26 Toiletry Bag Essentials T+L Editors Stock Up on Before Every Trip

OleHenriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment

$22 at Sephora View on Olehenriksen.com $22 at Ulta

It’s no secret that flying can dehydrate your skin, especially the lips. Since having chapped lips is no fun when traveling, you can help combat the dry airplane air with a handy lip balm from Olehenriksen. The peptide treatment comes in several sweet-smelling tints like citrus sunshine, cocoa créme, and strawberry sorbet.

“Lip treatments are having a moment and I'm obsessed with this product. It's a little pigmented, has a glossy finish, and is technically a treatment for your lips. I carry it on long flights and put hyaluronic acid underneath it to prevent dehydration,” editor Susmita Baral said.

Welly Quick Fix On The Go First Aid Kit

$14 at Amazon $7 at Target $7 at Walmart

Injuries can happen when traveling, so it’s best to be prepared with this travel-size first aid kit from Welly. The kit includes bandages, as well as single-use ointment packets and hand sanitizer. All of the above are helpful for minor injuries like scrapes or cuts. Plus, it can fit inside your purse or backpack without taking up much space.

“I never want to be in a different country hunting down a Band-Aid, and this product comes in cute little tins that can be stuffed in any suitcase, duffle, or bag. I like that you can refill the original packaging instead of buying a whole new product, too,” Baral added.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch The Original

$13 at Amazon $22 $9 at Target $11 at Walmart

Traveling can take a toll on the skin, leading to breakouts and irritation. So it never hurts to have a pack of these pimple patches in your toiletry case. The pack of 36 hydrocolloid patches targets pimples with the promise to minimize zits within six to eight hours. Plus, the circular stickers are transparent and hardly noticeable. 

“These are so slim and easy to pack, making them perfect for travel. But it's also effective and great to have when you're away from home and more vulnerable to breakouts,” senior editor Danielle Pointdujour said.

Saltair Travel-size Body Wash

$5 at Target View on Saltair.com

While hotels or vacation rentals typically offer some toiletries, it’s always smart to pack a backup like this travel-size body wash just in case. The formula is biodegradable and has a variety of ingredients like monoi oil, cupuaçu butter, and kukui oil designed to nourish and hydrate the skin after a long day of travel. Plus, the bottle is three ounces, so it meets the TSA liquid restrictions.

“You never know what you're going to get when it comes to hotel body wash. So it's always best to carry your own, especially if you have sensitive skin,” Pointdujour shared.

Iris & Romeo Curling & Lengthening Mascara

View on Irisandromeo.com View on Credo Beauty $29 $15 at Sephora

If you’re planning to go from the airplane straight to sightseeing, you’ll want to keep some mascara in your bag. This miniature tube takes up virtually no space in a makeup case, but it will last the duration of your trip since it’s still five milliliters big. 

“Iris & Romeo’s new Lash Up mascara checks off all of my boxes and it’s even formulated with lash-friendly peptides, so you’ll be treating your lashes to a conditioning and nourishing mask every time you swipe it on,” senior editor Emily Belfiore said, adding that the formula also comes off easily at the end of the day. But if your trip will feature a lot of water, be it from the sky, sea, or rainforest, a waterproof mascara may be your best bet.

Kat Burki Silk Protein Primer

$54 at Amazon View on Katburki.com $54 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Speaking of makeup, Belfiore also recommends this face primer to ensure your foundation, blush, and concealer stay on all day long. The formula is also designed to protect, hydrate, and elasticize the skin — which can be needed after sitting for hours on an airplane.  

“This is a spa day in a bottle. The smell is so relaxing and the texture is so velvety; it’s honestly too good to gatekeep. It makes my skin super smooth and really grips makeup to make it last all day, which is always needed on a busy travel day,” Belfiore shared.

Saie Dew Bronze

View on Saiehello.com $25 at Sephora $25 at Kohls.com

Saie’s Dew Bronze is the perfect multi-purpose liquid bronzer to use before, during, and after a trip. Add a shimmery layer to your cheekbones, or you can swipe a bit on your eyelids to use it as eyeshadow so you can leave your bulky palette behind. The bronzer comes in six shades, all in a compact 12 milliliter bottle. 

“Liquid bronzers just hit differently, but it’s hard to find one that comes in travel-friendly packaging. That was before Saie’s Dew Bronze; it’s packaged in the perfect, compact bottle for travel and has a big doe-foot applicator so you don’t have to worry about it spilling or dripping when you’re putting it on,” Belfiore said.

