Top Beauty Essentials for Travel
Get ready to pack your toiletries and set off on adventure
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The Big Travel Beauty Essentials List
I’m a big fan of beauty products, even maintaining several drawers full of sample-size products in my bathroom from which I draw my beauty products for travel. I’ve been a longtime fan of subscription services like Birchbox which let you try all the best high-end skincare, makeup, and hair care products for a low monthly subscription fee. I’ve also amassed quite the collection of shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and other essential beauty products from the swanky hotels I’ve had the pleasure of visiting over the years. This is to say, I’m a bit of an aficionado when it comes to beauty and travel.
This list of travel essentials is perfect for gifting or maintaining your own travel beauty routine. You’re sure to love these travel beauty skincare, travel makeup, travel hair, men’s travel products, and other travel beauty essentials. From the best travel cosmetics to skincare travel essentials, sunscreen, and the best toiletry bag, Sick Girl Travels has you covered. And best of all, every product is available on Amazon.
Beauty Travel Essentials: Women
In this section, I’ll go over my top women’s beauty essentials for travel. These products will help save you time and save space when packing. These are the very best travel beauty products to keep up your skincare routine, protect against the sun’s harsh rays, keep your hair looking great, and keep your makeup bag light.
Travel Skincare Essentials
Drunk Elephant Travel Size Exfoliating Face Wash and Moisturizing Bar with Travel Case
Normally I’m against bar soaps when traveling, but this travel size exfoliating face wash and moisturizer come in their own convenient travel case. Drunk Elephant is like taking a tiny spa with you in your toiletry bag. These little bars also last longer than most tubes of face wash.
2. Tula Skin Travel Size Skin Care Discovery Kit
If you’re looking for a perfect all-in-one travel skincare pack, look no further than TULA’s Skin Care Discovery Kit. It has all your beauty travel essentials, face wash, moisturizer, sugar scrub, and face filter primer. This item makes a great addition to your own travel skincare essentials or the perfect gift for the fabulous traveler in your life.
3. Neutrogena Individually Wrapped Cleansing Face Wipes
Ever since my fiancé gifted me a bag of these as a stocking stuffer last year I’ve been obsessed with them. These little individually wrapped Neutrogena makeup remover wipes have made several of my must-have travel item lists. Sometimes I like to travel with a carry-on only so I have to be careful of how many liquids I pack. Makeup remover wipes are the perfect way to eliminate another tube of face wash from your bag. Plus, they’re 1,000 times better than traveling with a full-size pack of makeup remover wipes, which have a nasty tendency of opening up and drying out.
4. Refresh Cleansing Body Wipes
You know how much I love my Neutrogena face wipes? These Refresh body wipes are like that, but for the whole body.
I’m on several prescriptions that have the nasty side effect of causing excessive sweating. Enter Refresh body wipes. They’re perfect for camping trips, hiking, days at the beach, and other activities where you can’t always freshen up with proper indoor plumbing.
5. Drunk Elephant Tinte Sunscreen and Moisturizer
By now you know of my love of Drunk Elephant and my adoration of 3 in 1 products. This tinted moisturizer with sunscreen is a great way to save space in your bag while still getting all the benefits of a foundation, moisturizer, and powerful SPF protection.
6. Salt & Stone Reef Safe Sunscreen Stick
I’m always looking to reduce the amount of liquids in my luggage. This Salt & Stone reef safe broad protection sunscreen stick offers SPF 50 protection, water resistance, and a slight tint for perfect coverage all in a compact travel size stick. Gone are the days of having your aerosol sunscreen spray off into the wind leaving you with spotty coverage and bizarrely shaped sunburns.
7. Paula’s Choice Intensive Repair Cream with Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid & Jojoba Concentrated Anti-aging Moisturizer for Dry, Chapped Skin
I first learned of Paula’s Choice from one of my favorite drag queens, Miss Trixie Mattel. And if you want to know about skincare, ask a drag queen. They’re regularly fighting the effects of fifty pounds of makeup, and constant skin abuse.
