26 Self-care Essentials Our Editors Love for Both Traveling and at Home

"In December, around the stress of the holidays, I took a quick weekend trip to Miami to decompress and get some vitamin D (highly recommend) — and to turn it into the ultimate self-care trip, I hit the spa. But after looking at the Mandarin Oriental's spa menu, I decided to skip the facial in favor of something different: a digital detox treatment. Part massage focusing on the areas you hold tension in while sitting over your laptop or staring at your phone, part sound bath, part non-screen activity time (coloring book and cell phone sleeping bag included), I left feeling relaxed and ready to tackle my tech-centric bad habits. Ever since, I travel with a coloring book and colored pencils and try to break them out on the plane instead of fighting the Wi-Fi to get more work done or watching another movie so I can deplane feeling calm and vacation-ready." — Nina Ruggiero, Senior Digital Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $14

"When I'm traveling solo, I love to make time to drop in to a yoga class. Even if I don't speak the language, the asanas (poses) are pretty universal, so it's an interesting way to both feel like a local and get a good sweat in. This foldable mat is lightweight, can fit in a backpack, and will also serve as stand-in for a beach towel or a blanket to picnic on at the park. It is a bit thin in comparison to regular mats, but it's super grippy and the marbled designs are gorgeous." — Richelle Szypulski, Senior Associate Editor

To buy: Sugarmat Premium Yoga Mat, amazon.com, $99

"Similar to drawing and writing, taking photos with a film camera reduces the stressful feeling of needing to share content instantly. The photos and memories I capture are more for me in this way, and I don't waste time editing them to post online while I'm on the trip." — Mariah Tyler, Digital Associate Photo Editor

To buy: Canon AE-1 35mm Film Camera, amazon.com, from $146; Kodak 35mm Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, amazon.com, $40 for a pack of five rolls

"While not the most compact item to pack in your carry-on, a super-soft robe is one way to instantly upgrade your hotel experience." — Jessica Plautz, Deputy Digital Editor

To buy: nordstrom.com, $145

"Kicking back with a face mask on and a hot cup of tea is nice, but when I want to go deeper with my self-care practice, I'll usually turn to books or journaling. Buddhist monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh's book "No Mud, No Lotus" is a beautiful guide on finding the lesson in tough situations. And gratitude journaling everyday with the Five Minute Journal definitely helps with keeping things in perspective." — Kim Duong, Digital Assistant Editor

To buy: "No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering" by Thich Nhat Hanh, amazon.com, $13; The Five Minute Journal, amazon.com, $23

"Bringing a Gua Sha tool along on my travels is like packing a mini facial. Swiping this little stone tool across the contours of my face — a practice derived from traditional East Asian physical therapy — helps with de-puffing (hello swelling after a long-haul flight to Asia) and lymphatic drainage, which is believed to boost immunity (we could all use some help after breathing the same stale air as your seatmates for 16 straight hours). Practicing Gua Sha is so low-effort that even I, the laziest person when it comes to skincare, can enjoy the ritual of spending five slow minutes to connect with my body. Plus, it instantly makes me feel more calm and relaxed when I use it before bed." — Karen Chen, Editorial Producer

To buy: amazon.com, $17

"After overhauling my beauty routine to be cleaner, I've become obsessed with a handful of products that are easy to tote anywhere and instantly perk up my skin. This Works' brand-new Morning Expert Open Eyes has become my hero product for toning down my dark circles, and I love how cool and soothing the metal applicator tip feels. Drunk Elephant's The Littles miniaturizes all of the line's best products, including the Umbra Sheer Daily Defense SPF 30 and the super-moisturizing Lala Retro Whipped Cream. Also in rotation: the brand-new Glow Recipe Watermelon Ultra-Fine Mist. It smells amazing, thanks to the namesake fruit's juice being the primary ingredient, and it's a quick way to ensure my skin doesn't dry out from the cabin air." — Sarah Bruning, Senior Editor

To buy: This Works Morning Expert Open Eyes Eye Cream, anthropologie.com, $45; Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-fine Mist, sephora.com, $28; Drunk Elephant New Littles Kit, amazon.com, $90

"I can't sleep on planes to save my life, but the new silk sleep mask and travel pillow from Calpak have made me infinitely less miserable on overnight flights. Instead of bunching up my scarf or sweater and curling up against the window, I can slide these on and block out the world for a little while. It also helps when I slick a bit of this Scentered Sleep Well balm stick on my pulse points. Lavender tends to give me a raging headache, but this aromatherapy balm balances out that normally overpowering scent with ylang ylang, chamomile, and other more soothing notes." — Sarah Bruning, Senior Editor

To buy: Calpak Silk Travel Set, calpaktravel.com, $95; Scentered Aromatherapy Sleep Well Essential Oil Balm Stick, amazon.com, $25

