24 Travel Beauty Products Byrdie Editors Always Pack
Byrdie
Whether you’re carry-on for life or have zero shame about checking a bag, traveling means making some tough beauty cuts. Be it for TSA requirements, limited real estate, or the pursuit of a more simplified routine, everyday beauty staples aren’t always practical for on-the-go use. (My favorite foundation, for example, is tragically packaged in a delicate glass bottle.) In lieu of our day-to-day favorites, Byrdie editors opt for multipurpose products, stick formulas, and luxurious hydrators when we’re traveling for work or pleasure. Discover our favorites ahead, from multiuse sticks to acne-fighting mists.
Hallie Gould, editor in chief
Byrdie
Dr. Barbara Sturm Mini Enzyme Cleanser ($22)
There's nothing like getting off a plane and beelining for the bathroom to give your skin a good, deep clean. Airplane air really makes my skin so, so sad. Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser is my must-have for travel because it allows for a little grit and gentle exfoliation when my face needs it most. When mixed with water, the fine-powder transforms into a super soft, enzyme-filled foam (there's some vitamin C in there too). It sloughs off dead and dry skin, free radicals like pollution and other grime from the travel day, and leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft, fresh, and reset. I focus a massage along my nose and chin (where I have the most congestion) and it's a godsend on blackheads.
Ceremonia The Scrunchie Duo ($25)
When I travel, I need a good silk scrunchie. It's an easy, cute way to slick back wet hair when I don't have much time to get ready, it allows me to (secretly mask all day), and it keeps my hair out of my face as I'm getting dressed and applying makeup. Overall, it's both incredibly practical and beautiful in equal measure. This one from Ceremonia is my absolute favorite (the silk scrunchie comes in a set with an organza option as well, which I love for added fanciness). It's the biggest, the most luscious, and really makes me look like I have my life together.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Hue Drops ($35)
I am absolutely in love with this product. To put it into context, the formula went viral on TikTok before it even launched (launch day is February 25, for reference, but I had to shout it out early). This is a true skincare-makeup hybrid. Upon first application, my skin looked warm and sculpted . I use it to contour and lift (along my cheekbones and jaw bone) and then apply to the eyes for depth. It's a beautiful, bronze-y formula and also includes centella asiatica (my favorite for its soothing properties), niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.
Star Donaldson, associate social media director
Byrdie
Cornea Care Self-Heating Eye Compress ($35)
It can be difficult for me to doze off on plane rides, so I make sure to save these Self-Heating Warm Compresses for every flight. I got introduced to them because they soothed my eyes and sensitivity to light when I had a migraine. But now, migraine or not, bringing them with me on plane rides is a total game changer. The compress is more of an eye mask that comfortably goes over your ears and stays in place during a nap. They also heat up quickly and stay warm for around 30 minutes, which is more than enough time for me to be lulled to sleep.
Espressoh Hey Broh Clear Eyebrow Fixing Gel ($25)
It can be difficult for me to doze off on plane rides, so I make sure to save these Self-Heating Warm Compresses for every flight. I got introduced to them because they soothed my eyes and sensitivity to light when I had a migraine. But now, migraine or not, bringing them with me on plane rides is a total game changer. The compress is more of an eye mask that comfortably goes over your ears and stays in place during a nap. They also heat up quickly and stay warm for around 30 minutes, which is more than enough time for me to be lulled to sleep.
Slip Large SlipSilk Scrunchies ($39)
I have a ton of hair, and when I’m traveling, all I want to do is put it up. I’ve been reliant on these Large Slipsilk Scrunchies for years and I use them at least once a day no matter what. They are large enough that I can wrap the scrunchie around my hair twice but elastic enough that they’ll hold my hair in place with just one loop. Besides wearing my hair in an updo, I love using them to pineapple my hair at night under my bonnet to ensure my curls don’t get frizzy. Most importantly, opting for a scrunchie that doesn’t get caught on my curly 3C/4A hair or crease it has really decreased the amount of breakage and shedding I see.
Holly Rhue, associate editorial director
Byrdie
Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Wax ($27)
Brow products are something I use every single day. My routine typically consists of some kind of pigment product topped with a clear wax to hold my brows into a brushed-up position. But when I’m traveling, I love to go for the two-in-one with this new Benefit gel. It gives you all the pigment of a tinted brow gel, plus the sculpting, stay-all-day power of a gel or wax. It’s a nonnegotiable in my dopp kit.
SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Mask ($50)
I’m a terrible sleeper as is, so throw a plane ride, road trip, or time change into the mix, and my under-eyes are shot. So naturally, I never travel without eye gels. And while I love a heavily saturated, jelly-textured patch for my day-to-day, these SkinMedica gels are perfect for travel. They come individually wrapped with one set of patches per sachet, so there’s no dealing with heavy jars or tins. They’re also incredibly moisturizing without being soaking wet—you can easily use them on a plane or long car ride without dripping serum all over the place. That, and they actually adhere to your skin until you’re ready to remove them.
Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Jelly Stick ($9)
I’m nothing if not practical, so I’m never without this Vaseline stick on a trip. My skin gets extremely dry on flights, and I’ll use this handy stick for slugging pretty much anywhere—cuticles, under-eyes, mouth corners, you name it. I also use it as a lip balm, to slick back my hair, and as a body highlighter on my shoulders and collarbone. (It also comes in handy if you find a blister forming on your skin.) There are truly endless uses for Vaseline, and the stick design makes it easier to keep skin balanced and glowy while traveling.
Olivia Hancock, beauty editor
Byrdie
Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm ($16)
Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm ($16): Topicals’ latest launch—the Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm—has quickly become a beauty essential that goes everywhere with me. The minty lip treatment is infused with peptides and a tri-ceramide complex that combats fine lines, texture, and dryness. When I swipe this on, my lips feel incredibly soothed and moisturized. Not to mention that they’re left with a high-shine, glossy finish.
Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Cream ($68)
Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue ($68): Since I have dry skin, I incorporate intensely nourishing moisturizers into my morning and evening routines. Right now, the Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Deep Repair Treatment is the nighttime cream that’s always stashed in my dopp kit. The ultra-rich cream is formulated with ectoin to protect your skin from environmental aggressors, restoring magnesium and peptides, and hydrating squalane. After slathering this on at night, I wake up with skin that is noticeably plumper and more moisturized.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water (Mini) ($6)
When traveling, I always want to bring products that make removing makeup and refreshing my skin a breeze. That’s why the mini version of Garnier’s SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is a staple in my toiletry bag. When I’m ready to wash my face, I saturate one of my SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Eco Pads ($12) and gently wipe it across my face, eyes, and lips. The beloved no-rinse micellar water effortlessly breaks down and removes all my makeup without leaving my skin feeling stripped.
Bella Cacciatore, news editor
Byrdie
Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Stick in Werk ($24)
I am a blush fiend and usually bring at least three options when I travel (even if it’s just overnight). That being said, this is always one of them. First of all, it’s a no-brainer for packing since it’s so tiny and can easily be applied without a brush. It’s the perfect peachy-pink shade that I can build up as much as I want, and the glowy formula glides on without feeling heavy or greasy. I always keep it in my shoulder bag during a flight since it’s the perfect pick-me-up after travel even if I’m not wearing any other makeup.
Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner (Mini) ($28)
I’m very unfussy with my hair and will happily use whatever shampoo and conditioner the hotel has on hand. This, however, is the one thing I can’t go without. A pump or two on wet or dry hair is all I need for smooth, frizz-free hair that looks and smells incredible. Most importantly, it helps coax my nearly wavy hair into a passable mermaid texture that eliminates the need for any other styling.
Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer ($20)
Good complexion products top my packing list, and I haven’t stopped using this concealer since I tested it a few months ago. It’s so creamy and truly foolproof to apply, and the satiny finish looks beautiful on both under-eyes and pimples. It can also be used as a foundation in a pinch, which is great if you’re an overpacker like I am. This is another one I keep on hand as a quick refresh after a flight.
Eden Stuart, beauty editor
Byrdie
Nudestix Nudies Cream Blush All-Over Face Color ($35)
I hate fussing with lots of tools and brushes when I travel, so whenever possible, I only bring one: a beauty sponge. That means sticking to makeup products that blend well with a sponge or fingers. For that reason, I usually travel with a few of the Nudies Cream Blushes from Nudestix ($35)—they come with a little brush but blend well with your fingertips too.
Ciele Cosmetics Tint + Protect Serum Foundation ($44)
On that no-tools, no-problems note, I’ve been sticking to Ciele Cosmetics’ Tint & Protect SPF 50+ ($44) as my on-the-go base. It’s another product that blends effortlessly, and a little bit goes a long way for coverage. I usually just blend out a few drops with my fingers, and then go over it with a damp sponge to even things out. I also love that it contains SPF 50+; I am a firm believer in never relying on makeup alone for sunscreen, so I do apply some underneath, but as far as I’m concerned, you can never have too much protection.
Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum ($68)
I can’t possibly discuss my travel routine without shouting out Eadem’s Milk Marvel ($68). Since it contains vitamin C and niacinamide, it really streamlines my skincare routine; it’s usually the only product I’ll apply between my face wash and sunscreen when I’m out of town. I brought the brand’s Bare-Skin Confidence Mini Travel Set ($45) home for the holidays and am so happy I did; the moisturizer is lightweight and silky, and the cleansing balm is great for days when I went for lighter-coverage makeup or just SPF.
Abby Dupes, associate editor
Byrdie
Ouai Leave-In Conditioner ($16)
Growing up, it didn’t matter where we stayed or went—I only wanted to know if the hotel had a pool or an ocean nearby. The urge to swim has yet to leave me, meaning my hair ends up a tangled mess by dinnertime on most trips. Ouais Leave In Conditioner has saved me multiple times, helping me tackle the toughest knots pre-shower and protecting my hair from heat post-wash. If I don’t have time for heat styling, I’ll use it to slick back my hair into a flyaway-free low bun. It’s truly the most versatile hair product in my bag.
Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm ($24)
I swear my skin knows where we are the second I arrive at an airport. Before we even hit the tarmac, I’m battling to keep my skin moisturized, but my lips are the worst offender by far. Since dry, chapped lips are not on the itinerary, I use Ilia’s Lip Wrap Reviving Balm. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and salicornia (aka sea succulent), this lightweight balm restores the skin barrier of your lips over time while imparting a gorgeous, plump shine with just one swipe. Plus, for those with flight anxiety like me, the soothing lavender and chamomile scent provides a bonus dose of calming aromatherapy.
Rare Beauty All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick ($22)
There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination only to find that the makeup bag you thought you had packed perfectly has eye shadow all over, thanks to a broken powder eye shadow palette. Trust and believe that cream or liquid is the best formulation to bring abroad. I specifically love Rare Beauty’s All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick, as it’s buildable, blendable, and fadeproof. The shimmery, neutral shades are perfect for every aesthetic, and I love the fact that the packaging has a built-in sharpener.
Jasmine Phillips, social media editor
Byrdie
Frontal Queen Baby Hair Control Gel ($20)
Edge control is truly the first product I always throw in my carry-on luggage. It keeps my edges laid and tames any flyaways I may have with slick-back styles. I particularly love this product because it can withstand all heat and humidity so I know my edges are laid while I lay on the beach. I don’t have to worry about any white residue or weird stickiness. It’s just a great-smelling product that I keep near and dear at all times.
Tower 28 S.O.S. Rescue Spray ($28)
Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray is a skin saver at home, so I’m sure to pack it when I’m out of town. It keeps any redness or irritation at bay so my skin can look and feel its best. It’s super refreshing and hydrating, which is perfect after long days of exploring.
Ami Colé Desert Date Cream Multistick in Spice ($28)
I love a two-in-one product just as much as I love anything from Ami Colé. The Lip + Blush Sticks add a nice wash of color to my skin and help me limit the amount of beauty products I need to get my desired look. It contains desert date oil, hibiscus flower extract, and baobab seed oil to hydrate and nurture the skin, so it’s a win-win.
Ali Webb, associate editor
Byrdie
Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Face Palette in Lightgasm ($75)
As we all know, airport restrictions on liquids mean that packing a carry-on requires making some hard choices. A good powder makeup product can really change the game, and I’m obsessed with this Charlotte Tilbury palette ($75), which includes two types of highlighters, a bronzer, and a blush all in one place. A few swipes on strategic areas like your cheekbones, Cupid’s bow, and inner corners of your eyes will have you glowing and contoured in no time, and I love how this allows me to keep having fun with makeup without sacrificing valuable liquid real estate.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen ($38)
No matter what beauty products you choose to pack for a trip, sunscreen is an absolute must. I’ve tried my fair share of formulas, and my absolute favorite is Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen ($38), which goes on smooth and nongreasy with no white cast, features SPF 40 protection, and creates an ideal base for makeup (so you can leave the primer at home). I usually stock up on the largest size, but the mini is perfect for travel.
Bumble & Bumble Invisible Hairdresser's Invisible Oil (Mini) ($24)
At any given time, I have two bottles of Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer ($15): a full size, plus a mini to take with me on all my travels. I've found it to be an ideal hair product to pack because it serves so many purposes: It works as a heat protectant, makes my strands take to styling better, and includes a nourishing six-oil blend that can take the place of other leave-in products when I’m keeping it simple on the go. It’s color-safe and has smoothing properties, plus its UV protection will keep your strands happy and healthy if you’re headed somewhere sunny or spending time outside. This is truly my desert-island hair product.
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