The pilgrimage to PAX Aus, taking place from October 10-12 in Melbourne, is an exciting one for any fan of gaming, pop culture, and all things Fandom absolutely loves. Whether you’re a veteran attendee or it’s your first rodeo, preparing for the long days of walking, yapping and the overall excitement is key to having the best experience time possible.
You’ve got your pass sorted, your cosplay is looking fire, and your portable charger is fully juiced. But there are a few more essentials you should consider packing to ensure you’re a convention-going pro.
First and foremost, comfort is king. You’ll be on your feet for hours, so a good pair of shoes is non-negotiable. Don’t be tempted to wear those cool, but ultimately painful, boots for your cosplay if they aren’t broken in. Opt for supportive sneakers or flats that can withstand the kms of walking you’ll do between panels and booths.
A comfortable backpack is also a must. You’ll need a place to stash all the free swag, merchandise you buy, and whatever other goodies you end up with. Make sure it has padded straps and a few different compartments to keep things organised.
We know that navigating the bustling crowds and enduring the long days can take a toll on your skin, especially if you’re prone to breakouts and acne. When you’re constantly on the go, a consistent skincare routine can be a lifesaver. Sometimes, the PAX prep begins before you even leave the house. Start your day with Benzac’s Purifying Foam Cleanser, a foaming cleanser for acne-prone skin that helps to control oiliness without drying you out. This is especially important for those susceptible to breakouts, as it helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance while unblocking pores. Follow that up with Benzac Daily Facial Moisturiser, an oil and fragrance-free, non-greasy formula that hydrates and smooths all skin types, especially dry or acne-prone skin, preventing it from drying out during the day.
But if you’ve woken up the day before and spotted any surprise blemishes, reach for some Benzac Power Patches! The Power Patches Skin Restore are designed to absorb whiteheads fast and restore skin’s smoothness, while the Power Patch Fast Fix provides visible results for emerging spots in as little as six hours.
You should also be prepared for literally anything with a small first-aid kit. Pack a few bandages for any unexpected blisters, some pain relievers for a headache after all that noise, and hand sanitizer to keep those convention germs at bay.
Speaking of being prepared for anything, the most important thing to have with you as you tackle PAX — be it your first or your fifth — is an open mind. You never know what fun you might have if you check out every last nook and cranny. You should definitely stop by Benzac’s gamified activation, which you can find in the concourse near the main entrance. It’s all about levelling up your mind, skills and your overall vibe. Keep an eye out for their “Level Up Your Mind” and “Level Up Your Skills” stations, where you can play themed games — like Street Fighter™ — and quizzes for a chance to win prizes. This could be anything from a Free Power Patch (just in case you forgot yours) to products to complete your skin routine (ensuring you’re ready for whatever’s next). It’s a fun way to test your gaming knowledge and potentially score some free loot to help you survive the weekend.
PAX Aus is an incredible experience, and being prepared will ensure you can fully immerse yourself in the fun, without anything holding you back, including to your skin.
PS. Just in case you need to give your skin some post-con loving, reach for the Benzac Blackhead Control Facial Scrub. It’s a clinically proven, gentle exfoliator that both soothes and deeply cleanses your skin — exactly what you might need if you’ve got acne-prone skin after a full-on weekend.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.