If you’ve ever packed a suitcase stuffed with travel toiletries, only to realize you barely used half of them, you’re not alone. I used to be that girl… hauling around a giant suitcase filled with every skincare product I thought I might need. But after years of full-time travel with only a carry-on, I’ve learned that less is truly more.
The right travel toiletries don’t just make packing easier. They also help your skin thrive while you’re on the go. Using travel-friendly skincare tailored to your skin type and destination can prevent breakouts, dryness, and irritation, keeping your complexion glowing no matter where your travels take you 💫
And here’s the thing: the perfect travel toiletries aren’t one-size-fits-all.
What you need depends on your skin, your destination, and the type of trip you’re taking. But no worries! Today, I’m breaking down everything I’ve learned to help you choose the best products for your skin’s needs so you can travel light and feel confident in your skincare routine.
Ready to revolutionize what travel toiletries you pack next time? Let’s get to it!
*This post contains affiliate links. Which means that if you shop for certain things by clicking the links in this blog post, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!
So, what exactly is travel-friendly skincare? (aka travel toiletries)
Think compact, multi-functional products that deliver results without weighing down your suitcase. It’s about finding the balance between maintaining your skincare routine and adapting to the unique challenges travel brings, like changing climates, dry airplane air, and oftentimes, limited suitcase and bathroom space.
Why Travel-Friendly Skincare is Essential
When you’re traveling, you don’t always have the luxury of a 10-step skincare regimen. Travel-friendly skincare prioritizes essentials, so you can take great care of your skin without over-complicating your life while you’re on vacation.
3 reasons why I LOVE travel friendly skincare:
1️⃣ It Minimizes Stress On My Skin:
Travel can be tough on your skin. This is spoken from experience!
From dry airplane air to sudden climate changes, your skin is constantly adapting. I’ve experienced everything from unexpected breakouts in humid Bali to painful dryness in Mexico City.
A well-thought-out travel skincare routine ensures your skin stays balanced, no matter where you go.
2️⃣ It Saves Space In My Luggage:
As a carry-on-only traveler, every ounce counts. By choosing travel-friendly products, you free up space for other essentials and versatile pieces to create super cute vacation outfits!
Simplifying my toiletries was key for me to be able to switch from checked bag to carry-on successfully!
3️⃣ I Stay Compliant with TSA Rules:
Nothing’s worse than having your favorite moisturizer tossed at airport security. It’s painful 😓
Travel-friendly skincare means opting for solid or TSA-approved sizes, so you’re never caught off guard. Keep in mind, that this only applies if you travel with carry-on only.
This is how my toiletry bag situation looks like ⬇️
I carry my serum and moisturizer in my backpack for easy access during my flight!
My Personal Skincare Struggles (and solutions)
Traveling full-time has taught me a lot about how my skin reacts to different environments. This affects me because I also make travel videos with my husband for a living, and I find it hard to be on camera if I’m not comfortable in my own skin (literally).
People can say mean things 💔 but I also put in the extra effort because the main thing is to feel good about myself, you know? I’m just a girl trying to age gracefully over here!
So, it all started during my first trip to Mexico. I had no idea how much the sun and dry air would affect my skin, until it was too late. (Oaxaca City, I’m looking at you 👀). My face felt tight, and my lips were so painfully chapped… nothing was working!
That’s when I started doing research and discovered two must-haves: this plumping cream and this chapstick. Now, I never travel without them. I have been using the same brand for almost a year now!
Since I’m constantly in sunny places, I’ve also learned that sunscreen alone wasn’t enough. Enter Primally Pure’s Antioxidant Balm 👏🏼
This little powerhouse shields my skin from environmental stressors while keeping it soft, healthy, and radiant. Whether I’m exploring beach towns or hopping between tropical islands, this balm has been a game-changer to give my skin a little reset every night.
I use it every night (and so does my husband 😂).
After a few skincare mishaps, I’ve finally figured out how to keep my skin happy while traveling: a simple, effective routine with a few products that actually work. It really doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about choosing products with powerful ingredients.
How to Build Your Own Travel-Friendly Skincare Kit In 3 Steps!
🎯 Step 1: Figure Out What Your Skin Really Needs
Before you start packing, ask yourself: What does your skin actually need based on your destination?
Will it be hot and humid, dry and cold, or somewhere in between? Think about how your skin typically reacts to travel. Do you get dry, break out, or feel extra oily?
This will help you choose products that work with your skin, not against it.
You can take this 2-minute quiz to help you decide which products your skin actually needs. It’s designed by the brand that helped me feel happy in my own skin again!
If you already know your skin type, then check out this page instead.
🎯 Step 2: Pick Multi-Tasking Products
The key to packing light is choosing products that do more than one thing. Instead of packing a separate eye cream, serum, and night cream, look for a rich moisturizer that can handle all three.
A hydrating mist can double as a toner and makeup refresher. Sunscreen with added skincare benefits (like hydration or antioxidants) saves you from packing an extra step. The fewer bottles you bring, the better!
The products I use all double as eye-cream and they actually work!
🎯 Step 3: Only Pack What You’ll Actually Use
It’s tempting to throw in every “just in case” product, but be honest with yourself—how often do you really use that exfoliating mask on vacation?
Stick to a simple, effective routine: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and one or two extras based on your skin’s needs. If you’re unsure about a product, ask yourself: Have you used it on past trips? If not, leave it at home.
Remember this is just temporary! You’ll go back home to all your beloved beauty essentials. But just a heads up, you might also realize you need a lot less than you think!
⭐️ Very important to remember: When packing your skincare for a trip, keep in mind that TSA allows liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, all of which must fit into a single quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag.
You can either opt for travel-sized products or decant your favorites into smaller containers like these ones. Most of the products I use are under 2 oz and the same brand also offers even smaller versions of their bestsellers, making it extra easy to stay within TSA limits and safe space.
Related Articles To Check Out Next:
- How To Simplify Your Toiletry Bag!
- How To Downsize From Checked Bag To Carry-on.
- Are Packing Cubes Right For You?
Final Thoughts About Travel Friendly Skincare & Travel Toiletries:
Travel-friendly skincare isn’t just about packing light. It’s about empowering yourself to look and feel your best, no matter where life takes you.
As someone who’s been living out of this 20′ carry-on for years, I can confidently say that simplifying your skincare routine doesn’t mean sacrificing results. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
By focusing on high-quality, multi-functional products, you’ll spend less time worrying about your skin and more time enjoying your adventures.
So, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a year-long journey, remember this: great skin doesn’t require a suitcase full of products. It’s about making smart, intentional choices.
You’ve got this! 💪🏼
If you have any questions, I’m always here to help!
Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next one 💛
XO,
Aimara
PS: if you end up checking out the brand I use (Primally Pure), please make sure to use the code ‘WAYSOFSTYLE10’ for 10% off your order! You will not regret giving them a chance.
About The Author:
Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own.
I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.
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*This post contains affiliate links. Which means that if you shop for certain things by clicking the links in this blog post, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!
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