Wanderlust essentials: packing a travel-proof skincare routine

Written By Jenny Wu on

As you’re reading this post I’m probably at the airport or already on my flight to Europe where I’ll be prancing around exploring San Sebastian, Barcelona, Paris, and Brussels for the next 2.5 weeks.

Given that I’ll be traveling extensively, it seems fitting that I share the skincare products I’m bringing and how I put together my travel-proof skincare routine.

Wanderlust essentials: packing a travel-proof skincare routinePin

My rules for skincare when traveling

  1. I’m all about those tiny samples. I pretty much save them for when I travel, because I hate the idea of carrying large full sized products, and I’m not a fan of decanting (see rule #5). Plus it’s a great way to try out new products!
  2. Mix in old with the new. While tiny samples are great, I’m not going to switch up my entire routine at the risk of irritating my skin. The only thing worse than splotchy burning skin is splotchy burning skin while on vacation.
  3. Always bring products to handle breakouts or irritations. Because you never know when 💩 is gonna hit the fan, or in this case, your face. My go to acne treatment is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo and for irritations I like the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 or Yadah Anti-T Red Zero Spot Cream (full review here).
  4. Amp up with sheet masks. I like traveling light and saving room for souvenirs, so that means everything must fit in a small makeup bag. If I feel like my skin needs an extra oomph, I’ll bring a few sheet masks. They’re also great for long plane rides where the air can get really dry.
  5. Minimize the decanting. I personally don’t like decanting because it’s a hassle and I never finish the decant anyways. Plus it just doesn’t seem as hygienic? I’ll only do it if I absolutely love the product and can’t be without it.
  6. Pack for the weather. My skin changes due to the weather, so I’ll skip the facial oil if I’m headed somewhere hot and humid, but I’ll definitely bring one if I’m going somewhere cold and dry.
  7. But don’t pack what I’m going to buy. Depending on my destination, there’s a good chance I’ll haul some skincare goodies while I’m there. If I’m going to do that, there’s no point in bringing whatever I’m going to buy anyways. Or if I’m going to bring it, I’ll just bring a sample size.

With these above rules in mind, my vacation skincare routine ends up being a simplified version of my usual routine with a few new items mixed in, and this usually helps prevent any negative reactions (eg. breakouts or irritations) from occurring, because the last thing I want to worry about is my skin while I’m on vacation.

Wanderlust essentials: packing a travel-proof skincare routinePin

My “Europe in Spring” skincare routine

So the weather is pretty similar to the US, albeit a bit chillier, so my face will actually be in the normal range – not too dry, not too oily, aka perfect. Here are the products in usage order:

Wanderlust essentials: packing a travel-proof skincare routinePin

It seems like a lot of products but keep in mind most of these are tiny sample sizes, so they all fit nicely inside my small makeup bag. Also, I’ll probably rotate my usage of the serums and moisturizers depending on how my skin feels, so it’s not like I’ll be using everything in here every time.

How do you guys pack your skincare products when traveling? What are your must haves when you’re away from home? Hope you guys have a great week and follow me on Instagram if you’re interested in my travel shenanigans!

Jenny Wu
Jenny Wu

Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.

Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨

Comments & Questions

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Shireen L. Platt

Have fun, Jenny and I can't wait to see your travel pictures! I made the mistake of bringing all samples before and new ones too and my skin went batshit crazy arse on me. Never making that mistake again! LOL!

Batsheva

Oh man, you are so organized and have it all down so pat!! I honestly just wrap a ton of tape over my usual products and call it a day. Then again, I don't have so many products for my skin routine. Is a 10 step routine really that necessary? Or even a routine larger than just a makeup remover, cleanser, and moisturizer? If so, what do you recommend as another step I can start performing on my skin? and I am sooooooo jealous that you're gonna be traipsing around Europe!! have so much fun over there!

http://cynicalduchess.com

LindaLibraLoca

I follow basically the same rules, and the only thing I decant is probably a micellar water or something like this, otherwise I prefer to have products in their original packaging for hygienic reasons. Given the nature of my skin I prefer to pack a clay mask and a overnight sleeping mask over sheet masks, even though they really are great for saving space. But tried and trusted over new and exciting is a good rule, chances are that I will be hauling big time when I am abroad anyway.

Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

Tara

I bought some stuff in Japan, but I couldn't open them while there. I wanted my 8% duty- free discount, haha. I tried to pack light with my skincare products by packing almost empty products and then throwing them away. I have sample sizes to take with me on my next trip, so I will be packing light this time! The Cure Gel is awesome by the way! Have fun in Europe!

Camilla

How fun, I'm so jealous! I love deluxe samples but last time I traveled I switched out too many products and ended up breaking out :(. Next time I'll be decanting a lot instead. Have a great time! And good call to stock up on europe-only formulations!

Camilla // Gracefulface.com

Marina Rosie

Yes Jenny, you've always got to bring those sheet masks! I feel like normal liquid to dry face masks take up way too much space and won't give your skin that extra oomph that it's looking for, so really good choice there. I love the idea of bringing and incorporating in some samples - I'm going to have to use mine on my next holiday! x
Lots of love,
Marina Rosie xx
http://marinawriteslife.blogspot.fr/

Amy

Have an amazing time on your travels! I love Barcelona and Paris especially. I have decanted some of my must-have products on the past few trips and I've instantly regretted it. Some leaked and I didn't use all of it so it felt like a big waste. I need to start saving samples for this purpose, great idea!