If you’re like me and on the wrong side of 40, you might enjoy this powerful little intensive repair cream that contains retinol, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba. It’s everything you need to fight off fine lines and wrinkles.
8. CeraVe Under Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Puffiness
Maybe it’s the jetlag, or maybe it’s the inflight vodka tonics, but travel always has a way of making my eyes a puffy, dark-ringed mess. CeraVe’s under-eye repair cream is perfect for fighting this. It’s also gentle on sensitive skin.
9. Hello Cider Apple Cider Vinegar Acne Face Wipes
Not only do I have sensitive skin, but I’m also cursed with the heartbreak of adult acne. Or as I call it, wackne. Seriously, when will my face stop looking like that of a 15-year-old fry cook? I’ll tell you when! When I use these awesome apple cider vinegar wipes from Hello Cider. These wipes save on space and work great on sensitive skin.
10. La Roche-Posay Daily Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
I’m cheating a bit here and including a full-size product, but it’s worth buying this awesome gentle facial cleanser and moisturizer and transferring the moisturizer to a tiny travel bottle. LaRoche-Posay is best for normal to dry skin. I actually love it for trips to Vegas or Palm Springs where my skin starts to look as arid as the ground.
11. Eucerin Daily Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF Sunscreen
I’m staunchly against having to pay $20 at a hotel sundries shop for some Banana Boat sunscreen. I always make sure to pack my own. And while I love a good spray sunscreen if I’m applying it at home, in the great outdoors those sprays have the tendency to blow off into the wind and do a better job of covering the beach than your body.
This Eucerin daily hydration cream with sunscreen is AMAZING. It’s perfect for daily use and keeps you covered in the great outdoors.
12. Pleasing Care Natural Bamboo Charcoal Oil Absorbing Tissues
As previously mentioned, my face is basically a tiny oil refinery. Which is why I love packing these natural bamboo charcoal oil absorbing tissues in my purse. You never know when you’ll need a good, refreshing blot.
13. Soothing Touch Unscented Beeswax Free Lip Balm
After 30-plus years of being a slave to chapstick, a kindly Whole Foods employee pointed me towards this beeswax-free lip balm. Let me just say, my life was changed that day. No longer am I applying lip balm 30 times a day and accidentally putting tubes through the wash because I had one in every pant pocket. I only need to use this Soothing Touch lip balm every few days and my lips have never been softer. It’s forever part of my airplane beauty essentials.
14. Elemis Travel Essentials For Her
This 5 piece set is perfect for gifting. Containing Elemis superfood face wash, pro collagen cleansing balm, nourishing sleep cream, dynamic resurfacing face pads, and superfood day cream, it has everything one needs to look their very best and maintain skin health.
15. Youth to the People Superberry Overnight Face Mask
Again, I’m cheating with a full-size product, but I adore Youth to the People’s Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask. I use this daily at home and I’m never without it on the road. I was gifted this amazing sleep mask during my last hospital stay and while I was there for a spinal fusion, I came out looking like I had a facelift. If that’s not a great testimony, I don’t know what is.
Travel Makeup Essentials
I know a lot of women travel without makeup, but as a blonde who has no discernable eyebrows or eyelashes without makeup, I embrace a great mini travel makeup kit. Here are some of my favorite smaller-size products to keep your makeup bag light.
Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette Travel Size Makeup Kit
I don’t get fancy on the road, but I do like the natural look of nude color on my lids. Nothing tops Urban Decay’s naked palettes.
2. Estee Lauder Travel Exclusive Beauty Essentials
I used to think Estee Lauder was something my grandma used. But grandmas are wise. This mini travel makeup kit has everything you need for perfect eyes, cheeks, and lips. Containing, blush, eyeshadow, lip gloss, mascara, and a mini travel brush kit it’s the perfect addition to your makeup bag.
