Calling all beauty lovers! Welcome to First Class Beauty, an extensive guide to the best travel beauty products to carry on (or check) for your next adventure, tested and beloved by ELLE editors.
Scary movies might not dominate summer screens, but the season brings its own set of dreaded horrors. Picture this: foundation-laden sweat streaming down your cheeks, the uncomfortable rub of chafed thighs during those hot girl walks, or the suffocating air of an overpacked subway where someone clearly missed their deodorant routine—or hasn’t discovered the perfect natural formula yet.
Just as the groundhog’s shadow heralds the coming of spring, you know summer is nearly here when you feel the sudden urge to overhaul your beauty routine and replace your cold-weather staples with multitasking formulas, moisture-binding ingredients, and loads of SPF. With all the Hamptons weekend trips to take, parties to attend, and picnics to host, your travel bag should be stocked with all the necessities needed to make the season your best yet.
To help you navigate the season effortlessly, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of must-have beauty essentials. These ELLE-approved picks highlight the standout releases of the past year, blending luxury and practicality. Skip the tanning salon for an instant bronzing lotion or a radiant SPF formula that gives you a sun-kissed glow, rain or shine. Smooch on a summer fling (or two) with glossy picks from beloved brands. And, of course, we have a bevy of deodorants to keep you fresh and clean to Labor Day and beyond. Ahead of your next OOO adventure, bookmark this page of the best beauty travel essentials of 2024.
MEET THE EDITORS
Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director
“I’m Trinidadian and grew up in Florida, so I’m used to warm weather and enjoy spending time in the sand, sea, and sun. Because of this, I’ve perfected my selection of waterproof, transfer-proof, and sweatproof products. Whether it’s a skin tint for a Paris filter-like finish or sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast, I like products that perform while making me look effortlessly put-together. As I gear up for fun in the sun, these picks have become staples in my carry-on. Keep reading; I’m sure you’ll find your travel companion below.”
Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
“Summer is the season I come alive. I’m miserable in the winter and am typically tucked away, correcting, repairing, and nourishing my skin, so it can shed any dead layers ahead of the warm months. The moment the temperature soars to the 80s or 90s, I’m only focused on wearing less and going out more, which means my legs need to be polished and hair-free, my body needs to be glowing and protected by SPF, and my makeup needs to be sweatproof. If there’s one thing I know how to do best, it’s fake a vacation look with all the bronzing and radiant formulas I keep in my arsenal—and now you can, too.”
Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
“As a summer baby, I’ve truly claimed the season as my own. I thrive on sunny days, whether I’m relaxing on a faraway beach or enjoying a picnic with friends in a local park. But no matter what, sun protection is top of mind; my mainstays include big hats, beach umbrellas, and more SPF-filled tinted moisturizers, lotions, and sprays than one might deem necessary. There’s also nothing like a fresh scent to enhance my warm-weather euphoria. When I smell as good as I feel, I’m ready to take on the world.”
HAIR FORCE ONE
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Edge Cleansing Oil
Now 17% Off
“Baby hairs are not the easiest to master, and excessive manipulation of the edges can cause thinning or breakage. The same way we use a cleansing oil to thoroughly break down all our face products from the day, this one was created specifically to do the same for edges. Following the success of the viral Rosemary Mint Strengthening Oil, this cleansing oil removes old, dried-up edge control, courtesy of rosemary, mint, biotin, and witch hazel, to keep hair refreshed until wash day.”—NP
Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray
“My poor hair has suffered through years of heat styling without protection. It’s so much happier now that I spray it down with this heat protectant before straightening it. I can barely tell that I’ve applied anything, but the spray does soften my strands and prevent frizz—and, of course, supplies protection against up to 450°F. The scent is something to behold, too; I’ve gotten multiple compliments on how my hair smells with this product in it.”—CL
Dae Fairy Duster Volumizing Dry Shampoo Powder
“Dae makes you feel good about what you’re putting into your hair. Whereas some dry shampoos typically come in aerosol spray form, this one is a talc-free powder that sops up oil on the strands and blends into the hair seamlessly, regardless of your hair color, with no residue left behind.”—NP
Color Wow Money Mist Leave-In Conditioner
“Spending hours in the sun and swimming in the salty sea can’t be beat. However, you’ll find that your tresses are often dehydrated and frizzy after your adventures. Enter: The Color Wow Money Mist Leave-In Conditioner. Because it’s so lightweight, it won’t weigh down fine strands like mine; instead, it provides a burst of moisture and protects against heat and UV rays. I even find that the spray helps my natural waves retain their texture and resist frizzing up, and detangling is a breeze when I spritz it on right after a shower.”—CL
Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler Plant Brush
“Let me spill the beans: Tangle Teezer’s latest launch is composed of 85 percent castor beans in an effort to cut down on unsustainable materials. The brush is still just as gentle and deft as the brand’s other offerings, and it has two layers of teeth: a longer one to undo wet tangles and another to smooth the strands. I dread brushing my hair wet, because I can hear the tears as they happen, but I’m never afraid with this one.”—CL
