The 20 Carry-On Beauty Products That Save My Skin Mid-Flight

Forget my carry-on—this baby belongs in my sweatshirt pocket. It needs to be as close as possible. Marie Claire's choice for the best lip balm, Sonsie's perfect Basic Balm is exactly what your lips are looking for on those dry, dry planes. It has the added benefit of a bit of shine that makes you look alive. On my last trip, I lost mine in the airport alongside my water bottle—guess which one I missed more?

Pros: Extremely hydrating; Great for all climates; Works like a balm but looks like a gloss

Cons: None found

Air angel in the air! Even when wearing a heavy moisturizer sounds disgusting, this velvety, jelly-textured moisturizer by Dieux helps me keep my hydration levels up, cocooning my skin "with cloud-like, breathable moisture." I also love that the full-size bottle is airplane-appropriate—there's no need to buy a separate product.

Pros: Lightweight; Hydrating; Keeps your skin barrier feeling supple

Cons: None found

It's easy to forget that your scalp is part of your skin, too, and that fostering a healthy scalp environment is integral to hair growth. This serum works by blocking DHT, which is the hormone responsible for pattern hair loss. It also soothes irritated scalps, whether you're struggling with a dry, flaky scalp or an uncomfortable acne flare-up.

Pros: Supports hair growth; Lightweight; Soothing

Cons: Results require consistent use

Lyma's popular serum and moisturizer promise to soothe redness and even out skin tone—essential properties for any traveller, especially after long periods of high stress and little sleep. This starter includes both all-star products in TSA-friendly 50 ml bottles. To make matters even better, they're refillable, minimizing waste.

Pros: Environmentally-friendly; Small containers; Refillable; Chic packaging

Cons: Expensive

When Summer Fridays' Jet Lag Mask launched in 2018, it immediately became a flying good luck charm. It imparts so much hydration with star ingredients, such as hyaluronic and niacinamide. I can put this on at the beginning of a flight and feel confident that the dry air won't hurt me. While instructions say to keep this on for 10 minutes, you can absolutely use it as a regular moisturizer—it's a thicker alternative to Dieux, and I'll always keep both on me.

Pros: Editor-approved; Hydrating

Cons: None found

While I like to switch up cleansers (my recent favorite is from Rhode), I'm a longtime fan of Fresh's lovely soy option—celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes is also all about it. It's easy travel-size option means I'll pick it up time and time again for a trip. Extremely gentle and great for all skin types, I can count on this cleanser to make me feel clean no matter what airport hell I've been through. It's also pretty hydrating, which I'll reiterate is a must after flying.

Pros: Expert-approved, Mini size is easy to transport

Cons: None found

Two cleansers? Yup. Face washing is one of my favorite hobbies, and I never know what my skin will desire in any given moment. Powered by AHAs and BHAs, this clarifying option from Tata Harper was named Marie Claire's favorite salicylic acid cleanser for oil control and is my go-to when my skin is feeling a little funky (from an overload of vacay treats, perhaps?). It's super refreshing scent also helps wake me up if I'm feeling jet-lagged and need to get a move on.

Pros: Editor-approved; Balances oil; Helps with redness; Leaves skin with a matte finish

Cons: Even the smaller size is a bit pricey

I have so much respect for people who use sheet masks mid-flight; it's a power move. While I've only ever done it on overseas adventures, and only with eye masks, I plan on joining the full face ranks on my next trip—there's really no better place to pop one on. This multipack from celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas features five concentrated and biodegradable sheet masks that can handle your skin's every need. With all these options, you could do a whole facial in the air if you really wanted to.

Pros: Variety pack; Easy to use; Easy to pack

Cons: Face mask application must be timed right with flight attendant trash collection

While there are conflicting opinions on whether you can get sunburnt on a plane (some say the windows are two thick to let UV rays in), I operate on the assumption that SPF is important all day, every day—even if you're in the air. My current favorite sunscreen is this option from medical-grade brand Revision Skincare. It's also tinted, so I can pretend to be a makeup minimalist and leave my other face products at home.

Pros: Mattifying; Great for acne-prone skin

Cons: Expensive

Unless I'm absolutely exhausted, my favorite thing to do after I reach my destination is apply this Josh Rosebrook face mask—one of my all-time most beloved beauty products. A chemical and physical exfoliator with potent enzymes, acids, and finely ground, round walnut shells, it works to clear, soften, and renew skin so you feel perfectly fresh for your upcoming adventures.

Pros: Leave it on as long as you like; Softens; Helps restore moisture

Cons: Not appropriate for in-flight application

Something about this Natalie Portman-loved lip oil makes me feel so put together—which is exactly how I want to feel after I've landed somewhere new and know absolutely nothing about my next move. I'm partial to the Rosewood color, but you can't go wrong with any of the options. It'll hydrate your lips and match that one going out top you packed perfectly.