3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Power Duo Kit
I’m all about brows. They truly define the face. I’ve tried every pencil, brush, gel, and tint and nothing beats Anastasia of Beverly Hills’ Brow Powder Duo Kit.
4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Loose Highlighter Set
If I’m traveling to a fancy occasion like a wedding, I love to have a little pop of highlighter to help define my face. But I don’t want a massive palette taking up space in my bag. Which is why I love this mini loose highlighter set from Anastasia Beverly Hills.
5. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Travel Mascara Duo
I don’t know if it’s better than sex, but it certainly lasts longer. These little Too Faced waterproof mascara minis are the perfect addition to your travel makeup bag.
6. Clinique Travel Size Quickliner
I‘ve been using Clinique products since college and I love these travel-size eyeliners. Save space and create the perfect smokey eye with Clinique.
7. Tarte Shape Tape Travel Size Concealer
Having sensitive, acne-prone skin, I often have a lot of blemishes. This Tarte concealer magically spackels over even the toughest blemishes leaving you looking fresh-faced and ready to take on the town.
8. IT Cosmetics Travel Size CC Cream
I used to think BB cream was the greatest invention since gluten-free sliced bread. Then CC cream came on the market like, “hold my drink.” This travel-size IT cosmetics CC cream offers full coverage without feeling like you’re wearing a mask. It also offers SPF 50 protection.
9. Urban Decay Travel Size All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
Urban Decay all nighter long-lasting makeup setting spray really delivers. Whether you’re partying in Ibiza or doing the electric slide at your Aunt Stephanie’s wedding, your face will be set and not dripping off like Tammy Faye Baker.
10. The Balm Hot Mama Travel Size Blush
I love The Balm. Their blush shades are my absolute favorite and I couldn’t make a makeup list without including their Hot Mama! travel size shadow/blush/highlighter.
Best Travel Beauty Case
Laccatura Travel toiletry Bag
How cute are these Lacattura bags? They’re infinitely better than carrying your toiletries and make up in a ziploc bag or that threadbare case you snagged for free during Clinique Bonus Days.
2. Lacattura Travel Makeup Bag
I have the toiletry bag above, but this Lacattura travel makeup train case is on my Christmas wish list this year.
3. Ethereal Small Makeup bag
Depending on where you’re flying, you may prefer a clear case for your toiletries. This Ethereal make up bag comes in cloth and clear options making is great for going through TSA.
Best Travel Hair Products
NuWay Travel hairbrush
If you’ve ever had your hairbrush crushed beneath other items in your luggage, then you need this hairbrush with plastic cover. It’s a great travel-size brush perfect for detangling and keeping hair tamed.
2. Drybar Blow-Dryer Brush
Everything Drybar makes is absolute gold. I love this oval blow dryer for adding volume to my fine hair. Yes, I could use the hotel hair dryer delicately stashed in its velvet bag, but I’d never get the shiny voluminous hair I get with the Drybar Double Shot. If you have the room, it’s a perfect hair dryer/brush combo and it really helps add volume.
3. AmoVee 2 in 1 Flat iron & Curling Iron
Sometimes you need to achieve more than a loose top knot. For those times you need the AmoVee 2 in 1 mini flat iron & curling iron with carry bag. It has all the functionality of regular-size styling tools while saving space in your bag.
4. Conair Travel Hair Dryer
Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need to bring your own hairdryer. I recommend one of the tiniest on the market, the powerful Conair 1600-watt compact hair dryer. It even comes in this beautiful sky blue color.
5. L’ange Sea Salt Texturizing Spray
My baby fine hair often needs a lot of help to achieve volume. This L’Ange hair sea salt texturizing spray is my go-to product for lifting flat, lifeless hair.
6. Batiste Travel Size Dry shampoo
Batiste dry shampoo minis are some of the best travel-size products on the market. They’re perfect for long-haul flights, camping trips, hospital stays, and other times when you may be without the comforts of running water. Plus, they smell amazing!
