Travel-sized skincare too good to leave at home

The carry-on skin saviours

Flying can really dehydrate the skin. The recirculated, filtered air on an aeroplane is exceptionally dry – with humidity levels of just 10%-20% humidity compared to what we’re used to here in the UK, around 80% humidity. As we become dehydrated in flight, the water leaves our skin causing it to become tight and uncomfortable. Staying hydrated in the sky will help keep your skin looking and feeling its best once you land. We recommend spritzing the skin with an alcohol-free face mist. Bubble’s Bounce Back Balancing Toner Mist (Boots) is hydrating, refreshing and helps keep oiliness in check.

If you’re flying long haul, think about topping up moisture with a small but deeply hydrating moisturiser. The active ingredient Hyaluronic Acid will be your friend here – so try The Ordinary’s hydrating moisturiser (Next) in handy 30ml hand luggage size. Chances are, you’ll also want to top up your deodorant in the air. Especially if you’re travelling with (and carrying!) small children or lots of luggage. Wild’s natural deodorant is undoubtedly one of the best. They’ve created a tiny travel-sized one (Holland & Barrett) to take on your next trip. Just a little bit bigger than a lip balm, it will last you at least two weeks so makes the perfect holiday companion.

Hold luggage daily essentials

If your skin is particularly sensitive, don’t risk using the hotel or AirBnB’s shower gel. Bring your tried and trusted body wash and shampoos with you to prevent any discomfort or flare-ups while you’re OOO. We love Cowshed’s Mini Shelfie Set (M&S). It contains a luxurious shampoo, conditioner and five shower gels to get you through your trip. For an all-in-one exfoliator and body buffer pack the popular Scrubee bar (Lush). This soap bar made with coconut oil and shea butter will lightly exfoliate and hydrate sun drenched skin. Beauty insiders will also know that Rituals produce travel size versions of their delicious smelling shower gels. This shower gel is perfumed to keep you smelling sweet all day.

Even with checked bags, you don’t want to use up all your suitcase space for endless beauty products. To keep skin glowing on holidays, try decanting just enough of Elizabeth Arden’s individual Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules into your washbag to last the trip or pick up the mini Face Facts Vitamin C Facial Serum - a great booster to help brighten and illuminate. We also love Pai Skincare’s active ingredient boosters – which you can add to the skincare essentials you’ve packed to supercharge it with whatever your skin needs. The Stabilised Vitamin C Brightening Booster (Next) is entirely natural and clinically proven for sensitive skin.

If like us sun safety is your #1 priority – you’ll want to protect your skin during your next adventure. Kill two birds with one stone with Elemis’ part sunscreen part anti-ageing formula – the Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF50 (Next). If you’re avoiding the sun full stop, you might want to give skin a healthy glow with some fast-acting, travel-sized fake tan. Every product St. Tropez makes turns to gold (quite literally). The brand’s Purity Mini Kit (Superdrug) includes everything you need – including a mitt – to keep your tan on point and your luggage allowance in check.

One product most of us won’t be without even on tour, is our signature scent. Unfortunately, they’re usually housed in quite cumbersome large bottles. Iconic, super-luxurious fragrance house Diptyque has the solution. Its five piece, Eau de Parfum Travel Set (H Beauty) features the brand's most popular scents which can be rotated each day, or blended together to create your own unique scents each evening. Also look to Beauty Base for travel size fragrance sets that include your go-to scent plus handy travel mists and body lotions to keep fresh on the move.

Happy packing and bon voyage!