Whether you’re heading for a weekend city break or a long flight across time zones, the “packing panic” usually hits the hardest at the bathroom sink. We’ve all been there: trying to decide which shampoo is worth the precious real estate in your travel bag. But looking your best shouldn’t be a burden. To help you streamline your routine without sacrifice, we’ve curated the ultimate travel capsule—ten high-performance essentials to keep you looking and feeling your best, no matter the destination.
Banana Boat Sheer Sensitive Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, 3oz. ($11.99, Amazon)
Sunscreen is essential at any sunny destination.
This SPF is part of a new collection from Banana Boat designed for people with sensitive skin. I had a chance to try a few of the formulations and found them to be incredibly lightweight, non-greasy, and fragrance- and alcohol-free. They are also dermatologist- and pediatrician-approved, water-resistant for 80 minutes, and offer 12-Hour Moisturization with Aloe & Vitamin E.
If you are not checking a bag, grab the TSA-approved 3oz. Face Sunscreen. If you’re checking a bag, treat yourself to the 6oz. Sheer Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion Spray, SPF 50. You will love both!
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100, 3oz ($28.99, Ulta)
I also really like this hydrating SPF from La Roche-Posay, which the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends. It’s dermatologist-tested on sun-sensitive skin, and can be used on the face and body.
The SPF 100, oil-free formulation is very lightweight and feels velvety on the skin, yet it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It contains broad-spectrum UVA/UVB and antioxidant protection. Suitable for ages 3 and up.
Kosmatology Lotion Bar Mini ($5, Kosmatology.com)
These solid moisturizers are the perfect size for even the tiniest purse and are a must for your travel bag.
Travel is so dehydrating, but the Lotion Bars Lotion Bar Mini is a quick, nourishing treat for dry hands, cuticles, heels, elbows, etc. There are several aromatherapeutic scents available, including Lavender Eucalyptus, Spearmint Rosemary, and Grapefruit. Unscented is also available. I also really enjoyed trying the brand’s TSA-approved Mini Foaming Hand Soap, which contains hydrating and aromatherapeutic oils. Available in several scents.
Alchimie Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask, 1oz. ($22.50, Dermstore)
This TSA-approved moisture mask provides excellent defense against travel-induced dehydration thanks to powerful antioxidants from blueberries, wild pansies, and grapes, as well as vitamin E.
The Moisture Mask is also a welcome treatment after the beach or the slopes, helping to heal post-sun redness and free radical damage. You can leave it on for 15-20 or overnight.
Natracare Makeup Wipes ($12.41, Amazon)
These wipes quickly remove makeup and alleviate the worry of soiling the hotel’s beautiful white towels!
The Wipes are 100 percent organic cotton and chlorine-free paper, with a plant-based cleansing formula, making them ideal for sensitive skin. Plus, they are organic, biodegradable, and even compostable, so you can rest assured you aren’t creating more waste!
Moira Soft Blush Balm ($9, Moirabeauty.com)
The Blush Balm is a creamy balm for lips and cheeks that is blendable and buildable. It offers a dewy finish on the cheeks that looks fresh and lively. On the lips, I like to use it as a base color, and then I add a dash of gloss on top.
The Soft Blush Balm is available in a dozen gorgeous colors that are flattering for most skin tones. The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and gluten. So far, I’ve tried Lost in Love, a neutral peach, Think of Me, a soft, cool red, and Baby Girl, a warm violet, and I love them all. You don’t want to pack too much makeup, so a 2-in-1 product like this is ideal! The brand also has a 16hr Setting Spray ($10), a TSA-friendly, oil-free setting spray that keeps your makeup fresh during your travels.
CHI Lava MiniStyler ($109.99, Ulta)
If you struggle to maintain your sleek style on the go, throw this tiny hair tool in your suitcase!
This MiniStyler delivers smooth hair just like your full-size one. It has 1.5″ floating plates, it heats up fast to a maximum heat of 410°F, 5X Color Lock Protection, and has a dual voltage feature, ideal for trips abroad.
ARROJO ReFinish Dry Shampoo ($22, shoparrojo.com)
Dry shampoo is ideal for travel, especially if you are short on time.
This travel-sized, multi-functional Dry Shampoo quickly refreshes the scalp and hair, while also providing texture and volume to limp, travel-weary hair with ingredients like aloe vera and ginger. It also extends the time between washes, freeing up time to enjoy your destination!
RevAir Travel-Friendly Minis ($10 and up, Myrevair.com)
Your curls deserve something better than hotel shampoo and cream rinse!
The 2oz. travel-sized Extreme Hydration Cleansing Oil Shampoo and 2oz. Deep Conditioning Treatment will ensure that your curls and waves are soft, hydrated, and nourished, thanks to intense treatment ingredients, like coconut water, hyaluronic acid, and olive leaf extract.
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