8 Space- & Time-Saving Beauty Essentials To Pack for Your Vacation

There’s something so incredibly stressful about choosing exactly what to pack on vacation. There are so many things to consider, from whether it meets size restrictions on the plane, to whether I need more than one color of a certain lip gloss, to how many shades of blush to tote along. One thing’s for certain: I virtually NEVER have enough room in my suitcase. This carefully curated list of beauty travel essentials (all tried and loved by yours truly) will ease your concerns. Check them out in the slideshow above.

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The 8 Beauty Essentials You Need to Pack for Vacation

Foundation, Primer, & BB Cream All-in-One

If you’re like me, you’re tempted to pack a bottle of foundation, a primer, and a BB cream all at once---but in the interest of saving space (and adopting better, more practical habits), I’ve decided to streamline my makeup bag on my next trip. The solution is Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35 ($20), packaged in a convenient to-go size. Perfect for smoothing skin, evening the complexion, and giving skin a virtually perfect (or as close as possible) appearance, it’s a must for road warriors.
To Keep Your Makeup in Check All Day

After several flights in 2014, it dawned on me that I was missing one crucial product in my makeup bag: setting spray. I use the stuff at home, so why on earth wouldn’t I think to haul it along on the road? For flights, most full-size bottles are too large at three ounces, but Urban Decay carries a one ounce travel size of its beloved All Nighter and De-Slick Makeup Setting Sprays ($14). Absolutely a must for keeping your makeup in check all day long, it allows you to go touchup-free during your vacation (so even in ultra-hot climates, you won’t sweat your foundation off).
A Healthy Sunscreen

Why anyone would skimp on sunscreen is beyond me, but I can understand leaving it behind when you’re too busy trying to stuff all your liquids into a clear bag and zip up a suitcase full of clothes for the week. Here’s one you won’t forget: Sun Bum Premium Endurance Sunscreen 30 ($17.99). Sized just right at three ounces, this broad-spectrum formula protects skin and even leaves skin healthier thanks to its vitamin-enriched formula. Bonus points for the bright yellow packaging. Who could miss it?
Instant Hair Touchup Wipes

Flyaway strands are as common as flight delays, but you don’t have to walk around looking like a staticky mess. Take action by swiping a Giovanni 2chic Touch-Up Hair Towelette ($6.99) over your hair. Like little baby wipes, they’re moistened with olive oil and avocado. Hair is left softer, smoother, and shinier instantly. And because they’re packaged in tiny pouches, they can go anywhere from a pocket to a purse to a carry-on bag.
Nail Polish Remover Wipes

Baby wipes, hair wipes…why not add nail wipes to the list of portable packets? I’ve found that Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Polish Remover Wipes ($4.95) are extremely effective. Made with a soy formula (that actually produces a mild scent you’ll likely prefer to the typical nail polish remover aroma), it removes color easily and also leaves behind a trace of moisture that drenches skin and nails with essential moisture. Perfect for an on-the-go manicure or quick polish removal on the train.
The Ultimate Facial Cleanser

Since hotels typically have plenty of hair and body products on hand, you can usually get away with leaving those behind. But you absolutely need to have a facial cleanser on hand to remove your makeup at the end of the day and refresh your skin after a long drive or flight. I’m partial to Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser ($10), a versatile formula that works well even on sensitive skin types. Packaged in a 2.5 ounce tube, it contains softening apricot kernel and avocado oils.
Mini Lipglosses

From the school of “I have nothing to wear!” comes “I can’t choose a lipstick”---and you’ll just make that decision harder on yourself if you pack every single shade you own. Simplify the routine with the Essence Mini Lipgloss Paris Set ($3.99). Inside the cute box are three colors---a clear, a soft pink, and a neutral brownish pink---which give you an option for nearly every occasion. Need something dressier? Throw in a more vibrant lip color to round it out.
Highlighter/Bronzer Duo

Forget about packing a separate bronzer and highlighter, too. All you need is housed in the petite LORAC Travel-Size TANtalizer Highlighter and Matte Bronzer Duo ($13). Inside is a complexion-deepening bronzer and a complementary luminizing powder to add a glamorous gleam to your night-out vacation looks.