A well-packed travel beauty kit is an essential companion for any holiday – the trick lies in the edit. From versatile haircare to vibrant mini fragrances, beauty editor Anita Bhagwandas shares her pre-departure cheat sheet. Here is how to hop off the flight with dewy, glowy skin.
All-in-one colour
Keep make-up packing to a minimum with Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks. This cult multi-purpose colour balm works for lips, cheeks and lids. Coming in four shades, it takes the hassle out of travel make-up and has a fresh, glossy finish. Just add waterproof mascara.
Multi-use SPF
A top-to-toe SPF maximises packing space. “I love the Heliocare 360° Invisible Spray SPF as it has Fernblock – water fern that became land fern and devel- oped its own sunblock to survive – meaning it provides excellent protec- tion,” says Dr Charlotte Woodward, aesthetics doctor at River Aesthetics. “It’s light, suitable for sensitive skin, non-greasy and easy to apply in the morning and as a top-up throughout the day for face and body.”
Recycled toothbrush
“The Cocofloss Cocobrush toothbrush is resident in my travel bag, so I don’t have to worry about charging another electronic device,” says Dr Joyce Kahng, dentist and owner of Orange and Magnolia Dental Studio. “The handle is made from recycled ocean-bound plastic and its mixture of wispy, tapered bristles and shorter, rounded ones make it gentle but also tough on plaque. It’s far more effective at cleaning between teeth than other manual toothbrushes and it has a curved handle. This helps it access hard-to-reach areas and makes sure that when the brush is on a surface, the bristles don’t touch it – genius and hygienic.”
SPF face powder
A little SPF in moisturiser or foundation is unlikely to be enough on its own but experts agree that layering products containing SPF can help provide enough protection from sun damage. The clever Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF35 face powder, which comes in four shades, absorbs excess oil and provides SPF protection in one sweep of its brush.
Antioxidant facial oil
“Plane travel means you’re heavily exposed to air conditioning and an increase in free radicals, which has a dehydrating effect on the skin,” says Mina Lee, aesthetic therapist and acupuncturist. “Ranavat Radiant Rani Brightening Saffron Serum is my must-have because it’s packed with antioxidants such as turmeric and saffron that help neutralise any harmful effects. It also works as a barrier preventing further water loss – and the scent is very calming.”
Hydrating Sheet Mask
The air on a plane tends to be dry, with a humidity of 10 to 20 per cent, compared with about 40 to 60 per cent on land (for context, the Sahara desert has a humidity of 25 per cent), meaning a moisture-boosting face mask is essential. “111Skin always has great face masks for flights,” says model and activist Adwoa Aboah. The skincare brand’s cooling Sub Zero De-Puffing Energy Facial Mask, which contains energising caffeine to boost circulation and hydrating ingredients to plump the skin, is a case in point.
Moisturising face mist
Not all face mists are created equal but one with moisturising ingredients is a travel essential, hydrating the skin without clogging pores. Biossance Squalane and Hyaluronic Toning Mist uses plant-derived squalane, which mimics the skin’s natural oils, and moisture-replenishing hyaluronic acid. It works perfectly over make-up or as a cooling beach spritz.
Body powder
“I always take talcum or a body powder with me when I’m going to destinations with sandy beaches – it’s a miracle worker,” says Rosie Stockley, women’s fitness specialist and founder of Mamawell. Silky Underwear by Lush is a strong contender. “You just put some on your skin when it’s covered in sand and watch the grains come off so easily, taking you from the beach to sundowners with no need for a wash-off.”
Fragrance selection
Choosing a new scent for each trip means it’s possible to evoke those memories once home with a single spritz. The Bulgari Allegra Discovery Kit contains five Italian-inspired eau de parfums, including Fantasia Veneta, which – with its Indonesian patchouli leaf and warming vanilla – creates a backdrop for tropical escapes, and Riva Solare, whose mandarin and musk work well in cooler climes.
Body and hair oil
“The wonderful, silicone-free Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil is made with seven precious plant oils that nourish, soften and repair both skin and hair,” says Neil Moodie, hairstylist and founder of the Neil Moodie Studio. “It’s great to have a multipurpose product that calms my curls down but also gives it moisture. As well as using it on my hair, it doubles up as a great oil for my skin, particularly on dry areas where I’m prone to flare-ups of dermatitis.”
Cosmetics travel bag
Then put everything in here… The weight of a cosmetics bag can tip luggage over the limit. The shape of the cleverly labelled Anya Hindmarch Night and Day Pouch makes it easily packable, its hook means it can hang in a bathroom and it’s made of regener- ated nylon. It’s compact but has enough space to hold everything for a two-week stay, so no need for tough choices.
