21 Beauty Products I Refuse to Travel Without and Those I Refuse to Travel With

Fun fact about me: I may be a fashion editor but I love beauty products, and I spend almost as much time thinking about which products to pack as I do my outfits when preparing for a trip. Over the years, I’ve made a lot of beauty product packing mistakes, but I’ve also figured out which products are necessary (for me, at least) when traveling.

While recently scrolling through the mini offerings on Sephora, I couldn’t help but think back to when I first started traveling regularly (circa 2006). The only travel-sized products I could ever find were the measly offerings at the drugstore. Now that selection is far more robust, as is the selection of luxury beauty products in mini sizes. Brands seem to have gotten the memo loud and clear, and having a well-rounded collection of beauty products for travel is easier than ever.

Since you’re reading this, I’m guessing that you too may have some trips on the horizon, so scroll to find out which beauty products I won’t travel without, and those I’ve learned to leave at home.

Always Pack: Facial Cleansing Wipes

Leaving at Home: Bottles of Micellar Water

If you’re like me and use micellar water as makeup remover, take my advice and bring more packable wipes instead of the whole bottle.

Always Pack: Slim Glosses and Tubes

Leave at Home: Bulky Lipsticks

When I travel, I usually pack my tiniest handbags, and lipsticks that take up half the bag are a no-go.

Always Pack: Eye Mask Patches

Leave at Home: Eye Cream Jars

Of all the beauty product packaging options, jars are my least favorite by far. But an eye treatment I do always pack is eye mask patches, which make me look instantly awake after a long travel day.

Always Pack: Hair Cream Wand

Leave at Home: Aerosol Hair Products

Even travel-size aerosol cans take up a lot of room, so I prefer less-bulky styling products when I travel. I’ve tried a few hair cream wands recently that are amazing for travel.

Leave at Home: Powder Blush

Always Pack: Liquid and Cream Blushes

My main issue with powder blush is you have to pack a brush, which takes up more space. But I happen to like liquid and cream blushes better anyway, as they look more natural, so that’s what I pack.

Always Pack: Glass-Bottle Liquid Foundation

Leave at Home: Stick Foundation

Foundation in a cumbersome glass bottle is unnecessary when there are so many amazing (and convenient) stick foundations on the market.

Always Pack: Mini Versions of My Favorites

Leave at Home: Anything Full-Size

This one goes without saying, but there are so many mini versions of excellent full-size products now that packing said full-size and using up precious luggage space seems quite unnecessary. Shop some or my favorite minis for travel below.