Nudestix Clean Balm & Make-Up Melt

$35 at Sephora $35 $15 at Ulta $35 at Dermstore

Ditch your single-use makeup wipes in favor of this makeup-melting cleansing balm from Nudeskin. It gently removes eye and face makeup while leaving your face feeling refreshed and ready for bed. It also works on all skin types and won’t be as harsh on your face, either.

“This product never leaves my toiletry bag, and I even have extras of it handy so I don’t ever have to be without it,” Belfiore noted. “This travel-friendly cleansing balm removes all traces of makeup and is formulated with brightness-boosting ingredients to make your skin radiant and smooth after you’re done cleansing. It’s simply a must-have.”

Venus Visage Teeth Whitening Pen

$26 $19 at Amazon View on Venusvisage.com

Oral hygiene is just as important as your skincare routine when it comes to traveling, so consider adding this nifty little teeth-whitening pen to your toiletry bag. It’s ultracompact (no bigger than a ballpoint pen) and the pack comes with four pens so you’ll be stocked up for plenty of trips down the road.

“This teeth whitening pen is the perfect size and — more importantly — so effective. When you're on a vacation taking dozens (or hundreds) of pictures, it's nice having a compact little tool in your bag to give your smile a little lift, even after days of drinking iced coffees and red wine,” editor Taylor Fox gushed.

Baebody Eye Gel

$35 $25 at Amazon $25 at Target $25 at IHerb

Under-eye bags can, unfortunately, be quite common when you haven’t slept enough during a trip. Sure, you can just wear your favorite pair of sunglasses to hide it, or you can invest in some editor-loved eye gel to help prevent puffy eyes and dark circles. This gel promises to be hydrating and cooling to reduce the toll travel can take on the sensitive skin underneath the eyes.

“It can be so hard keeping up with a skincare routine on the go, but I make sure I always have this eye gel with me whether I'm flying long distances or heading out on a weekend trip, " Fox said. “The travel-size bottle easily fits in even tiny toiletry bags. The gel is cooling so after a long flight or late at night, I can apply the gel and immediately look and feel refreshed.”

Dazzle Dry Starter Mini Kit

$40 at Amazon View on Dazzledry.com

If getting your nails done before a getaway is a must, this mini kit from Dazzle Dry is made for you. The kit comes with five tiny bottles for a full-service mani on the road. It includes a nail prep liquid, a base layer, an opaque pink lacquer, a top coat, and a “revive” bottle to add to any nail polish formula that may have thickened up. Each bottle is just five milliliters, so they take up little to no space in a bag. 

“I'm a water girl — about 99 percent of my travels revolve around getting in the ocean — and most manicures simply do not hold up to day after day of soaking in saltwater. This mini nailcare system is the first set I have found that not only stands up to long days in the water but is quick-drying enough that I can pop it on and get out and about without worrying about chips and smudges,” Fox said.

Fenty Beauty Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask

View on Fentybeauty.com $23 at Sephora $23 at Kohls.com

Sometimes regular lip balm just won’t do the trick at combating dry lips. This mask from Fenty Beauty specifically targets dehydrated lips to soothe, moisturize, and plump them when left on overnight or during the day. All you have to do is toss it in your purse before your trip, and you won’t have to worry about extreme dryness anymore. 

“My lips get very dry when I travel; I mean, parched. Up until recently, no lip balm I tried really did the job,” senior editor Jasmine Grant raved. “This lip mask by Fenty Beauty literally saved my dry, chapped lips once and for all. Unlike other lip balms, this one feels really hydrating and healing, and it lasts for hours. I'll apply it before dozing off for my mid-flight nap or before bed, and by the time I wake up, my lips still feel hydrated and soft. Nothing else compares.”

Supergoop! Mini (Re) Setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40

$20 at Sephora $20 at Ulta $20 at Bluemercury.com

While SPF should typically be included in your makeup routine, this Supergoop sunscreen spray is the perfect solution for after your makeup is done. To avoid any smudging, all you have to do is spray the refreshing SPF 40 spray on your face to set your makeup and re-establish sun protection. 

“When packing my toiletry bag, I prioritize products that can do more than one job. This setting spray by Supergoop not only helps my makeup last and stay matte in super hot climates, but it also has SPF 40 and is perfect for upping my sun protection at the beach or pool. The mini size comes in a one ounce bottle, making it the perfect companion for my beach bag or purse,” Grant added.

