Skin Care Essentials for Travel, A Minimalist's Guide

If you’re anything like us, you think of packing beauty buys ahead of a long trip as a little game. The objective? Fit—read: stuff—as many products in a carry-on as possible. It’s fun in the beginning, but we’ll be the first to tell you that it’s not always easy to come out on top. Practicality aside, hordes of heavy skin care items will seriously weigh down your load. To avoid having your arm’s give out mid-trip, consider downsizing to travel-sized, multi-use (and TSA-compatible!) toiletries that skimp on space and weight without sacrificing your glam. Below, check off your skin care mainstays in this minimalist-approved packing list.

MICELLAR WATER

No matter where we go in the world, micellar water always comes with. It’s the ultimate multi-tasker in a routine as it cleanses, tones, and removes makeup, dirt, and oil in just a few quick sweeps of a cotton pad. La Roche-Posay Micellar Water doesn’t even require rinsing! Could it get any easier? Don’t forget to grab the smaller 3.38 fl. oz. size so it doesn’t get snatched from your bag at the airport security checkpoint.

MOISTURIZER WITH SPF

After cleansing, you must introduce moisture back into the skin. Thus, a non-comedogenic moisturizer cannot be left behind. Go double-duty with one that hydrates, as well as offers SPF protection. Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF 30 Lotion Day Cream is a perfect choice to reveal skin that’s soft, smooth and protected against environmental aggressors all day long. If you’re looking for some tinted coverage in addition to moisture, reach for a BB cream or tinted moisturizer with SPF, like Lancôme Bienfait Teinte Beauty Balm. One product, three amazing benefits. Does it get more travel-friendly than that? 

LIP BALM

Nurture a dry pout in a pinch with Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1. It’s formulated with soothing emollients squalanea, lanolin, wheat germ oil, and vitamin E to help relieve chapped or cracked lips. We swear by it on land, sea, or in mid-air. 

FACE MIST 

If you’re new to face mists, you might not think it’s worthy of precious cargo space…but trust us, it is. At times when you’re feeling overheated and need a quick burst of energy, face mist is what you should turn to. Vichy Thermal Spa Water 50G helps soothe and refresh skin for an extra pep in your step. 

That just about covers the basics. If you have extra room, bring along an exfoliating scrub to help slough away dead skin cells while you’re away. Since you should only exfoliate a few times per week, you may be able to get away with leaving it behind depending on the length of your trip.

Happy travels!