Favorite Beauty Products to Pack in Your Carry-On

By Elizabeth Harvey

Looking good on the go can be stressful, and I’m constantly on the hunt for the best products that cure the beauty woes of travel (puffy eyes! dry lips! sallow skin!) while cutting down my prep time and baggage. These six streamlined items are the road-tested warriors I always have in my carry-on—especially for a quick in-seat refresh after an overnight flight. An added bonus: None of them are liquid, so there’s no risk of TSA holdups, and they’re all under $40.

Jones Road Miracle Balm

For a quick touch-up on touch down, the shimmery, tinted balms from Bobbi Brown’s Jones Road give instant glow and moisture (the shade Au Naturel is the most subtle). Shop here

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

Brighten up eyes with a swipe of Moonstone, or smudge on a few layers of Mica or Dusty Mauve for the easiest evening smoky look. Good for liner or shadow, they’re practically mistake-proof. Shop here

Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick

This mini, creamy stick delivers an instant flush of vibrant color to cheeks and lips. It feels and smells divine thanks to mango butter and apricot oil. I prefer the shade “Werk.” Shop hereRelated: Melissa’s Picks: The Best Travel Bags for Touring

Smith’s Rosebud Salve

The only balm that truly works on my chapped lips (it’s also good on dry skin and nails). The squeeze tube is preferable for travel, but I am a loyalist to the jar (somehow it just works better?). Shop here

Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Pencil

Even after a red-eye, I find a little brow goes a long way. This Benefit pencil defines and fluffs for the fastest, most natural-looking pick-me-up. Shop here

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

These invigorating under-eye patches are less slippery than the usual gels—so they’ll stay firmly in place, even moving through an airport (you’ll feel a slight tingle!). Shop here Related: Melissa’s 2023 Summer Travel Must-Haves

Published onOctober 25, 2023

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