When going on vacation, I always make sure to bring all of my beauty essentials. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve forgotten some of my must-have products—the ones you don’t think about until you really need them ;)! Like a lip balm for chapped lips from the sun or cold, a hand cream for dry, cracked skin, or a hair mask to revive hair damaged by the sun and sea. Over time, I’ve put together a list of essential beauty items (skincare, hair care, and makeup) that I pack for every trip.
This summer, I’m so excited to go to Ibiza (I can’t wait! Check out here what I’ll be wearing). I thought it’d be fun to share the beauty essentials I’m bringing with me. I always travel light with just a carry-on, so all my beauty products in liquid, lotion, gel, paste, or cream form have to be in containers of 100ml (3.4 ounces) or less and fit into a single clear, resealable 1-L bag—I have to confess, I also use my partner’s 1-L bag to fit in all my beauty products ;). This has made me a pro at packing my beauty products efficiently. Over the years, I’ve learned to narrow down my beauty essentials to a few multitasking items that work for day, night, or beach. So, my list is minimalist and includes only the essentials I truly need and love—nothing extra :)!
This post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. I only feature products I truly love and personally select. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!
1. Face
- Sunscreen for Body & Face: For me, the best sunscreens are from La Roche-Posay. I love their Anthelios Ultra-Light Sunscreen Spray SPF 60. It’s super easy to use, and I usually grab it at the airport or the local pharmacy when I’m on vacation.
- Lip Balm: My ultimate favorite, which I always bring everywhere, is the Sisley Paris Nutritive Lip Balm. A great (and cheaper) alternative is the Nuxe Rêve de Miel lip balm.
- Cleansing Oil & Face Wash: I usually pack Caudalie’s Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil and the Vinoclean Gentle Foaming Cleanser (travel size). They’re a great combo, not too expensive, and you can easily find them at the airport.
- Eye Cream & Mask: There are two eye creams that I love: Caudalie’s Premier Cru Anti-Aging Eye Cream (fantastic for crow’s feet and dark circles) and Sisley-Paris Eye Contour Mask, which I use while flying or after a day at the beach when I get back to the hotel. The best eye mask to hydrate the skin and reduce signs of fatigue!
- A Light Face Moisturizer: When I go on vacation, I prefer to bring a lightweight hydrating cream like Caudalie’s VinoHydra Gelée Hydratante, perfect for combination and sensitive skin.
2. Body
- Shower Gel: When I’m traveling, I always pick up Nuxe’s Face and Body Ultra-Rich Cleansing Gel at the airport. I absolutely love this shower gel—it’s so nourishing and works for both body and face! Plus, the scent is just divine!
- Hand Cream: I adore L’Occitane’s Almond Hand Cream! It’s the perfect cream to slip into your bag. My hands are always soft, and the almond scent is just lovely!
- Bar Soap: I always pack one of Roger & Gallet’s perfumed soaps in my luggage. They’re perfect for washing my hands throughout my trip. My favorite scents are Fig Blossom, Osmanthus Flower, and Néroli.
- A Refreshing Mist: I usually pick up Avène Thermal Spring Water or Caudalie’s Grape Water Face Mist at the airport. They’re ideal for giving my skin a generous moisture boost or just to refresh myself on the plane or at the beach.
- Eaux Fraîches: Roger & Gallet Néroli and Fleur d’Osmanthus are my two favorite water fragrances I’ll take on vacation with me this summer.
- This summer, I’m curious about trying a self-tanner, like the Sisley Self Tanning Hydrating Body Skin Care, before going on vacation. If you have already tried it, please let me know in the comments ;)!
3. Hair
- Shampoo and Hair Mask: As I mentioned in my last article about my hair growth routine, I’m obsessed with Leonor Greyl’s Shampooing au Miel, Bain Volumateur aux Algues, and the Masque Fleurs de Jasmin hair mask (the jasmine scent is heavenly!). My hair has never been so beautiful, silky, and thick since I started using these products! I highly recommend Leonor Greyl’s Travel Kit for Volume—it’s perfect for traveling.
- Body and Hair Oil: Besides the cult-favorite Nuxe’s Huile Prodigieuse (have you seen the new Huile Prodigieuse Or Florale?), this summer, I’ll pack Caudalie’s Oil Elixir (the scent is lovely and reminds me of summer vacations!) for the body, which I use as an after-sun. I’ll also pack a sample of L’Huile de Leonor Greyl to apply before going to the beach to protect my hair from the drying and damaging effects of sun, saltwater, and chlorine.
4. Makeup & Supplements
- Makeup Products: On vacation, I only wear makeup in the evening when going to a restaurant (I don’t wear makeup during the day or at the beach). That’s why I only bring a few makeup products: Aime’s Skincare Powder Foundation SPF, Healthy Cheek & Lip Cream, and the Lash Care Tubing Mascara.
- Food Supplements: I’m currently taking Aime’s Pure Glow (perfect for preventing acne caused by sun exposure) and Hair & Scalp Boost to stimulate hair growth, as I’m growing my hair out right now.
- Collagen Drinks: I love Aime’s Mocha Glow and Cacao Glow. I’ll definitely bring a box of 10 sticks with me on vacation.
Et voilà! I’d love to hear about your favorite beauty essentials for vacation! What products can you not travel without? Share your must-haves in the comments below. Merci!
I’ve discovered Embryolisse! It’s wonderful on the face and the hands as well, and it smells gorgeous. I’d been looking for it for a while so was very pleased finally to find it in a pharmacy on our trip to France this year.
Thank you for sharing, Hannah! I’m so glad you discovered Embryolisse and love it as much as I do. It’s such a fantastic product, and finding it in a French pharmacy is always a treat :)!