How to Look Good While Traveling: Must Have Travel Beauty Products & Tips

I REALLY value packing light.

My boyfriend would disagree with this statement (SHUT UP COLIN). But since my clothes are small (I’m 5’2), I can naturally bring a lot more items than him (6’2), and still take up less space in a suitcase. It’s not my fault he’s big and I’m small :)

Ok now that we’ve gotten that out of the way….onto the topic at hand - how to look good while traveling! When I’m packing, I really examine each and every item I’m selecting to take with me….I usually put everything out on the bed that I think I want to bring and then start scaling back to the bare necessities.

When deciding between two items - what can double up as dual function?

What is smaller and takes up less room?

Are there items that I can throw out as I use them to free up space in my suitcase along the trip (or am I committing to carrying a large bottle the whole way)?

First I want to go over a few pre-trip treatments that I usually schedule in order to ease my beauty routine and require fewer products while traveling….

Travel Beauty Tip #1: Brazilian Blowout

1 month into Brazilian Blowout and still going strong! I also have feather hair extensions for some added body & fun!

This one is specifically for the curly haired girls out there. I have extremely curly/frizzy hair and I used to spend hours doing my hair after every shower (requiring hair gels/oils, hair dryer, hair straightener, etc. to get ready). And trying to maintain that level of hair routine while traveling was a HUGE pain. Then I discovered Brazilian blowouts and my life was literally changed. I know that sounds silly and dramatic, but real talk - the number of hours I saved was incredible. The idea of taking a shower and just immediately leaving the house - which was formerly a foreign concept - was now a possibility! Knowing that I don’t have to do a single thing to my hair while traveling cuts down on having to bring any products or worrying about how my hairs looks while on vacation. I can just live in the moment! So Brazilian Blowout is my #1 (and only) travel hair tip.

If you need a good place and are based in LA, I highly recommend Roy at L&R Salon. I’ve been going to him for 4 or 5 years now. His price is now $200 (but I think you can still go to his associates for $150) and includes Brazilian blowout - lasts 3 months at least - and hair trim!

Travel Beauty Tip #2: Eyelash Extensions

Another beauty treatment that makes life on the road extremely easy is eyelash extensions! This eliminates the need for ANY eye make while traveling AND you look better than ever - saving you time & space in your carry on! The first time I got lash extensions, I thought I would need to keep wearing bottom lash mascara and eyeliner, but if your applicator does a good job - you won’t need anything additional to look and feel great.

If you are in LA, I can recommend my gal Tammy, who is fantastic! I literally get compliments on my lashes all the time….even weeks after the initial application. You can check her work out at @hairtammykay (link to book is in her IG bio).

Now onto what is in my travel makeup bag (physically)….here are some of my favorite travel beauty products….

Travel Beauty Product #1: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes

I think most girl will agree with me that these makeup remover wipes are the BEST! But I just wanted to include here in case you didn’t know Neutrogena makeup wipes come in TRAVEL SIZE. So you don’t have to lug around that large hard case. They are perfect to include in your plane carry on, so you can quickly and easily wipe away makeup on a long flight or on the go.

Travel Beauty Product #2: Fresh Soy Cleanser

Another must have while traveling is a good cleanser. Between mountain hikes and boat trips, you are going to want to take care of your skin at the end of the day. This cleanser from Fresh is super lightweight and good for all skin types. I love it. Plus it also comes in a handy dandy travel size from Sephora.

Travel Beauty Product #3: Drunk Elephant Rise + Glow Duo

Again, another top pick when I’m narrowing down items for my beauty travel bag is the Drunk Elephant Travel size C-Firma (Vitamin C) Serum and B Hydra (Moisturizing) Serum. These items can be purchased in a travel size duo and though the packages are TINY, they last about 6 weeks. A little goes a long way.

Travel Beauty Product #4: Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Antioxidant Facial Oil

My third product in the Drunk Elephant travel trifecta is their Marula Oil. I mix together a little of this & the two products above to keep my skin looking vibrant, glowy & hydrated! Between being out in the sun all day and long travel days, it’s important to pay a little extra attention to your skin while traveling and these items really do the trick!

Travel Beauty Product #5: Sephora Collection Brightening Eye Cream

When you’re recovering from a 14 hour flight or staying up all night dancing, an eye cream will really come in handy to keep you looking bright-eyed despite little sleep. I love this one from Sephora Collection, it is light and airy and comes in a tiny package, that is perfect for when you’re on the go.

Travel Beauty Product #6: Sephora Collection Sheet Masks

Face masks are wonderful travel items as they are flat & easy to cram into a small space in your suitcase - plus once you use them them, you can throw them out, freeing up space in your bag! They come in a large variety for whatever your skin needs - mattifying, hydrating, etc. I usually bring an assortment to take care of whatever skin issues come my way while traveling. They are also a hit when hanging out with other girls in a shared Airbnb or hostel! Pull them out and offer them to people to make friends!

Travel Beauty Product #7: NARS Tinted Moisturizer

I have used this tinted moisturizer for years now and it works wonderfully! I don’t use foundation, find it too heavy for traveling. So this product is perfect - it moisturizes your skin, as well as gives your skin a little light coverage - just enough to leave your skin looking beautiful and smooth.

Travel Beauty Product #8: NARS Natural Radiant Creamy Concealer Mini

Another product in the same family as above. This concealer is amazing! I don’t use much of it, but find it useful for brightening up around my under-eyes after a long flight or to help cover up a blemish if I get one while traveling. It also comes in a mini size that is perfect for traveling!

Travel Beauty Product #9: Mario Badescu Facial Rose Water Spray

This stuff is a godsend when on a long flight. I don't know about you, but I get so dehydrated when I fly. Being able to give myself a little refreshing spray really helps wake you up and make you feel alive. Mario Badescu’s Rose Water Spray also a dual purpose item because it can be used to set your makeup for a dewy finish as well! Also comes in travel size :)

Travel Beauty Product #10: Laneige Lip Sleep Mask

This is the best lip mask ever! I use it all the time, day and night. It really helps bring your lips back to life when they are chapped and raw.

Travel Beauty Product #11: Becca On the Go Highlighter Duo

My favorite beauty product is highlighter. And although I don’t often wear much makeup when traveling, I find it useful to have a highlighter with me if I plan on going out at night or to a nice restaurant. Every once in a while it’s fun to get a little dressed up while traveling! I selected this specific highlighter because Becca makes great products, and it’s actually one of the few travel size options.

Travel Beauty Product #12: Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick

Working in beauty, I have hundreds of lipsticks but one of my favorites for travel specifically is this Glossier sheer matte lipstick. One of the reasons I find it so great for travel is because you can put just a thin light layer that will give you the appearance of rosy lips, but not seem like you’re wearing lipstick. OR you can put on a few layers for a deeper bolder look. So you have multiple looks from one product. Saving you space in your luggage!

Travel Beauty Product #13: Hanging Toiletry Bag

A hanging toiletry bag is a must for travel. It helps keep your items separated by compartments (and saves from leaking products), as well as can be hung up in a airplane or hotel bathroom easily so you stay organized. I love the look of this one that comes highly rated on Amazon, but there are many many to chose from!