I love taking a trip. I like the ride to the airport (the anticipation!) and even the plane ride itself. It’s the perfect time to read a book and apply my carry-on beauty products (who doesn’t love an in-flight routine?), which I painstakingly fit into a clear, TSA-approved bag.
In my humble opinion, the most important part of packing is the carry-on. Lost and missing suitcases happen, so I know these mini skincare and makeup products will be by my side no matter what travel mishaps happen. Even more so, they’re what I’ll have to reach for mid-flight when my lips are chapped, my skin is thirsty, or when I get to the end of my long-haul flight.
Ahead, the 20 beauty products so indispensable that I always make room for them in my carry-on bag. TSA, this is a warning: If you throw any of these away I will cry.
The Skincare Products in My Carry-On
It’s not crazy that my skin is a big concern while traveling—the air that circulates on aircrafts is dry and not at all kind to your complexion. Thus, I make it a point to take very good care before, during, and after my time in the air. If you’re someone who likes an in-air face mask, I salute you. If not, I hope you’ll at least choose to moisturize before finding your seat.
Forget my carry-on—this baby belongs in my sweatshirt pocket. It needs to be as close as possible. Marie Claire‘s choice for the best lip balm, Sonsie’s perfect Basic Balm is exactly what your lips are looking for on those dry, dry planes. It has the added benefit of a bit of shine that makes you look alive. On my last trip, I lost mine in the airport alongside my water bottle—guess which one I missed more?
Pros: Extremely hydrating; Great for all climates; Works like a balm but looks like a gloss
Cons: None found
Dieux Air Angel Collagen & Peptide Hydrating Gel Cream
Air angel in the air! Even when wearing a heavy moisturizer sounds disgusting, this velvety, jelly-textured moisturizer by Dieux helps me keep my hydration levels up, cocooning my skin “with cloud-like, breathable moisture.” I also love that the full-size bottle is airplane-appropriate—there’s no need to buy a separate product.
Pros: Lightweight; Hydrating; Keeps your skin barrier feeling supple
Cons: None found
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
When Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask launched in 2018, it immediately became a flying good luck charm. It imparts so much hydration with star ingredients, such as hyaluronic and niacinamide. I can put this on at the beginning of a flight and feel confident that the dry air won’t hurt me. While instructions say to keep this on for 10 minutes, you can absolutely use it as a regular moisturizer—it’s a thicker alternative to Dieux, and I’ll always keep both on me.
Pros: Editor-approved; Hydrating
Cons: None found
fresh Mini Soy pH-Balanced Hydrating Face Wash
While I like to switch up cleansers (my recent favorite is from Rhode), I’m a longtime fan of Fresh’s lovely soy option—celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes is also all about it. It’s easy travel-size option means I’ll pick it up time and time again for a trip. Extremely gentle and great for all skin types, I can count on this cleanser to make me feel clean no matter what airport hell I’ve been through. It’s also pretty hydrating, which I’ll reiterate is a must after flying.
Pros: Expert-approved, Mini size is easy to transport
Cons: None found
Tata Harper Clarifying Pore & Oil Control Cleanser with BHA & AHA for Redness
Two cleansers? Yup. Face washing is one of my favorite hobbies, and I never know what my skin will desire in any given moment. Powered by AHAs and BHAs, this clarifying option from Tata Harper was named Marie Claire‘s favorite salicylic acid cleanser for oil control and is my go-to when my skin is feeling a little funky (from an overload of vacay treats, perhaps?). It’s super refreshing scent also helps wake me up if I’m feeling jet-lagged and need to get a move on.
Pros: Editor-approved; Balances oil; Helps with redness; Leaves skin with a matte finish
Cons: Even the smaller size is a bit pricey
Joanna Vargas Glow to Go Mask Set
I have so much respect for people who use sheet masks mid-flight; it’s a power move. While I’ve only ever done it on overseas adventures, and only with eye masks, I plan on joining the full face ranks on my next trip—there’s really no better place to pop one on. This multipack from celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas features five concentrated and biodegradable sheet masks that can handle your skin’s every need. With all these options, you could do a whole facial in the air if you really wanted to.
