The Ultimate Vacay Packing List

Everything you need when it comes to Beauty

Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash

Planning a vacation is always exciting, but when it comes to packing, things can get a little stressful—especially when it comes to your beauty routine. You want to look your best while traveling, but you also don’t want to overpack or forget any essentials. Whether you're heading to a tropical beach or exploring a new city, I’ve got you covered with the ultimate beauty vacation packing list…trust me, I have plenty of experience with this!

1. Skincare Essentials

Taking care of your skin is a must, no matter where you are. You also need to remember that your skin can change when traveling to different climates and the travel in itself can cause the change, so you need to be prepared for anything! Here’s what you shouldn’t leave home without:

- Cleanser: A travel-sized cleanser that suits your skin type is a non-negotiable. Opt for a gentle formula to keep your skin balanced.

- Moisturizer: Pack a lightweight yet hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin plump and glowing.

- SPF: Sunscreen is a must, especially if you’re headed somewhere sunny. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that doubles as a moisturizer.

- Serum: A hydrating or brightening serum can help keep your skin radiant, especially after long flights or sun exposure.

- Eye Cream: Keep those under-eyes looking fresh with a travel-sized eye cream. A formula with caffeine is great for reducing puffiness.

- Face Mist: A hydrating face mist is perfect for refreshing your skin throughout the day.

- Face Mask: Consider individually packed face masks for ease of packing and also make sure it’s something hydrating.

2. Makeup Must-Haves

While you might want to keep your makeup routine simple on vacation, there are a few essentials that can take you from day to night effortlessly:

- BB Cream or Tinted Moisturizer: Light coverage with added skincare benefits is perfect for vacation. A BB cream or tinted moisturizer with SPF can streamline your routine.

- Primer: Depending on the weather, you may need something to help smooth your skin before makeup or just generally help to keep it on longer.

- Concealer: A multi-use concealer can be your best friend for covering dark circles, blemishes, and redness.

- Mascara: A waterproof mascara is ideal for vacations, especially if you’ll be swimming or sweating.

- Eyebrow Pencil/Gel: Keep your brows in check with a dual-ended brow pencil or a tinted gel.

- Lip and Cheek Tint: A versatile lip and cheek tint can save space in your makeup bag while adding a pop of color.

- Eyeshadow: Opt for cream eyeshadows to avoid powder shadows breaking in your luggage.

- Setting Spray: A travel-sized setting spray will help keep your makeup in place all day and night. I love doing a little vacay shopping in the miniature isle of Sephora or Ulta. It’s perfect for travel size makeup.

3. Haircare

Your hair deserves just as much attention as your skin. Here’s what to pack to keep your hair looking good:

- Shampoo and Conditioner: Travel-sized bottles of your favorite shampoo and conditioner are essential. If I’ve ever forgotten these, I nearly always regret it immediately when I use the hotel shampoo and conditioner!

- Leave-In Conditioner or Hair Oil: A nourishing leave-in conditioner or hair oil can help keep your hair hydrated and frizz-free, especially in humid climates.

- Dry Shampoo: Perfect for extending the time between washes and adding volume to your hair.

- Hairbrush or Comb: A compact hairbrush or wide-tooth comb is a must for keeping your hair tangle-free.

- Hair Ties and Clips: Don’t forget a few hair ties and clips to keep your hair up and out of your face during vacay activities.

4. Beauty Tools

Don’t forget the tools that make all the difference in your beauty routine:

- Makeup Brushes: Pack a few essential brushes for applying your makeup. Consider multi-purpose brushes to save space.

- Tweezers: A good pair of tweezers is essential for keeping your brows in shape and dealing with any stray hairs.

- Nail File: A small nail file can be a lifesaver for fixing any nail emergencies.

- Travel Mirror: A compact mirror is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.

5. Extras

A few additional items can make your vacation beauty routine even smoother:

- Perfume: Pack a travel-sized perfume or a few fragrance samples to keep smelling good.

- Makeup Remover Wipes: These are perfect for quick makeup removal when you’re too tired for your full skincare routine, but always wash after! Don’t rely on your wipes as a cleanser!

- Travel-Sized Containers: Decant your favorite products into travel-sized containers to save space and comply with airport security regulations.