Pros: Hydrating; Lovely packaging

Cons: Expensive

Another instant pick-me-up? A little flush and a bit of glow—Jones Road can give you both. Miracle Balm, which brand founder Bobbi Brown (yes, that Bobbi Brown) designed as "the secret of no-makeup makeup" offers a wash of soft-focus moisture to perfect and enhance skin while also supplying a nice touch of color. If I don't have much room in my bag, this becomes my blush, highlighter, and lip color all in one.

Pros: Multipurpose; Fun shade options

Cons: Some customers find the texture too oily

If I had to pick just one makeup product to bring along on a trip, it would be a quality mascara. Sisley Paris's options are all good, but I'm especially into their So Intense Fortifying Volumizing Mascara in the shade Deep Brown—it imparts volume and length, so I don't have to choose just one adjective for strangers I meet to remember my lashes by.

Pros: Lengthening; Volumizing; Great brush

Cons: Expensive

Beauty sleep is a real thing; studies have shown that people who don't get enough shuteye appear less healthy and less attractive. While I'm a pro at passing out on a plane no matter what, it's all the better to have a pillow along for the ride—especially a silk pillow. Slip's option—which features a removable pillowcase and carrying bag—is the go-to.

Pros: Comfortable; Removable pillowcase

Cons: Expensive

If you've ever taken the time to read this iconic bottle, you know that Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap can be used for absolutely anything. The exact soap I use at home, I like to have a mini around for any just-in-case incidents. Use it as shampoo, body wash, and face wash, or dab a little on a stain before making it to the washing machine.

Pros: Multiple uses; Affordable; Smells lovely

Cons: Make sure it's closed and secure before flying—a mess would be a big bummer

Opening a smelly nail polish and trying to do your nails on a tray table with the threat of potential turbulence is a bad move. Grabbing a press-on nail kit and quietly, easily applying a perfect mani mid-air is a good one. Since they launched in October 2023, Olive & June's tab-based Super Stick Manis have been an absolute godsend. If you don't have time to get a manicure before traveling, don't fret: these fake nails will look good and stay on as long as necessary.

Pros: Easy to apply; Affordable

Cons: Sometimes they stick too well and need a little elbow grease for removal

I could talk about Homeoplasmine forever, but I'll let actress Jodie Comer, who raved about the French product while talking to Marie Claire in 2021, do the honors. "It's basically like a Vaseline-y kind of balm that you can put on any part of your skin when it's dry. I get quite bad dry elbows so I'll put it there, or you can put it on your lips, or you could put it on your eyelids as a kind of glossy eye that isn't tacky," she shared. Planes are dry, and this little tube is here to save you.

Pros: Multipurpose

Cons: Can be hard to find

Long layover with no opportunity for a shower? No problem. Oribe's Gold Lust Dry Shampoo is Marie Claire editors' pick for the best luxury dry perfume and it comes in a mini size for all your travel needs. Beauty Editor Samantha Holender has even said that when she wears this she skips perfume—it smells so good that you won't miss the soap suds...too much.

Pros: Long-lasting scent, Protects hair from UV damage

Cons: A mini doesn't last as long as you'd like it to

I'm a big believer in scent memory and you should be too—it's science. Thus, one of my favorite travel traditions is picking a scent for that trip and only that trip. That way, whenever I smell it again, I'll be transported to a special place. This travel kit by D.S. & Durga offers the perfect opportunity to find a unique and fitting scent for your trip. A bonus? Many of the scents, like the Odessa-inspired Coriander, already have an assigned destination.

Pros: Easy to transport; Multiple options to suit your mood

Cons: Expensive

Why does travel make you feel so gross, even if all you're doing is sitting around? I don't have an answer—but I do know I'll never take a flight without easily accessible deodorant. Ringing up nicely under the TSA's 3.4oz liquid/gel limit (pro tip: most deodorants do, so there's no need to buy an extra little mini), this option from Corpus smells nice and keeps any and all ickiness at bay.

Pros: Free of synthetic fragrances; Won't stain clothes

Cons: None found

Don't worry, I'm not going to floss in my seat—but I might run to the bathroom at some point (maybe post almond snack?) for a touch up. The importance of flossing has been explained to us time and time again, but Cocofloss is the only product that ever made me want to complete the act for a reason other than not having to lie to the dentist. It makes my teeth feel so clean.

Pros: Easy to pack

Cons: None found

Behold: The Mary Poppins-esque bag that holds all of the above essentials. While any old dopp kit or cosmetics bag will do, I like that this one (in a gorgeous William Morris pattern) is easy to wipe out. It's also the perfect size to hold all your favorites and the beauty treats you find while on vacation while not taking up all the precious room in your carry-on.

Pros: Easy to clean; Nice size

Cons: None found