When you’re traveling, bringing your full beauty arsenal of is often not an option. But not looking your best? Also not an option. We love packing our carry-ons with multi-purpose products that give us bang for our spatial buck. Here are nine of our all-time favorites.
1. Coconut Oil
“The hippie/minimalist in me loves straight-up coconut oil. It does quadruple duty as a body and face moisturizer, lip balm, shaving cream, and frizz-ease—and, bonus, my friends tell me I smell like a cookie on holiday. Even better? It’s drip-proof and TSA-friendly. And, hey, it’s Elle-approved!”—Aislyn Greene, associate director, podcasts
Buy now: Spectrum Organics coconut oil, $10; amazon.com
2. Danessa Myricks’s Colorfix Mattes
“When I travel, I usually don’t have the time or energy to pack all of my beauty products. But Danessa Myricks’s Colorfix Mattes makes sure that I have a full face of makeup on every day that I’m away. These multipurpose creams can be used as an eye shadow, lipstick, lip liner, and blush all at once. The colors are buildable and versatile, so you can do an entire face with just one shade. But the best part about these products is the fact that their long-lasting formula can stay on my face for up to 24 hours, ensuring that I don’t have to stop my day for any touch-ups.” —Cat Sposato, editorial assistant
Buy now: Danessa Myricks’s Colorfix Mattes, $20; Danessamyricksbeauty.com
3. Argan Oil
“Argan oil is great for everything from rough winter skin (I use it at night and also in the morning before moisturizer—it makes you dewy, not oily, promise) and frizzy hair to bug bites. But the bottle tends to leak terribly, so do yourself a favor and transfer it to a travel vessel of some kind.” —Lily Soysal, Afar contributor
Buy now: Josie Maran Pure Argan Oil, $39; sephora.com
4. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps
“Kiehl’s Crème de Corps is my most coveted product. I use it on both body and face. It’s made to let you dress seconds after you apply it to your skin, making it great for travel. (I’m always out the door on trips and try to spend as little time in my hotel room as possible!) My favorite thing about it: It’s my ultimate secret weapon for keeping my tan after a quality beach stint. It’s so effective, when I apply 1+ times a day, I’m a deep tan for weeks.”—Juliette San Fillipo, Afar contributor
Buy now: Kiehl’s Crème de Corps, $25; kiehls.com
5. Nars Copacabana Multi-stick
“I can’t go anywhere without my Nars Copacabana multi-stick—I use it on my eyes, cheeks, lips, and collarbone, and sometimes even on my shins for that Kate Middleton look. That plus tinted moisturizer and mascara, and I’m good.” —Danielle Walsh, Afar contributor
Buy now: Nars the Multiple in Copacabana, $39; NARS.com
6. Pawpaw ointment
“I picked this amazing product up when I was living in Australia—and it’s definitely one of Aussies’ favorite beauty products—called pawpaw ointment. It’s made out of papaya, and it’s mostly used for lip balm. But it can also be used to soothe burns, bruises, cuts, insect bites, heat rash, diaper rash, sunburns, cracked cuticles, and all sorts skin issues. It’s really handy to have when traveling, especially if you’re outdoors. You can even use it as a makeup base so that your eyeshadow stays on longer!” —Denise Hoo, Afar contributor
Buy now: Lucas’s Pawpaw Ointment, $9; amazon.com
7. Kinfield Sunglow SPF 35
“I’m all about a simplified beauty routine whether I’m traveling or not, and this awesome product by Kinfield is a multi-hyphenate that goes the distance as a foundation, SPF 35 sunscreen, and moisturizer. It certainly lives up to its name, giving my skin a lovely luminous sheen without being too shimmery. It also scores big points for being 100 percent mineral, which means it won’t harm coral reefs, and its two-ounce weight makes this all-around winner a must-have for my carry-on toiletry bag.” –Blane Bachelor, Afar contributor
Buy now: Kinfield Sunglow SPF 35, $28; kinfield.com
8. Pond’s Cold Cream
“Ponds Cold Cream tops my list of travel must haves thanks to its versatility. I use it for everything: face wash, makeup remover, shaving cream, and even as a substitute for moisturizer on short trips (much to my dermatologist’s chagrin). It’s simple, easy, and affordable.” — Alex Battaglia, sales coordinator
Buy now: Pond’s Cold Cream, $6; ponds.com
9. Dieux’s Instant Angel Moisturizer
“As a person with dry skin, travel can be my face’s worst enemy. The low humidity of airplane cabins and drier climates in general often leave my skin looking dull and feeling flaky. Dieux’s Instant Angel Moisturizer is my personal holy grail for combating dry patches on my face. The rich formula leaves my skin looking silky-smooth and feeling like an absolute dream. More importantly, I can slather a generous amount on my face and not get any tackiness or stickiness that I usually feel when applying rich creams, so I’m never afraid to apply as much as I need. It’s also multi-purposeful: In especially dry climates, I’ll apply a little to my hands and get rid of any cracked skin on my knuckles within one or two applications.” —CS
Buy now: Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer, $45; dieuxskin.com
This story was originally published in February 2015 and has been updated to include current information.