Amy - http://amyevans.blog

Caked To The Nines

I hope you have a great trip!! That sounds so exciting! I love minis for traveling too, and love all the tips. My skin always freaks out when I travel so bringing products that help with blemishes and irritation is a must. There are so many products I need to try here!

xx
Nida | Caked To The Nines

Naya

Such a great round-up Jenny. I also follow pretty much same rules when I travel, and couldn't agree more about sheet masks & some spot treatments. Those planes do crazy things to the skin! Safe travels, enjoy Europe! xx

Stephanie | thefantasia.com

Have an amazing time in Spain!!! These are amazing travel tips and I agree with you on point #7! Something I discovered the hard way when trying to fit sunscreen on a 2-week vacation!

Stephanie | theFantasia.com

Jenny Wu

Thank you Stephanie, Spain was incredible - definitely a country I want to revisit again :D I'm sad I didn't get to haul much skincare products on this trip, mostly because our suitcase was too full from clothes and other souvenirs!

Crystal

Any products recommendations for back acne?

Jenny Wu

You can try a body wash with salicylic acid. I believe Neutrogena makes one. Some people have also reported good results by drinking spearmint tea and taking zinc supplements, but this is just what I've heard, I can't vouch for these methods personally.

wendee

I like to pack tiny samples too. I feel like carrying the big ones will take so much space.

The Glossychic

Jenny Wu

Agree, samples are perfect especially for weekend trips!

Cat L.

Hi Jenny, so sorry for not reading and commenting sooner. I was also away on vacation and just got back this week. I love love your Instagram stories and photos from the trip! So glad to see you're having an amazing time! Thank you also for sharing your beauty essentials. I do spot some of my own traveling companions, mainly the Caudalie micellar water (had a travel friendly size from Sephora), good genes (takes care of pesky breakouts) and the LRP sunscreens (HG for me)! Have a great trip and safe travels!

~ Cat L.
www.CatsDailyLiving.com

Jenny Wu

Aww no worries Cat, I hope you had a wonderful time on your vacation, it definitely looks like it from all your amazing IG stories and pictures :D The LRP is such a lifesaver for my skin, especially when I'm outdoors all day long. Thank you so much for reading!!

Aki!

Yes! I totally feel you on the samples!

Jenny Wu

I feel like I need to travel more to use up all my samples though :P

Shivangi

Wow! LOVED READING THE TIPS! :) Thanks for sharing such amazing products I love how you carry sheet masks! I should start doing that too! Have a great week! <3
xx
Shivangi
www.outoncatwalk.com

Jenny Wu

So glad to hear that Shivangi, thank you for reading! Sheet masks are great, especially for relaxing after a long day of walking outdoors! :P

Amy Zhang

You are so right- taking care of your skin is so important on vacation, but difficult. I also love sheet masks, facial waters and serums! Thanks for the tips and product suggestions!

xx, Amy
https://www.theluxilook.com/

Jenny Wu

It's tough to make time for skin care when you're having so much fun on vacations, hence why I try to keep it simple with just the important products :P

Violette

All the best products and so important to take care about our skin!

http://violettedaily.com

Velvet Blush

I hope you enjoy your holidays! I agree, sample sizes are the best for travelling. Decanting is ok, but sometimes the products can leak and you don't really want that :) x

Velvet Blush

Jenny Wu

Thank you so much lovely, I had a great time! :) I agree, decanting sometimes isn't worth the trouble, especially when it ends up leaking (one of my worst travel nightmares)!

Face to Curls

I hope you had an amazing time on your trip. I saw some of your instastories and photos from the trip. Thank you for sharing your beauty essentials; this will help me in a couple months when I'm ready to take my vacation. I always have to be careful what I pack otherwise my skin will go crazy. xx

Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com

Jenny Wu

Thank you so much Ann-Marie, I had a great time, though Paris was a LOT warmer than I expected! I definitely notice that my skin tends to be more finnicky when I travel too, probably due to the sudden change in environment, so having calming products is a must for me :)

Liv

I also LOOOOOVE samples! The ones I saved have saved my life during my one-month travel to Asia! Luckily on that trip I had a checked suitcase so I could bring anything I wanted to, but I did take a day-trip to Malaysia and only had a backpack! For my trip to Chicago two months ago I couldn't check my bag (without fees) so I decanted on my haircare products. :((((( I didn't even know decanting is a word. Now I do. Luckily it was my hair which hygienic concerns are slightly less. I agree sheet mask is essential when traveling especially when the air changes up. They're useful for both dry and humid air. I find sheet masks help me with breakouts in humid weather!

Also, loved your travel photos! Are you gonna post more? :)

Bernadette

Such lovely tips! I never think about travelling or what to bring with me because I rarely travel but I still do need to think about it otherwise I'd be stuffed when it comes up haha. Those skincare products you mentioned sound so awesome, I am definitely going to need to check them out.

www.themakeupaficionado.com

Jenny Wu

Thank you for reading Bernadette! It's always helpful to have a collection of samples or travel-sized products ready so that when you do need to travel, you'll be prepared :)

Laura

I also love the Verso mini I got from Cult-Beauty. Great picks and tips Jenny! I'm wanting to try more from Naruko and that DHC wash powder - I already love and adore DHC's cleansing oil. PS: I laughed when I read the paragraph about shit hitting the fan :P You're great with words!

xx Laura / http://lauraloukola.net/blog

Jenny Wu

Haha, thank you Laura! I swear whenever I don't bring any acne products I always end up with spots here and there, even though my skin was perfectly fine when I left. I've learned my lessons since then!

I really love DHC's wash powder, it cleans well without stripping and it's a definite repurchase for me!