Flaus Electric Flosser Starter Kit

$119 at Amazon View on Goflaus.com

Flossing might go on the back burner during a trip, but this device makes it easier than ever to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. The electric flosser does most of the work for you in a superspeedy manner, so all you have to do is remember to pack it in your toiletry case.

“Anyone who says they floss after every meal, I promise your dentist is not reading this. Using ordinary string floss is so tedious but, now that I have aligners, it’s essential to clean my teeth several times a day. Flaus takes up hardly any space in a toiletry bag — it’s smaller than my toothbrush! — and this tiny tool makes it easy to keep my smile in tip-top shape no matter where I am,” associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker raved.

Maison Louis Marie No.04 Perfume Oil

$65 $55 at Amazon $16 at Sephora $65 at Goop.com

Your every day perfume is one of those toiletry items that you’ll likely get left behind due to the size of the bottle, but this mini roll-on perfume is super easy to travel with. The woodsy scent is oil-based, which means all you have to do is glide the top over your wrist or neck, and the long-lasting perfume will keep you smelling good all day long.

“I once filled a travel-sized bottle with very expensive perfume… which turned into one toiletry bag soaked with said pricey fragrance. Ever since then, I’ve been hesitant to bring my favorite scents on the go, but that all ended when I tried this Maison Louis Marie perfume oil,” Parker said. “Not only is the half-ounce bottle perfectly sized for even my smallest toiletry bag, I love being able to roll on the woodsy Bois de Balincourt scent as needed while out and about, and without leaving a cloud of perfume in my wake.”

Supergoop! Glowscreen

$38 at Amazon $18 at Nordstrom $22 at Sephora

Tinted moisturizer is the crème de la crème for traveling since it adds a bit of color to your face while protecting sensitive skin from the sun. Supergoop is some of the best in the biz for making high-quality sunscreen for the face that offers a glowy finish like the Glowscreen. It comes in four different shades, and it comes in a TSA-friendly 1.7-ounce bottle.

“This tinted sunscreen is like a million products all in one – tossing this travel-sized item in your toiletry bag will save you from packing separate face sunscreen, moisturizer, primer, and highlighter. Throw it on first thing in the morning (either under your makeup or wear it on its own) and rest assured your skin will be protected from the sun while you enjoy a natural, glowy complexion all day long,” editor Sophie Mendel shared.

Gya Labs Australian Tea Tree Oil

$10 $7 at Amazon $19 $16 at Walmart View on Gyalabs.com

Essential oils like tea tree oil are the perfect multi-purpose beauty product to bring with you anywhere you go. The natural oil can be used to combat a variety of issues that can occur during a trip, from dry split ends to pesky zits. Just remember that tea tree oil can only be used externally, so don’t ingest it or you’ll have a bigger problem on your hands.  

“I always get skin problems when I travel (dry airplane air, minimal sleep, extra stress, etc.), and I love using tea tree oil to deal with breakouts, hangnails, and even oily hair. I just add a drop or two to my moisturizer or shampoo. Plus, the smell helps with mild nausea or car sickness. It's super affordable and a tiny bottle lasts forever,” writer Anne Taylor shared.

Gisou Mini Honey Infused Hair Oil

$25 at Sephora View on Gisou.com

Raise your hand if you have dry hair year-round and not just while traveling (like me, my hand is raised). Frizziness and breakage can easily happen when you switch up your haircare routine, but luckily, this mini bottle of hair oil is just the trick to keep your locks hydrated and shiny — which is ideal for photo ops anytime, anywhere. The formula includes nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, almond oil, and honey.

“Ideally, I'm working with several products to get my hair to cooperate. But when I'm traveling, this hair oil is enough to keep it tidy, soft, and frizz-free while keeping my morning routine short,” Taylor said. 

Franz Stem Cell Culture Medium Ampoule Mist

View on Amazon View on Franzskincareusa.com

Sometimes the best way to combat fatigue during a trip is by splashing some cold water on your face. However, ruining your masterpiece of face makeup is never ideal, so the next best option is this tiny spray bottle of magic (a.k.a ampoule mist). Stem cell culture, plant extracts, and niacinamide are just a few of the key ingredients that will leave your face feeling refreshed and ready for the next adventure.

