The Best Travel Beauty Product, According to Travel + Leisure Editors
Certainly, a rise in name-brand hotel amenities makes the packing process easier, but a woman cannot survive on sample-sized shampoos, conditioners, lotion, and body wash alone. And why would she want to?
Related:The Best Sleep Masks for Traveling
In the spirit of fresh-faced travel, we thought we’d peek inside a few of our staffers' well-stocked cosmetic cases. All road warriors in their own rights, some worship at the altar of the carry-on suitcase, packing light and opting for security-approved packaging, liquid-free, spill-proof formulas, and two-in-one products that pull double duty.
Others in the office buck the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, never leaving home without a full skincare regimen of jetlag-hiding serums, potions, and creams and a makeup artist-worthy collection of camera-ready foundations, eye shadows, and lipsticks. A few editors even sourced their picks for this story abroad or in transit, bringing back beauty secrets from Asia or products developed by a plane-seat neighbor.
Related:This Is the Absolute Best Travel Mirror
Better yet, some of the included items — such as Kiss My Face Moisture Shave — are readily available at your local drugstore, which makes these on-the-go beauty and skincare recommendations both easy-to-find and affordable.
So whether you're a seasoned makeup lover, or are just looking to glam it up on your next romantic vacation, here are Travel + Leisure's favorite beauty products. Consider it your toiletry packing list for trips to come.
Armani Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick
I'm a sucker for a liquid matte lipstick, because the application goes on smooth, never cakey, but you get a long-lasting finish — key for when you're out and about on the road in meetings or on a tour. With Armani's lip magnet liquid lipstick, the color is intense, and a little goes a long way. — Jacqueline Gifford, Special Projects Editor
To buy: giorgioarmanibeauty.com, $38
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Lancôme Auda(city) in Paris Eye Shadow Palette
This beautiful palette has 16 shades in purple, nude, grey, and pink tones, and they truly look great on anyone. The options work great for both day and night, and the blending brush is soft and easy to use. — Jacqueline Gifford, Special Projects Editor
To buy: nordstrom.com, $69
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Le Volume De Mascara by Chanel
Great lashes (and admittedly a great lipstick) are staples for an effortlessly put-together look. Therefore, I don't go anywhere without mascara — especially when I'm traveling. Chanel's Le Volume mascara instantly gives you long, luscious, expertly-coated lashes that won't clump or flake throughout the day. Throw a couple coats on when you land and you'll look wide awake and ready-to-go after a long flight. — Lindsey Campbell, Associate Editor, Audience Engagement
To buy: chanel.com, $32
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Ren Flash Hydro-Boost Instant Plumping Emulsion
My already-dry skin always takes a beating from the harsh, dry air in plane cabins. The solution: This hyaluronic acid serum, which keeps my skin hydrated, looking plump, and feeling smooth for the entire day, and even prevents moisture loss. And its TSA-approved size means you can pack it in your carry-on for reapplication during a long flight if needed. In fact, when I first purchased this product, the saleswoman told me that this is a favorite among flight attendants who have to battle chronically dry conditions while on the job. — Karen Chen, Digital Producer
To buy: sephora.com, $42
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Too Faced Kabuki Brush
Whether you're applying bronzer for a beachy glow, or a lightweight powder with SPF, this is the brush you have to have. Thanks to the compact, retractable design, your brush won't get damaged if you toss it into your bag (and it won't get pigment all over your things). Plus, it's cruelty-free. — Melanie Lieberman, Associate Digital Editor
To buy: sephora.com, $34
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RMS Beauty Living Luminizer
I don’t like to wear much makeup when I travel, but the dead-eyed, pallid post-flight look isn’t a good one if I have somewhere to be right after landing. When I need to look human again fast, a few taps of this highlighter on my cheekbones gives me the dewy, glowy skin of someone who has not just spent the last ten hours in-transit. And since it's only got four ingredients, it plays nicely even with my ultra-sensitive skin. —Lila Battis, Associate Editor
To buy: nordstrom.com, $38
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Sephora Collection Cleansing and Exfoliating Wipes
There's nothing like a long flight to make me feel like I need a shower, and these cleansing charcoal towelettes are the next best thing. — Jessica Plautz, Deputy Digital Editor
To buy: sephora.com, $8
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Anastasia Brow Powder Duo
I usually tend to stay pretty fresh-faced when I travel, with the exception of my brows. I've been using the same Anastasia kit for almost four years, and it's still nowhere near running out. — Richelle Szypulski, Assistant Digital Editor
To buy: sephora.com, $23
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Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum
When I travel, I try to keep my skincare routine simple, and not overcomplicate things. Which is why this ingredient-packed, 100% natural serum is now a staple: it's packed with grape seed oil, lemon peel, lavender oil, and carrot seed oil, among others, and smells divine. A little drop goes a long way toward brightening and tightening my face, which is key after a long flight. Use this and a great cleanser, and you're good to go. — Jacqueline Gifford, Special Projects Editor
To buy: needsupply.com, $185
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BeautyRX by Dr. Schultz Anytime Pads
Dr. Schulz's $14 anytime pads are literal face-savers: I use them to wipe off dirt, makeup, and oil, which always tends to accumulate after a long-haul flight. The packaging is light, too, and won't weigh your bag down. — Jacqueline Gifford, Special Projects Editor
To buy: beautyrx.com, $14
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Bumble and Bumble BB Color Sticks
It's inevitable that as soon as I get on the road, a pesky gray hair or two will start showing around my temples. These color sticks are genius at concealing grays, especially around the roots, and act as the perfect touch-up kit until I can get home. — Jacqueline Gifford, Special Projects Editor
To buy: sephora.com, $26
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Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Overnight Detox Oil
