If it’s called a try me kit, travel set, or discovery collection, I want it. Studded with iconic or best selling formulas, these comprehensive assortments of deluxe sized products are often the finest introduction to a brand. Handy, requiring no commitment, and well, genius really, these pocket size jars and tubes are must-haves, especially around holiday season. Here are just a few reasons having a kit or three is always a good idea: perfect for travel, gym bag, stocking stuffers, a thoughtful touch to your overnight guests’ stay, or to see what the buzz is all about. Following are some of my favorites!
Rodial Hero Collection
All substance. The best way to experience Rodial is with this gorgeous set. Hands down the meatiest selection of any British luxury import, it is a skin survival kit, a well rounded routine, and a stellar pick for a holiday gift (To: Bart – Love, Bart). Starting with a rich, creamy Stemcell Super-Food Cleanser through Super Acids X-treme Super Acid Rush Peel to Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel and Bee Venom Moisturizer, this powerhouse foursome is a traveler’s dream come true. Ideal for a pre-event or jet lag fix, this complexion transforming kit is just tremendous. $80 rodial.co.uk, Nordstrom.com
Dermalogica – Meet Dermalogica
A superb first impression, this phenomenally priced kit is also a non-negotiable for all Dermalogica fans. Showcasing the brand’s signature Cleansing Gel and Daily Microfoliant, only the most amazing Salicylic Acid, Papaya, and Rice Enzyme exfoliator, the set also includes moisturizing options in Multivitamin Power Firm and Skin Smoothing Creams. Gentle, straightforward, and free of fragrance, mineral oil and artificial colors, Dermalogica delivers some of the most trusted and effective formulas in the industry. The price of this set is an insane $30. That’s American Dollars. Stock up. dermalogica.com
L’OCCITANE
With some of the tightest bon voyage options in beauty, L’OCCITANE offers luxury and much welcomed aromatherapy in all their exquisite travel friendly sets. From skincare through bath, body and fragrance choices, you will want them all. My current favorites: the Shaving Gel, After Shave Balm, and a Shower Gel, which actually are all a guy needs. These modern classics from the L’OCCITAN range for men combine skin benefits with a relaxing lavender aroma, leaving you clean, fresh and conditioned, . Explore the wide range of portable must-haves at loccitane.com. Relaxing Lavender Voyage Kit or L’OCCITAN Voyage $25
VERB – Hair To Go
Because there is nothing worse than the questionable hotel amenities unknown to you, picking up the VERB travel set is a great idea. Inspired and formulated by stylists, this high quality hair care line is also incredibly affordable. Fueled by natural extracts of Sunflower Seed, Bamboo, Moringa, and Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein, these products cleanse, nourish, detangle, and style with salon quality results. Unreal at $14, the set includes Hydrating Shampoo, Hydrating Conditioner, Leave-In Mist, and Sea Spray. Also, they are finally available at Sephora for the utmost convenience. Sephora.com
John Masters Organics
Known for transforming dry, frizzy manes into shiny locks, John Masters Organics offers a travel solution for anyone with damaged hair in need of some major TLC, especially when on the road. Packaged in a chic zipper bag, the hair guru is taking us places with Evening Primrose Shampoo, Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner, Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment & Volumizer, and 100% Argan Oil. Whether you’re braving snowstorms or desert heat, these four steps take just five minutes and will prevent damage while giving you impeccably manageable, healthy looking hair. $27 – beauty.com
GLAMGLOW – Holiday Gift Sets
Every year, my favorite glam squad offers their world famous masks along with deluxe sizes of other remarkable treatments in limited edition holiday sets. Because no getaway of mine would be complete without a travel jar or tube of YOUTHMUD, I zoom in on these seasonal offers like it’s my job. Fans of these outstanding masks and cleansers will be thrilled with the gift sets, especially the fantastic stocking stuffer options. Venture out to glamglowmud.com or Sephora.com for a glow feast!
Glossier. – Mask Duo Set
Beyond perfection, Glossier’s two face masks formulas, the Mega Galaxy Green Pack (deep cleansing) and Moisturizing Moon Mask (uber hydrating) are now also available in a set of single use pods! With a dozen treatments, half Green, half Moon, these can be applied back to back for a full facial experience (Green goes first), shared among friends, or effortlessly thrown into a travel bag. The disposable, single application packaging is chic, trendy, and so on brand. Love. $38 (12 applications) glossier.com
nügg – Holiday Stocking Set
You may have read about these clever nügg’ets in my mask roundup a few weeks ago. So affordable that you’re out of excuses not to treat yourself and others, nügg caters to every skin type and complexion dilemma with their line up. Exclusive to single use packaging, the brand also offers seasonal, issue specific, and 4 day Rx packs. My travel companion, an appropriately timed Holiday Stocking Set is a Deep Cleansing and Hydrating duo that couldn’t be any more fitting for an R&R evening in the Costa Rican Rain Forest. from $3.29 nuggbeauty.com, target.com
What do you refuse to travel without? I’d love to hear about your to-go favorites!
