1

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

As you know, I’m a huge fan of oil and balm cleansers (read all about why here). They’re particularly excellent when in a warm environment where dirt and bacteria is likely to bake into your pores during the day because like attracts like—the oils in the cleanser will attach to all of the oil-based bacteria and excess sebum in your skin and carry it away when you wash it off.  Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin! This balm cleanser is another great option for travel.  

2

Biologique Recherche P50

This one’s not just for travel—some of my products are never more than an arm’s reach away, I don’t care if I’m going to a cute AirBnb upstate or to the actual moon. I use this every day (in the morning and evening) and bring the travel size with me when I’m away from home.  It’s without a doubt the most game-changing product I’ve ever used. It contains glycerin which hydrates, lactic acid which exfoliates, salicylic acid (and sulfur) which helps treat and prevent acne, niacinamide which brightens and lightens hyperpigmentation, in addition to a bevy of other skin-nourishing vitamins and minerals. Sweat and sand-induced breakouts actually don’t stand a chance. They also make a version (P50 V) for mature skin types and another (P50 W) for particularly sensitive skin types. Another great option that contains many of the same ingredients and is amazing for travel because it comes in disposable wipe form: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel.

3

Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil

This face oil is a new favorite, and is amazing for making sure your skin’s moisture doesn’t suffer in unfamiliar climates.  Lots of oils talk about giving you a “glow,” but the real focus here is moisture, and helping your skin retain its firmness and elasticity.  I also love using it during the day because it’s packed with antioxidants.

4

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30

First let me say, I STRONGLY disagree with and am bewildered by the mediocre reviews on this product.  It’s spectacular in my opinion, but if you have particularly dry skin, it may not be for you. I have combination/oily skin and it’s fantastic as a daily wear sunscreen.  To be honest, I’ve yet to meet a Drunk Elephant daily use product that doesn’t get the job done really well. Supergoop also makes another awesome option for a daily sunscreen you can wear under makeup.

5

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20

I mean, if it ain’t broke, slather your face with it. Laura Mercier has been setting the gold standard in tinted moisturizer for a long time, and naturally this one is perfect for vacation when you don’t want to spend the time or effort on a full face of makeup that’s only going to be ruined by the beach moments later. Another great option: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Spf 50+ Full Coverage Anti-aging Moisturizer—it comes in plenty of shades and is a different formula than the brand’s CC cream. It has a strong SPF and is made to replace your foundation—which is perfect when you’re in vacation mode.

6

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15

Obviously don’t neglect your lips while you’re away. I love this product—it comes in a million shades and has a great hint of color with the added benefit of sun protection—we forget about our lips way too often (or is that just me?) when we’re hanging out in the sun.

Bonus! We’d love to say that one AM application of sun protection is enough—but life isn’t that fair. During the day, apply SUPERGOOP! Antioxidant-Infused Sunscreen Mist With Vitamin C Broad Spectrum SPF 50 at least once every 90 minutes. It’s an easy to apply mist that takes two seconds—time extremely well spent when it comes to keeping your face un-fried.

1

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

A repeat from above, amazing as both an AM and PM cleanser.

2

Biologique Recherche P50

Also a repeat, it can (and should!) be used morning and night.

3

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Intense Glow Pad Self-Tanner for Face

The most natural looking self tanner ever, you don’t need to use them every night, personally I use every other night. Those with fair skin might prefer this one by the same brand, and for everybody, I also highly recommend these drops by Tan Luxe which you can add (just a drop or two) to your evening moisturizer.  I’ve been using the Dr. Dennis Gross pads for longer, so still revert back to using those most often, but the drops are fantastic and allow you to control the amount of color you’re getting.

A note on self-tanner application: Whatever self-tanning product I use, I always first take some of my thick night cream and put it around my nostrils, in-between my eyebrows, on my upper lip and on the strip of peach fuzz beneath my sideburns.  These are the areas where I have found the sunless tanner tends to appear darker and can look unnatural so putting a layer of night cream there first prevents it from developing too strongly.

Last note: If possible, I wait 20 minutes before applying the rest of my skincare products.  If you don’t have the time, go ahead and apply the rest.

4

Dermalogica AGE Smart MultiVitamin Power Firm Eye Treatment

I’m a huge fan of Dermalogica products in general, and have been loving this eye treatment which doubles as a product that can be used to target fine lines around the mouth area as well. More affordable options that I also love include Caudalie’s Vine[activ] Energizing Vitamin C Eye Cream and First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream.

5

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster OR Paula’s Choice Resist Hyaluronic Acid Booster

Hyaluronic acid is a jet-setter’s best friend—don’t forget to pack it. After a long day at the beach when the sun and salt has completely dried out your skin, adding a hyaluronic acid product to your night routine is a game-changer when it comes to packing your skin full of moisture.

6

Elemis Superfood Facial Oil

You can also use the SUNDAY RILEY oil mentioned above if you’d rather not travel with two, but I’m a face oil fanatic and love this one for nighttime. If nothing else—definitely give this a try when you’re back home.

7

Lancôme Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Rich Cream

Bring on the night cream! I love a rich, creamy routine-finisher whether I’m on vacation or not, and am currently singing the praises of this one. However, I 100% get that it’s PRICEY so First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream is a great affordable option you should know about, too—it comes very highly rated and I don’t take skincare raves lightly.

8

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Once again, don’t ignore your lips on vacation, especially not when there’s a lip treatment this lovely to tote around with you.

Bottom line: Don’t neglect your skincare routine on vacation. The last thing you want is to return from your time away feeling mentally refreshed and recharged but with skin that looks anything but. Plus, tiny skincare products are just fun, amiright?

When it comes to packing, all of these products come in packaging that is 3.4oz (100ml) or less.  In the case of products whose full-size bottle is larger than 3.4oz, you’ll see on their product page that they also sell a TSA-friendly size (like the DHC Cleansing Oil or the Biologique Recherche P50). So, whether you’re checking a bag or just packing a carry-on, you’re all set as far as TSA guidelines on liquids go.  If you’re trying to further minimize the number of products you pack, I’d recommend bringing only one face oil product instead of two, and you could even eliminate your night cream and replace that step with a generous application of face oil to lock in moisture at night.