The must-have beauty essentials that survived my twenties and made it into my travel bag (plus some new faves)
Lately, I’ve been thinking about my packing routines and how they’ve evolved since my twenties when I was doing a ton of traveling. Back then, trying to decide which beauty products to pack was usually anxiety inducing. I’d mull over which bottles to throw in the dopp kit, often defaulting to whatever happened to come in a travel size. Very straightforward criteria, I know.
Thankfully, my standards are a bit higher these days. My beauty routine, however, is still decidedly low-maintenance. I love a quick, uncomplicated routine that doesn’t sacrifice nourishment, quality or a bit of luxury.
Over the past decade, I’ve curated several beauty finds that give me exactly that.
No fuss. No nonsense.
These are products I use at home day after day, but they also make the cut when I’m packing for a trip.
And many of these are budget-friendly options that you can pick up at your local drug store before leaving town:
FACE
A tried and true favorite. I’ve been using this gentle facial wash for nearly a decade now. Gentle on the skin with a clean, understated scent and thick enough to give me a thoroughly-clean feeling without being difficult to rinse away.
e.l.f. Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
I’m in love with this cleansing balm, largely because it just delivers exactly what it promises. It melts away the day’s makeup beautifully, including mascara, without making the process feel like a chore. For anyone who has ever stood over the sink aggressively rubbing at leftover eye makeup, a good cleansing balm is a revelation.
La Roche-Posey Anthelios Melt-In-Milk SPF
I wear SPF on my face every day and this one by La Roche-Posey is perfection because the texture is so lightweight. It absorbs well so it doesn’t feel like I’ve layered something heavy onto my skin before I even begin the rest of my routine. This SPF 60 formula is specifically for daily maintenance and sensitive skin because it avoids any harsh irritants like fragrances or dyes, instantly making the packing shortlist. A close runner up is the ultra smooth and weightless Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizing with SPF 30 for some light protection.
BODY
L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Creme
Applying this L’Occitane hand cream always feels a little luxurious because the scent is otherworldly and the rich consistency makes it feel like nourishment in a tube. Hand cream is such an easy product to overlook but this one makes me actually want to use it throughout the day so where I go, it goes.
Weleda is a relatively recent discovery for me. I came across a year ago and I’m forever grateful. The body butter is wonderfully creamy, an almost whipped consistency that makes applying it feel like a treat for my skin. And then there’s the scent, which feels clean, fresh and comforting.
MAKEUP
Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Foundation
This is a newer addition to my rotation, but it made the list quickly. Il Makiage color matching is impressively on point. But what actually sold me was the creamy, light texture that still provides maximum coverage so you look polished without feeling like you’re wearing a mask. I mean, I actually look forward to applying my makeup when I use this foundation. Added bonus, it’s cruelty-free, vegan, and free of paragons, phthalates, and sulfates.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Three Words: smooth, photogenic, polished. Okay, this product deserves a much longer review, but for now, just know that now that I’ve found this setting powder, I will never wear makeup without it. The smooth finish it provides is unmatched. Three more words: love, love, love.
Glossier Boy Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel-Pomade
This one has been in the beauty bag for a minute. Depending on the look I’m going for, I use Glossier’s Boy Brow in translucent/clear finish or the brown. It’s an easy way to tame my brows without making them look overdone. Perfect for giving my face a little clean structure.
Japonesque Mini Travel Size Lash Curler
I don’t wear mascara everyday but I do curl my lashes every day. Curling your lashes can instantly brighten up any face, even when I’m otherwise makeup free. And I love my mini travel size lash curler that’s super compact to fit in any bag. On especially busy mornings when you need to get out early to sight-see, a little lip balm, Boy Brow, and eyelash curl can go a long way and be just enough to look put together.
HAIR
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil(for straight hair styling)
I love Gisou and their Honey Infused Hair Oil. It took me a while to find a hair oil that checked all of the boxes. I wanted something lightweight enough that it wouldn’t leave my hair feeling greasy, weigh down my strands. And most importantly, I didn’t want anything with an overpowering smell but a scent I actually enjoyed wearing in my hair between wash days. Gisou does it all and gives my strands (and my scalp) some much-needed nourishment. It’s a heat protectant for straight hair styling and is an 8-oil blend chocked with amino acids and antioxidants.
Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse(for curly hair styling)
I used to hate mousses. Then I learned how and when to use it. Now, mousse is one of my favorite shortcuts when in a time crunch. Best for quick, on-the-go styles like wash-and-gos, when I don’t have the time or patience to diffuse my thick curls until they’re completely dry. And it gives bounce and volume while keeping frizz under control. I’m currently using mostly Moroccanoil products throughout my hair routine and they’ve become some of my most reliable styling staples.
SCENT
I’m very particular about scents. I tend to shy away from very sweet smelling fragrances. Jo Malone has become one of my favorite fragrance houses for exactly that reason.
Amorepacific Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder*
*Technically, this belongs in the skincare section. But I couldn’t resist putting it here because the scent is otherworldly. Possibly my favorite beauty product on the entire list. Amorepacific’s Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder is a water activated cleansing powder that transforms into an airy, sudsy foam wash that leaves my face feeling so soft and clean without feeling stripped. Super soft and super gentle on the skin. I often reserve it for my nighttime wash and the scent always earns a compliment from my husband.
HONORABLE MENTION
Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturizer
I was turned on to Summer Fridays after using their Babymoon Belly Balm for both of my pregnancies. It’s surprisingly difficult to find fragrance-free beauty products but Summer Fridays delivers with this lightweight face moisturizer of hyaluronic acid, coconut water, and ceramides. This one is a keeper wherever I’m headed.
Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Lip Balm
My daily lip ritual is pretty simple. A little Burt’s bees lip balm goes a long way. It’s an inexpensive and available at most drug stores, which makes it an easy travel essential.
All of these products make my beauty routine work and are actually enjoyable to use. That’s why they not only stay in my cabinet but make it to my suitcase.
Wearever Jade Went 