The Essential Toiletries for Travel

By Travel + Leisure and Travel + Leisure Staff
August 21, 2017
Courtesy of Respective Brands
Admittedly, stocking your Dopp kit’s not the most exciting point to check off your pre-trip prep list. To which, we’re going to suggest something revolutionary.

Instead of making a drive-by to grab whatever’s available in the travel-sized aisle on your way to Departures, curate a set of your favorite indulgences in 3.4-ounces or less and keep it ready to go at a moment’s notice.

With better-than-everyday results and stylish packaging, you’ll see an opportunity to use these standout beauty and grooming products as a bonus, not a chore.

From cult-favorite creams to small-but-mighty styling tools, these are the tiny toiletries our editors couldn’t stop talking about. Check out the full line-up of 2017’s Ultimate Travel Essentials.
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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

1 of 17

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

Courtesy of SK-II

SK-II’s masks live up to the hype, leaving skin soft and bright. Bonus: they tend to deter chatty seatmates.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $17

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Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Manfred Koh; Still Life Stylist: Judith Trezza with RJ Bennett Represents

Dab some on dry lips or use it to slick down unruly brows, soothe wind-chapped cheeks, or make calloused feet soft and sandal-ready.

To buy: target.com, $3

3 of 17

Buly 1803 Pommade Concrète

Manfred Koh; Still Life Stylist: Judith Trezza with RJ Bennett Represents

This thick lotion’s delicate scent and painterly packaging are an instant mood-lifter during a long day of travel.

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $50

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Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths

Courtesy of Koh Gen Do

Even waterproof mascara is no match for these hydrating cloths. They're formulated with mineral-rich water from the Yumura Hot Springs of Izumo, Japan and skin saviors like white birch sap, so you can cleanse and soothe all in one.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $39 for 3

5 of 17

Laundress Stain Solution Packets

Courtesy of The Laundress

Keep a single-use packet in your carry-on in case of red-wine spills. It's a touch less convenient than pen-style stain removers, but in our tests it trounced the competition for actually undoing the damage wrought by Brunello and bolognese.

To buy: thelaunderess.com, $1

6 of 17

Weleda Skin Food

Manfred Koh; Still Life Stylist: Judith Trezza with RJ Bennett Represents

This cult favorite is intended for body, but when the delicate skin on your face is parched after a long flight, a creamier moisturizer is vital. It goes on like spackle, but you're guaranteed to wake up glowy.

To buy: amazon.com, $12

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7 of 17

Avene Thermal Spring Water

Courtesy of Avène

Just one spritz takes you from haggard to dewy in an instant. Sure, it's a little silly to mist yourself with water mid-flight. But follow it up with a mask or a moisturizer and you'll be the lone passenger looking (and perhaps more importantly, feeling) fresh-faced after 15 hours in midair.

To buy: amazon.com, $9

8 of 17

Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk Natural Tint

Courtesy of Klorane

Spray this stuff into greasy roots before bed and you'll wake up with fresh, bouncy hair — and no trace of white residue.

To buy: sephora.com, $10

9 of 17

Sephora Collection Mini Blast Travel Ionic Blow Dryer

Manfred Koh; Still Life Stylist: Judith Trezza with RJ Bennett Represents

It’s as if Sephora hit your high-end Italian model with a shrink ray, making it tiny, light, and affordable without minimizing performance or design. With two speeds, 1,200 watts, dual-voltage capacity, and a rubberized matte finish, it’ll be your favorite travel accessory, even when you’re home.

To buy: sephora.com, $26

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Peter Thomas Roth

Courtesy of Peter Thomas Roth

Does anyone actually remember to reapply sunscreen? You will with this pocket-size brush-on version. Unlike lotion formulas, this kind won't spill in your bag, mess up your makeup, or leave you with a ghostly pallor.

To buy: sephora.com, $30

11 of 17

Marvis Aquatic Mint

Courtesy of Marvis

Never underestimate the power of small indulgences — like fancy toothpaste — to make you feel human while traveling.

To buy: amazon.com, $6

12 of 17

Jao Brand Refresher Not Just For Hands Sanitizer

Courtesy of Jao

This spray kills germs, smells good (it's made with essential oils like clary sage and lavender), and doesn’t sap your skin of moisture.

To buy: anthropologie.com, $10

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T3 Compact SinglePass

Courtesy of T3

This to-go straightener is smaller than most, and it auto-detects the appropriate voltage, so you’ll never have to pack a converter — or worse, fry your hair — again.

To buy: saksfifthavenue.com, $89

14 of 17

Mason Pearson Pocket Bristle Brush

Manfred Koh; Still Life Stylist: Judith Trezza with RJ Bennett Represents

Stylists swear by boar bristles for adding shine and bounce, and Mason Pearson's handmade brushes have long been the gold standard.

To buy: saksfifthavenue.com, $120

15 of 17

Kiehl's Crème With Silk Groom

Courtesy of Kiehl's

Use this non-greasy styling aid as a frizz tamer, beard conditioner, or a super-smoothing leave-in treatment.

To buy: kiehls.com, $24

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Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules

Courtesy of Elizabeth Arden

These single-use serum capsules are great for saving space in your Dopp kit: you can pack the exact number you need, and they give you extra insurance against spills. Twist one open daily to banish bags and dark circles.

To buy: elizabetharden.com, $60 for 60 capsules

17 of 17

F'lint Retractable Lint Roller

Courtesy of Think Product Lab

This retractable roller is a must-have for business travelers — or really, anyone with an affinity for dark colors and pet cuddles. It makes quick work of lint removal, and the self-contained design won't stick to everything in your bag.

To buy: amazon.com, $10

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