When it comes to packing beauty products, I consider myself a high-maintenance minimalist. Meaning, I need to have certain items (face mist, gua sha tool), but I also want to keep things streamlined and practical. Everything that goes into my suitcase must get used. I only travel with carry-on luggage, which means I have to be especially discerning. No matter the length of the trip or destination, I’ve learned to make it work. That’s why discovering, testing, and curating the perfect combination of hair, skin, body, makeup, and tools for every journey is essential.
As a seasoned beauty editor, I’ve had the privilege of trying countless products, from dry shampoos to face oils. This experience has been invaluable in helping me narrow down my travel must haves. At home, I have a full bin of hair tools and a drawer stocked with an array of lipsticks. But when it comes to travel, every item I pack must be a MVP — functional and effective. Bonus points if it’s a multi-tasker. I’m pulling back the curtain to share my dream roster of beauty products that will make your next getaway feel more like home.
Weleda Skin Food Hydrating Mist
This brand-new face mist is already one of my favorites. Mist it on during dry flights or to refresh after a dip in the ocean to instantly hydrate skin (it features ingredients such as nourishing hyaluronic acid and calming chamomile) and enjoy a subtle botanical scent. It’s addictive — trust me.
To Shop: $19.99, weleda.com
RMS SuperNatural Radiance Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
I like my sunscreen to look luminous and dewy, and if it adds a subtle tint, I’m all for it. This one checks the boxes, so I can use it in lieu of coverage (tinted moisturizer or foundation). One less thing to pack. It offers such a sexy sheen that I’ll wear it after hours — even when there’s no sun.
To Shop: $49, rms.com
Drunk Elephant Therabu Buttered Reparative Hand Cream
I rarely travel with body lotion as I prefer to use whatever my luxury hotel supplies, but you’ll always find hand cream in my bag — especially for long flights. This soothing, buttery version leaves hands feeling like velvet without any greasy residue. And after a night out in heels, I also love it on my feet.
To Shop: $24. sephora.com
True Botanicals Pure Radiance Overnight Lip Treatment
While many lip products claim to be long lasting, this juicy oil lives up to the hype. It envelopes lips in a comforting blanket of nourishment while leaving the loveliest pink tint. Though it’s meant to be used as an overnight treatment (perfect for a long flight), I often sub it in for my daily lip gloss.
To Shop: $32, credobeauty.com
Kérastase Mini Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil
This hair oil is my ride or die, and has been a staple in my routine (be it travel or at home) for decades. Thankfully it comes in a travel size since I rely on it for everything: pre-blowdry prep, tames flyaways, leave-in for air drying, and fixer for day-old (smelly) hair.
To Shop: $30, sephora.com
Kusshi Signature Makeup Bag
After being disappointed by countless makeup bags, I finally found the perfect one. This cosmetics case features fabric inspired by Prada’s nylon and is machine washable. There are compartments for tweezers, makeup sponges, and whatever else you need to stuff in. And like Mary Poppins’ bag of tricks, you’ll be shocked by how much it holds.
To Shop: $69, kusshi.com
Chanel N°1 De Chanel Massage Accessory
After a flight, I am always puffy so I travel with the smallest, lightest gua sha tool I can find, and this Chanel one fits the bill (plus, it’s beautiful). I drag this massage accessory (combined with an oil, moisturizer, or serum) along my face — under my eyes and cheekbones, around my jaw — to drain and detox. It’s made of environmentally friendly materials, such as camellia seed shells, and comes with a chic organic cotton pouch.
To Shop: $70, chanel.com
Klorane Ultra-Gentle Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk
My favorite French pharmacy staple is luckily sold in the U.S., and I rarely leave home without it (because who wants to spend too much time redoing their hair on vacation?). It’s the best formula I’ve tried to refresh hair, add volume, and fix any unwanted scent — without leaving a white residue (and I have very dark brunette hair). Sometimes I use it on clean hair to add that je ne sais quoi French girl texture.
To Shop: $10, ulta.com
Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil
Anyone with a TikTok account is aware that face oils are a staple for travelers in the know. This one adds hydration and that radiant “vacation” glow without leaving a greasy residue behind. Don’t forget to pack it for the plane (and then mix it with your hand cream!).
To Shop: $74, koraorganics.com
Vacation Classic Whipped SPF 30
This retro-inspired sunscreen smells like coconut, banana, and pool water (in the best way possible), feels like a dream on skin, and is a reef-friendly formula. Plus, the kitschy bottle begs to be Instagrammed on your beach towel flat lay.
To Shop: $22, revolve.com
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