So much can go wrong when you’re traveling internationally. And much of it can happen before you even step onto the plane. You could miss your flight, get held up at the check-in line, and have to pay for overweight baggage or get your bags rifled through at TSA.
The latter happened to me recently for the first time in years. I don’t have an excuse. I got cocky. I thought, maybe TSA won’t be that strict. And so I packed my skincare into my carry-on. That was my first mistake. Then suddenly I was saying goodbye to half of my beloved skincare products as they were carelessly tossed into a bin at Heathrow Airport.
Suffice to say, I’ll never make that crucial error again. So, to make sure I have all the skincare products I need on vacation without the risk of losing my precious products, I am putting together the ultimate travel skincare kit.
I know you’re thinking: why don’t you just put your skincare in your checked bag? But most of the time, I don’t even travel with checked luggage. I think the key to packing is packing light. Just a carry-on bag, a tote, and a fanny pack. Simple, streamlined.
Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible for me to have the same minimalist mindset with my skincare even when I travel.
Despite the fact I know I’ll be too tired every night to do an elaborate skincare routine and face mask, I always think I will. But this wishful thinking is what cost me some of my favorite serums. So it’s time to streamline.
The key to putting together a kit of travel must-haves is the products have to give you a lot of bang for the space they take up. I’m talking multiple uses, lots of skin-loving ingredients, and of course under 100ml.
In short, you want high efficacy, in small packaging. The easiest way to do this is by looking for high-quality brands and checking out their travel-size offerings. This is also a gateway into trying more pricey products at a fraction of the cost.
But instead of scouring the pre-checkout aisle at Sephora, I did all the research for you and have come up with the ultimate travel-size must-haves. Bonus: many brands even have essential kits to knock out a whole routine in one. Just make sure it all fits into one plastic bag for TSA!
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Youth to the People - The Youth System Minis Set
This brand is a Gen-Z favorite for a reason. Supercharged with superfoods, their products are more than just cute packaging — although they have that too. This 6-piece kit is everything you need to get your skin in order. What makes it great for travel is in just 6 pieces, you have an AM and PM routine. Use the cleanser both morning and night, then follow up with the Energy Serum and Superfood Moisture Cream in the morning, and the Dream Eye Cream and Dream Oil at night.
Grown Alchemist Travel Essentials Kit
This luxe travel set is the kind of thing you would steal from a fancy hotel bathroom. It comes with a body wash, body lotion, shampoo, and conditioner. Pack this alongside your favorite skincare set and you have a full body and face routine.
Care.e.on En Route Essentials 5pc Kit
Care.e.on makes products specifically for travel. This curated travel-ready set includes a soothing leave-on hydration mask, refreshing facial spray, ready-to-use moisturizing pads, and our convenient hand sanitizer. TSA-approved and ready to go wherever you Care.e.on.
Bawdy Powder Body Wash
One hack of TSA travel? Use powders and solids. That way, they don’t count as part of your liquids allowance. Bawdy's foaming body wash is made of powder so you get concentrated efficacy without sacrificing valuable skincare space.
