5 Skin-Care Essentials to Pack for Spring Break

You’ve booked your flight and planned 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. Because sorting through a big collection of products can be daunting, we went ahead and narrowed down your must-have beauty packing list. Ahead, we share five skin-care essentials (including some multi-tasking heros) that should definitely make it into your carry-on bag.

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, salt water or chlorine residue. Give your face a quick cleanse with a gentle cleanser. If you’re on the go, reach for micellar water, like the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water Waterproof Travel Size. 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 afterward. All you have to do is simply soak a cotton pad with the micellar water and sweep it over your face. 

Essential #2: Moisturizer

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 or showering, give your complexion an extra boost of hydration with a lightweight moisturizer. We like Lancôme Skin Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturizing Face Cream. It helps protect against environmental aggressors, such as air pollutants, low humidity and extreme temperatures.

Essential #3: Facial Mist

Spending an extended period of time outdoors in the brutal heat can leave your skin feeling both parched and tired. Just a few quick spritzes of a face mist can help refresh and hydrate your complexion, offering a cooling sensation that will come in handy when the temperatures are skyrocketing. Try the Herbivore Botanicals Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist — it coats your skin in a cloud of hydrating hyaluronic acid, organic rose hydrosol, coconut water and hibiscus extract. 

Essential #4: Lip Balm Formulated with SPF

Unlike other areas of skin on our bodies, our delicate lips contain no oil glands. This makes them more susceptible to drying out. Leading up to your trip, drench your lips in moisture with a hydrating lip balm or emollient. For an added bonus, reach for a lip product that’s formulated with sun protection, as well. One of our favorites is the Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment With SPF 30.

Essential #5: Sunscreen

Speaking of sunscreen, this is one of the most important, if not the most important skin-care item to have on your list. The sun’s UV rays can cause premature skin aging (think: fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots) as well as some cancers. Apply a water-resistant, broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher to all exposed areas of skin before you leave for your day’s adventures. 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, use La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen for Face & Body SPF 100, seek shade with a beach umbrella whenever possible or cover up with protective clothing until it’s time to take a dip.

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

Read More:

6 Cleansers for Combination Skin

A Skin-Care Routine for Teens With Hormonal Acne

The Best Kiehl's Moisturizers for Your Skin Type