

It depends on my schedule, but usually about every second week.

Where are your favorite destinations to travel to?

Japan, Italy, France and the Maldives.

Where’s your “happy place” to visit?

Anywhere with my partner.

What brand of luggage do you use?

Globe-Trotter. It’s a 30″ black and burgundy leather case.  I’ve had it for about 2 years.

And what about your carry-on bag?

My grey, suede Louis Vuitton ‘Sofia Coppola’ bag.

Do you bring a camera?

I use a Leica with a vintage, suede case.

Favorite airline?

Emirates.

What are your in-flight travel essentials?

Water, my Hermes journal, my laptop, La Mer Lip Balm, cashmere socks from The White Company, The Base by Lara Bingle LB Cream, SK-II facial treatment masks…and Candy Crush on my iPhone. Less is more!

Aisle or window?

I always pick a window seat…I like the view.

Preferred in-flight beverage?

Water!

What music is on your travel playlist?

My RDIO playlists. I make a different one every few months.

Do you have any travel rituals or superstitions?

I ALWAYS take off my make up on long-haul flights. Skincare—not makeup—wherever possible.

How do you entertain yourself at 35,000 feet?

I like to watch a classic film I haven’t seen yet, practice my French with Rosetta Stone, and read a good book (or I write in my journal).

What’s your go-to uniform for the plane?

Celine suit pants, Equipment pajama shirts or t-shirts from Bassike, and a Balmain blazer.

What’s the one item you never leave town without?

My Christian Dior blazer dress.

How do you deal with jet lag?

Bath houses—Russian, or Turkish—any bath house always equalizes me. I also drink massive amounts of water.

What’s your exercise routine when you’re on the road?

High-repetition light weights, or your own body weight. I also like long distance, medium-speed running and overall really anything outdoors; walking, swimming, etc.

How do you manage your health + eating routine when you’re away from home?

Consistency is the key for me. I continue what I do on the road just as I would at home. Actually, I am more disciplined on the road.

What’s the first thing you do when you get into your hotel room?

Have a bath.

Are you an over-packer or under-packer?

Under-packer! I like to live, and travel, very light.

Do you have a packing strategy?

I travel a lot…I pretty much have a suitcase packed in my house all year round. Because of this I often wear the same things when I travel—a lot of black.

One surprising thing you always pack?

Carta d’Armenia (Armenian burning paper).

What are your favorite items to travel with?

A lot of black—a couple of Balenciaga skirts, a Balmain blazer…nothing too tricky. My swimwear is Eres and yes, it’s all black!

Do you bring anything to workout in?

I also always pack Asics running shoes.

What beauty-essentials do you travel with?

My hair is probably the most low-maintenance thing about me. I use EVO ‘the therapist’ calming Shampoo and Conditioner. I never use a hair dryer—falling asleep with damp hair gives it the best shape when you wake up! In fact, I only comb it when absolutely necessary.

I use only one product line called Biologique Recherche, it’s French (of course!): Lait VIP O2 (milky cleanser), Lotion P50 (exfoliating toner), Amniotique E. Serum, Fluid VIP 02, and Crème Dermopurifiante…in that order, day and night.

Everything I use is all about getting glow-y. Right now, I use YSL Touché Éclat under my eyes and The Base by Lara Bingle LB cream. I like Chanel Sublimage Cream on my cheeks, and The Base by Lara Bingle skin perfecting illuminators to hightlight the natural curves of my face and body. To finish, I’ll use Maybelline Volume Express Waterproof Mascara. My eyelash curler is Shu Uemura, and I always have Aussie favorite Lucas’ Papaw lip balm on hand.  Christian Dior Bois d’Argent cologne is my day and night scent.

I use Kiehl’s Creme de Corps on my body and Aesop Geranium Leaf is my favorite body wash.  I also make sure to pack Actinica sunscreen.  And of course I also bring the basics like Colgate toothpaste.

Favorite item to order from room service?

Spaghetti “Gemme del Vesuvio” from the JK Place in Capri.

Favorite item from the hotel mini-bar?

Kit-Kat.

Have you ever had a travel disaster?

Yes, my bags always like to take their own holidays (ha!). It’s become a joke in my family now.

If your luggage was lost, what are the 5 items you’d buy at the drugstore?

Moisturizer, a toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen and bronzer.

Favorite find/souvenir from your travels?

I bought this amazing leopard, fur coat from the flea market in Paris when I was 18 and I still wear it now! In Mexico I bought incredible chairs that now sit in my home in Hawaii.

Favorite childhood memory of traveling?

My Dad and my Mum took my Brother and me to Byron Bay, Australia every summer holiday. I loved it! We drove 10-hours there and back…it was a very long car trip, but so worth it!

Travel destinations on your bucket-list?

Sweden, Nepal, and Egypt.