11 beauty products you should have for traveling (and the perfect bag to pack it in!)

If there’s a more thoughtfully designed toiletry bag out there, I haven’t found it. (There’s a reason it has a very dedicated fan base!) The sturdy, built-to-last Clear Cosmetics Case from Calpak is small enough to fit in your carry-on but large enough to haul all your essentials and then some. (“Essentials” being subjective when it comes to traveling, as I remind my husband. Don’t judge me.) The clear, zip-around construction keeps everything in view while the interior zippered flaps make it easy to access exactly what you need without digging around. It comes in mini and large sizes as well, but IMO this one is just right. (Word on the street, this is a comparable lookalike if you’re looking to spend a bit less.)

Looking for something more budget-friendly? These will do the trick. Personally, I find the side zip so much more convenient than top zippers for keeping things organized. And while theses are smaller than the Calpak, you can still fit a good amount of product in each. (Comes as a set of three.)

How did we ever live–let alone travel–without dry shampoo? This one from Batiste does an awesome job of absorbing oil and refreshing locks without making it feel dry or sticky like some formulas do. It works better than dry shampoos that cost twice as much and comes in a convenient 1.6 oz. travel size.

I never travel without these handy wipes from Ursa Major. A quick swipe makes me feel clean and refreshed without leaving my face stripped and tight–an amazing feeling after a long flight. I also love that they’re individually wrapped so you can tuck one right into your pocket or purse and not have to rifle through your toiletry bag to find them.

If flying makes your skin turn to dust, toss this into your cosmetics bag. The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask works like a moisturizer on steroids to re-hydrate and plump skin thanks to the hard-working trifecta of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. Just slather on a thin layer, wait 10 minutes then wipe off with a damp cloth. You’ll be dewy, fresh and ready to make the most of that OOO message.

Nothing like hours of recycled air and zero humidity to turn your lips into cornhusks. A little proactive application of the Phyto Glow Lip Mask from Naturium will keep them comfortably hydrated and soft as ever. It costs half as much as the cult-favorite Laneige and IMO works far better. (Like “it reverses cold-chapped lips literally overnight” better.)

But if you’re heading outdoors, you’re going to need some SPF protection for that pout! I’ve found many formulas I’ve tested to be super drying (which also happens when they get sunburned so why am I being punished for doing the right thing?) but there is a stand out: MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm. It’s got shea butter, avocado and olive oils for long-lasting moisture and even comes in tints if you prefer a little color.

Nothing says vacation like some gilded self care. For that post-plane puffiness the gold Baggage Claim Eye Masks from Wander Beauty are drenched in hydrating and smoothing glycerin, panthenol, aloe leaf juice, and calendula extract to do battle against tired eyes. The gold foil fabric helps trap the serum so it sinks in thoroughly leaving you refreshed and ready for the day of fun ahead.

My constant beauty-related travel dilemma is this: I hesitate to decant my at-home faves and risk ruining their efficacy, but dragging full-size everything along means checking my bag (and suffering ridicule from my family). For this, I absolutely LOVE the fact baebody finally offers their bonkers best-selling eye gel in a convenient travel size. The cooling, de-puffing formula is absolutely perfect for travel but the OG pot took up too much space. Not so anymore!

Packing sunscreen should be as non-negotiable as packing toothpaste no matter where your travels take you. This one from Supergoop is perhaps the most raved about facial sunscreen in the game–and for good reason. The fuss-free formula blends right in (on all skin tones), doesn’t pill and leaves skin feeling silky soft.

With a cleanser, exfoliator, serum and moisturizer, this kit isn’t just great for travel–it’s also an easy way to try some of my absolute favorites from this raved-about brand. The probiotic enriched formulas are gentle and effective, protecting and giving a noticeable glow-up to all different skin types. (Be prepared to immediately purchase the full size So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub which actually smells like vacation in a tube and instantly fixes dull, tired skin.)

Multitaskers rule–especially when you’ve got limited space. This contouring stick is designed with an angled buffing brush under one end so you don’t have to bring a separate one along.

Another multitasker that deserves some coveted real estate in your makeup bag is the luxe Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick. The buildable, blendable formula offers lips, cheeks and lids a healthy glow and it’s even enriched with ingredients like Jojoba Seed Oil and fruit extracts to help hydrate and soothe skin. And even though it’s what’s on the inside that counts, the packaging gets a gold star as well– the magnetic lid means never opening your bag to find a rosy pink disaster.

This cult favorite, minimalist skincare staple checks so many boxes–which makes it something I never travel without. The gorgeous blend of nourishing oils can be used as a face and body moisturizer, cleanser, hair oil, and even a makeup remover. But more than its delivery of dewy, hydrated skin, it’s the intoxicating and calming scent that got me hooked. One sniff of the signature blend of palo santo, lavender, geranium and clary sage sends me right into my happy place.