7. Ethique Solid Shampoo Bar
If you’re looking to cut back on liquids in your carry on, Ethique’s solid shampoo bar is perfect for you. This eco-friendly, sulfate-free shampoo bar leaves you with fresh, great-smelling locks.
8. Ethique Solid Conditioner Bar
I never thought I could get the moisturizing effects of a liquid conditioner from a bar. But it’s possible! Ethique’s solid conditioner for dry to very dry hair is an absolute miracle product.
9. It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner
Long days at the beach or pool can leave you with dry, frizzy locks. Treat them with this miracle leave-in conditioner spray from It’s a 10. It really helps work out those tangles.
10. Amika Touchable Travel Hairspray
I love Amika products and their touchable travel hairspray is no exception. It helps you achieve the perfect touchable look without hard or sticky locks.
11. Goody ouchless hair ties
If you have hair long enough to put in a pony tail, then you need Goody Ouchless hair ties. I’m always looking to pull my hair back on vacation and create the perfect ponytail or messy top knot and I do it with Goody.
12. Malin + Goetz Travel Pack
Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, California first introduced me to Malin + Goetz. I fell so head over heels for their shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and body washes that I kept begging housekeeping for more. But you can get the best of Malin + Goetz without pestering the cleaning people at a pricey ocean-front stay.
13. Gloss Moderne Clean Luxury Deep Conditioning Travel Hair Mask
If you need a powerful moisturizing conditioner in a tiny package, then you need these travel masques from Gloss Moderne. Get a pack of 5 conditioning masks that positively transform dry hair.
14. Color Wow Travel Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Colored hair has its own special needs. Color WOW Best Vacay Hair Ever Travel Kit helps keep colored hair lustrous.
15. MoroccanOil Curl Defining Cream
While I don’t personally have curly hair, I bought this product for my niece whose multi-cultural hair has its own specific needs that many products don’t address. She loved this Moroccanoil Curl Defining cream.
Best Travel Beauty Accessories
Travel Brush Set
This basic travel brush kit with travel case is perfect for most travel makeup needs. If you’re not looking for a professional 10+ brush set up then this kit is for you.
2. Quatish Travel Soap Container
I love these Quatish travel soap holders for my bar shampoos and conditioners.
3. Satin Sleep Cap
I first got turned on to satin sleep bonnets when I began losing my hair from a thyroid condition. But it worked so well and left my hair so soft and untangled that I quickly bought another, then purchased one for my niece who battles with thick, curly, and often frizzy multi-cultural hair. I received a text right away saying how much she loved her new satin sleep bonnet.
If you’re trying to keep that blowout looking right or your new do from becoming a don’t, these sleep bonnets are where it’s at.
4. Bobbi Brown Essentials Full Coverage Face Brush
If you’re really into makeup like I am, then you’ll appreciate this Bently of brushes, the Bobbi Brown full coverage face brush. This high-end, high-quality brush Is worth every penny.
5. Victorinox Swiss Army Nail Clippers
Buy the Victorinox Swiss Army Nail Clip Swiss Army Knife and you will never need another nail clipper again. I got mine 20 years ago and I still use it. I cannot recommend it enough. I pull it out all the time not just for nails but for trimming stray strings, clipping open packaging, and handling other random cutting emergencies that pop up on the road.
6. Venus Travel Razor
Mercifully, I’m not a hairy person. But if you are, you probably need a good travel size razor. Unless hair’s your thing, in which case, you do you!
Beauty Travel Essentials For Him
In this section, I’ll go over some of the amazing travel-size beauty products for men. Whether you manscape and moisturize or just rub down with a Dude Wipe, you’re sure to find the best beauty products to suit your travel needs.
Best Travel Hair Products for Men
Malin + Goetz Travel Size Sage Styling Cream
Smell great and keep your hair looking great with Malin + Goetz sage styling cream.
