Travel Essentials - what are your must-haves when traveling?

[itsfi]

Makeup, skincare, body care, hair care, etc. - what are your must-haves when traveling?

Whether your approach to packing for a trip is a minimalist, moderate or maximalist one, whether you're going for work or play, by train, plane or car, or whether your vacation plans involve playing in the sun & sand, or with skis & snow, or anything between, let us know your travel essentials. 

Also, be sure to check out The Travel Beauty Thread 

[itsfi]

Travel Essentials: The Hair Care Edit (SEPHORiA 2024: Atlanta, GA)

Spoiler

- Kitsch Spray Bottle for Hair - I try to avoid washing my hair every day - even though I really, really want to. Some days I would like to start off with damp hair because the hair product(s) I want to use work better applied to damp (vs dry) hair. Enter the spray bottle! 👍 Any spray bottle will do, but I have been enjoying this one from Kitsch. 

- Kerastase Thermique Heat Protecting Serum (I have a vague recollection that Sephora carried this at one point) is a good prep for use on color-treated hair before any type of heat styling. It has an herbaceous scent to it that may not be a hit for everyone; I didn't mind it. I like this but have since found something I like even more. I'm almost through with this bottle - @Mellmars1185, I took this with me thinking I might be able to finish it, but didn't quite make my way through it completely. Maybe this month though. 🤞 

- Kérastase Elixir Ultime Refillable Hydrating Hair Oil (gratis) is one of my favorite hair oils. Slightly thick-leaning oil with an almost gel-like consistency to it that means I only use it on the length and ends of my hair - it nourishes, hydrates and leaves my hair feeling soft and silky with a lovely (but not greasy) shine to it.

- amika Rising Star Volumizing Finishing Spray 5.3 oz / 165 mL (gratis) gives my hair some nice lift and volume, particularly at the roots and on my bangs. Works best on just washed or second day hair. 

- COLOR WOW Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer is great for adding some extra fullness and volume to the hair, all over. This is a mini I picked up before receiving a full size as gratis.

- SEPHORA COLLECTION Sephora Collection x Wet Brush Luxe Detangler

- BondiBoost Clever Curler 1 ¼” Curling Iron with Ion Technology has a few different heat settings. It heats up quickly and is comfortable to use.

- 2 in 1 Hair Tools Travel Case with Heat Resistant Mat - this takes up a bit of space but comes in handy for travel. Except for my hair dryer, I was able to fit all my hair care tools and products in the case; love that it comes with the mat for placing my styling tools on.

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi I love how you captured all of your hair travel products! The spray bottle is such a smart idea! Great lineup of products!  It will be nice to finish up that Kerastase. Especially since you have something else to look forward to! Did you bring your own hairdryer or use the one at the hotel. I didnt have room in my luggage for my Drybar Buttercup Blow-Dryer 

[itsfi]

@Mellmars1185, I went back through my photos and notes and it's been 2-1/2 years since I purchased and started using the Kerastase heat spray. 😲 Two-and-a-half years! I don't keep many similar hair styling / hair treatment products open at the same time (one of the few categories where that happens, lol) so I am pretty sure other products have just snuck their way into the mix and that's one of the reasons it's taken me so long to finish this one. In general, I really like Kerastase products; and this one's not bad at all - good but not great. There have been products that perform similarly and that consistently smell better. I don't mind this one but some days it does take some getting used to. 

lol, I almost decided to leave my hair dryer at home - I took that Drybar Buttercup one with me!! We would have been hair dryer twinsies. I need to come up with a better way to manage the amount of hair care items I pack with me when I travel - I've found that I fluctuate between really minimalist (shampoo, leave-in conditioner and brush) or I bring practically everything currently in use when I'm at home, like this last trip. I really need to come up with a better, more balanced, system when I travel in this regard. 

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi Wow 2.5 years is a long time! You are almost there! It will be an exciting day when you get through the Kerastase spray. It takes me a long time to get through hair products too. Good call on the Buttercup! It is very lightweight, yet powerful. I love it more than my Dyson. I regret not bringing it with me. I find it is hard to know what products to bring because my hair behaves differently in different climates. Maybe you can convert some products into smaller travel containers ?

