When we're not sitting at our desks typing away, acrylic nails and stacked bangles clicking and clinking (it depends on the day), we tend to be on the go. With limited packing space and products going a plane needing to be 3.4 ounces or less, we often have to ration what can go with us on our journeys and what we can survive without. On a plane, in a car, or just simply bopping around Manhattan, we're always thinking about new ways to look and feel put-together while doing so. And, as we're not ones to gate-keep, we want you to look and feel put-together too.
Below, our product-obsessed editors share the best travel-friendly beauty products we simply cannot go without, no matter where we are or where we're going.
Faith Xue, Editor-in-Chief
SickScience DropOff Advanced Exosome Body Firming & Sculpting Cream
'I always pack a body lotion with me when I travel because you can never predict a hotel's toiletry situation. Right now, I'm loving this sleek blue tube from SickScience, which is carry-on friendly and doesn't take up too much room in my suitcase. It has a gel-like consistency that feels refreshing and sinks in instantly—it feels more like a hyaluronic acid serum for your body than a typical body lotion—leaving my limbs smoother-feeling and more hydrated.' - Faith Xue, Editor-in-Chief
Ellis Brooklyn Vanila Sandalwood
'A perfume oil while traveling is a must, and my current favorite is the Vanilla Sandalwood version from Bee Shapiro's Ellis Brooklyn. I love every scent Bee launches, but this perfume oil is special. It's a sweet vanilla that doesn't smell cloying; the sandalwood balances it out and adds a bit of warmth that settles into your skin as the day goes on. If you're a gourmand lover, you need this in your handbag, trust.' - Faith Xue, Editor-in-Chief
Talika Eye Therapy Patch
'I never travel without these eye patches from French brand Talika. I put them on either on the plane before landing, or post-flight before going out for the day (or night). They magically plump up my under-eyes while getting rid of any puffiness, and I like that they aren't sticky or dripping in serum like other eye masks. I swear they work like magic (plus, the reusable tin is so travel friendly).' - Faith Xue, Editor-in-Chief
m.ph by Mary Phillips Underpainting Palette
'I try to pack makeup that can do double duty anytime I travel for space-saving reasons, which is why I've been loving Mary Phillips' new underpainting palette. Instead of packing separate contours and highlighters, I rely on this sleek palette has everything I need to shade, sculpt and highlight my face. The formulas are creamy and perfect, and basically mistake-proof (especially if you apply with her Dual-Ended Sculpting Brush).' - Faith Xue, Editor-in-Chief
Natasha Sheridan, Social Creative Lead
Olehenriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
'As a self-proclaimed chapstick sommelier, I’ve tested just about every balm out there. This one stands above the rest—long-lasting, gloss finish, and easily my most repurchased beauty essential.' - Natasha Sheridan, Social Creative Lead
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch
'Not the most glamorous addition, but a must have in my carry on. Travel can be tough on my skin, and these are the only pimple patches that truly deliver. They're barely noticeable, fast-acting, and you'll become the favorite friend on your girls trip.' - Natasha Sheridan, Social Creative Lead
Loops Brightening Face Masks
'These have been my tried-and-true favorites for over four years. Admittedly, wearing a face mask on a flight may invite a few curious glances—but at least they look cute. The yellow Brightening Hydrogel Face Mask is my favorite and the best part is it stays perfectly in place, letting you pull a Hailey Bieber and snack with ease.' - Natasha Sheridan
REFY Body Glow Serum
'There’s something about airplane air that always leaves my skin feeling dry and dull. That’s where this body glow comes in—it’s the easiest way to refresh and revive, giving me that just-got-back-from-vacation look before I even land.' - Natasha Sheridan, Social Creative Lead
Ella O'Keeffe, Senior Fashion Editor
Nuxe Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
'I have been using this Nuxe oil for years and it comes everywhere with me. The oil itself is lightweight enough to not feel heavy in the summer heat and leaves post-beach skin feeling nourished and glowy. You can also apply to your hair for extra shine and protection. The best thing IMO is the scent, which reminds me of vacation since it's a mainstay in my travel bag, and means I rarely have to pack a fragrance.' - Ella O'Keeffe, Senior Fashion Editor
Bioderma Crealine Anti Redness SOS Spray
'This is a French Pharmacy find that I love for travel. A carry-on safe face mist with anti redness and soothing properties that feels both hydrating and extremely light on the skin. I use it both as a skincare boost and out and about when I feel like I need a refresh.' - Ella O'Keeffe, Senior Fashion Editor
Homeoplasmine
