Essential Beauty Products for a Travel-Ready Kit
When packing your beauty case for a trip, whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a longer holiday, it’s important to focus on products that are compact, lightweight, and have multiple uses. This helps save space and ensures you have everything you need without overpacking.
For shorter trips, some of your regular skincare products can be left at home. According to dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta, “Holidays are a great time to break routine – keep active skincare to a minimum and just take vitamin A serum. But never forget sunscreen.”
Sun Protection: A Must-Have
Sunscreen is an essential part of any travel kit. Some of the top options include:
- Revlon Gloss Balm SPF 50+ in Peach Spice ($16) – a convenient and hydrating option.
- Mother Face and Body SPF 50 ($52) – ideal for protecting both face and body.
- Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hydrating Body & Hand Skinscreen SPF 50+ (from $15) – available in two sizes and perfect for all-over protection.
Gupta also recommends using a tinted moisturiser with an SPF 50+ as an extra layer of protection. It not only helps block visible light, which contributes to pigmentation and fine lines, but also adds a subtle colour to your skin.
Skincare Essentials
In addition to sun protection, every travel kit should include a cleanser, serum, and moisturiser, even if you’re only away for one night. Two great all-in-one packs are:
- Laneige Icons to Go Kit ($40)
- Dermalogica Expertise On The Go Set ($90)
For in-flight hydration, consider packing a sheet mask such as Dr.Jart+ Dermask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution Face Mask ($22 for five), and keep a face mist within easy reach. Our pick is Jurlique Rose Water Balancing Mist ($58).
Hair Care on the Go
When it comes to hair care, pack something to tackle flyaways, like the Got2b Flyaway Brush ($15). For a cleanse and conditioning protocol, the Olaplex The Mini Essentials Set ($54) is ideal for addressing sun and salt damage.
For styling, consider Ouai Melrose Place Super Dry Shampoo ($29) and Ouai Anti-Frizz Crème ($29), both available in travel sizes. If your destination allows, bring your own dryer, such as the new Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer ($449), which is lightweight and powerful.
Makeup for Travel
For makeup, focus on cream-based products or mini-kits that have multiple uses. A great all-rounder is Make Up For Ever Color Crayon ($57), which works on eyes, lips, and cheeks and won’t melt in the heat. Pack a peachy base for day and a bronze for night, and save space by blending with clean fingertips instead of brushes.
Some destinations and skin types may benefit from a concealer like Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ($62), which can double as foundation. However, if you’re like many people, you might not want to leave home without a liquid foundation compact like Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Cushion Liquid Compact Foundation ($95) and a full-sized mascara – when it comes to some products, minis just don’t cut it for me.
Decanting Kits for Convenience
If you can’t bear to leave home without your favourite products, consider a decanting kit such as the Somi Vacay Kit ($197), which includes 10 containers stored in a stylish hard-shell case.
What Are Growth Factors in Skincare?
Growth factors are naturally occurring signaling proteins in the body that help regulate skin-cell growth for repair and regeneration. In skincare, they contribute to healthier and more resilient skin over time. If you’re interested in trying growth factors, consider Zo Skin Health Firming Serum ($464).
