The Beauty Junkie's Guide to Packing for Vacation

My kids don’t even know how lucky they are to have grandparents who live in France. We make a pilgrimage to see them every summer, reuniting in Bandol, France for some Mediterranean sea, sun, and fun. It’s the most cherished family vacation of the year.

But trying to get everyone packed days before departing is seriously stressful. And who’s last on the list to get everything together? You got it. Me. Hence, rounding up all my skin care, makeup, and hair necessities usually falls at the very end of my to-do list. In the past, this task has been extremely frustrating because all of my can’t-live-without products would bulk up into a huge bulging bundle that never fit in my suitcase, causing even more last-minute stress.

Now, I’ve wised up with these travel-friendly must-haves, tips, and tricks for beauty junkie moms like me. I bring 8 things with me on vacation that keep my beauty routine on track—without requiring an entire carry-on of their own.

Find out exactly what they are in the slideshow.

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The Beauty Junkie's Guide to Packing for Vacation

A Travel-Friendly Cleansing System

Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush, $89.50.

I love using a sonic cleansing brush, especially when I'm traveling because it helps remove all that sunscreen and travel grime. I find Clinique's cleansing brush to be the most travel friendly. It's lightweight, sleek, and slender, and if you charge it fully before you leave, you won't have to pack the charger. I've gone a full month without having to charge mine. I also like that the bristles are anti-microbial.
The Best Cosmetic Bag on the Market

Sonia Kashuk Travel Beauty Bags, $10 to $30.

Sonia Kashuk hands down makes the best cosmetic bags, whether you prefer a valet that can hang on the back of the bathroom door or a classic train case, like the one above. They are easy to wash out when things leak and always have great compartments and detachable pockets to keep all your beauty stuff organized.
Multi-Tasking Facial Oil

L'Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Facial Oil Light, $25.

You should always pack a facial oil because it is such a great multi-tasker. I'll use mine every morning and night (I find my skin needs even more moisture when I travel), on the airplane (which is extremely dehydrating), or when I want to go makeup free and just have a beachy glow. I'll also use it to fix scraggly cuticles or any other dry patches. A little rubbed on top of a worn pedicure can make it look shinier.
A Travel Razor

Gillette Venus Snap Travel Razor, $13.

This is the most genius travel razor ever. Why didn't they think of this sooner? Instead of having to suffer with one of those skinny, stiff travel razors, I prefer this one, which offers the comfort of a full sized five-blade razor (with a moisturizing strip!) with a stubby little handle that is extremely easy to hold, yet saves a lot of space in your travel tote. (PS: If you forgot shaving cream, you can use body lotion or hair conditioner instead.)
Good Quality Hair Washes

Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Color and Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse Travel Size, $14 to $22.

Do not skimp on your hair products! It is hard enough to do your hair in the comfort of your own home, let alone in an unfamiliar bathroom with a questionable blow dryer. If you have color treated hair or a Brazilian blowout that requires sulfate-free formulas (I have both), it's even more important to travel with reliable, amazing products that you know make your hair look its best. For me, that's everything Oribe.
Eye Rehab for Post Long-Haul Flights

Talika Eye Therapy Patch, $59.

After a long airplane flight or road trip (or after a late date night under the stars!), you'll want these eye patches. They are the equivalent to power napping for tired eyes. Try to leave them on for a full thirty minutes, and you'll notice fewer wrinkles, less puffiness, and diminished dark circles.
Travel Makeup Kit

Stowaway Cosmetics The Stowaway Kit, $75.

This new line of makeup is designed specifically for travel, so all items are pint sized and under the three-ounce rule. I particularly love the cream blush, mini mascara, and BB cream. You can even build your own kit!
A Couple Seasonal Colors

Guerlain Summer Shadow in Blue Ocean, $32.

Along with your makeup basics, it's fun to throw in one fun seasonal color. This summer, I love this Guerlain cream shadow. It's extremely easy to apply and doesn't crease. The blue green shadow goes on sheer, so you just get a hint of color.