“I love traveling with the Aeternum Luxe Ampoule Mist because not only is it an incredibly light mist, but it's wonderfully moisturizing and hydrating. For typical day-to-day wear, a spritz of this makes the perfect base for my makeup and on those long travel days,” digital photo editor Alessandra Amodio added.

MyChelle 3-in-1 Super Serum

$28 $26 at Amazon View on Mychelle.com View on Vitacost

When you need an extra boost of skin hydration on the go, this serum can be worn day or night. It’s slightly tinted, so it wears well underneath makeup, and it boasts SPF 30 sun protection for long days in the heat. Just when you think it doesn’t get better, the formula also has hyaluronic acid in it, which promises to moisturize and boost the elasticity of the facial skin.

“My toiletry bag will be the most overpacked item in my bag if I'm not careful, so I love anything ‘combo’ to be able to get all the skincare I use and love without taking up bag real estate, " Amodio said. “I love wearing this in the summertime, either as a base or as a stand-alone product for those no-makeup makeup days. My face is left moisturized and with a light layer of SPF that leaves me and my skin feeling good and looking nice and dewy.”

Tweezerman 40th Anniversary Slant Tweezer

$24 at Revolve View on Tweezerman.com $24 at Ulta

When you really think about it, a pair of tweezers is basically a utility tool for traveling. Rogue eyebrow hair? No problem. Extra-long nose hair? Not anymore. Plus, the 25-degree slant of this Tweezerman tool makes it easier than ever to grip and yank those unwanted hairs on the go. 

“Magnified hotel room mirrors always make me see my face in a whole new light, so I always make sure to pack a pair of tweezers to grab random stray hairs that I've never noticed before. Those suckers always seem to pop up to say hello when I'm on vacation, and once you notice them, they're impossible to ignore,” editor Jackie Cucco gushed.

Billie Razor Travel Case

View on Mybillie.com

It always feels a bit risky placing a razor in a toiletry bag when you could reach in and accidentally cut yourself. That’s where this nifty little invention — also referred to as a razor travel case — is a game changer for packing. It not only protects you, but it also keeps the edges clean, too.

“It's always difficult to dry a razor and pack it away after you use it, but this $5 razor case is the simplest travel hack to protect the blade and let it air dry through the holes so it doesn't get sticky or gross,” Cucco noted.

Manucurist Cosmos Organic Rose Hand Cream

View on Manucurist.com

We’ve covered ways to combat dry lips and skin, but don’t forget about your hands which are incredibly susceptible to dryness. Between the bone-dry cabin air and frequent use of hand sanitizer, your hands will be particularly parched. This little tube of hand cream is packed with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, grapeseed oil, and coconut oil, so you’ll surely want to bring it with you everywhere to prevent dehydrated digits.

“My current favorite hand cream just happens to also be perfectly sized for travel. This subtly rose-scented hand cream is sufficiently hydrating while also being light and fast-absorbing. It comes packaged in a petite aluminum tube that’s right at home in your toiletry bag,” deputy photo editor Skye Senterfeit raved.

ULTA Beauty Collection Nail Polish Remover Pads

$4 at Ulta

If your manicure doesn’t hold up for the duration of your trip (it happens to the best of us) then you’ll be grateful you packed a few of these single-use polish-removing pads. The acetone-based towelettes work quickly to dissolve any remnants of color while leaving your fingers smelling slightly citrusy.

“I like throwing a handful of these individually wrapped nail polish remover pads in my bag on longer trips where I’m not sure my manicure will stay chip-free until I get home. They make quick work of removing regular polish while you’re on the road,” Senterfeit said. 

Knesko Gold Repair Collagen Eye Mask

$129 at Amazon View on Knesko.com

I’m a high-maintenance traveler; I’ll admit it. Do I need to wear these 24-karat gold gel under-eye masks on the plane? Well, yes, I do. They work extremely well at minimizing the dark circles that show up underneath my eyes if I don’t get enough sleep. The single-use packets are so easy to travel with, and I always keep a few in my backpack for red-eye flights.  

Loo Drops Peppermint Bergamot

View on Loodrops.com

I fully understand that going to the bathroom is just a part of being a human. But when I travel with my family or significant other (often sharing hotel rooms), it doesn’t hurt to put these drops near the toilet to use before or after using the restroom. They keep the shared space smelling really good. Best of all the bottle is travel-friendly, so why not toss them in to keep things smelling fresh and clean?