"I've found that one of the keys to feeling like yourself in an unfamiliar environment is bringing your routines on the road with you. Meditating with Headspace is one of my favorite forms of everyday self-care, and I love being able to seamlessly continue that practice while traveling. The app even has a great vacation-themed session that helps shift your mindset into relaxation mode. So if you, like me, generally feel like it takes the first few days of a trip to 'come down' from the pace of regular life, there's a great 10-minute meditation to encourage your mind to forget the chatter of things left undone at home and meet you at the beach." — Richelle Szypulski, Senior Associate Editor

To download: headspace.com, from $8 a month

"My philosophy on managing the daily mundanities I dread most is basically, 'Do the annoying thing, but make it fancy.' This approach will eventually bankrupt me, but in the meantime, it’s led me to CocoFloss. I got a sample pack from my dentist for free and liked it so much I actually paid $9 — nine American dollars! — for what is essentially gussied-up dental floss. It comes in bright colors, unconventional flavors, and translucent packaging that’s pleasing to hold (there’s a little divot on one side for your thumb) and easy to open. And unlike some of the plasticky flosses I’ve tried and abandoned before, CocoFloss feels like it’s actually scrubbing the gunk off my teeth. I still hate flossing, but I do it with much less resentment now that it feels like a luxurious indulgence. And I do like having teeth, so if I have to pay $9 every few months to keep them, I suppose it’s worth it." — Lila Battis, Food & Travel Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $25

"When I am congested, I use EarPlanes Earplugs to make sure I do not injure my eardrum or suffer from earache during air travel. They're also available in children's sizes. My seven-year-old son used them, and they seemed to work well!" — Devin Traineau, Associate Photo Editor

To buy: The Original EarPlanes Earplugs, amazon.com, $15 for 3 pairs

"I'm really good about my nighttime ritual. I think maybe it's the routine that helps me feel grounded and like I'm really closing out my day thoughtfully. After a relaxing shower, I'll apply a face oil before climbing into bed. I've been swearing by Sunday Riley's Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil for years (with consistent use, I've definitely noticed that my skin is less red, dry, and irritated overall), but I've also recently tried Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair serum and now I know why it's a best-seller." — Kim Duong, Digital Assistant Editor

To buy: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, sephora.com, from $16; Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil, sephora.com, from $55

"I love to practice self-care during a long flight and one of my favorite ways of doing that is by popping on a sheet mask and using a hydrating oil. If you have time for a sheet mask, grab one from Lapcos. Check out the different varieties to find the one right for your skin. If you don’t have time for a full mask, Youth to the People’s Superberry Hydrate + Glow oil will leave you feeling fresh, whether you’re getting off a plane or getting out of bed. Toss them all into a dopp kit (I personally love Miansai’s 'Lido' Dopp Kit) and you're set." — Tanner Saunders, Associate Digital Editor

To buy: Lapcos Daily Skin Mask, amazon.com, $33 for a pack of seven; Miansai 'Lido' Dopp Kit, miansai.com, $250; Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Travel-sized Oil, $24, amazon.com

"My eyes get super dry on planes (and in winter, during pollen season, and after staring at computer screens all day). Dry, scratchy eyes make me feel really tired and cranky. It annoyed me for years until my optometrist reminded me that eye drops are a thing and that I should definitely get some. I don’t use them every day, but I always pack them for flights and keep them on hand during problem seasons. They provide an instant, easy, cheap bit of relief for a really common problem." — Skye Senterfeit, Photo Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $7

"A month ago, NaturaBissē’s Diamond Cocoon Ultra Rich Cream came into my life, and now, with only a few globs of the moisturizer left, I’m having to make peace with the sad skincare days that lie ahead. The wildly expensive cream is the most indulgent product I’ve ever had in my arsenal. Its luxurious texture and heavenly scent belies the effectiveness of its formula, whose superstar ingredient, OxySkin-HEV, reduces the free radicals caused by blue light (HEV)." — Siobhan Reid, Associate Editor

To buy: bergdorfgoodman.com, $325

"Just as important as skincare, what we wear is a form of self-care. For me, that’s making sure that whether I’m on the road, at work, or at home, I’m wearing something that's sleek and stylish but also comfortable and breathable. These BLDWN pants are exactly that and extremely versatile to dress up or down. Pair with a laid-back T-shirt or a button-up (this brand makes great shirts, too!), take a look in the mirror, and you’re going to feel good." — Tanner Saunders, Associate Digital Editor

To buy: The Damon Pant in Olive Drab, bldwn.co, $228; The Damon Pant in Black, bldwn.co, $228

"In the mindset of taking things slow and weening the phone out of my hands, I tend to pack paper and pens. Whether I'm in the mood to write or sketch on my trip, the time putting pen to paper helps me unwind and release the world that can be so consuming and overwhelming." — Mariah Tyler, Digital Associate Photo Editor

To buy: Minimalism Art Classic Notebook, amazon.com, $10

"Before I started using this stuff, my face would feel like sandpaper after a long flight. (A pleasant mental image, I know.) Thankfully, now I don’t have to slather on tons of lotion to feel dewy again. One or two pumps of this light, super-hydrating moisturizer and I’m good to go." — Madeline Bilis, Assistant Editor

To buy: sephora.com, $24