The Skincare & Beauty Products I Never Travel Without: An Indagare Editor's Guide

Looking good on the go can be challenging, and I’m constantly on the hunt for the best products and practices that alleviate the vanity woes of traveling (puffy eyes, dry skin, breakouts) while cutting down my prep time and luggage. After much trial and error, and many dollars spent at Sephora, the following skincare, makeup and beauty accessories have earned their status as my travel-tested “road warriors” that help me look and feel my best for an adventure, whether I’m hopping time zones and climates or heading somewhere closer to home for a long weekend. I hope you’ll find them useful, too. The list is optimized for pesky liquid restrictions when flying and keeping the routine (and packing) as uncomplicated yet effective as possible—because it’s all about spending more time being present in the place where you are.

First, Five Tips for Packing…

1. Remember that, generally, less is more. Edit to only those products you really need and love, and make space to lean into the self-care culture of your destination. Do a morning cold plunge in Scotland; hit the hammam in Morocco; drink Ayurvedic teas in India. Pay a visit to the local pharmacy to hunt for skincare and beauty treasures; you can often get products abroad that are Rx-only (or much more expensive) in the U.S., as well as collections that aren’t available at home (like my favorite Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Mask, which I always stock up on in Europe).

2. Always, always, always keep your toiletries, cosmetics, medicines and eyeglasses with you in your carry-on. Should your luggage take a detour, these items are much more difficult (and disruptive) to replace than clothing.

3. Become a hoarder of minis. From Sephora samples and dermatologist freebies to in-flight and hotel amenities, I hang on to any decent travel-size product that crosses my path and keep a highly organized stash. Whenever I need something for a trip, I go there first. I find that minis are easier to pack—versus transferring your home routine into travel-size containers, which wastes product and can introduce bacteria—and most of the brands on this list do sell travel-size collections.

4. Use non-liquid products as much as possible. There are many great swaps you can make for travel, from toothpaste and mouthwash tablets to cleansing and moisturizing balms. This has two benefits: first, you lessen the risk of gloopy accidents, and second, you protect yourself from airport security holdups due to complicated restrictions and particularly punishing agents. A limited- or no-liquid dopp kit avoids this headache altogether.

5. Choose your dopp kit carefully. This vessel is perhaps even more important than the products it contains, and strategic features can streamline your travel experience (is there anything more maddening than rooting around for tweezers in a bottomless-pit bag?). I often opt for a clear plastic case to be extra prepared for security; however, I recently upgraded myself to Peachmind’s leather lay-flat vanity bag and love that it allows me to see, organize and easily access all of my products without having to unpack any of them (this is especially helpful for an itinerary that involves a lot of moving around). Waterproofing, compression and built-in mirrors are other road-friendly features, and I always tuck in a few spare plastic bags, just in case.

My Favorite Travel Skincare & Haircare Products

Travel is taxing on the body and the face. Changes in routines, foreign water, food and climate, and the stress and dehydration of flying (not to mention the germs) can wreak havoc on skin. These products combat these challenges, soothe overwhelmed complexions and are especially handy for a quick in-seat refresh after an overnight flight.

