(via iStock)
The thought of wandering in a far away yet ferociously photogenic country for a week stresses us out. Seven days means seven different outfits, and, uh, how many pairs of shoes? Try making room for your makeup and hair essentials, and you’re asking for an overcharge fee. If you’re in peril of overpacking, stay calm and carry on (some TSA-approved goodies). We’ve curated a collection of compact travel beauty items you need to pack on vacation for a lighter bag, and a lovelier bon voyage. Keep reading to see our list of must-haves now.
1. NON-HOTEL SHAMPOO
Not to sound like shampoo snobs, but we’re not down with suds unless they’re sulfate-free. Bumble and bumble’s Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil travel-size shampoo ($12) is free of icky ingredients, and full of softening oils that cater to dry, coarse hair of all hair types.
(via Sephora)
2. A TAKE-ANYWHERE BRUSH
Round brush, paddle brush, teasing comb—without the right tools, some looks just won’t work. But when packing comes to shove, those poolside-perfect pumps that’d make your IG picture everything deserve a spot in your luggage more than your arsenal of brushes. Leave the brushes home and keep your load light with Tangle Teezer’s Detangling Hairbrush ($15).
(via Sephora)
3. SILK PILLOWCASE
A seemingly unaffordable travel beauty item, the luxe-looking silk pillowcase actually won’t break the bank (just one of the reasons why you should switch). Instead, it’ll boost your skin’s anti-aging defense, and prevent bedhead so you can wake up like this and get the most out of your getaway. Order the Spa Silk Facial Beauty Pillowcase ($20) on Amazon Prime and use it at home and abroad.
(via Amazon)
4. DIRTY HAIR HERO
Washing your hair can so wait for parasailing in Bali or bicycling around Paris. Take OUAI’s Dry Shampoo Foam for the faraway ride—its diatomaceous earth formula removes dirt and adds volume, so there’s more time to play.
5. COMFY HAIR TIES
Hair tie indents? Hell no. For whatever fun you get into on your getaway, put your hair up in peace. Inivisibobble’s Traceless Hair Rings ($8) take up zilch space in your beauty bag, and eliminate the strain of a traditional hair tie.
(via Sephora)
6. SUN-PROOF HAIRSPRAY
Your beachside breakfast croissant should be flaky—not your hair. We’re major fans of Serge Normant Meta Luxe Hairspray ($12) not only for its weightless hold, but also its sun-blocking abilities for a perfect post-beach mane.
(via Nordstrom)
7. COCONUT OIL (FOR EVERYTHING)
Hair mask, body oil, teeth whitener—coconut oil is our travel beauty hero. Sustainably sourced and made from 100% organic virgin coconuts, Kopari Coconut Melt is the ultimate vacay timesaver.
(via Sephora)
8. SHOWER CAP
When you don’t have time to lather before a sunset dinner, hotel shower caps get the job done, but for a frizzy fee. Slip Drybar’s Morning After Shower Cap ($16) into your bag. The cap is lined with terry cloth to prevent shower steam from stirring up a frizz frenzy.
(via Drybar)
9. THE PERFECT PIN
(via Chloe+Isabel)
Phone off, vacay on means faking fab hair in a flash. Use the turquoise fan pin ($38) from Jen Atkin’s Chloe and Isabel collection to spruce up a romantic bun or low ponytail.
Going tropical? Hit humid with these 7 frizz-fighting products.
