5 Skin Care Essentials to Pack for Spring Break

You’ve booked your flight, ordered a handful of string bikinis, and planned out exactly where you’ll sip on your first piña colada. It’s safe to say you’re all set for your upcoming spring break getaway! But before you zip up your suitcase and say bon voyage, make sure every last skin care necessity is in tow. Since sorting through a big arsenal can be daunting, we went ahead and narrowed down your beauty packing list. Ahead, we share five skin care essentials (including some multi-taskers!) that should definitely make it into your carry-on bag. A lightened load plus flawless-looking skin? Sounds like your vacation is already off to a great start! 

Essential #1: Micellar Water

After a long day in the sun, your skin will likely be coated in a mixture of sweat, dead skin cells, sand, saltwater, and chlorine residue by evening. Instead of allowing this pore-clogging combo to wreak havoc on your skin, give your face a quick cleanse with a gentle cleanser. If you’re on the go (or nowhere near a sink), reach for micellar water. These liquid cleansers are formulated with tiny micelles—gentle molecules that attract and lift dirt, makeup, oil, and impurities off the skin’s surface—and don’t require any subsequent rinsing with water or harsh rubbing. All you have to do is simply soak a cotton pad with the micellar water of your choice and sweep it over your facial contours. Easy, peasy.

Pack: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Waterproof Travel Size. At 3.4 fl. oz., this pint-sized and portable micellar water is perfect to travel with!

Essential #2: Moisturizer

All skin needs moisture. Between dry cabin air on planes and moisture-sucking weather conditions at your final destination, your skin will likely look and feel dry. After cleansing and/or showering, give your body’s largest organ an extra boost of hydration with a lightweight moisturizer. To cut down on the number of products you bring along, reach for a moisturizer that’s suitable for both face and body skin. Better yet? Choose a formula that’s formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen for sun protection.

Pack: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30. The lightweight moisturizer leaves skin feeling balanced (aka comfortable and hydrated) and helps protect against skin-damaging UVA and UVB rays with broad spectrum SPF 30.

Essential #3: Facial Mist

Spending an extended period of time outdoors in the brutal heat can leave your skin feeling both parched and tired. Why let that ruin your fun when you can perk your skin up in a pinch with a facial mist? Just a few quick spritzes can help refresh and hydrate your complexion, offering a cooling sensation that will come in handy when the temperatures are hotter than hot!

Pack: Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water. Naturally rich with 15 active minerals, this formula can help hydrate and soothe your skin. Be sure to reach for the travel-sized version!

Essential #4: Lip Balm Formulated with SPF

Unlike other areas of skin on our bodies, our delicate pouts contain no oil glands. This makes them more susceptible to drying out. Anyone who has dealt with dry lips before can attest that it’s not a comfortable feeling. Leading up to your trip, drench your lips in moisture with a hydrating lip balm or emollient. Store your favorite formula in your purse for use on the plane (where dry cabin air can suck the life out of your lips) and during the duration of your vacation. Since most lip conditioners are compact and portable, it should be no problem at all to carry one with you everywhere!

Pack: The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Care Stick SPF 15. Our lips are not immune to the harmful effects of prolonged and unprotected sun exposure. For that reason, we love that this lip conditioner is formulated with SPF 15!

Essential #5: Sunscreen

Speaking of sunscreen, this is one of the most important—if not THE most important—skin care products to have in tow. The sun’s UV rays can cause premature skin aging—think: fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots—as well as some cancers. Why take the risk when you can protect your skin with little effort? Apply a water-resistant, broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher to all exposed areas of skin before your fun in the sun. Be sure to reapply often (at least every two hours), or immediately after swimming, drying off with a towel, or sweating profusely. To up the ante on your sun protection, seek shade with a beach umbrella whenever possible or cover up with protective clothing until it’s time to take a dip.

Pack: SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense. Not only does the formula boasts broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, it helps skin maintain a matte finish. Apply it liberally 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.