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4 min read
Not sure what to pack in your overnight bag? Beauty editor Chloe Burcham shares her must-have travel essentials…
As a beauty journalist, my job includes a fair amount of last-minute travel. Whether it’s an overnight trip within the UK to discover the latest research and product launches or travelling overseas to be totally immersed in a brand, I usually have a travel bag somewhere in my house on standby, waiting to be grabbed at any moment.
Whether you’re away for business or pleasure, there’s no denying that the actual travelling part of a trip can often be stressful. From airport delays and unpleasant aircraft cabin conditions to jetlag and sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings, spending time away from home can seriously mess with your day-to-day routine and leave you feeling frazzled.
As a result, I have discovered many useful beauty essentials that I now rely on when travelling. From the comfiest eye mask you’ll ever wear to the electrolyte powder that’ll keep you feeling energised, these are my 11 go-to travel essentials for a stress-free trip…
Artah Cellular Hydration
When travelling, it’s easy to fall behind on your overall health and wellness routines. I love taking these electrolyte powder sachets away with me as they instantly replenish lost minerals, helping to boost your microbiome health, hydrate the skin and leave you feeling more energised.
Arkive Headcare The Good Habit Hybrid Oil
If you’re heading somewhere hot and humid, your hair might require a little extra TLC. I love this oil from Arkive: it not only smooths away frizz and leaves your locks soft and shiny, but it smells incredible too.
Shop Arkive Headcare The Good Habit Hybrid Oil at Lookfantastic, £14
Gun Ana's UV Stick SPF50
UV protection is key all year round but especially important when you’re travelling. This lip balm makes reapplication easy, providing moisture to your lips with an added SPF50. Win-win.
Neom Organics Calming Pen
As I’ve got older, I’ve started to dislike flying more: take-off and landing really aren’t an enjoyable time for me. This rollerball pen helps calm my nerves and transport me from a stuffy aircraft to a relaxing, spa-like space. Simply roll onto the wrists and neck and take a moment to breathe in the calming lavender, chamomile and orange scent.
Jones Road Miracle Balm
This brilliant do-it-all product really does come into its own when you’re travelling. Whether you use it as a blusher, bronzer, eye shadow or lip balm – it does the work of a whole make-up bag in one. I like to mix it with moisturiser and apply it on my body for a golden sheen.
Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier
If you find that your skin flares up when you’re travelling, this hypochlorous spray is a must-have. It protects your skin from pollutants and impurities, prevents breakouts and promotes rapid recovery. Spray on your body or face whenever you want a reset. A fellow beauty journalist told me that it also works brilliantly as a hand sanitiser whenever you’re in a pinch – genius.
Slip Contour Sleep Mask
When I tell you that this is hands-down the best eye mask on the market, I am not lying. It features cleverly sculpted eye pockets, meaning you can open your eyes while wearing it and still be in complete darkness. Perfect for those who wear lash extensions or anyone who feels claustrophobic wearing traditional eye masks. I never travel without mine.
Caudalie Vinosun Invisible High Protection Stick SPF50
SPF top-ups are essential when travelling and this stick formula makes reapplication easy. Pop in your bag and sweep over shoulders, arms, shins and any areas of bare skin throughout the day.
Shop Caudalie Vinosun Invisible High Protection Stick SPF50 at Boots, £16
Phlur Vanilla Skin Body Mist
Years ago, someone advised me to take a new fragrance with me on holiday so the perfume will always hold memories of that trip. While I love the idea of this, buying a new perfume each time you go away probably isn’t realistic. These Phlur Body Mists are perfect though – they allow you to try out a new scent, without spending £100+ on a new fragrance.
Murad Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat Broad Spectrum SPF50
Still looking for an everyday SPF that seamlessly fits into your routine? Try this one. The clear sunscreen leaves no white cast and is packed with vitamin C to help shield against free radicals. It’s completely invisible under make-up and applies like a dream so there’s no excuse not to wear it every single day.
Shop Murad Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat Broad Spectrum SPF 50 at Space NK, £42
The Inkey List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches
When I’m stressed, I break out – meaning I’ve often travelled to a work event abroad, only to be left with a massive spot. These hydrocolloid patches are great for targeting breakouts – they’re formulated with hydrocolloid to draw out impurites, salicylic acid to unclog and succinic acid to reduce redness. Plus, they slightly blur the area when you wear them, making blemishes less visible.
Shop The Inkey List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches at Cult Beauty, £9
Images: courtesy of brands
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