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If anyone needs a fool-proof travel skincare and beauty regimen, it’s a model. Just ask Madison Headrick. Her portfolio includes glamorous campaigns for Prada, Max Mara, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, and more, but what her admirers don’t see behind the scenes is just how much travel a job like this requires. “I’ve been traveling minimum once a week for over a decade,” she told Just Packed. “I have been fortunate to visit some of the most stunning destinations around the world for work. From the vineyards in South Africa to the glaciers in Iceland, and the streets of Paris, I have had the opportunity to explore a wide range of places.”
Follow Madison on Instagram @madison.headrick
But, of course, she can’t hop off the plane looking drab, no matter how long the flight. That’s what inspired her to launch Care.e.on (pronounced “carry-on”), a sustainable line of travel skincare, plus a few essential travel accessories including a comfortable hoodie, luggage tags, and toiletry pouches. Well, that, and the struggle to find the “clean, effective, high quality, reasonably priced, and environmentally friendly” travel products she always found herself searching for.
Related: Our favorite luggage and travel bags
“Despite my efforts, I couldn't find the perfect match that aligned with my values and needs,” she said. “With Care.e.on, my objective is to establish a brand that not only offers clean and effective products but also enhances people's appearance and wellbeing, while promoting self-care, care for others, and care for our planet.”
Above all, she said, she aims to reshape the mindset associated with travel by taking the stress out of packing and prep. (A purpose we happen to very much align with here at Just Packed.) “When receiving a last-minute travel assignment, the excitement of experiencing a new place is often accompanied by stress related to packing, navigating airports, and ensuring a comfortable journey,” Headrick said. “Care.e.on addresses these concerns by providing a less stressful travel experience and promoting self-care and relaxation, even in noisy environments like airplanes or subway trains.”
We picked up a kit ourselves, and it’s true: Care.e.on’s comprehensive, five-piece travel kits are chic, conveniently TSA-friendly, made of natural ingredients, and entirely ready to grab and go. Before your next trip, we also grabbed Headrick’s top travel tips, so you too can arrive feeling your best.
What is your favorite city to visit?
“Among all my travels, Tokyo stands out as my favorite destination.”
That’s a long flight! Any tricks for arriving looking fresh after a long haul?
“One strategy I find very effective is selecting a flight time that aligns with my sleep schedule. For instance, if I am flying from New York to Europe, I intentionally choose the 10 p.m. flight rather than the 6 p.m. flight, knowing that I'll likely be tired and able to sleep through the journey. This way, upon arrival, I can stay awake throughout the day and minimize the effects of jet lag. Prior to departing, I make sure to have a nutritious meal at home to avoid relying on salty airplane food, which can lead to bloating and water retention. Additionally, I prioritize skincare during the flight to combat the dryness of the airplane cabin. To do this, I use my Care.e.on kit to combat germs and to keep my skin hydrated.”
If you're traveling for a shoot, what is the first item you always put in your carry-on?
“Magnesium; it improves sleep and relieves muscle pain from travel days or long days of wearing heels on photoshoots.”
What are some skincare favorites you always pack?
- Gua sha
What is the one piece of makeup you can't travel without?
Favorite hair product while on the go?
What’s the most surprising item inside your carry-on?
“A Snickers Bar. My grandmother was the world traveler in the family until I came along and I’ve learned countless incredible life lessons from her. One lesson in particular that I practice every time I travel is: ‘Always have a Snickers bar in your purse… you never know when you may need it; and when you do, you’ll be glad you have it.’ To tell you the truth, I don’t even like Snickers bars that much… don’t get me wrong, they taste great, but they aren’t at the top of my splurge list and I try to stay healthy when I’m traveling. I mostly keep one with me because it reminds me of her and whenever I open my bag and see that chocolate bar, it brings a smile to my face and makes me feel like home is never too far away.”
What is one piece of clothing an off-duty model always packs for vacation?
“Most definitely a hat! I’m sure just about any model you meet can tell you stories about how they’ve received a ‘Stay out of the sun and don’t get sunburnt!’ text from their agent while on vacation.” (Here are our favorite sun hats — and expert tips on how to pack one.)
What's your favorite pair of travel shoes?
“My favorite travel shoes are a comfortable pair of sneakers… my favorite recently I’ve been wearing a lot is from Mercer Amsterdam.”
Go-to outfit for a long flight?