Unfortunately, my skin is both dry and prone to breakouts — not an ideal combination when trying to find skincare products for traveling. Discovering a formula that addressed both issues was a near impossible task until I found this dry oil. It's a lightweight treatment oil that seals in hydration, eliminates toxins and promotes cell renewal — all while you sleep. Though it's technically a night treatment, I dab on a little of this before take-off, eliminating in-flight dehydration and landing with clear, refreshed skin. — Lindsey Campbell, Associate Editor, Audience Engagement
To buy: amazon.com, from $70
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SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
I recently discovered that SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence comes in a more travel-friendly size and it has been a staple in my toiletry bag ever since. It’s a miracle liquid that I dab on my face and neck whenever I feel like I need a quick refresher, without the thick and oily feeling that a cream would leave. — Katie Fish, Fashion Market Editor
To buy: nordstrom.com, $99
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TULA Hydrating Day & Night Cream
My favorite destinations almost always have a beach involved, and too much time in the sun can mean trouble for my skin, especially when paired with the dehydrating effects of travel. Tula's hydrating day and night cream is my go-to for smooth skin because it uses probiotics to keep it healthy and glowing from the inside out. (I actually discovered it when I met Dr. Roshini Raj, the gastroenterologist who developed the formula, on a plane.) It instantly makes me feel brighter. — Nina Ruggiero, Senior Digital Editor
To buy: bloomingdales.com, $52
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Luna Sleeping Night Oil by Sunday Riley
Whenever I use this night oil, I wake up the next morning with completely smooth, bright skin. It's literally an overnight change. The best part is that it meets TSA liquid regulations (read: an instant rememdy for skin affected by dry airplane cabins). Bonus: It smells amazing when you put it on. — Erika Owen, Senior Audience Engagement Editor
To buy: sephora.com, $105
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Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
My hands get dry very easily, so this Kiehl’s hand salve is an absolute must. As soon as it is applied — instant relief! I throw the 1 oz. in my purse and take it everywhere I go, especially when I travel. — Katie Fish, Fashion Market Editor
To buy: kiehls.com, $15
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Pinch Provisions MINIMERGENCY Kit
I can't tell you how many times this palm-sized pouch has saved me from embarrassment on the go. The Mary Poppins-esque bag packs 17 adorable miniature crisis solutions including stain remover, breath freshener, pain relievers, a tiny sewing kit, clear nail polish, and my personal favorite savior: earring backs. — Richelle Szypulski, Assistant Digital Editor
To buy: sephora.com, $16
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Byredo Kabuki Perfume
I try to fly liquid free as much as possible, which can pose a challenge when it comes to perfume! But Byredo has come up with this ingenious scented powder, which can easily be brushed on to the skin. It's TSA-friendly and smells heavenly. — Jacqueline Gifford, Special Projects Editor
To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $65
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Shiseido Travel Size Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion Wetforce Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Traveling in the summertime is no fun when you’re contending with a sunburn. I use Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion because it’s really lightweight, yet protects my skin from the sun’s harmful rays without leaving it feeling greasy. — Mary Robnett, Assistant Photo Editor
To buy: shiseido.com, $22
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La Roche Posay Anthelios Kids Sunscreen for Face and Body
When La Roche Posay came out with a kids sunscreen, I nearly wept with joy. I've been a long time fan of their adult formulas, which are packed with antioxidants and paraben-free, but having a kids version to use on my toddler is now the icing on the cake. — Jacqueline Gifford, Special Projects Editor
To buy: amazon.com, from $16
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Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray SPF30
To me, the smell of Clarins sun cream is the smell of summer. I challenge you to apply this SPF 30 oil spray and not be transported to a beach on the Cote D'Azur. And, better still, it helps you cultivate a safe, golden tan. — Flora Stubbs, Features Director
To buy: amazon.com, $36
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Gloss Moderne High-Gloss Masque Travel Trio
I have naturally curly hair that tends to react unfavorably to a change in water softness. I tested this hair mask — which smells amazing — while traveling for a wedding weekend and was thoroughly impressed with the body it gave my hair. It was a quick, 5-minute mask, and at the rehearsal dinner I went to afterward, I got so many compliments on how healthy and full my hair looked. Even into the wedding the next day, with 90 minutes of flat-ironing and curling for an updo, it still retained that volume and moisture. Highly recommend. — Richelle Szypulski, Assistant Digital Editor
To buy: sephora.com, $24
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Burts Bees Cleansing Toweletts
The first thing I do before I pack my passport is toss a pack of these babies in my carry-on: they are that important. I use them to wipe off tray tables, my face, my son's hands, my hands, door knobs, and basically anything that seems germy. — Jacqueline Gifford, Special Projects Editor
To buy: amazon.com, from $10
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BlowPro "Faux Dry" Dry Shampoo
Let's be honest. When you travel, your routine often goes out the window. One 'poof' of this dry shampoo will absorb oil in your hair after a long flight give your flat 'do a boost. Because it's not a spray, your bottle won't clog or otherwise go haywire on airplanes. And, of course, it's the perfect size for your carry-on. — Melanie Lieberman, Associate Digital Editor
To buy: nordstrom.com, $20
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Kiss My Face Moisture Shave, Fragrance-Free
Non-aerosol, a TSA-compliant size, gender-neutral — the perfect shave cream for travel. — Kathy Roberson, Copy & Research Chief
To buy: amazon.com, $12
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Avène Eau Thermal
Airplane cabins tend to have next to no humidity, which leaves my chronically dry skin feeling extra parched. To counteract the effects, I give my face a spritz every few hours with this spray from Avène, then slather on a hydrating cream to seal in moisture. A little ridiculous? Yes. But there’s nothing like misting yourself with spring water to make you feel like a Fancy Lady despite being crammed into a middle seat in Economy. — Lila Battis, Associate Editor
To buy: amazon.com, $9