[itsfi]

Travel Essentials: The Sunblock Edit (SEPHORiA 2024: Atlanta, GA)

These are the SPF beauties I took with me on my recent trip to Atlanta; a couple of these are ones that were  active in my summer sunblock rotation (and ones that I'll continue to reach for this fall).

Hair/Scalp: I didn't pack a hat with me this trip so I made sure to include the COOLA Scalp & Hair Sunscreen & Color Protection Mist with SPF 30 in my toiletries bag. This keeps my scalp protected without making my hair greasy. I've had this in my SPF stash for 5+ years; there are other scalp SFPs out there that perform well, but I keep coming back to this one.

Face: I have gotten into the habit of bringing at least 2 different SPFs with me when on vacation - one with a thinner consistency (on this trip, it was Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30 1.7 oz / 50 mL) and one with a thicker consistency (OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30 1.7 oz / 50 mL). To be fair, the OleHenriksen isn't thick - it has a light whipped texture but it's more of a cream whereas the Summer Fridays has more of an emulsion / lotion texture. Both are favorites and in my top 5 as far as face sun protection go

I also packed Dr. Jart+ Mini Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment 0.5 oz/ 15 mL in the event I experienced a rosacea flare up. I use this more often as part of my makeup routine (makeup with skincare benefits) as a primer, to conceal redness on my cheeks and even tone. In my everyday, this is something I reach for occasionaly on weekends when I'm wearing minimal makeup (for both a no-makeup-makeup look as well as no makeup / bare minimum makeup). While this has an SPF in it, I use this in addition to whatever sunblock I'm using and not in lieu of.

Body: SEPHORA COLLECTION Daily Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 30 1.7 oz. / 50 ml is often overlooked, which is too bad, because they have a lot of amazing products, at a fraction of the price. They're not just good for the price point; they're good period. One of those items is this mineral sunblock. I picked up a backup when it was 50% off ($10) and like to use it for sun protection on my body (as well as my face).

Cross posted to National SPF Day ☀️ 

[heartsmyface]

@itsfi  Okay, I didn’t know hair sunscreen was a thing!  Does it feel like hairspray?  Tell me more! 

[itsfi]

Yes, I'm all about SPF for the scalp, especially on vacation @heartsmyface . I don't usually wear a hat/cap when I'm in the ocean or pool so this is nice to have. It feels like I misted water on my head/scalp. It doesn't make my hair greasy or weighed down but then again, when I wear this, my hair is usually up in a ponytail or bun so it'd be less noticeable if it was greasy/heavy. Some things that may not be for everyone is that it has a light scent that I'd describe as an herbal - ocean mix. I don't find it heavy or unpleasant. Ingredients-wise, it does contain denatured alcohol but I don't find it drying - I wouldn't say it's hydrating but it's not drying either. It's also contains chemical filters. As of now, the INCI list for it is compliant with Hawaii's sunscreen laws. Sun Bum also makes a similar product. 

[ather]

@itsfi  Omg I am sure I just asked you about the Scalp SPF!! Nice to hear this has been a fav of your for years!! I 100% agree with you on the Sephora Collection products! They are amazing! 

[itsfi]

A few of the Sephora Collection items are HG / GOAT 🐐 products for me @ather. They can be overlooked, underrated sometimes. 😞 

[itsfi]

Travel Essentials: The Skincare Edit (Summer-to-Fall)

The summer-to-fall months can be a challenge for me when it comes to my skincare. This year, the weather at home has deviated from what I've been used to, with more humidity than I've been accustomed to. Looking at the weather in Atlanta, it seemed as if my current summer-to-fall (and fall) skincare routine could work so that's what I packed with me. 

