NYC Must-Have Travel Essentials Beauty Edition.
With the holiday season just around the corner, now is the ideal time to start planning your travels. Whether you are heading to or from New York City, we have all faced that frantic moment when we realize we have left something crucial behind. Personally, I always seem to forget my face mask, trusty blanket, and favorite pillow—those essential comforts that become even more vital when you’re crammed into an economy seat and yearning for a touch of coziness.
While Thanksgiving and Christmas are peak travel times, this year I am shaking things up. Instead of waiting for the holiday rush, I am planning a getaway in late October and early November. Whether planning a solo adventure, a girls’ trip, or a cozy staycation, the key to a stress-free journey lies in the Art of Preparation.
Realistically, no one wants to haul their entire beauty collection on a trip. Now is the ideal time to streamline your beauty essentials and pack only the must-haves. This guide will help you curate a selection of travel beauty essentials that are not only great for your adventures but also make fantastic gifts for fellow globetrotters. Because who doesn’t appreciate a little extra glow on the go?
Below is our list of MUST-HAVE Travel Essentials, and it is the Beauty Edition.
Get ready to elevate your beauty routine like never before. Whether you are jet-setting for business, exploring a far-off destination, or indulging in the ultimate staycation, this meticulously curated list of essential beauty must-haves is your key to looking flawless. These recommendations are highly adaptable, so feel free to customize them to fit your personal style. And if you have got a can not-live-without product that comes in travel size, consider it your secret weapon.
Now, let us talk about makeup. I am all about simplicity, especially when it comes to my makeup routine. It needs to effortlessly transition from business meetings to evening outings. On the other hand, when it comes to skincare, I do not hold back. Finding the right balance while sorting through my beauty stash can be a bit of a juggling act.
Here is a pro tip: plan ahead. A few weeks before my trip, I start the process of selecting the beauty products that will make the cut for my adventure. This not only ensures I have all my essentials in hand but also helps me budget for them in advance. It is a win-win. So, let us embark on this beauty journey together and make your next trip your most glamorous one yet.
Organizers
Let us start this beauty adventure with a smart strategy: finding the ideal travel makeup and beauty organizer that fits your needs. I use a two-organizer system—one for skincare essentials and the other for makeup. This approach helps me keep everything neatly separated and easily accessible. However, if you prefer a more streamlined solution, a single organizer that handles both skincare and makeup might be just what you need. It is all about choosing the system that suits your style, complements your routine, and keeps your beauty essentials perfectly organized.
Here are a few of my favorites
Skin-Care
Let us unveil the secret to achieving radiant, makeup-ready skin. Skincare is where the true magic begins, whether you are relaxing at home or setting off on a fabulous journey.
Picture this: a flawless combination of a gentle cleanser and a rich moisturizer. This duo is your skincare powerhouse, the cornerstone of any routine, whether you are pampering yourself at home or on the go.
For skincare enthusiasts, a complete kit—featuring face wash, toner, and moisturizer—can be a game-changer. It is like having a dream team for your skin, perfect for those whose complexion needs minimal fuss.
And here is the exciting news—Sephora has just launched Limited Edition Exclusive sets from top brands. These sets include mini versions of their cult-favorite products, and they are available only for the holiday season. These skincare gems are the ultimate way to elevate your routine and achieve a holiday glow-up you didn’t know you needed.
Here are a few of my favorites
Here is what I am taking with Me
I am all for indulging in a high-maintenance skincare routine, but here is the reality—your skincare journey might look a bit different. Let us explore your options. Maybe all you need is a straightforward regimen: cleanse, tone, hydrate, and protect. Simple and effective.
If your skin craves a bit more attention, consider adding a treatment step to your routine: cleanse, tone, treat, hydrate, and protect. It is about listening to your skin and responding to its needs.
The key? Personalization. Your skin is as unique as you are, so your routine should be tailored to fit. Craft a regimen that reflects your individual needs and preferences.
Cleanse + Tone + Treat + Exfoliate + Hydrate + Protect
Morning Routine: Start your day with a refreshing cleanse, followed by an essence to prep your skin. Apply your treatment products next, and then layer on hydration for your face, eyes, and lips. Finish with a protective layer to shield your skin throughout the day.
Evening Routine: Begin with double cleansing to thoroughly remove impurities. Apply an essence to rejuvenate your skin, followed by your treatment products. Mist your face with a facial spray for added hydration, then apply a nourishing blend of hydration for your face, eyes, and lips. Complete your routine with a hydrating oil to lock in moisture overnight.
Cleansing Oil|Balm
Facewash
Essence
Micellar Water
Facial Mist
I use this throughout the day as well to refresh.
Treat
Niacinamide [AM]
Vitamin C [AM]
Hyaluronic Acid [PM]
Retinol [PM]
Exfoliate PM [2X WKLY]
Hydration
Eye [AM + PM]
Lips [AM + PM]
Oil [PM]
Sunscreen [AM]
I love and alternate using both.
