Even as someone who's worked in beauty for the last half-decade, I'm not ashamed to admit that my vacation skincare routine can get a little lackluster. Between my commitment to never (ever!) checking luggage and the travel restrictions on full-size liquid products, my vacation beauty routine has historically been a simple cleanser and sunscreen.
But over the years, I've seen a huge influx in travel-friendly beauty products that make packing and preparing for a trip ten times easier. From water-activated cleansers to exfoliating toner pads, these are the skincare products that are always in my toiletry bag on vacation.
My Cleansing Heroes
Any good skincare routine starts with a good cleanser that can properly get rid of dirt, oil, and makeup, but these formulas are dissolvable and easy to travel with since they're mostly water-activated. I pack these in lieu of big bottles of cleanser, and they've saved me a huge headache on many occasions.
I'll never stop singing the praises of these little tabs. They're so easy to travel with since they're water-activated; all you have to do is rub it in between your hands with a little water and it lathers and cleanses perfectly without drying out my skin.
This is an oil-based makeup wipe that dissolves in water, and it gets the job done without being too messy. I like to use them in the shower, but simply using one at the sink before washing your face also works.
Toning Pads
Bottled toner can be a little messy at times, which is why I'm much more likely to use a toner when it comes in the form of a pad. These single-use formulas are just some of my favorites.
I grabbed these vitamin C-infused pads once after noticing a post-acne blemish, and after a few weeks of consistent use, I definitely noticed a difference in how they were able to fade out dark spots.
I was ecstatic to learn that my favorite exfoliating toner from Paula's Choice is now available as a single-use toning pad. These help to clear my congested skin in between facials, and they're way less messy and easier to use than traditional bottled toner.
Serum Sticks
My solution to not packing messy serums that can break or spill in my bag? Serum sticks. They're non-messy, don't make my fingers feel sticky, and easy-to-apply during the day and before bed.
Even though it's in stick form, this serum has a surprisingly soft texture and practically glides over the skin like butter. It's filled with actives and antioxidants that protect your skin from sun damage while also reducing signs of aging.
This stick has such a fun, bouncy texture that made it hard for me to believe it was actually a serum the first time I used it. It's super-hydrating thanks to its inclusion of niacinamide, though it also features cooling technology to soothe red or irritated skin when necessary.
Mega-Moisturizing Faves
My main concern when traveling is keeping my skin as moisturized as possible. These are my favorite products for getting the job done.
Spending time on a plane (or, really, any new environment) can be a little harsh on the skin. Whenever my face is suffering from travel-induced dryness, I've found that this mask-moisturizer hybrid (which includes both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid) adds moisture back into my combination skin without making my face feel heavy or greasy.
Another moisturizer that hydrates without leaving me with a greasy feeling, I like to massage this into my skin at night to wake up looking super dewy and fresh.
Sunscreen Superstars
Sunscreens have evolved far beyond the greasy formulas of the past. From sticks to sprays, these products travel well and will forever hold a spot in my makeup bag.
This is an on-the-go version of the brand's Unseen formula. Popping this into your purse or travel bag is insanely easy, and if you want to apply sunscreen that doesn't feel greasy or goopy on your hands, this is the perfect product.
It comes in a small bottle that's easy to pack, but most importantly, it's a mist that makes reapplying sunscreen throughout the day much more realistic.
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