As a Gen Z beauty editor who is always on the go, I'd like to think I have an almost-supernatural ability to pack my vanity bag without ever having to question my own thoroughness. This time around, as I prepare for a long weekend in New York City in a few weeks, it all comes down to identifying the products that will serve me the best while being the right size to sit precariously on the edge of a tiny hotel bathroom sink. If it were up to me, I'd bring my entire skincare lineup, makeup must-haves, and curly hair routine, but TSA tends to frown upon transporting excessive liquids and creams in a carry-on.
Ahead of my three-day stint in the City That Never Sleeps, I'm editing my shopping list of products to snag for significantly less during Sephora's Savings Event and thought it could serve as some inspo for fellow travelers. In case you didn't know, now through April 15, Sephora Rouge members can get 20% off, VIB members get 15% off, and Insiders get 10% off with the code YAYSAVE at checkout. Scroll on to see which products have already claimed a spot in my virtual shopping cart!
Editor's note: Sale prices reflect the Rouge tier.
Makeup
I love a priming serum I can trust to always deliver a smooth, radiant-looking base for makeup application while taking up minimal space in my overstuffed makeup bag. This clean, silicone-free, ultra-breathable primer by Ilia also works to protect my skin from harmful environmental stressors.
We're big fans of Merit around here. Its viral Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick works wonders for evening out my skin tone by diminishing the look of my dark spots and hyperpigmentation (especially around the mouth).
If you were waiting for confirmation that the Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil lives up to its social media hype, this is it. I love how smoothly it glides across my lips for intense shine and its plane air–defying hydration. Rosewood Nights (the sheer, rosy-brown shade) is my go-to.
Skincare
The blemishes that pop up on my complexion during and post-travel are no joke, but thankfully, I have this spot solution to hit the reverse button. Powered by natural salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and niacinamide, it's clinically proven to reduce breakout size in as little as four hours.
Developed with dark skin tones in mind, the Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser removes dead, dry, and rough skin; makeup; and excess sebum from pores while refreshing and firming the skin. I like to use this when I'm traveling and when I'm happily at home.
You can never have to many eye masks, but it's especially helpful when they save some money and the environment. These reusable silicone eye masks hold serums and creams close to the skin, allowing products to fully sink in. They're perfect for long, cross-country flights like what I'm about to take.
Bath and Body
This one might be pushing the carry-on limit, so I'll be safely stowing it away in my checked bag. L'Occitane's award-winning, nourishing hand balm is a must for any traveler who wants to keep their hands moisturized, soft, and cared for. Plus, when I see it sitting on a bedside table, it makes any hotel room feel like home.
Here's another one that may have to ride in my checked bag, but that I can't go without. The Body Serum has rescued my skin time and again with a powerful blend of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramide to hydrate, replenish, and plump my skin. It's also hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, ideal for my sensitive skin.
Okay, I know this may be a little extra, but I love having some bar soap within reach if I'm not a fan of whatever soap the hotel I'm staying in offers. Jo Malone's Lime Basil & Mandarin Soap has been a longtime favorite of mine since it cleanses the skin and delivers a gorgeous fresh and fruity scent.
Haircare
When you have tight curls and wear them out as often as I do, it's always a good idea to have a detangling brush for any hair emergencies. The Shower Detangling Brush by Pattern basically performs miracles since it can be used to style and detangle curls while providing major definition.
Did you know Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment also comes in a super-cute mini size for all your travel needs? A few spritzes of this on my tresses keeps my hair smooth, silky, and glassy for the rare occasion I decide to wear my hair straight. I always have it with me just in case!
No matter where I'm traveling, there's always a good chance I have at least one Briogeo product packed and ready to go. The Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil replenishes essential moisture to my hair that might have gotten zapped during my airplane flight while supporting healthy hair growth.
Fragrance
Frangipani is one of my absolute favorite fragrance notes, and I couldn't think of a better way to wear it than with a blend of bright lemon, soft jasmine petals, and sensual sandalwood. I haven't made it to Bali yet, but this is exactly what I'd want to wear there.
If you haven't gifted yourself with a yummy fragrance duo like this one, you're missing out. The Her Eau de Parfum Gift Set features mini and travel spray sizes of one of Burberry's best-selling fragrances. I can easily slip one into my purse and the other into my carry-on bag.
I'm a strong believer in wearing warm, fruity fragrances year-round. This one by Henry Rose combines warm notes of blackcurrant bud, juicy blackberry, and musk for a sensual scent perfect for a springtime trip to the city. A few spritzes before I head out of my hotel room, and I'm good to go.
Tools and Accessories
When I'm not wearing my hair out and curly, I usually have it braided for easy styling for trips. One of the ways I help keep my braids looking fresh and new is by only using silk scrunchies like these ones by Crown Affair when I'd like to style my hair in a fast and easy updo.
I'm not going anywhere without a versatile vanity bag. I've had my eye on the Ries Essential Travel Vanity Bag for a while since it features a wipeable satin lining and includes five made-to-measure elastic sleeves that perfectly fit anything from cotton rounds and pill cases to primers and eyebrow pencils.
I love the prospect of giving my face some TLC when I'm on the go. The Trinity+ & Effective Lip and Eye Attachment can be used to visibly sculpt the face, smooth away fine lines, and lift he eyebrows. Whenever I give this set a try, my face looks amazing.
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