HYDRATION HEROES
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Oil
“Is it your natural Brazilian tan, or did you get some help from Sol de Janeiro’s Rio Radiance Oil? No one will ever know. This body oil contains SPF 50 and gives your skin the gift of glow. It’s going to be my travel companion all summer long.”—DJ
Vacation Orange Gelée SPF 30
“Fans of the original Orange Gelée rejoiced earlier this year when Vacation brought back the classic orange-tinted SPF. Due to its gel-to-oil formula, rich with shea butter and coconut oil, the sunscreen leaves behind a sun-kissed glow without any stickiness or residue. The formula doesn’t smell like sunscreen, either; its scent is a blend of sophisticated notes of bergamot, patchouli, and sandalwood.”—CL
Glossier Invisible Shield
“This chemical sunscreen won’t leave your skin dull, gray, or greasy. I was pleasantly surprised when I applied it to my face and didn’t need to follow up with a primer. This lightweight formula plays so well with my makeup and doesn’t make me break out.”—DJ
Seaweed Bath Co. Hydrating Clear Mineral Lip Shine SPF 20
“If you’re anything like me, you’ll apply sunscreen everywhere before stepping onto the beach and often neglect your lips. Now that I have Seaweed Bath’s lip SPF on hand, I have no excuse; the zinc oxide-powered lip balm feels so moisturizing and comfortable on the lips that it’s never a chore to reapply.”—CL
“Finding a mineral sunscreen that says it works for all and actually does is a tedious process—but that all ends with Live Tinted’s Hueguard. With a slight tint and hydrating ingredients, Hueguard works in three parts: it primes, protects, and moisturizes.”—NP
BASE FACE
Routine Queen
Element Eight O2 Growth Factor Eight Active Cream
“This cream is the result of over a decade of research and development, bringing science to your skin. The formula includes bio-placenta growth factors and lab-grown peptides that mimic human growth factors to rebuild collagen and reverse visible signs of aging. It has a yellow tint, but rest assured, it hasn’t gone bad. It gets its hue from the nutrient-rich blend, which includes sea buckthorn oil, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and a peptide complex. I highly recommend incorporating the O2 Niacinamide Eight Active Serum and O2 Caffeine Eight Active Eye Cream alongside this product for a simple but effective skin care routine. It’s been a game changer for my skin.”—DJ
La Mer Deep Purifying Mask
“La Mer’s Purifying Mask serves one purpose: ridding your skin of the deep-seated dirt and debris that could wreak havoc come morning. Formulated with La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth—a mélange of vitamins, sea kelp, minerals, and more—and a clarifying ferment made of antioxidants and enzymes, your skin will appear clearer and pores more refined.”—NP
“We’re told to eat our vegetables, but don’t forget about the powers of fruits as well. In this formula, pineapple stars as the potent enzyme working to slough away dead skin while polyglutamic acid, a humectant, restores moisture. Even pitted against a full-glam face, Rhode’s pineapple cleanser can take on the challenge—and succeed—in just one wash.”—NP
Byroe Pro-Berry Pore Refining Toner
“Although every day doesn’t require a double cleanse, I turn to this superfood toner when I want to ensure my skin is free of leftover makeup and environmental impurities. The two-in-one formula also exfoliates and nourishes, and it’s packed with antioxidants from the fermented berries.”—DJ
Medik8 Super C Ferulic Serum
“We all love the warmth of the sun’s rays, but they can be responsible for some of the most visible signs of aging. Medik8’s potent vitamin C serum contains a powerful and stabilized form of the antioxidant, along with ferulic acid, which work to brighten skin as well as diminish and prevent dark spots and wrinkles.”—CL
Face Value
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
“I come from a Caribbean family and spend a lot of time at the beach and on boats. EltaMD UV Clear 46 is a mainstay in my morning rotation, so I was elated when the brand released a tinted version. It blends seamlessly into my skin, resulting in an even tone that’s protected from the sun.”—DJ
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Huez
“A true bad gal doesn’t have to forgo her flawless makeup look for sun protection. Marrying skin-soothing ingredients with the superb finish of its skin tints, Fenty Skin’s Hydra Vizor Huez matches your complexion, smooths skin, and imparts a sheer-yet-buildable coverage that makes you forget you’re wearing sunscreen.”—NP
“I tend to shy away from liquid bronzers, because they leave my skin looking muddy, instead of adding warmth and a sun-kissed glow. Not this one—Saie’s bronzer is perfect for beginners as it blends easily and provides a dewy finish. Start with a few dots, because it’s highly pigmented.”—DJ
Make Up For Ever HD Skin Face Essentials
“The trick to mastering vacation makeup isn’t a skin tint or mattifying setting spray. While both are important, an all-encompassing face palette in a bi-fold case is the true must-have. Compact and lightweight, this product features six shades for easily customizable concealer, foundation, or even contour. Housed on the opposite side are blush shades to make your makeup work for you, not the other way around.”—NP
Olaplex Browbond Building Serum Eyebrow Enhancer
“Olaplex has been keeping our hair healthy for years, and it’s finally designed a product to boost our brows. Not only does this serum promote new growth and definition, it also works as a brow gel to keep those little hairs in place—perfect for no-makeup-makeup days. You’ll notice that your eyebrows feel softer over time.”—CL
Sun-Kissed
