Travel Beauty Products You Actually Need (and Don’t)

August 12, 2025

I can’t be the only one who watches videos of travel influencers online and thinks, “Do they really need all those travel beauty products?”

It’s tempting to overpack, especially when your feed is filled with “must-haves” and aesthetic travel routines. But after years of traveling and being influenced, I finally figured out what works for me and what doesn’t. This is all my preference and ways I’ve “de-influenced” my packing list.

Here are my travel beauty essentials I actually use and don’t use, as a high-maintenance girly myself.

These products are completely unsponsored, just my favorites after lots of money spent and trial and error!

What I’m NOT bringing:

That Expensive Sanitizer

I’m sure you’ve seen the Touchland hand sanitizer mist… Prices start at $10 and can be up to $20.. You can buy regular travel-sized sanitizer for less than $2. Save your money and use the more practical option. You’ll use it just as much.

Skincare on the Plane

Personally, I am not one to do my skincare on the plane around others. This includes any type of face/eye/lip masks to wear throughout the flight. I will also never sit in hair rollers for the duration of the flight.

But do what makes you look and feel good.

Individually Packaged Make Up Wipes

Why buy individually wrapped makeup wipes when you can take a small pack of it? They produce so much more waste and honestly take up more space than the mini packs.

Travel Sized Deodorant

Solid deodorant doesn’t count as a liquid, so you don’t need to buy the tiny version. Just bring your regular stick and save yourself the repurchase.

Travel Containers

Propaganda I will not fall for: refillable travel containers.

I’ve spent tons of money on them, trying to convince myself that I need them. But it’s only made me realize how inconvenient they are before and after my trips.

I would much rather buy the smaller size of products I love rather than put them in another smaller container and waste it. This also gives me an excuse to try new products I’ve been eyeing.

My Complete Hair Care Routine

I have curly hair, so I have to use a lot of products to keep my curls looking nice. I travel with freshly styled hair, then use gel and a bit of water to refresh each day or throw it up in a bun.

What I Am Bringing (and Love):

Tinted Moisturizer:

Personally, a full face of makeup while traveling is too overstimulating for me.

I’ve been using the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with a touch of concealer for my day-to-day look, even aside from my travels. It’s super lightweight with great coverage, but still looks like my skin.

Lip Stain:

I hate having to reapply lipstick constantly. And it’s even worse when I’m at a foodie destination. Look for one that can double as blush to keep your packed items to a minimum.

Sunscreen:

Specifically, the solid sticks.

I got mine from a brand called Abib on Amazon, and it’s amazing.

Gua Sha:

I don’t use this every day while traveling, but after a long flight, my face feels super puffy, so I use this to depuff and make me feel refreshed. Even if you don’t want to bring one, clean hands work just fine!

Body Wipes:

If you are ever at a hot destination where you’re sweating all day, body wipes really help you feel as close to clean as possible. These are a must if you have a day full of excursions with no break to refresh.

I got a couple of packs from Don Quiote in Japan and have yet to find them stateside. Luckily, I’ve held onto them for a couple of years because I bring them as a “just in case” item.

Press-On Nails + Glue:

I stopped spending hours at the nail salon when I discovered Ersa Nails. The nature of my job prohibits me from getting expressive nail designs, so this is perfect for me. They are surprisingly sturdy and high quality, and I love switching them to match my outfits. Not to mention, I’m saving so much money by skipping the salon.

Don’t forget nail glue!

Bar Soap:

Bar soap is cheap, long-lasting, and doesn’t count toward your liquids. Plus, in some countries (like Japan), heavily scented products are seen as disruptive, so fragrance-free bar soap helps you blend in better. Or, it’ll be easier to layer fragrances in places you want to create your own scent without competing with overpowering soap scents.

Wrinkle Releaser Spray:

I refuse to buy a travel-sized iron, no matter how many influencers try to convince me otherwise. If I bring wrinkle-prone clothes (which I try to avoid anyway), I will bring a downy wrinkle-releaser spray.

Many accommodations have irons to borrow, but alternatively, you can hang your clothes in the bathroom while you shower to let the steam work its magic.