Travel Skincare & Make-Up Products You Need To Pack On Your Trips, According To A Professional Make-Up Artist

Raise your hand if your skincare and make-up bag is usually the heaviest item in your luggage. We’re spending days away from home, so we overpack to ensure we have all our bases covered, regardless of any skin situation that might arise, even if it means taking three moisturisers or two foundations. We're looking at you, overpackers.

But believe it or not, packing smarter is possible. From choosing the right skincare and make-up products for the weather conditions at the vacation destination to ways to simplify your beauty routine to just a curated few items, professional makeup artist Kenneth Chia's 10 tips will help you pack the right skincare and make-up products based on your type of travel.

Tip #1: For hot and humid weather, use products with thinner textures

“Think about gel moisturisers, gel sunscreens, and the like. Make-up products should be long-wearing, so look for claims such as waterproof, sweatproof, and 24-hour wear,” Kenneth says.

Tip #2: Pick dewy formulas for cold and dry weather

“Matte products will be even drier and less caring on your skin in cold and dry conditions. As such, pick dewy, more moisturising formulas. Regardless of your skin type, I recommend applying a heavier moisturiser and more than usual,” advises Kenneth.

Tip #3: Have a simple on-flight skincare routine

“Stay very hydrated 48 hours before the flight,” Kenneth advises. “During the flight, I recommend applying minimal skincare regularly, such as moisturiser, toner, lip balms, and the like, depending on your personal preference. The moment you touch down, wash your face or take a shower if possible. Then, reapply your full skincare routine.”

Tip #4: Short on time for skincare routines on holiday? Rely on sheet masks

“Sheet masks are super handy for days when you’re too tired to do a full routine. Don’t overestimate your self-discipline. Alternatively, you can use a hydrating toner with cotton pads or presoaked toner pads.”

Tip #5: Downsize your skincare and make-up 

“Muji’s mini travel bottles are great for decant products and travel well without leaks. For creams, use a palette knife to scoop them into smaller containers. I even use a contact lens case for small amounts. Loose powder can be placed inside 10ml dropper bottles that have a child-proof cap. 

“Eyeshadow palette downsizing should be left to professionals. Instead, look for mini-sized palette edits from your favourite brands. As a rule of thumb, the palette should always have a black, some browns, and a shimmer at the very least. You can bring a second palette if you're into colours. Otherwise, neutrals can take you anywhere or on any occasion — it's all about practice.”

“Do not downsize active ingredients, such as sunscreen, retinol, and vitamin C serums  — they deteriorate over time. But if it's a week-long holiday, I'd choose to sacrifice some efficacy to save tons of weight and breakage. You can also check if the brand offers individually packed samples of the same product. Lots of brands offer sunscreens in small travel sizes. If there's a product I like very much, I always hunt down the travel versions.

“Lastly, my top tip is to find a makeup bag with soft padding on all sides,” Kenneth shares.

Tip #6: Skip make-up brushes and use a beauty sponge instead

“I can easily do an entire face — foundation, concealer, blush, contour, highlight, and setting powder —  with a single beauty sponge. Save space by only bringing makeup brushes for eye looks,” he advises.

Tip #7: Pack more shades of make-up for beach holidays

“Take at least two shades of foundation and concealer for beach holidays. Being outdoors makes you more tanned and your skin shade may change the more you’re out in the sun. Using a lip and cheek multi-use product can also give an effortless glow and mascara that doesn't budge.”

Tip #8: You will definitely need to touch-up your make-up 

“No make-up product will need zero touchups, regardless of the claims. So travellers should always be mentally prepared to do touch-ups when they apply make-up — bring lipsticks, tints, blotting powders, cotton buds, etc., and keep them in your handbags or backpacks.”

Tip #9: Maintain skin barrier health

“I always bring a serum or balms to protect the skin barrier. Sunburns, cold winds, dry plane air, hectic itineraries, and new food in your diet can cause inflammation and bring all sorts of unexpected skin issues you’ve never had,” says Kenneth.

Tip #10: Don't forget the actives, even on vacay

“Again, because our skin condition can change rapidly due to travelling, don't neglect active ingredients. I recommend alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and retinol to keep skin uncongested. Use them sparingly if your skin barrier is damaged, such as from sun or wind burns.”