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  • Writer's pictureThe Editors

Travel-Friendly Skincare You'll Pack Once and Swear By Forever

Updated: Aug 27, 2021

Tre are two types of people in the world: Those who swear by their skincare routine and those who wish they had one. Whichever camp you're in, we're about to change your world with our packable beauty picks—and yes, every product here is TSA-approved for your carry-on. You know, just in case you need an in-flight touch-up.


The key is finding products you love enough to use on the road and at home and buying mini versions of them. Then, pack a toiletry bag and just leave it in your carry-on so it's always ready for your next trip. Your skin will thank you, and you'll thank yourself for saving so much time and effort. Plus, you'll be healthy and glowing no matter where you are or how long you've been away from home.

TSA rules restrict liquids to under 3.4 ounces, and that includes lotions and serums. (Contrary to recent rumors, you are not allowed to break this rule for sunscreen.) Here, we break down a simple beauty routine that's possible to maintain while traveling—because we all know it's time to stop waking up with mascara on your hotel pillow.


benefiance pure retinol revitalizing face mask from shiseido

Celebrities love Shiseido's super-concentrated, hydrating masks, which encourage natural skin recovery. Put one on mid-flight (we won't judge), or first thing when you get to your hotel room.


Moisturizing Face Lotion: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

ultra facial moisturizing cream from kiehls

Kiehl's facial cream is lightweight and delivers instant hydration that works for all skin types. Get the 1.7-ounce size and carry it with you on a long flight—you won't regret it.


Anti-Aging Eye Cream: Fab Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream

fab skin lab retinol eye cream from first aid beauty

Word to the wise: If you're reading this, you're not too young to start using eye cream. Fab Skin Lab's retinol eye cream should be applied to a clean face once in the morning and once at night to stimulate collagen production and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.


rose salve lip balm by c.o. bigelow

Between flying in a dry airplane cabin, drinking too many cocktails and not enough water, and spending extra time in the sun, you're likely to spend at least part of your trip with dry lips. This cult-favorite balm is moisturizing and fits easily into any personal item.


protect and glow daily suncreen spf 30 from tula skincare

Probiotic skincare developed by a gastroenterologist, TULA is one of our favorite brands for everything from daytime and nighttime moisturizers to exfoliating scrubs. The Protect + Glow sunscreen is non-greasy, lightly pineapple scented, and reef-safe, so you can wear it snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands or sunbathing in Mexico.


Vitamin C Brightening Serum: Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C Brightening Serum

15% vitamin C brightening serum from sunday riley CEO

Sunday Riley's vitamin C serum feels like summer in a bottle, and with 15% vitamin C, it's more potent than your average serum when it comes to brightening and helping with dark spots or discoloration. Apply morning and night to feel like you've been in the sunshine, whether you really are on a tropical vacation or you've been sitting in an English pub on a rainy day.


Moisturizing Body Lotion: Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion

moisture rich body lotion from clarins

Peachy, glowy, and made with natural ingredients, Clarins' body lotion isn't cheap, but it'll do wonders for dry skin. You'll be able to show off your legs in your favorite sundress and feel confident they're soft and dewy.


the rich cream lotion from augustinus bader

If you're the type of traveler who just wants to bring one product with you, this is it. The Rich Cream from Augustinus Bader fights aging, protects the skin from free radicals, and combats even the driest of skin (which is far from an uncommon occurrence when traveling). Celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Kate Bosworth, and Sandra Oh are fans of the cult-favorite brand—so you know it's good.




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