Finding the right things to bring on your travels is a battle. From skincare to day-to-day basics, we all have products we use but are not really sure if they can pass through security when traveling. For instance, in the US 3.4 oz is the size recommended by the USA’s airport security, known as the TSA. Queue finding tiny bottles, stressing about taking your favorite thing and smashing it into a tiny container. Does my shampoo actually fit? How is peanut butter considered a liquid*? With experience flying both internationally and domestically a few times a year, here are a few tips + products that make it easy when dealing with your travel “liquids” in a flash. And anyone of any gender can steal these secrets or dive into these products.
Some links are affiliates links, but all are actual recommendations I’ve used.
Bring Out the Samples!
From perfumes + colognes to serums, foundations, or lotions- we have all somehow gotten a bunch of free samples that are slowly expiring. A trip is the place to use them. Keep these together somewhere so you can pull out what you need before a flight. Scents are great after a flight, before a work event, or dinner date and almost impossible to transfer from their larger-sized containers. You can try, tell us about your success if you do. That random new skincare product sample can be a fun experiment in a new location. Bonus -it may be something you might buy after your trip or that lifesaver the day your skin went dry after a flight or you looked like death before meeting a friend. We have all been there.
Cleanse, Cleanse, Cleanse
Nothing is worse than feeling dirty after a flight. So after you’ve taken a must-needed shower, you might want to clean your face and maybe take off any makeup- you do you. No matter your gender, a cleanser is a smart idea. Luckily, many cleansers come in travel-size! Here are some of my travel favorites.
Kora Organics Foaming Cleanser| Kate Somerville Exfolikate Cleanser
Don’t have one? Worst case scenario, wash your face with soap and water. Little extra tip: I notice sometimes if I put lotion on a towel and wipe my face, I may still find more makeup. Highly recommend if you are in a pinch!
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is something you can do to renew your skin’s surface + get rid of dead skin cells (Ew, I know). But finding a travel size is actually easy when looking for an exfoliator, so here is a well known I bring when traveling that you might also enjoy:
Kora Organics Turmeric Exfoliator Face Mask|ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment Mini
Add An Oil or Two
The idea of putting oil on your face may be new to some, yet it is something I like to include when traveling. Did you know, oil is great for those with oily skin? Such an odd concept, but Vogue agrees! Planes are always so dehydrating, so I try to combat dryness with my favorite natural products.
Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil | Kopari ‘Save Face’ Oil | Lumene Nordic-C [Valo] Arctic Berry Face Oil
Your Foundation
My thoughts on foundation while traveling? As long as it fits in a transparent makeup bag – or sandwich bag, I don’t judge – it’s good enough to use. So do you. I have flown in over 15 flights in the past 5 years and have never had an issue, as long as in a clear bag you should be fine. In a pinch? Try this!
e.l.f. Woah Glow SPF 30 Sunscreen
Lip Balm and Chapstick
Lip Balm and chapstick can be little known heros. Yes, I said that. Sure, they are great for lips, but on really drying flights they are also perfect for adding moisture anywhere you need it like your nose. Another fantastic thing they can be used for? Highlighter! Add them to the highpoints to your face and you will look hydrated and glowy! Have some multipurpose fun. Buy a chapstick with pink tint to add color not only to your lips but also your cheeks!
Australian Favorite- Dr. PawPaw Balm | Nivea Fruity Lipcare | Maybelline Baby Lips Color
Now do you have everything? Do all your liquids fit inside a transparent or clear travel bag, makeup bag, or sandwich bag? Make sure to check that you packed your necessities- think contact lenses or travel-size toothpaste, mouthwash, or sunscreen- so you can survive and thrive. You got this!
*The USA’s airport security is known as the TSA. The peanut butter classification has caused some debate in the US- you can enjoy reading about it here.
Looking for some more travel tips? This post may be for you! Looking for the best makeup products for traveling? Here’s a favorite post. Or get basics abroad. Don’t forget to explore the blog for more travel tips, global information, and resources abroad.
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