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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.
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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
Rosemary Mint Scalp & Edge Cleansing Oil
“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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Hueguard
“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
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
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
Pineapple Refresh
“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
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
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
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
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
Dew Bronze
“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
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
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
Soft Shape Waterproof Lip Liner
“This waterproof lip liner won’t budge once you apply it. There are five flexible shades to choose from; my go-to is Café Touba, a hickory brown that gives me a natural, effortless look when paired with my favorite lip treatment oil.”—DJ
Extra Plump Hydrating Lip Serum
“A vacation is the perfect time to change up your look with a bold lip color or two. The new shades of Bobbi Brown’s Extra Plump Lip Serum include a juicy raspberry, a bright red, and other eye-catching hues. However, there are plenty of softer ones if you’d like to stick to those. Plus, the botanical oil-rich serum is so transparent and forgiving that I reapply it throughout the day sans mirror.”—CL
SOS LipSoftie Hydrating Lip Treatment Balm
“I can’t stand lip balms that feel thick and goopy. I want the formula to sink into my skin and moisturize it, but I don’t want the balm to suffocate my lips. Tower 28’s SOS LipSoftie fits the bill with its non-sticky formula and an ultra-hydrating blend of jojoba oil, lysine, and shea butter. The product gets bonus points for the round applicator, which makes it fun and easy to apply.”—CL
Kiss Kiss Bee Glow Lip Oil
“This lip oil has earned a permanent spot in my everyday tote bag, because it feels so nourishing on my lips. With 92 percent natural origin ingredients, this skin care-makeup hybrid coats my lips with a beautiful, soft tint and leaves them moisturized with a subtle sheen. Plus, it’s not sticky like other lip oils—another reason why I always keep it around.”—DJ
Slim Lip Color
“You know what pairs well with a tequila-soaked mojito? A soft kiss of color on the rim from your new favorite lipstick. The Slim Lip Color Shine coats your lips with an emollient-rich wash of color that’s pigmented with just one swipe.”—NP
Sweatproof
Face Bond Self Setting Waterproof Foundation
“I love nature and spend a lot of time outside in the summer. But when temperatures turn hot and humid, it can be disastrous for your makeup. When I don’t want to risk my foundation sliding off, I’ll opt for this formula for photo-ready skin. It’s buildable but dries quickly, so make sure your skin is hydrated, and apply it intentionally with a beauty blender—otherwise, your makeup might look splotchy.”—DJ
Dew La La All-Over Glow Liquid Highlighter
“Lately, I’ve been wearing this highlighter under my skin tint to give my face a subtle glow. It has skin-loving ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which immediately hydrate your skin and brighten it over time.”—DJ
Guideline Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
“Shaky, unsteady hands have found their reprieve. Formulated with champions in mind, this eyeliner from Serena Williams is a summertime dream. Draw your wings without fear of the color fading or migrating. Even better, the quick-drying formula and matte finish allow you to step out in the sun, ready to conquer whatever curveballs are thrown your way.”—NP
Groundwork: Blooming Romance Palette
“The rose-colored palette is perfect for everything—literally! I use it as eyeshadow, blush, lip liner, and lipstick. It’s nice to have one palette that can do it all. It’s a permanent staple for me while traveling.”—DJ
On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
“This setting spray went viral for a reason. Spray this fine mist across your face to keep your makeup in place, no matter what’s going on. My glam always stays fresh on hot days.”—DJ
BODY BUILDERS
In-Flight Facial
Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches
“Botox isn’t for everyone—and by everyone, I mean me. I’m not quite ready for injections, but I do want to minimize and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Each of these treatment sets contains semi-circle patches to target crow’s feet, strips for your forehead expressions, and a patch for frown lines. The blend of retinol, vitamin C, and a peptide complex keeps my skin smooth and bright.”—DJ
Dark Spot Vanish Patch
“Have you ever finished shaving only to discover spots of hyperpigmentation left behind from body acne and pesky ingrown hairs? The Fur Dark Spot Vanish Patch is dotted with microdarts full of brightening ingredients, like niacinamide and tranexamic acid, to banish those dark spots for good. It takes at least six hours for the microdarts to dissolve, so the patches are perfect for leaving on during an international or cross-country flight.”—CL
Soothing Steam Eye Mask
“Can’t go to the spa? Try one of these eye masks, and the spa will come to you. The self-warming mask comes with hooks for your ears, so you can sit back and relax. The packaging says it steams, and while I didn’t experience that, it still had a calming effect.”—DJ
Gold Repair Hand Mask
“No need to run from aging, but there are a bevy of products available to delay those early signs, including these golden collagen-boosting and elasticity-restoring hand masks. The serum is comprised of hyaluronic acid, peptides, and more to keep your hands soft, youthful, and bright.”—NP
The PLASMA Lip Compound
“This isn’t your everyday lip gloss. This formula plumps and hydrates, instantly minimizing fine lines, and leaves my lips super soft. It comes in 14 different shades, my favorite being Shanghai, a vibrant red.”—DJ
Stay Fresh
The Deodorant Balm
“While natural deodorants are arguably better for you, many fall short of staving off body odor. AKT is the only natural deodorant that lasted through my Saturday morning Orangetheory workout, followed by a day of errands. My favorite of the scents is Orange Grove, which reminds me of Fruit Loops. If its efficacy doesn’t impress you, its presentation sure will. Packaged in a tube, you can squeeze it onto your fingers or apply it with AKT’s gold applicator for a luxurious experience. Pro tip: Purchase the golden key to roll down the tube, and squeeze out every last drop.”—DJ
Moisturizing Antiperspirant Deodorant
“Shea Moisture is one of my go-to hair brands, so I was excited when it expanded into deodorant. The Even Tone formula contains vitamin C and niacinamide and will have your armpits summer-ready in no time.”—DJ
Whole Body Deo
“I gave this to a friend who doesn’t need to do much to start sweating, often leaving her with wet marks under her arms, on her lower back, and even on her intimate areas. This deodorant was the solution to years of embarrassment, and now she’s ready for summer.”—DJ
Santal Bloom Skincare Deodorant
“There’s nothing unsexy about deodorant, especially with Santal Bloom in your arsenal. A proven ally, even in the most stifling heat, your pits have never been treated better. Salicylic acid eradicates odor and keeps the pits clear of hyperpigmentation or painful ingrown hairs with a long-lasting formula that’s perfect for every lifestyle.”—NP
Wake the F*ck Up Deodorant
“By Rosie Jane champions the idea that a well-rounded olfactory experience doesn’t start and end with perfume. Outside of its eau de parfums, it offers natural deodorants that are all aluminum-free with a pleasant smell to match. Each spray kills odor-causing bacteria via a blend of aloe vera, glycerin, and sugar cane alcohol.”—NP
