If I tabulated the volume and cost of beauty products thrown out by the TSA for flunking the 3-1-1 rule, I could open a Sephora in my apartment and buy the trendiest couture statement bag. The newly updated travel rule stipulates that each passenger is only allowed to bring one clear, quart-sized bag full of toiletries which may be no larger than 3.4-ounce or (100-milliliter) each in carry one luggage – an Achilles heel for any beauty warrior. The thought of being miles away from home without tried and true skin and hair care is panic-inducing. Over the years, I’ve since learned my lesson, to travel light with small containers and seek out ready-made minis that won’t raise any flags at the airport. Whether heading to Montauk or Mykonos, here’s a curation of products to allow a full beauty routine in all corners of the globe without the heft.
IN FLIGHT BEAUTY
While en route to a bit of hard-earned R&R, indulge in a little glow up to counteract the beauty-zapping impact of modern travel like celebrities whose lives are spent on coast-to-coast flights. With the well-documented drying after effects of the average flight, an in-flight beauty routine calls for hydration, hydration, hydration. Created by model and philanthropist Madison Headrick, Care-e-on’s En Route Essential’s 5 PC Kit is packed with an aloe-based Flying Highdration sheet mask, cucumber-enriched Hydroboost Highdrating Pads, and caffeine-infused In the Clouds Facial Mist, plus a Lavender Hand sanitizer to stave off the ickies of travel and calm the nerves. Care-e-on’s moisture-packed skin care works equally well to hydrate and soothe skin at the beach.
BAR SOAPS
I sing the praises of bar soap for their reduced environmental footprint – no empties – all the time. In addition to not contributing to the global plastic pile-up, they are super portable and lightweight compared to water-based cleaners and shampoos.
For a complete complexion solution – suitable for daily cleansing, deep pore-purging, and even a flash mask, Drunk Elephant offers their signature pH-balanced, fragrance and soap-free Juju and Peekee facial bars in a baby-sized travel duo with a convenient travel case.
Go Brixy’s array of face, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bars not only allow the replacement of 3 8-oz bottles for each product, it allows shoppers to mix and match their choice of bars for a customized, full skin, hair, and body care system. For shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, choose from Citrus, Mint Eucalyptus, and Coconut Vanilla. For facial care, cleansing bars are available in Brightening, Hydrating, and Blemish Control formulations.
HAIR CARE
Body wash and facial wash may be interchangeable even for the high-maintenance clique, but shampoo and conditioner are not. Why sabotage a year of premium hair-care with the harsh SLS cleansers, parabens, and mineral oil often found in hotel-provided hair care?
To keep tresses hydrated and shiny while frolicking in the sun and sea, Iles Formula The Mini, the fast-acting, silicone-free trio of shampoo, conditioner, and finishing serum, created by celebrity stylist Wendy Iles, nourishes and leaves all hair types silky, manageable, and prepped for heat-styling. The light, floriental scent vibes with any locale.
Given the salt, chlorine, and intense UV rays one’s hair will be subjected to at any summer destination, the battle to preserve one’s blonde calls for specialized formulas. In addition to a one-of-a-kind Keratin Purple Smoothing Treatment for blondes, Peter Coppola has balayage, platinum, and highlighted lengths covered with the multi-product Blonde Voyage! Travel Bundle.
The brass-zapping azulene-enriched system of shampoo, conditioner, treatment mask, and serum for heat protection and enhanced shine is free of the sulfates and the sodium chloride that fade highlights and dissolve keratin treatments. With each blonde-enhancing product under 3 oz, the system is lightweight in luggage and TSA-immune.
All shades and textures of hair would do well to have Remilia Hair Cosmocaps on hand. Packaged as individual pods of silicone detangling and shine serum infused with keratin amino acids, silk, and Vitamin B, they will not only barely make a dent in the TSA 3-1-1 quota, they’ll never spill in luggage or a beach bag – the second Beauty Warrior Achilles heel.
MAKEUP
For barely-there makeup which also triples as a hydrating serum, sunscreen, tinted moisturizer, Daybird’s 4-1 Skin Serum Tint offers mineral-based SPF 50 with a dose of skin-loving niacinamide in 3 shades, from light to medium-deep. At just 1oz, it’ll be a staple in any beach or carry-on bag.
Master quick beach glow ups and Summer Minimalist Glam with Rodial’s multi-purpose Lowlighters in Banana, Peach, and Latte in 1.6 oz minis. The yellow, peach, and caramel-toned concealers allow for soft, heat-friendly contouring and coverage without all the fuss.
On nights when a more polished look is on the agenda, Kevyn Aucoin’s Sensual Skin Enhancer is a magical mini makeup essential. Ultra-pigmented and available in 16 shades, with the right application and technique, a one-half-ounce pot offers a myriad of coverage and makeup options – tinted moisturizer, CC cream, concealer, full-coverage foundation, and highlight or contour shade for any and all occasions.
For a dash of vivid pigment to complement the spicy surroundings of any exotic vacay, MrayaBeauty’s Velvet Tint, in shades of coral, red, and pink, works as eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick for a sultry look that will pop against any sun-kissed complexion.
Whatever the destination, pack light and enjoy!