Pros: Variety pack; Easy to use; Easy to pack
Cons: Face mask application must be timed right with flight attendant trash collection
Revision Skincare® Intellishade Original
While there are conflicting opinions on whether you can get sunburnt on a plane (some say the windows are two thick to let UV rays in), I operate on the assumption that SPF is important all day, every day—even if you’re in the air. My current favorite sunscreen is this option from medical-grade brand Revision Skincare. It’s also tinted, so I can pretend to be a makeup minimalist and leave my other face products at home.
Pros: Mattifying; Great for acne-prone skin
Cons: Expensive
Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator
Unless I’m absolutely exhausted, my favorite thing to do after I reach my destination is apply this Josh Rosebrook face mask—one of my all-time most beloved beauty products. A chemical and physical exfoliator with potent enzymes, acids, and finely ground, round walnut shells, it works to clear, soften, and renew skin so you feel perfectly fresh for your upcoming adventures.
Pros: Leave it on as long as you like; Softens; Helps restore moisture
Cons: Not appropriate for in-flight application
The Makeup Products in My Carry-On
While my makeup drawer at home is crammed at best, something about a trip makes me feel like a minimalist. Sure, I might throw an eyeshadow palette in my actual suitcase, but my carry-on holds just the products I’ll want when I land and need to brighten up before my next destination.
Something about this Natalie Portman-loved lip oil makes me feel so put together—which is exactly how I want to feel after I’ve landed somewhere new and know absolutely nothing about my next move. I’m partial to the Rosewood color, but you can’t go wrong with any of the options. It’ll hydrate your lips and match that one going out top you packed perfectly.
Pros: Hydrating; Lovely packaging
Cons: Expensive
Another instant pick-me-up? A little flush and a bit of glow—Jones Road can give you both. Miracle Balm, which brand founder Bobbi Brown (yes, that Bobbi Brown) designed as “the secret of no-makeup makeup” offers a wash of soft-focus moisture to perfect and enhance skin while also supplying a nice touch of color. If I don’t have much room in my bag, this becomes my blush, highlighter, and lip color all in one.
Pros: Multipurpose; Fun shade options
Cons: Some customers find the texture too oily
Sisley Paris Mascara So Intense Fortifying Volumizing Mascara
If I had to pick just one makeup product to bring along on a trip, it would be a quality mascara. Sisley Paris’s options are all good, but I’m especially into their So Intense Fortifying Volumizing Mascara in the shade Deep Brown—it imparts volume and length, so I don’t have to choose just one adjective for strangers I meet to remember my lashes by.
Pros: Lengthening; Volumizing; Great brush
Cons: Expensive
The Other Beauty Products in My Carry-On
While I can live without my microfiber hair towel for a weekend (barely), the following tools are absolutely necessities.
SLIP Silk Jet Setter Travel Pillow
Beauty sleep is a real thing; studies have shown that people who don’t get enough shuteye appear less healthy and less attractive. While I’m a pro at passing out on a plane no matter what, it’s all the better to have a pillow along for the ride—especially a silk pillow. Slip’s option—which features a removable pillowcase and carrying bag—is the go-to.
Pros: Comfortable; Removable pillowcase
Cons: Expensive
Dr. Bronner’s Almond – Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
If you’ve ever taken the time to read this iconic bottle, you know that Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap can be used for absolutely anything. The exact soap I use at home, I like to have a mini around for any just-in-case incidents. Use it as shampoo, body wash, and face wash, or dab a little on a stain before making it to the washing machine.
