Keep Yourself Low-Maintenance Gorgeous on Vacation
Products you should pack on your next vacation.
Products you should pack on your next vacation.
Text: Carolyn Hanson
Vacations are hard on your skin. Planes, with how dry they are, can cause massive irritation. But once you touch down, not only do you typically have to adjust to a different climate (going from dryness to humidity or vice versa can be harsh for your skin) but most people don't want to—or can't—bring their whole skincare routine with them. And the late nights that come with vacations aren't exactly necessarily conducive to taking makeup off fully before bed either. We've put together a guide to help you figure out what to pack, because TSA will only let you bring so much.
For the Plane:
Nannette De Gaspé's Restorative Techstile Face Masque
This luxury dry face mask lasts for three uses, which means you can at least use it once on the plane and once on the way back. But the best part of course isn't that it's reusable—it's that it's completely and totally dry. Many beauty experts advocate masking on planes, but it tends to be unappealing due to the sticky nature of masks, and the fact it's so public. However, this mask's dry texture and relatively short timespan (15 minutes) mean that you really have no excuse not to use it, particularly given its restorative and moisturizing properties.
Admittedly, putting edible marine algae all over your body and lips doesn't sound entirely appealing. But considering the cancer-causing chemicals found in many beauty products that are absent in MAKE's line, marine algae should be the last thing you worry about. Plus, this marine salve is effective—ridiculously so. It can be used to soothe chapped anything, and as it's edible, that includes your lips as well (it doesn't taste like ocean, don't worry). Reach for it when you don't have the time or space to put both lip balm and hand cream in your bag, as this will do just fine for both.
For Your Skin at the Hotel:
For those who are absolutely dedicated to having a skincare routine that is at minimum four steps, it becomes difficult when traveling to keep that up. Bottles don't tend to fit under the limit, and you don't want them to break in luggage or waste expensive product transferring them to "travel size" bottles. So, even though it may be a deviation from what would be your normal routine, the Kari Gran Mini Kit is here to save you. Kari Gran are a brand well-known for their natural skincare, and this kit, which fits all skin types, is meant to last about two weeks–the perfect amount of time for a relaxing vacation.
Milk Makeup Matcha Cleanser and Toner
When Milk Makeup released the first stick-based toner, it made waves for a reason—and not just because matcha is an amazing skincare ingredient. Toners are notoriously difficult products to work with, as their liquid forms tend to be thin and irritating. But pack the Milk Cleanser and Toner in your bag for traveling, and you have 2 pieces of a very low maintenance skincare routine right there. Not only do you not have to include them in the clear plastic TSA bag (more room for makeup!) but you now have two pieces of your skincare routine that are so easy to use that you practically have no excuse not to, particularly considering matcha will cool down your skin from being in the sun all day.
For Your Skin Out and About:
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
This cult-favorite mist has reached that status for a reason. It's a spray-on moisturizer that goes way farther than your average essence, including Squalene, Red Algae, and anti-aging compounds in order to act like an actual moisturizer; it won't just drip off your face more than it absorbs like most mists. But the layer that does stay on your skin gives it a nice, shiny, dewy texture, rather than seeming like you've just gone through a workout. The best part? It does all of this without messing up your makeup, so you can refresh all day without worrying about any separating or streaking.
Ilia Moondance Powder with SPF 20
Sometimes what our skin needs isn't more dew, however. Sometimes, it's useful to have a powder to take away the shine caused by the oils that develop on our skin in the heat. But you still don't want to lose your shine, and that's where Ilia's Moondance powder comes in. Conveniently located inside its own brush, just toss it in your purse to blend across your face when you feel greasy or otherwise unpleasant. It'll absorb the moisture, but it won't make you look cake-y in the process.
Coola Eco-Lux SPF 30 Piña Colada Sunscreen Spray
Putting on sunscreen sucks, generally. It's sticky, can be terrible for your skin, and has a distinct smell you recognize from a mile away. But not this one from trendy suncare brand Coola. In fact, the mostly-organic, water-resistant sunscreen comes in a few different scents, Piña Colada just being one of them (albeit a favorite given that it's reminiscent of the tropics.) It's a sunscreen you won't absolutely hate putting on.
For When You Feel Like Putting on Some Makeup:
Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation
If you're worried about going out on your vacation with acne or skin imperfections, this foundation is for you. Infused with the blurring materials that made the brand's blur stick such a must-have, the new foundation from Milk Makeup is full coverage but still absolutely weightless on the skin. It won't leave you looking so matte the foundation is obvious, but its lack of oil will keep your face from getting greasy all day. If you feel like you can't go outside without full foundation, but don't want to be too obvious about it, this is the perfect product.
Supergoop CC Cream Daily Correct SPF 35+
For those who may not need full foundation but still want a little coverage and some sun protection, sunscreen brand Supergoop has you covered. Their CC cream does everything a CC cream should do, but with the added benefit of mineral SPF, which means you're not going to burn. Instead of having to choose between something with light coverage and a sunscreen, just pack this product: it's the best of both worlds.
Sugar Nude Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15
There's a reason Fresh's Sugar line is considered one of the best lip balm lines around. This shade, a lovely nude that won't change the color of your lips but rather enhance them. It's a nude balm that is just nude enough, not obvious but not unapparent. Add the SPF 15 (SPF is important for your lips too!) and the fact that it doesn't further chap your lips (a common problem with balms) and you have the best balm for the beach or the mountains–any day you're trying to keep a no-makeup, makeup look going.
A great product in a tiny package, Benefit's Gimme Brow is a lifesaver on vacations. It's just enough product to make your brows look done, but not a hassle at all, nor does it make your brows look overdone. It's a great product for a clean brow that looks natural, but so defined that there's no way it could be natural. It comes in a tiny package as well, so you can slip it into the smallest of pockets or bags in case you need a touch-up.