Whether you’re packing for a family summer holiday, a hen weekend or business trip, there are some packing tips and travel essentials that ring true no matter what the situation. Packing a travel toiletry bag is about more than downsizing—it’s about choosing products that work harder, travel smarter, and adapt to your routine wherever you are. From solid skincare swaps to multi-tasking heroes, these are the beauty and wellbeing essentials worth making space for, as well as a few other travel heroes!

Travel Toiletry Essentials

Cleanser: ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm mini

This bestseller remains a go-to for a reason. It melts away makeup, SPF and daily build-up in one step, making it ideal after long travel days when skin needs a thorough yet gentle reset.

Liquid-free alternative: if you’re flying and relying on hand luggage only (a skill in itself), beat the liquid restriction with SBTRCT Clarifying Exfoliator, a solid, mess-free option that still delivers effective exfoliation—perfect for keeping skin smooth without adding to your liquids allowance.

Moisturiser: BYOMA Moisturizing Gel Cream

Lightweight yet barrier-supporting this one is particularly well suited to dehydrated, travel-stressed skin without feeling heavy or greasy.

Liquid-free alternative: Balade en Provence provides more balm-like hydration in a solid format, ideal for carry-on-only packing.

Lip care: SHEGLAM Crystal Glaze Moisturizing Lip Care

This delivers hydration with a glossy finish, offering both treatment and a low-maintenance beauty touch.

Haircare: The Body Shop Shea Shampoo 60ml

A nourishing, travel-friendly option for maintaining soft, manageable hair.

Liquid-free alternative: Solid shampoo bars are a smart swap for frequent travellers—long-lasting, compact, and spill-proof.

Deodorant: Lavera Natural & Strong Deo Stick

Combining gentle, natural ingredients with reliable protection, this is an easy, fuss-free essential.

SPF: Athe Vegan Relief Sun Essence SPF50 PA++++

Sunscreen is a daily non-negotiable – yes even for an urban destination. I love this one for city breaks as it’s super lightweight and leaves an invisible finish that sits perfectly under makeup – something Korean brands are experts at, having to deal with warm and humid climates.

Liquid-free alternative: Suntribe Zinc Stick SPF50 is ideal for targeted reapplication (think nose, lips, and cheeks) without the risk of leaks.

Top tip: If travelling with hand luggage only, buy a full-size SPF at the airport post-scan or on arrival to save valuable space and ensure you’ve got enough for the whole duration of your trip.

Travel-soothing wellbeing tips

SOS skincare: Inlight Skin Aid Kit

Like a first aid kit, but specifically for skin: think flare-ups, dryness, or irritation, all of which seem to happen even more when travelling across fluctuating climates.

Jet Lag Sleep Support: Dr Vegan Magnesium Glycinate

Changes in environment can disrupt even the most consistent routines. If you find your sleep routine disrupted when travelling – whether due to time difference or an unfamiliar environment – pack this handy pouch which gives you one week’s worth of support in relaxation and help in easing the transition into better sleep while away.

Bedtime routine: Ground Wellbeing Sleep Pillow Spray

If you tend to associate a certain home scent with winding down, take that scent with you to bring familiarity to your new bed, wherever you are. This pillow spray adds a sensory, calming element to your evening routine.

Smart travel heroes

Pack light, style smart: Peachy Belts

How to create multiple outfits with a couple of belts. Peachy Belts offers a clever concept: different coloured belts with interchangeable buckles provides a fun yet practical styling tool, transforming the same dress or shorts into a different look without taking up extra space in your suitcase.

Gut health on the go: Indi gut bars

Travelling often means relying on convenient but sugar-laden airport snacks that can leave you feeling sluggish and bloated. Pack some of INDI’s bestselling nutrition-rich health bars to feed your gut and improve your digestion. Containing 20 superfoods to fuel your day with slow-release energy, keep your digestion balanced and feeling just as good as it does at home.

Time to squeeze in that book read: Still Bobbi by Bobbi Brown

There’s a lot of waiting around at the airport or on trains where the Wi-Fi inevitably breaks down. Make the most of that time to read that book you’ve been meaning to pick up. I’m obsessed with beauty books and on my list right now is Bobbi Brown’s memoir Still Bobbi – it’ll be accompanying me to the pool this summer.

Notes from the road: Oops a Daisy Travel Journal

Even if you’re not into daily journalling, there’s something special about recording trips because you tend to experience new locations, food and sights you won’t want to forget. Oops a Daisy’s journal bundle with travel-themed stencils encourages you to document ideas, experiences, and reflections in a fun and personalised way.

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