The Skincare I Bring When I Travel

Between work and a few personal trips, I’ve been traveling my little heart out this fall. Since Thanksgiving, I’ve been to the Berkshires, London, New Orleans, Dallas, Austin, and Chicago (and boy are my arms tired). I have sensitive skin that doesn’t like change (or stress), so I’m very careful about what I bring with me. With the holidays here, I thought I’d share in case you have travel coming up and are looking for some things to stock your toiletry case.

Cle de Peau Clarifying Cleansing Foam - I love this cleanser. It’s gentle, but effective. It cleans my combination skin without stripping it, and the scent smells like, well, money. It’s expensive, but a little goes a long way so I convince myself it’s not too bad.

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 - You’ve probably seen bloggers and magazine editors squawking about this exfoliating toner. Yes it smells weird. Yes, if you get the original 1970 formula (like I do) it makes your face tingle. Yes it’s expensive. No, I never want to be without it. This has been the number one product in my routine to help keep my acne at bay and to refine my pores.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Serum - Sulwhasoo is a high-end Korean brand, particularly known for using ginseng in its formulas (if you don’t like the earthy, spicy smell of ginseng you won’t like this serum). This serum calms my skin and refines its appearance. I use it twice a day after toner and before moisturizer.

Pestle & Mortar Lightweight Moisturizer - This is the first product I’ve used from this brand and, guess what? I love it! As per the name, it is lightweight so I use it in the morning. It hydrates without making me greasy or shiny, and the packaging is great: it looks like a jar but is really a pump, so it’s hygienic (the only downside is you can’t see how much you have left).

Chantecaille Stress Repair Concentrate - Ok, ok. This is expensive, I get it. But you know what else I get? CROW’S FEET. So, I’m willing to spend. This eye cream is rich and hydrating but doesn’t cause milia (those bumps that sometimes appear from clogged pores around the eye). I do think it plumps my fine lines, I don’t think it does anything for dark circles but dark circles are genetic and there isn’t really anything you can do about those anyway, aside from concealer. Speaking of which…

Cle De Peau Concealer - This is the best concealer you can buy. I repeat: this is the best concealer you can buy. It has SPF, it conceals without caking or settling into fine lines, and looks natural. If there is one thing you buy from this list, buy this.

Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Regenerating Cream - This rich cream would be too heavy for me during the summer, but I’ve been enjoying it this fall. It feels, smells (and costs) expensive, but my skin truly does feel nourished and it hasn’t broken me out at all.

Megbabe Rosy Pits Deodorant - Duh. I would use this even if my friend Katie Sturino didn’t make it. I buy three at a time (no, Katie doesn’t give me any for free. Rude).

The Face Shop Sun Stick - You should wear sunscreen every day. You should buy this cute-as-hell sunscreen and wear it every day.

La Mer Sheer Pressed Powder - This translucent powder keeps me shine-free and makes me feel fancy. That’s kind of all I want in life.

Bumble & Bumble Grooming Creme - I have literally used this to style my hair for 15 years. If they discontinue it I’ll have to shave my head.

And voila! That’s what I use to keep me glowing when I travel. What are your travel go-tos?