Pros: Multiple uses; Affordable; Smells lovely
Cons: Make sure it’s closed and secure before flying—a mess would be a big bummer
Olive & June The Super-Stick Mani
Opening a smelly nail polish and trying to do your nails on a tray table with the threat of potential turbulence is a bad move. Grabbing a press-on nail kit and quietly, easily applying a perfect mani mid-air is a good one. Since they launched in October 2023, Olive & June’s tab-based Super Stick Manis have been an absolute godsend. If you don’t have time to get a manicure before traveling, don’t fret: these fake nails will look good and stay on as long as necessary.
Pros: Easy to apply; Affordable
Cons: Sometimes they stick too well and need a little elbow grease for removal
Boiron Homeoplasmine (2-Pack)
I could talk about Homeoplasmine forever, but I’ll let actress Jodie Comer, who raved about the French product while talking to Marie Claire in 2021, do the honors. “It’s basically like a Vaseline-y kind of balm that you can put on any part of your skin when it’s dry. I get quite bad dry elbows so I’ll put it there, or you can put it on your lips, or you could put it on your eyelids as a kind of glossy eye that isn’t tacky,” she shared. Planes are dry, and this little tube is here to save you.
Pros: Multipurpose
Cons: Can be hard to find
Oribe Mini Gold Lust Dry Shampoo
Long layover with no opportunity for a shower? No problem. Oribe’s Gold Lust Dry Shampoo is Marie Claire editors’ pick for the best luxury dry perfume and it comes in a mini size for all your travel needs. Beauty Editor Samantha Holender has even said that when she wears this she skips perfume—it smells so good that you won’t miss the soap suds…too much.
Pros: Long-lasting scent, Protects hair from UV damage
Cons: A mini doesn’t last as long as you’d like it to
D.S. & Durga Big City Jams Eau de Parfum Set
I’m a big believer in scent memory and you should be too—it’s science. Thus, one of my favorite travel traditions is picking a scent for that trip and only that trip. That way, whenever I smell it again, I’ll be transported to a special place. This travel kit by D.S. & Durga offers the perfect opportunity to find a unique and fitting scent for your trip. A bonus? Many of the scents, like the Odessa-inspired Coriander, already have an assigned destination.
Pros: Easy to transport; Multiple options to suit your mood
Cons: Expensive
Why does travel make you feel so gross, even if all you’re doing is sitting around? I don’t have an answer—but I do know I’ll never take a flight without easily accessible deodorant. Ringing up nicely under the TSA’s 3.4oz liquid/gel limit (pro tip: most deodorants do, so there’s no need to buy an extra little mini), this option from Corpus smells nice and keeps any and all ickiness at bay.
Pros: Free of synthetic fragrances; Won’t stain clothes
Cons: None found
Cocofloss Woven Dental Floss
Don’t worry, I’m not going to floss in my seat—but I might run to the bathroom at some point (maybe post almond snack?) for a touch up. The importance of flossing has been explained to us time and time again, but Cocofloss is the only product that ever made me want to complete the act for a reason other than not having to lie to the dentist. It makes my teeth feel so clean.
Pros: Easy to pack
Cons: None found
William Morris Forest Bathing Wash Bag
Behold: The Mary Poppins-esque bag that holds all of the above essentials. While any old dopp kit or cosmetics bag will do, I like that this one (in a gorgeous William Morris pattern) is easy to wipe out. It’s also the perfect size to hold all your favorites and the beauty treats you find while on vacation while not taking up all the precious room in your carry-on.
Pros: Easy to clean; Nice size
Cons: None found
What Makes a Good Carry-On Beauty Product?
Besides fitting under the 3.4 oz size limit, your carry-on products are your desert island choices. Seriously, in the very small chance that you crash land on an island, you’ll have these babies by your side.
This is exactly how I feel when I get on a plane with my beauty products nicely packed in my carry on—even if (when) I’m sitting in the last row of coach.
(Image credit: @kimkardashian on Instagram)
How to Find New Beauty Favorites
Another of my favorite beauty habits while traveling is picking up new products—there’s no better place for a souvenir than the local grocery store cosmetics aisle. That said, make sure you leave a little room in your carry-on for your departing flight. You’ll find something to fill it with on the way back.