As you can see, my skincare travel essentials is much more pared down than say, the makeup I took with me - 

itsfi's SEPHORiA makeup bag - which was, admittedly, overkill. 🙄 

Cleanser: The Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm Moisturizing Makeup Remover 1.9 oz / 54 g served as both my first and second cleanser (and morning cleanser). At home, I usually use a water-based cleanser with a gel consistency for my second cleanse, but there are evenings when I will do two passes of this Tatcha balm if I'm just too tired (or lazy) to reach for a different cleanser.

Essence & Serums: I employ the lightest to densest or thinnest to thickest approach when it comes to my essences and serums as some of my go-to essences, like the CosRx, are thicker than traditional essences. It's a couple drops of EADEM Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum with Niacinamide and Vitamin C 1 oz/ 30 mL and when that has absorbed, I apply a layer of the CosRx Snail Mucin Essence, followed by the Rhode Glazing Serum. This makes my skin feel supple and hydrated. All 3 are GOATs 🐐 for me. For my morning routine, I occassionally will use just 1 or 2 of these items, depending on how my skin is doing or how I'm feeling. 

Moisturizer: The warmer weather has meant that I've been able to more consistently incorporate the Rhode Barrier Restore Cream into my routine as a moisturizer (look @ather, it's in my routine as it is meant to be used and not repurposed in the serum step like I sometimes do in the winter months). 

SPF: I brought a few sunscreens with me on this past trip - I'll post those to the National SPF Day ☀️ thread later this week or early next (making note to self...)

Eye Product: Okay, let me just start off by saying that my knee jerk reaction to the LANEIGE Bouncy & Firm Eye Brightening Sleeping Mask with Peony + Collagen Complex™ .7 oz / 20 g was to wonder if this was more gimmicky than anything. Well, I was proved wrong. This has been performing well as a nighttime eye cream. At first I wondered whether my having gotten better sleep might have attributed to my under eyes looking bettr in the mornings and that certainly doesn't hurt, but this has helped with the puffiness and dark circles - I've noticed a slight difference the morning after nights when I have had a harder time with sleep - usually getting up early and not really being able to fall back to sleep (or if I can, not for any long periods). I need more time with this product and need to be more consistent with using it, but so far, after about a month of use, I've been happily surprised with the results. 👍

[heartsmyface]

@itsfi  I love this photo!!!  And your layering sounds heavenly!  I’m nearing the end of a Dr Brandt Dark Spots No More and once that’s finished I want to try that EADEM.  

[itsfi]

Awww, thank you @heartsmyface! I've been (trying) to take pics with the local scenery as the background when I'm on vacation if I can (and if I remember). Less is more is a better approach for my skin over the last couple of years so I've been trying to find and stick to good routines and not try out all the new things all at once. But, sometimes, I am reminded of that and learn my lession (again) the hard way. 🤣 

Have you tried any new (or are there tried-and-true) Japanese or Korean beauty serums or essences that you've been loving lately? I picked up a couple of SPFs, including some I know you love, but I stopped short of picking up any other skincare beauties, other than maybe a couple of sheet masks. 😲😅

[peculiarzmakeup]

What a beautiful collection I like how you adjust to different weather conditions these are such helpful thinking points. I can agree that the Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm Moisturizing Makeup Remover 1.9 oz / 54 g is a must! I actually haven’t tried the other ones. The Rhode Beauty Skincare line sounds like a great product skin duo! I might have to venture into that one of these days, it’s something that’s been on my mind. Beautiful. And it’s okay I think some trips have more essentials and some may have less it’s an ebb and flow! Great update, thank you for it! @itsfi 

[itsfi]

@peculiarzmakeup, when I travel I usually account pack skincare extras - like masks and facial oils - to account for how my skin might respond to being on a place, the HVAC in hotel conference rooms, and the weather - cooler temps and seasons means I may need a heavier moisturizer or oil and warmer, humid climates usually call for a moisturizer with lighter consistency but still packs a punch as far as hydration goes. 