'So I'm a Glutton for French Pharmacy brands. What about it? I've been using Homeoplasmine for the better half of 10 years and it really is an overall miracle balm. I love travelling with it because it acts as a lip balm, treatment for flaky skin, irritated areas, cuticle balm...you name it. I love a multi-use product and I love the French!' - Ella O'Keeffe, Senior Fashion Editor
Kala Herh, Social Strategy Lead
Tatcha The Dewy Milk Moisturizer, Lightweight
'Tired of your skin drying out mid-flight? I think I've found my secret weapon. The Tatcha Dewy Milk Moisturizer Lightweight, which is the follow-up to the OG, cult-favorite Dewy Milk Moisturizer. It delivers that signature glow without weighing you down. Bonus: it’s under the 100 ml TSA limit, so you can throw it in your carry-on if you're packing light.' - Kala Herh, Social Strategy Lead
LANEIGE Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum
'On the topic of hydration, the LANEIGE Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum is another product I can't live without. It provides just the right of hydration and tint. Whether I’m stepping onto the beach or heading straight to dinner, it’s the swipe that pulls everything together.' - Kala Herh, Social Strategy Lead
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 50
'No matter where I’m going, I'll always have a little bottle of La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 tucked in my bag. Lightweight, non-greasy, and travel-friendly, it shields my skin from harsh sun rays while its slight tint provides just the right amount of coverage (perfect for those vacay photo dumps!).' - Kala Herh, Social Strategy Lead
SWEED Eyelash Growth Serum
'Another beauty staple that comes with me everywhere is the Sweed Eyelash Growth Serum. Free of prostaglandins, it keeps my lashes looking naturally full and healthy—even after long flights and 20,000+ step days. It’s one of those small rituals that makes travel feel a little more grounded and put-together.' - Kala Herh, Social Strategy Lead
Bianca Asare, Associate Editor
Lanolips 101 Dry Skin Super Cream
'For all of my dry-skinned brothers and sisters, I'd like to introduce you to a special skincare ingredient: Lanolin. With planes constantly sucking all of the moisture out of my skin, I can never be too prepared with hydrating products. I also love putting a lot on right before bed (especially in the winter), a new level of the 'slugging' trend.' - Bianca Asare, Associate Edito
TONYMOLY I'm Real Sheet Masks
'These have always been my go to sheet masks, especially when I'm on the go. Easy to throw in a suitcase or carry-on, and great to use on a plane (or car, boat, and train!) as a preventive measure. I also love using this as primer right before applying makeup.' - Bianca Asare, Associate Editor
BIOSSANCE 100% Squalane Oil
'I know what you're thinking: how dry could this girl's skin possibly be? The answer is very. But not only can this be applied to the face and body, it's also a great moisturizer for hair. Any type 4 coily-haired folks know that hydration is key. Plus, a product with multiple purposes and usages is a great space saver for traveling.' - Bianca Asare, Associate Editor
Jordan Rossman, Managing Editor
Parfum de Marly Valaya Travel Size
I don't go on any vacation without my travel-size Parfum de Marly. The Valaya scent has quickly become my signature—it's light enough to keep me migraine-free, yet strong enough to garner tons of compliments.
Laneige Cream Skin Toner
After a long day in the sun, my skin craves the cream skin toner from Laneige. It hydrates the skin immediately and makes it glow. The best part is how lightweight it is. You won't have to worry about clogged pores with this milky toner.
m.ph The Overliner Lip Pencil
I was never really a lip liner girl until the m.ph version came across my desk. Specifically in the shade Cowgirl, it just accentuates my lips without making them feel too defined. The formula is pretty creamy so I can blend it out with my finger for that just-kissed look that I love.
Julia Mendelsohn, Designer
PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask
This has earned a permanent spot in my travel bag. After a long flight or a few too many days on the go, it's the fastest way to make my skin look like I actually got eight hours of sleep. It leaves my skin bouncy, glowy, and hydrated—and every time I use it, I'm reminded why I keep repurchasing it.
Skin Ceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
The SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is one of those products I always come back to. I love layering it under my moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration, but it's just as good on its own when my skin needs something lightweight. It keeps my skin feeling soft, balanced, and dewy without ever feeling heavy.
MINI+ Smart Petite Nuface Microcurrent Starter Kit
One thing about me: I love a good lymphatic drainage tool. The NuFACE MINI+ Smart Petite Microcurrent Starter Kit is always in my carry-on because it helps de-puff after long flights and leaves my face looking more sculpted in just a few minutes. I also love the two activators it comes with—the Aqua Crème is so nourishing, and the Brightening Silk Crème gives my skin an extra glow. It's the perfect little self-care ritual after a travel day or before a night out.