• The regimen: I have experimented with many different programs over the years to appease my temperamental combination skin. Lately, I have had major success with Sofie Pavitt’s three-step system; the mandelic serum is a wonderful product for cell turnover if you can’t tolerate retinol, and the omega-rich moisturizer is decadent but not clogging—exactly what you need after a flight. (Read my recent interview with Sofie here.) I am also a longtime fan of the Caudalie Vinoperfect Collection (especially the brightening serum) and Instant Detox Mask; I use both of these immediately post-flight—after a long, steamy shower—to reset my skin, restore clarity and stave off breakouts. Indagare community members also swear by products from Dr. Barbara Sturm (pricey but effective), The Outset (formulated for sensitive skin), The Ordinary (accessible, concentrated actives) and CeraVe (a dermatologist favorite).
• K-beauty sheet masks: My Indagare colleague Diana Li recently turned me on to the K-beauty wave (read her Seoul skincare dispatch here), and I am thrilled to report that my forays into this phenomenon have lived up to the hype. I’ve loved everything I’ve tried from Medicube and Biodance so far—but specifically for travel, their collagen- and PDRN-infused sheet masks are highly packable and highly effective at bringing moisture and vibrance back to sallow post-flight skin. Another favorite K-beauty mask recommended by colleagues that I’m eager to try: TimeSavvy. (Many Indagare staffers actually use these masks in-flight; I prefer to save mine for the hotel spa circuit.)
• Cleansing wipes: Also non-liquid and so easy to pack and use on the go. I like the Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes for removing makeup and normal cleansing, and Dr. Dennis Gross’ Alpha Beta Daily Peel Pads, which contain five alpha and beta hydroxy acids for a quick, two-step chemical exfoliation to target fine lines, large pores, uneven texture and dullness. I use the Universal formula, but there are also gentle and extra strength versions to cater to your skin’s tolerance of the actives.
• Sunscreen favorites: My go-to’s are the Supergoop Glow Stick (non-liquid and SPF50), Sofie Pavitt’s acne-safe Non-Comedogenic Hydrating Sunscreen (SPF30) and Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum SPF50+ Facial Sunscreen with Collagen Peptide (available in both liquid and stick form). All of these are non-greasy, great under makeup and skin-friendly (moisturizing but non-clogging).
• Lip care: It can be easy to neglect lip care, but this sensitive area is often the one that takes the brunt of a change in climate—from sun- and wind-burn to airplane dehydration. Products I love for protection include: The Outset Lip Oasis, Smith’s Rosebud Salve and Revision Skincare YouthFull Lip Replenisher (this is truly a miracle worker). For adventure-friendly SPF coverage, I like Blistex Medicated Lip Balm or Sun Bum Original SPF Lip Balm.
• Hair care: I always carry travel sizes of Sun Bum 3-in-1 Leave-In Spray (for detangling and moisturizing—especially helpful when the hotel conditioner isn’t great), Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray (for effortless volume and styling) and Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-powder Dry Shampoo Powder (for refreshes between wash days). I use Slip Silk Scrunchies overnight to preserve volume and freshness without breakage, while Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley swears by the Blissy Bonnet.
• Nail care: Londontown’s Kur Perfecting Nail Veils and Illuminating Nail Concealers deliver a kiss of color and serious nail care with just one swipe; they are the best for a five-minute mani-pedi. I also recommend the Get Strong Nail Hardener for nail recovery, as well as the Caudalie Vinotherapist Hand & Nail Cream.

Other travel essentials:

• I discovered Busy Co. Body + Deodorant Wipes when packing for my first safari, and they’re now my secret weapon—for safari or otherwise. They’re individually packaged, so you can easily slip one into your bag for a quick refresh on the go; plus, they’re organic and sustainable.
• Dipytyque has both travel-size and non-liquid perfumes (my favorite scents are 34 Boulevard Sant Germain, Ofresia and Philosykos). Jo Malone is another classic travel perfume brand, and their thicker, rectangular glass bottles are much sturdier than the typical narrow vial (Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Nectarine Blossom & Honey and Lime Basil & Mandarin are fresh, subtle and invigorating).
• Hero. or Peace Out Acne treatment dots are highly packable for containing travel-induced breakouts.
• Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels are less slippery than the usual under-eye patches—so they’ll stay firmly in place, even moving through an airport (you’ll feel a slight tingle).
• Tower 28 Daily Rescue Facial Spray or Sofie Pavitt’s Fridge to Face Blemish Defense Mist for anti-bacterial cleansing and skin barrier support on the go.
• These mini silicone scrubbers take up almost no room in your dopp kit but deliver solid manual exfoliation on the road. The Foreo Luna device is heavier but delivers a facial-level deep-clean (I first discovered this as a bathroom amenity at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and I have been obsessed ever since).

