Beauty writer-loved Carry-on Essentials From $10

A perfectly packed carry-on doesn’t end with pristinely folded clothes. Odds are, it’s your beauty products that are slowing you down at TSA security and beyond. Personally speaking, I’ve fallen victim to an overstuffed toiletry bag too many times, and it’s become a nuisance when I’m unpacking at my destination and repacking to go home. Now, as a slightly more experienced traveler and beauty writer, I’ve determined there are easy ways to cut out an influx of beauty products when traveling. 

I’ve rounded up the unnecessary products to leave at home and what to pack instead to save a bit of space and get through TSA smoothly. These aren’t hard and fast rules, as every vacation is different, but they are helpful tips to consider when packing. I’ve included cream-based makeup products that cut out makeup brushes and other clever beauty replacements. Plus, I’ve eliminated a few seemingly essential items from my packing list. These product recommendations start at $10, so it might be time to rethink your beauty packing mentality. 

Don’t pack: A hairdryer

Pack this instead: A travel-sized flat iron 

T3 SinglePass Compact Portable Flat Iron

As someone who uses a hairdryer almost every day, it’s difficult for me to leave one off my packing list, but I’ve realized it simply takes up too much space. Most hotels or rentals will provide one, and if you’re traveling to a place that uses a different outlet, using a provided hair tool makes for one less thing you’ll need a travel adapter for. If I were to recommend one hair tool, though, I would not skip on a travel-sized straightener, specifically the T3 SinglePass Compact Portable Flat Iron. The compact hair tool is great for quick touchups and comes with a heat-resistant travel cap that is ideal for travel. 

Don’t Pack: Skincare face masks 

Pack this instead: A portable face mist

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Soothing Hydration Mist

Using a mid-flight face mask is tempting, but truthfully, a wet, sticky mask isn’t ideal for close quarters and is only useful once. Instead, pack a travel-friendly face mist to keep handy when you need a quick post-flight refresh. A few spritzes of the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Hydration Mist, or any facial mist you choose, will leave you glowy and moisturized right off the plane, and you can reuse it throughout your trip.

Don’t pack: Liquid foundation

Pack this instead: A full-coverage concealer stick

Merit The Minimalist Foundation and Concealer Stick

Okay, hear me out. Yes, foundation is an essential part of most makeup routines, but when I travel with my foundation, it ends up spilling everywhere. Luckily, I’ve found a solution to this problem. Packing a full-coverage concealer stick is ideal for so many reasons. First, it’s solid, so you don’t have to worry about spilling and liquid restrictions. Also, it’s easy to take on the go and can even be thrown into your travel bag for the day for touchups. I’ve found that Merit’s The Minimalist Foundation Stick provides foundation-like coverage for day or night while remaining travel-friendly. 

Don’t Pack: Large cosmetic bags

Pack this instead: Clear, compact pouches 

Packism Clear Makeup Bag Set

Since we’re simplifying our beauty routine, there’s no need to be weighed down by large cosmetic bags. Plus, the more room you have, the more tempted you’ll be to overpack. Instead, use small, clear travel pouches for your makeup, skincare, and hair products. Not only will you stay organized, but it will also save you trouble in security lines that require clear bags for liquids. 

Don’t Pack: Individual makeup products

Pack this instead: Stackable makeup products

Subtl Beauty 4-in-1 Travel Makeup Kit

When it comes to packing beauty products, versatility is critical, and I’ve found that stackable makeup products are the most space-saving and convenient. Subtl Beauty’s makeup stack includes an eyeshadow duo, shine control powder, a cream highlighter, and lip and cheek color. Plus, it comes with a travel-size brush and mirror that fit nicely into the stack. Believe it or not, all of this fits in the palm of your hand. 

Don’t pack: Miscellaneous hair care products

Pack this instead: An all-in-one leave-in conditioner

Ouai Leave-in Conditioner

If space allows, I’ll never say no to bringing travel sizes of my shampoo and conditioner, but the one beauty product I will never travel without is a leave-in conditioner. Whether your hair is in rough shape after swimming in the pool all day or extremely dry from sun overexposure, a good leave-in conditioner can help more than anything else. I think the Ouai Leave-in Conditioner is the best of the best because it leaves my hair silky smooth and frizz-free while being a heat protectant. Everybody’s hair is different, so you may have unique products that your haircare needs, but a leave-in conditioner is essential in my book.   

Don’t pack: Your entire skincare routine

Pack this instead: Multi-use skincare essentials

Supergoop Glowscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Parting with your skincare routine when traveling can be difficult, but bringing your entire product lineup with you for a week-long trip vacation is unnecessary. Bringing two or three skincare products that serve multiple purposes in your routine (think: a hydrating and brightening serum or a tinted moisturizer with SPF) is all you need. In fact, I always use the Supergoop Glowscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen during the day because it acts as a moisturizer, face sunscreen, and makeup primer while giving you a glowy finish. 

Don’t pack: A full-sized hairbrush

Pack this instead: A mini detangling hairbrush

Tangle Teezer Mini Ultimate Detangling Hairbrush

Save some room by switching out your full-sized hairbrush with a travel-sized option. The Tangle Teezer Mini Ultimate Detangling Hairbrush is a handy on-the-go option meant to detangle and smooth wet hair. I always have one in my travel bag no matter where I’m going. 

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