Keep it Security Safe (..and a little chic). This is where my “If my bag goes missing, at least I have these” beauty supplies live. I have recently acquired some pretty stylish security friendly bags, too.
The SpaceNK Travel Bag is brilliant, and fits everything nice and snug. I’ve also recently fallen in love with my Wyn + Wyn Twin Pouch from Acte Nation, a two-part detachable travel bag to keep all your stray hair bobbles in sight and passport in close reach.
Glossier pouch’s always tend to come in handy too (think headphones, paracetamol etc).
You know that recurring dream that you have and you can’t seem to shake off, well mine is more of a millennial nightmare… and it’s solely based on me forgetting to pack a hairdryer for a trip and finding out at the airport and being late for my flight. As trivial as it sounds, it genuinely combines all my most innate fears. Flying (although I’ve pretty much overcome that now) and being without a beauty products that I NEED to feel myself. Of course, in reality, most hotels have hairdryers, so the drama is lost a little with that example!
With this thought in mind though, it’s safe to say I take my packing seriously. I actually really enjoy it (contrary to most I know!) and what I pack beauty-wise is always thoroughly thought through. So here are my notes – from ml restrictions to decanting, travel minis, to carry-on bags.
The 100ml’s and Under
Probably the trickiest part of the process… what will make the cut?! Well for me it’s always the following (in priority order)
Lip Balm
I love Lanolips 101 Ointment and Clinque’s newest Moisture Surge lip balm.
Facial Mist
One for a cool dose of refreshment such as La Roche Posay’s Thermal Spring Water, and one on hand for hydration, Pixi’s Hydrating Milky Mist is my ultimate.
Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are SO travel-friendly, light as a feather – and pack a punch when it comes to keeping skin hydrated on a flight. I adore the Hydrate masks from Patchology, Starskin also do some great ones too, oh and Go-To Skincare’s Transforming Sheet Masks blow my mind – they give such an instant hit of glow!
Purse Spray
Chanel do the most gorgeously chic refillable purse sprays (I carry Coco Mademoiselle). I’m also big on Jo Malone’s 30ml’s and solid perfumes are a great idea too.
Throw it in the suitcase
Where the bulk of your beauty goes, I try to be as “pack light” as possible but there are some things I can’t compromise on. One being hair products, I’m really fussy with shampoos and conditioners, my worst nightmare (see again with the nightmare theme!) is using the hotel’s. Once I find one’s that work for my thick, coarse hair, it’s hard to pry them from my hands. One tip though, pack a mask as opposed to a conditioner – a little product will go further. My haircare current favourites are Aveda’s Cherry Blossom Softening Range, Nexus Youth Renewal, Mane + Tail Moisturising and Amika’s Normcore.
As I rarely wear makeup on holiday, the majority of my packing is skincare and bodycare. The best thing I’ve learnt when it comes to body care is lotions over creams! If you’re in a hot/humid country then you won’t want anything that leaves residue, my go-to is Cerave Moisturising Lotion. Skincare gets a little more heavyweight! I always take a good cleansing balm, (that’s soothing and non sensitising) something like Drunk Elephant’s Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser. A few hydrating serums such as Avene Hydrance, Bareminerals Skinlongevity.
I tend to use my actives at night when I’m in a sunny climate, as retinol breaks down in sunlight and acids can make skin even more sensitive to UV rays. For my resurfacing treatments, I’ll take with me either a retinol or acid peel. I love Dr Dennis Gross Extra Strength Peel Pads for travel as they’re so lightweight and take up no room at all!
Finally, not forgetting the almighty SPF. My go-to has always been Glossier’s Invisible Shield (it’s only 30ml so a perfect size for travelling) but recently I’ve been trying some other great ones, Shiseido’s Clear Stick UV Protector for example is only 15g and perfect for on-the-go top-ups.
Happy packing, and bon voyage!
