To those who know me best, my apartment is not a home but rather a constantly revolving door of beauty products. From the classic serums and moisturizers to the trendiest new lipsticks and hairsprays, I truly have it all, and thanks to my job as a beauty editor, my collection is continually growing. With the storage constraints of my New York apartment aside, this really is all fine and well—I love what I do and feel lucky to do it—but trouble starts to arise when I switch over to the other side of my career, as a travel editor.
While my childhood spent living between my divorced parents’ houses did leave me with some excellent packing skills, it didn’t exactly minimize my love of (and attachment to) my skincare routine. So, whenever a new adventure rolled around and it came time to pack, I’d spend hours parsing through every beauty product I own, trying to decide which ones I absolutely couldn’t live without. But over the years, I’ve managed to narrow it down a bit to a handful of essentials—and while there are sometimes additions to this list, especially on longer trips, these are the eight products I refuse to travel without.
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
My skin encounters a lot of dirt and grime, particularly when I’m traveling, so it’s important that I have a good exfoliating cleanser to help remove it all at the end of the day, and this one from SkinMedica is unmatched.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
I like to start my AM skincare with this amazing toner. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate skin and prime it for the rest of my routine, and it smells heavenly. Plus, it comes in a mini for when a carry-on is the only option.
Vitamin C is essential every day, but its protective abilities against environmental stressors make it especially important when traveling, and this one from Dermalogica is great.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
The significance of a good moisturizer when on the road truly cannot be overstated. Flying and changes in climate massively dehydrate skin, so I bring Augustinus Bader’s Rich Cream with me everywhere I go.
SkinBetter sunbetter Sheer SPR 56 Sunscreen Compact
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable, and this compact is a prime choice because it’s easy to take on the go to reapply throughout the day.
Testament Beauty Moroccan Chamomile Sleeping Mask
Nothing locks in hydration like this sleeping mask. I put it atop my retinoid as a last step at night and wake up with buttery smooth skin.
Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque
Traveling can cause breakouts, so I always bring this mask with me to spot treat any blemishes that may arise.
I lather my lips in Aquaphor every night, but when I travel, it takes on a new extreme. Not only do I pack one in my suitcase, but I also bring one along on the plane.
Other articles you may like:
