As fun and exciting as traveling can be, packing for a trip is the exact opposite. While you can just toss things into your suitcase, with skincare products, there’s so much more you have to consider, like TSA limitations and changing climates. Not to mention, you have to consider your specific skin care needs. And if you have finicky, combination skin, you know just how tricky it is finding the right routine, much less one that’s TSA-approved.
Top 10 Travel Skin Care Products
I’m a firm believer that you shouldn’t have to settle for less-than-effective skin care when you travel, so last year, I made it my mission to come up with a top-notch routine for my finicky skin. After months of trial and error, I’ve finally figured out the top 10 skin care products that work for me. Read on for my skin care staples I always travel with for my combination skin. These must-haves make packing a breeze.
A Creamy Cleanser
Over the years, I’ve discovered that my combination skin loves creamy versus foamy cleansers the best, as they don’t leave my face feeling stripped or dry once I wash them off. One such cleanser that I always travel with is the mini Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, which works amazingly well for removing makeup as well as cleansing my skin.
Makeup Wipes
One cardinal skincare rule I always follow is taking my makeup off before I go to bed. Makeup remover wipes make the process a breeze, and they especially come in handy when I’m super exhausted and can’t be bothered with an oil cleanser or something else more labor-intensive. For years, I’ve relied on the Unscented Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes because they’re reasonably priced, work like a charm every time, even on waterproof makeup.
Hydrating Toner
I used to be one of those people who didn’t see the purpose of using a toner until I find the right one for my skin — and what a difference has it made. A toner is like a primer for the rest of our skin care routine. They deliver a quick hit of hydration and helps remove any lingering makeup on your skin. A favorite of mine for travel is the mini Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner since my skin always feels refreshed and supple whenever I use it.
Water-Based Moisturizer
One of my favorite types of moisturizers of all time has to be water-based ones because they’re lightweight yet hydrate deeply without leaving my face feeling sticky or greasy, making them particularly great in warm temperatures. Lately, I’ve been really into Tarte’s Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost Moisturizer, as it’s super hydrating, absorbs quickly and comes in a travel size.
Acne Treatment
Prone to acne? Me too. There’s nothing worse than waking up on day two of your Caribbean vacation to a forehead full of pimples. That’s why I make sure to bring an acne spot treatment wherever I go so I can get rid of breakouts fast before they put a damper on my trip. The Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch is awesome, lightweight and affordable. I also love Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment. Plus, it’s clear so you can put it on and go outside without anyone knowing.
An Overnight Sleeping Mask
A great way to treat certain skin problems that may crop up on your trips like redness or blemishes is by using an overnight sleeping mask. I cannot recommend Summer Friday’s cult fave Jet Lag Mask enough. It’s a staple in my travel bag because it’s travel-friendly and packed with skin-loving ingredients that make my skin feel smooth and plump after each use.
Oil-Free Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must in every routine, as they are important in protecting your complexion from harmful sun rays. I especially love Supergoops’s Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 because it’s oil-free, blends seamlessly into my brown skin, and is packed with antioxidants that are good for my skin.
Oil Absorbing Sheets
As my combination skin will have it, I get extremely oily around my t-zone and dry everywhere else. During the day, I make sure to pat an absorbing sheet from Muji or Clean & Clear on my t-zone to quickly absorb any excess oil that’s been pooling on my face.
Hydrating Mist
My skin can super oily when it’s dehydrated, so I always make sure to keep it moisturized from day to night. To aid in this, I usually bring hydrating mist from Mario Badescu or one of my new favorite skin care brands, Everyday for Every Body that I spritz my face with throughout the day for a quick hint of hydration. Additionally, it feels calming and particularly soothing on a sweltering day.
Tweezers
As someone with out-of-whack hormones, I tend to grow thick facial hair around the time of my period, which can leave me feeling insecure. While I’m currently in the process of getting them lasered off, sometimes I’ll use tweezers to pluck out rogue hairs. I especially love to use the Slant Tweezers from Tweezerman.