You’re very kind; thank you. I don’t think I’ve ever packed that much makeup with me. I don’t know what came over me. 😝 If anything it helped to curb any makeup shopping during my trip this time. Hahaha! Though I did go into a Sephora while I was there, purely for academic purposes - to see if there was anything new or that I’ve been eyeing but haven’t been able to get in my local stores. 😆 

[peculiarzmakeup]

That’s always a great idea to go to Sephora there I love that! You have some great strategies! Keep it up! ❤️ @itsfi 

[itsfi]

I don't always get to make my way to a Sephora store when I'm out of town, but it can make for a nice souvenir from the trip @peculiarzmakeup. @Mellmars1185 had the right idea with ordering the Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Swirl Twisted Lip Luminizer Fu$$y Flex that we both were able to try on at SEPHORiA and having it arrive at her home around the time she returned. I did BOPIS order of it 🛍 - going to pick up the purchase is good motivation for getting in a nice walk outdoors. 😉 If I'm going to have to walk back with stuff also keeps me from buying too much. 😅 

[Mellmars1185]

How exciting! I have been thinking about this gloss since. It is not only beautiful, but attached with great memories. What a smart idea to do a BOPIS order. You can also get extra points for the current challenge (if you have not already). I don't know about where you are but it is a beautiful day for a walk. I am excited for you! I wonder if you will pick up anything else along the way 🤔?

[ather]

@itsfi  Yay!!! You are using the Rhode BRC it’s so good!!! I just opened a bottle the other day when I finished my SF cream! I love how paired down it is! You did so good. 😊 I need to learn from you! 

Ok so I had a chuckle when you said the LANEIGE Bouncy & Firm Eye Brightening Sleeping Mask with Peony + Collagen Complex™ .7 oz / 20 g could be a gimmick but now I am intrigued. This sounds like a miracle in a bottle. Appearing more awake. I need this. Now I must try this for science. 

[itsfi]

@ather, as my skin is changing as I get older, it’ll be interesting to see how the RBC fits into my rotation. Learn from me?!! Nah, learn from you! I do better now with a more streamlined set of skincare basics, adding masks and treatments in when and as appropriate. Speaking of which, am thinking through what the masking routine will be looking like this fall and winter, particularly with sheet masks. 🤔 oh, the eye mask has taken me by surprise. I’ve changed my position on eye creams a bit since when I really started getting into skincare but I wasn’t expecting to like this one as much as I do. I see a difference when I don’t use it. 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Travel Must Haves

One thing that has been extremely helpful in determining my must haves for travel is by visualizing it in my mind before seeing my collection, the things I recall in each category speak to what I use daily and for different occasion's, I then can add what I want from the collection! 

Cleanser

Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse Daily Clarifying Gel Cleanser 5 oz / 150 ml ( I tend to bring minis of this)

Moisturizer

Tatcha Mini The Water Cream 0.34 oz / 10 mL 

Tatcha Mini Indigo Overnight Repair Serum in Cream Treatment 0.34 oz / 10 mL 

Primer

Tatcha Mini Liquid Silk Canvas: Featherweight Protective Primer 0.35 oz/ 10g

Foundation, Concealer, Beauty Blender

Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF25 with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Very Light Cool ... 

Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer with Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid Tone 1.5 C 

Kosas Revealer Dual-Ended Makeup Blender Sponge 

Bronzer

MERIT Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer Quince 

Blush

MERIT Flush Balm Cream Blush Stockholm 

Eye Brow

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting and Laminating Eyebrow Gel 0.15 oz / 4.5 g 

Mascara and Eyeliner

Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara 

Danessa Myricks Beauty Linework Paintbrush Fluid Liquid Eyeliner 0.034 oz / 1 ml 

Highlighter

MERIT Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm BounceMERIT Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm Bounce

Lip Product

ROKAEL BEAUTY 1111

Would like to try a red/ pink lippie to wear with other looks

Eyeshadow

Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals - Palette For Eyes, Brows, Face & Lips 

(gonna try an idea of putting it in penny holders to save space will be shown in photos

Haircare 

Foils or purchase at families location I usually stay a month

Cleansing Balm and Makeup Remover 

Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm Moisturizing Makeup Remover 1.9 oz / 54 g 

Foils

TBD

 

 (penny holders might be helpful to put shadow in I’m gonna try it one of these days 🙂 )