If you want to capitalize on a last-minute flight deal or head out of town with only a carry-on, adopting effective packing strategies is a must. But beauty junkies face a tough task as they sort through their beloved products figuring out how to make it all fit.
As much as you might like to take your full-sized toner or your luxe body butter, the 3.4-ounce limitation by TSA can put a damper on your routine — if you are traveling by plane. And, it can all depend on where you are taking off to: What you pick for a dry climate is not what you would take when heading to a rainforest.
Luckily, there are ways to build a travel kit that maintain your glow, keep your skin fresh and allow you to soak up all of those OOO-vibes.
Here, frequent travelers share their best advice:
Stick to your staples, no matter where you go
Though Instagram makes traveling look wondrous, the darker side of transporting between time zones is not so filter-free. From jet lag to adjusting to unfamiliar foods, your body goes into a culture-shock overdrive. This is why travel influencer Lauren Monitz says that contrary to popular belief, heading on vacay is not the right time to try the trial-size samples you have been hoarding. Instead, stick to your tried-and-true staples that your skin and hair are used to. “You don’t want to get to a new place only to have your vacation ruined by a horrible hair day from the conditioner you’re trying for the first time,” she explains.
Lifestyle blogger Mina Lee of Living Minnaly agrees. Lee tries to keep her skincare and beauty routine “as consistent as possible” and always brings a mask with her to help keep congestion under control. One thing you will not see Lee doing while traveling? Using a ton of acids and exfoliants. “I try to not use too many actives while traveling, as my skin is already under more stress than when at home!”
Use a one-quart plastic bag for easy access for flights
As far as packing is concerned, Lee typically assembles everything into a waterproof toiletries bag. Do not have one on hand? Monitz suggests looking under the kitchen sink for a one-quart zip-top bag for even smoother security experience. She places all of her liquids inside of one, making it super-easy to pull it out when it is her turn to load up the belt. This saves on time, hassle and stress. For an environmentally friendly option, you can purchase a clear, reusable cosmetic bag that serves the same purpose.
Give products a little room to expand on a flight
As you reach cruising altitude, your ears may pop. And if you have a water bottle that is sealed, opening it once you are miles high in the air could cause it to spray everywhere. Remember, your products are experiencing that same pressure, causing some liquid to expand. Digital nomad Jessica Tatham says this is why she recommends not overfilling travel-size containers of face wash or lotions. “If you fill them to the very top, you’ll likely have a leak in your cosmetic bag that’ll be a mess to clean up,” she says. “Instead, leave room for them to overflow, so you don’t have to worry or deal with a disaster upon landing.” For an extra measure of precaution, you can also use cling wrap to secure the tops of your bottles to prevent any drops from leaking through.
Pack an in-flight kit
Lucky you: You are taking advantage of the new “slow travel” trend and you are heading overseas for a few weeks or a month to immerse yourself in a destination. This might mean you are checking a bag to get you through a lengthy stay, so you do not have to be as picky about ounce count. However, you still need an in-flight beauty kit to get you through that redeye or double-digit travel day crossing the Atlantic — or further. Travel blogger and writer Elizabeth Blasi recommends setting yourself up for beauty success by getting strategic with your products. In addition to a moisturizer for your skin, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a change of undies, sheet mask, mist and hand cream, make sure to bring an under-eye mask or mini moisturizer. These will alleviate those dark circles and puffiness, allowing you to arrive looking well-rested before you can grab your full beauty arsenal, packed away in your checked luggage. Model Christen Harper uses multipurpose items on her flights. “I love a balm I can use on my hands, cuticles, lips and under eyes to really seal in hydration while traveling. [And] I can’t live without … a lip and cheek tint I can swipe across my lips, cheeks and eyelids right before landing to freshen up dull skin,” she explains.
For added benefit, Blasi recommends asking the flight attendant for some extra ice cubes and applying them to your face an hour or so before you apply the mask or cream. “The cold activates cells underneath your eye,” she says. “So, you look completely relaxed and refreshed upon landing.”
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