For my entire life I’ve been a checked bag kind of gal. I hate being limited in what I can bring on a trip because I like to have options – what girl doesn’t – and my parents never fought me on it. So for 23 blissful years, I overpacked on every trip I went on, and although I occasionally lost my bag, or had delays, it was always worth it to me in the end. Well, fast forward a few years, and enter in my husband. He’s a typical male that hates to wait, hates any hassle, and who especially does not understand the need for 10 pairs of shoes and all my beauty products. When we met I still insisted checking a bag – and I held out for as long as I could – but eventually, a relationship is al about compromise and in the end, I committed to downsizing. And you know what? I’ve kinda grown accustomed to travelling with just a carry on. Dare I say, I like it? It’s easy, less stressful & there are never any ‘what if’ moments when it’s taking a little too long for your bag to show up in baggage claim. With that being said, there was a major adjustment period, and the biggest hit I had to take was in the beauty department. TSA states that we’re allowed to carry on liquids as long as they’re in 3.4 ounce {or less} and all the containers fit into a quart size plastic bag. This means I needed to downsize in a major way. Lucky for me, most of my favorite brands make their products ‘travel sized’ but even for the ones that don’t, I bought this mini travel container set on Amazon and transfer my own products. Below are my absolute must have travel beauty items {and they all come in mini sizes!}
Cleanser – I’ve been loving my Glossier Milky Jelly cleanser recently, but until they make a travel size, I’m reverting back to my old tried & true favorite – philosphy’s purity. This cleanser is so gentle and soft, and makes removing my makeup easy.
Micellar water – Ever since discovering Bioderma micellar water this past summer in Europe, I can’t live without it. Since I buy mine on Amazon {it’s a european drugstore find & unfortunately difficult to find in the US!} I just used one of the travel containers and put a small amount in it. Easy.
P50W – Y’all know this is my holy grail, and I refuse to travel without it. The last time I went into Joanna Czech for a facial, I was complaining about how large the bottle of P50 was and Rebecca {my facialist} said they made a mini version! I bought it immediately. I apply with a cotton swab.
Serums – My face always feels dry, but especially so when I travel, so I’m insistent on bringing a serum {or 2 or 3…!} with me when I travel. I try to bring a serum that can be worn day or night, so this one from Vitner’s Daughter is perfect. It’s already in a small container and can be worn at any point During the day. Plus it’s made from all natural ingredients and is super hydrating. Other favorite serums I’m bringing with me are these Drunk Elephant Night & Day Serums – they’re tiny, and powerful. I’m especially loving the Glycolic night serum & the C-Firma Day Serum {trying this out in place of my usual Skincueticals CE Ferluic}
Hydrating Lotion {preferably one with SPF and one without} – As I mentioned before, hydration is key when traveling so you want to make sure your bases are covered when choosing a facial moisturizer. I’m a big believer in an everyday SPF, and while I usually use these Sun Drops*, the bottle was too large to travel with so I resorted two bringing two separate lotions {linked above!} *If you want to read more about why the sun drops are so amazing, read this!
NOW! Those are my absolute must haves, but because I can have the extra room, I obviously add a few more products! What can I say? I’m a lush.
Bumble & Bumble Heat Protectant Oil – I use this when I style my hair to protect it from getting damaged.
Eye cream – I can live without a cream dedicated just for the eyes, but why should I? I snagged an ultra mini La Mer eye concentrate back during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale & it’s lasted me ever since. With that being said, my mini size isn’t typically sold, so just put a few pumps of your fav eye cream into one of these and call it a day!
SK-II Facial Treatment essence – I love that they made this into a mini! This stuff is pure magic {read more about why here} but the full-size bottle you buy is way too big to travel with. This little guy is perfect!
Hairspray – just in case!
To shop any of the products from this post, click the images below!