Makeup
When it comes to makeup, many brands offer enticing travel-sized versions of primers, concealers, foundations, setting powders, and mascaras. However, not all travel sizes are worth the splurge—unless you can snag them as samples. For example, a travel-sized mascara might cost around $15, but the full-sized version is typically priced at $29. The difference is often minimal, making the full size a better value.
Here is a tip: even though I lean towards a low-maintenance makeup routine, I always choose full-size concealers and mascaras. The travel sizes usually do not offer a significant cost advantage, and full-size packaging is designed to be sleek and travel-friendly.
That said, adapt these tips to fit your own style. My personal must-haves include cream blushes, highlighters, and bronzer. As someone still refining my makeup skills, I find cream products are ideal for a natural finish.
My routine is straightforward: prep and protect, correct, apply eye products, add color to cheeks and lips, and set. I am all about achieving a radiant look with minimal fuss. Let us tailor your makeup routine to be as uniquely fabulous as you are.
Prep
I am passionate about skincare, and incorporating this moisturizer into your routine is a stellar way to prepare your skin for makeup. It creates a flawless base, ensuring your makeup applies smoothly and lasts longer.
When it comes to my essentials, nothing beats this Bobbi Brown favorite. However, if I am opting for a primer, I have a couple of go-to options. For my travels, I will be packing both my Bobbi Brown and Milk primers in their handy mini sizes. These are my top picks for creating a flawless canvas wherever I go.
And here is a value option
Correct
Bye Bye Under Eye is my ultimate beauty secret for those mornings when lack of sleep leaves its mark or when I am heading for a day at the beach or pool. It is a true game-changer. For undereye correction, which I rely on once or twice a week, I turn to my trusted full-size version. It is like having a superhero for my under-eye area, ensuring I look fresh and radiant every time.
I adore blending this flawless filter with my CC or BB cream for targeted touch-ups. The combination imparts a beautifully natural glow, giving my complexion a radiant and effortlessly flawless finish.
Eyes + Cheeks + Lips
Let us talk mascaras—an absolute must-have in my beauty arsenal. I am deeply devoted to Too Faced Better Than Sex and DIOR Diorshow 24h Buildable Volume Mascara; they are my holy grails. But here is an exciting twist: I recently discovered Makeup Forever’s latest formula, which brings together the best of both worlds. It is truly challenging my tried-and-true favorites.
So, what is coming along on my next adventure? You guessed it—the Makeup Forever mascara, currently in the testing phase. Sometimes, you stumble upon a gem that deserves a spot in your beauty lineup.
Best Sets
I am obsessed with the blushes from Rare Beauty. Their intense pigmentation makes them incredibly versatile, working beautifully not only as blush but also as eye color.
This kit is ideal if you are searching for an all-in-one eye solution. I use it for both eyeliner and eyeshadow, making it a versatile addition to my routine. Although I might not need it for every trip, I will definitely pack it just to be prepared.
This set is a fantastic find, featuring a blush, eye color, and a versatile lip and cheek balm.
For my travel essentials, I need a nourishing lip mask for overnight care and a natural option for daytime. This limited edition collection from Summer Fridays is my go-to choice.
To Set
I am a huge fan of a high-quality setting spray, especially one that also serves as a sunscreen reapplication option. It is a versatile product that keeps my makeup looking fresh while offering an additional layer of sun protection.
Tools
When it comes to facial tools, I usually opt for the mini versions. This time, however, I’m all set and don’t need to buy anything new.
These were a substantial investment, but they have proven to be worth every penny over time. Their quality and durability make them a smart purchase.
If you are working within a tighter budget, I recommend starting with just one brush. A dual-ended brush, which combines two types in one, is a versatile choice. Pair it with the classic beauty blender sponge for seamless blending, and you have got a great setup.
Blotting Paper
Lastly, I always carry blotting paper—essential for managing my oily skin throughout the day. It is a quick and effective way to keep shine at bay and maintain a fresh appearance.
NYC Must-Have Travel Essentials: Beauty Edition
And there you have it—my NYC MUST-HAVE travel essentials, all neatly laid out. It may look like a lot, but these essentials are compact and fit effortlessly into your tote or carry-on. For my seven-day adventure, these MVPs are my trusty companions. This list is ideal if you are traveling to or from New York City.
Some of my must-haves are packed in my go-to tote, while the rest are securely stowed in my carry-on. After all, keeping up with a flawless skincare and makeup routine is crucial, even when you are on the move.
Now it is your turn—what are your top travel essentials for skincare and makeup? Share your tips below. And stay tuned for next week’s edition, where we’ll explore the best hair and body must-haves. Until then, keep the wanderlust alive.