How to Pack Skincare for Travel – Without Overpacking
Between long flights, changing climates, and limited luggage space, travel can take a toll on your skin. But with a curated edit of essentials and a little organisation, maintaining your glow on the go becomes effortless.
Whether you’re heading away for a weekend or a few weeks abroad, here’s how to build a minimal, travel-friendly skincare routine that keeps your skin happy – from someone who’s always on the go.
The Art of Packing Light
When we’re travelling, the last thing we want to worry about is breakouts or skin irritation. Keep your travel skincare simple, minimal and consistent for stress-free skin on the go. I’ve learned how to pack light but still keep all my skincare must-haves for healthy, glowing skin and those inevitable little skin emergencies.
The Essential Travel Skincare Routine
1. Cleanser:
- Cleansing balm – to easily remove all your makeup and sunscreen at the end of the day
- Gentle cleanser – for mornings and your second cleanse
2. Toner/Mist:
- Skip the toner! Toners are bulky, and you’ll probably be worried about it spilling
- Hypochlorous acid spray for in-flight (make sure it is less than 100mL)
3. Serum:
- Skin-barrier repairing serum – the key essential! So good for calming, repairing and nourishing the skin. This is the all-in-one you will want with you
- Hydrating serum – your skin gets very dehydrated during travelling and we tend to drink less water so your skin can get pretty dry without you realising
4. Moisturiser:
- Nourishing yet lightweight cream that works for any climate
5. SPF:
- An absolute must! – choose a lightweight sunscreen that you love for mess-free application and re-application. I recommend a chemical sunscreen because the texture is just so much more elegant to use
6. Lip Care:
- Your favourite lip balm – I always opt for one in a stick or tube instead of a pot because it’s quicker to use on the go and more hygienic too
My product picks:
Cleansers: Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleansing Balm, Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser
Mist: Tower28 SOS Dailey Rescue Facial Spray
Serums: La-Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum, Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions 3D Visible Fill + Repair Serum
Moisturiser: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
SPF: SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water Fit Sun Serum
Lip Care: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Vanilla
General tips:
- Stick to products you’ve tried and love (travel is not the time to test new active products)
- Choose multitaskers – products that do more than one job like a hydrating SPF that doubles can a moisturiser, or untinted lip balm that doubles as a salve
- Think in steps, not products: Cleanse, treat, moisturise, protect. As long as those steps are covered, you’re set — no need to overpack
Optional Add-ons:
- Sheet masks for long flights
- Spot treatments or pimple patches for any breakouts
- Facial tools (guasha or mini roller)
How to Pack It All
Keep all your skincare together in a waterproof, easy-to-clean bag: The Ouvert Signature Pouch makes this simple — spacious enough for your full routine, yet slim enough to slip into any carry-on. Its structured form and easy-clean interior mean your beauty essentials travel safely, in style.
For flights, keep a few mini items in your personal bag for easy access: a mist, lip balm, and moisturiser