My Favorite Travel Makeup & Beauty Products

I’m often told by hotel general managers—especially at wilderness lodges and beach resorts—that one of their favorite experiences on the job is to watch guests arrive to their properties in full glam and then slowly shed the layers of the mask, until they are bare-faced and tousle-haired, as the days pass and the raw, real beauty of the destination works its magic on them. As someone who is proudly makeup-obsessed, I agree that this process is precious and freeing. Still, it’s nice to dress up for dinner—or maybe you just don’t want to look back on jet-lagged dark circles or an unfortunate blemish in your vacation photos. The following travel-friendly products are primarily cream-based and focused on blurring and highlighting—making you look fresher and more put-together than you might feel, while maintaining that natural, effortless aesthetic that comes from a transformative trip. They’re also oh-so-easy and quick to use—for a 30-second smokey eye before cocktails, a pit-stop zhuzh between tours or, if you’re like me, a full face in the taxi en route from the airport.

• Foundation: I am eternally searching for the perfect-fit foundation, and I’m currently using No Makeup Makeup’s dewy, buildable cream-balm for overall correction and concealment. The formula uses FlexShade Technology for seamless matching and application, and the compact has a built-in mirror and foam pad ideal for travelers.
• Concealer: Merit’s non-comedogenic Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick concealer-foundation is similarly lightweight and buildable for easy coverage.
• Blush and Bronzer: I love both Rhode and Milk Makeup’s tiny cream capsules that can be popped in your bag and deliver an instant, dreamy flush of color and contouring. For a very natural look, the shimmery, tinted mini Miracle Balms from Bobbi Brown’s Jones Road give instant glow and moisture (the shade Au Naturel is the most subtle).
• Highlighter: If you use only one product on your travel day, highlighters work the hardest to revive even the most haggard of faces. The Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand Highlighter has a built-in applicator for a major dewy glow—or, if you want to stick to no-liquid packing, Benefit’s powder highlighters are my longtime favorites (their shimmer quotient ranges in intensity, with Dandelion Twinkle being the most subtle). These also come in mini sizes, and you can usually find them in the duty-free area of most airports.
• Eyeshadow: I am gradually acquiring every color of the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks. Brighten up eyes with a swipe of Moonstone, or smudge on a few layers of Mica, Golden Bronze or Dusty Mauve for the easiest evening smokey look. Good for liner or shadow, they’re practically mistake-proof.
• Eyebrows: Even after a red-eye, a little brow goes a long way. The Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil defines and fluffs for the fastest, most natural-looking pick-me-up.
• Lips: The Nars Afterglow Lip Balms combine moisturizing care, shine and a pop of color in a compact package. Charlotte Tilbury’s pocket-sized Mini Pillow Talk Lipstick & Liner Set is a hardworking duo that delivers versatile, long-lasting color that works with just about any look; if you bring only one lipstick, this is a classic choice for a reason. If you want to add a gloss into the mix, I like Laneige, Summer Fridays and Rhode.

Plus: 3 Top Accessories

• Your skincare and beauty road regimen starts with a great night’s sleep. For overnight flights, changing time zones and unfamiliar hotel rooms, I swear by the Drowsy Sleep Mask. Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley turned me on to this silky, padded, adjustable, ear-covering, eyelash-friendly model and I’ve never looked back (plus, the colors are so pretty—and they even have a replica of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s bedhead look.)
• Especially when I’m traveling for special events like weddings and launch parties—or when I’m sharing a room—I like to pack a travel vanity mirror (like this lightweight, rechargeable, LED model from Amazon). Even the best luxury hotels can have questionable lighting or unfavorable bathroom setups for a full-on glam session. With your own tabletop mirror, you can be sure you’ll be set up for success.
• I am eager to test out the new Dyson Supersonic Travel hair dryer. The last word in styling recently released a travel-sized dryer that is smaller and lighter but still much more powerful than the average hotel offering. Plus, it’s equipped with universal voltage (and automatically adapts to your destination), it’s compatible with existing Supersonic attachments and it’s priced more reasonably than the full-size models, at $299.99 USD.

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