After two weeks of galavanting around Poland, Germany, Finland, and Russia earlier this month, I came home with some beauty related travel revelations. Unable to pack light and with a carry-on of a nightmare, I focused on essentials that would go with me on trains, planes, and automobiles, and also help me recover in multiple hotel rooms. I am thrilled to report that even with a seven hour time difference and White Nights, my complexion never stopped glowing. My liver, however… That’s another story.
Beyond obsessed with facial towelettes when I travel, I could hardly wait to take the boscia Black Charcoal Cleansing Cloths along. Just launched, this super compact 30-pack belongs in every bag. No, I’m serious, every bag that you own. Infused with Charcoal Powder to exfoliate and mattify, each perfectly black sheet cleans deep within the pore removing dirt, oil and makeup. Nourishing Jojoba Leaf, antioxidant-rich Black Tea Extract and skin refining Glycolic and Lactic Acids complete the deck,making these cleansing wipes a fantastic conditioning treatment while on the go. A genius addition to a travel arsenal for anyone with combination skin, these gently saturated cloths feel extremely refreshing and contain a soft herbal aroma. $15 (30 ct) boscia.com, sephora.com
My recent visit to a dermalogica concept space in my old stomping grounds of Soho was a much needed treat and a long overdue refresher course on this fantastic range. FYI, the skin hydrating booster has not left my clutch since. This uber concentrated liquid is loaded with moisture binding Hyaluronic Acid, nourishing Vitamin B5, repairing Glycolipids, and firming Algae Extract. Packaged in a portable plastic squeeze bottle, this TSA friendly gem is the first thing that hits my face after takeoff. Lightweight, it absorbs instantly and (luckily!) is safe to use around the eyes. Used alone or under a moisturizer, it delivers immediate and lasting hydration, which is a crucial step to maintain during travel. This freaked out flyer really appreciates the slight hint of relaxing lavender. $56 (30ml) – dermalogica.com, dermstore.com, ulta.com
Balm dotcom from Glossier takes the concept of a universal skin salve to a whole chicer level in an upright tube that fits literally everywhere. It’s a lip balm that can also tame your brows, condition dry cuticles, or any flaky patch –and help mysterious scratches heal more quickly. Clearish, balmish and unscented, it stays on my lips all night and all flight long. Petrolatum based, it includes Beeswax, Cupuacu Fruit, Rice Bran and Rosemary Leaf Extracts to soothe and protect dry, irritated skin. From into the gloss straight into my travel kit, this Glossier multitasker is bringing basic back. $12 (20ml) glossier.com
Launched last month, the SparkLING Makeover Mask from LING Skincare earned itself travel must-have status after just one application. Brilliant at bringing life back to skin exhausted by jetlag, this gel to foam formula literally breathes oxygen into your face. No time to nap before dinner after landing? With added Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Elastin, Hot Springs Water, and countless botanicals, it only takes 20 minutes for a beaming glow to return. Packed in single use packets, traveling with a powerhouse of a face mask has never been this convenient. $80 (4 treatments) lingskincare.com
While there is nothing new about Fix+ from MAC Cosmetics, because it also comes in a 1 oz bottle, it needs to be on everyone’s packing list, regardless of the destination. Technically a priming/setting spray, this fabulous concoction of vitamins, minerals, Cucumber, Green Tea, and Chamomile is one of the most remarkable complexion energizers ever made. Whether you want to ensure your face lasts all day or need to freshen up midday without a bathroom in sight, Mini Fix is a non-negotiable staple for a dewy glow finish. $10 (30ml) maccosmetics.com, nordstrom.com
Since changes related to travel can trigger certain skin types to break out, traveling with a spot treatment is always a good idea. The Super Spot Remover™ from Origins is a Salicylic Acid fueled gel that gets rid of unwanted pimples in record time. Because of its clear consistency and lightweight texture, this fast drying solution works undetected during the day or overnight. With soothing Caffeine and calming Red Algae this non-irritating exfoliant unclogs pores, eliminates bacteria, and excess oil, banishing unwanted blemishes in record time. $15.50 (10ml) origins.com, sephora.com
The Deep Sleep Pillow Spray from this works may sound like a strange travel must-have but if you fly across the Atlantic and stay at four different hotels in ten days, you’ll try anything to get a good night’s sleep. Infused with Lavender, Vetivert, and Wild Chamomile Essential Oils, this 100% natural blend brings a sense of calm that will lull you to sleep faster than you think. Simply mist the pillow a few minutes before going to bed. Therapeutic and relaxing, the tranquil aroma lingers lazily but doesn’t overstay its welcome. With a modern and natural approach to beauty, this works has this Melatonin chewing blogger completely intrigued. No joke, slept through White Nights in St. Petersburg with the windows open. $29 (75ml) net-a-porter.com, spaceNK.com
With another exciting trip on the horizon, I would love to hear about your summer travel favorites. What do you refuse to go without when you’re away from home?