2. R+Co Dry Shampoo Paste
Men can use a dry shampoo too! Simply slather a little of this R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo paste in your hair and you’re ready to take on the world.
3. The Art of Shaving Travel Kit
Looking for an amazing gift for a travel lover who shaves? Check out this Art of Shaving Travel Kit complete with men’s razor, pre-shave oil, shaving cream, shaving brush, and after-shave balm.
Best Travel Skincare Products for Men
Bro Mask Anti-Aging Face Mask
I love these cheeky Bro Masks and picked some up for my writing partner. These hydrating anti-aging sheets contain Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, and Hydrolyzed Collagen.
2. Brickell Men’s Travel Size Body Wash
A good multi-use body wash is a must. Brickell’s hair, face, and body wash in one saves space in your bag and truly cleans all of you.
3. Dude Wipes on the Go Shower Wipes
Dudes, this box of 10 quick shower wipes is a must for long-haul flights, camping trips, and use in between showers. They’re unscented and extra large allowing you to basically have a full shower in one tiny envelope.
4. Jack Black Protein Booster Skin Serum
If you’re a guy who values good skin health, you’ll love this Jack Black Protein Booster skin serum. If you’re over thirty you might start to notice those fine lines and wrinkles creeping in. If you’d like to keep that “distinguished” face at bay, this is the product to do it.
5. Jack Black Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 45
Jack Black’s oil-free sunblock is gentle on the skin and provides powerful SPF 45 protection. Again, if you’re on the beach I always recommend a cream sunblock. Sprays have a nasty way of flying off into the breeze and not giving full coverage.
6. Jack Black Intense Lip Therapy Lip Balm
Can you tell the men in my life love Jack Black products? This intense therapy lip balm is another favorite. It offers a light mint scent, shea butter moisturizing therapy, and SPF 25.
7. Marlowe Men’s Facial Moisturizer
If you have dry or oily skin, Marlowe’s No. 23 facial moisturizer can help. If you have normal skin, then goooood for yooooouu. Just kidding. Marlowe makes a product for everyone.
8. Elemis Travel Essentials for Him - Deep Cleanse Facial Wash
I love Elemis products. And Elemis travel essentials for him make great stocking stuffers and are fantastic as part of a gift bag. Their deep cleanse facial wash is luxurious and it even helps prevent ingrown hairs, making it one of my best beauty travel products.
Best Travel Grooming Accessories for Men
Braun Men’s Travel Razor
Leave that bulky shaver at home and pack this sleek Braun Mobile Shave. It really saves space in a Dopp kit or carry on and it works just as well as the bigger version.
2. Leather Travel Dopp Kit
If you still travel with your toiletries in a tattered ziplock bag, it’s time to step up your game. This rustic buffalo leather Dopp kit keeps all your items organized and safe with its waterproof lining.
3. Rocky Mountain Barber Company Wooden anti-static Comb
Rocky Mountain Barber Company makes a fantastic line of grooming products. But I really love this classic wooden comb with anti-static and anti-snag technology. If you have a beard or mustache check out their complete line of facial hair care products.
4. Nail Clippers
Every human being needs a manicure kit. Keep hands looking nice, trim hangnails, and even become a travel MacGyver when you pull out these tiny scissors in a pinch.
5. Philips Norelco Nose Hair Trimmer
Fellas… can we talk? That nose and ear hair are super distracting. It looks like spiders are nesting in your face. Don’t neglect a hair trimmer as part of your beauty essentials products. Pick up a Philips Norelco Nose Trimmer 5000 and keep the focus on you and not on those rogue hairs.
Top Beauty Essentials For Travel
I hope you’ve enjoyed this departure from my usual travel tips and travel guide posts. These best beauty must-haves are sure to make your next trip better. Comment below if you have more beauty essentials for travel. I’m always looking to add to my collection and better my skin and hair. Happy travels!
