Last Updated on December 26, 2022 by Dominique de Merteuil

Travelling is a big part of my job and as glamorous as that may sound, it really isn’t. I spend more time in the departure lounges of boring airports and on the plane getting from point A to point B than in the actual city that I’m visiting.

In order to speed this process up, I endeavour to only transit with carry-on luggage. However, I’ve never been particularly good at packing (practical things that is) but over the years, I’ve mastered it to some degree, or so I’d like to believe.

HOW I USED TO TRAVEL

To compromise on the clothing you want to take on a short trip is one thing, but choosing the utmost important travel beauty essentials is another.

Beauty junkies like myself will surely understand my quandaries when it comes to sticking to the bare minimum of a beauty and makeup kit that will suffice for a two-day trip to Paris where a perfectly manicured look is everything.

I’ve been narrowing the list more and more though and I’m now proud to say that I managed to limit myself to the magical number nine of the nine magical products and here they are.

DISCLOSURE; As of October 2021, [I published this article in 2015] I’m part of the Shop Style Collective affiliate program and I get a commission for purchases made through some of the links in this post. When you buy a product via the link in my post you are helping to keep my website alive for which I’m very grateful!

The Must-Have Travel Beauty Essentials

Perfume

Coco Chanel once said;

A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.

I couldn’t agree with her more and that’s why perfume is the first on my travel beauty essentials list. Opium by YSL is literally my opium and I don’t leave the house without it!

I’m also a big fan of Hermes Eau des Merveilles Eau De Toilette. It’s my favourite summer fragrance of late and if I had to describe the scent in a few words, I would quote ‘Emily in Paris’ and say that ‘it’s like being dressed in poetry.’

Batiste Shampoo – The Instant Hair Refresh

Travel beauty essentials.

• Batiste dry shampoo, the instant hair refresh is a real hair-saver when you simply can’t wash your hair.
• Or like it’s the case with me, you have a vintage hairstyle that doesn’t require a wash every day.
• Batiste shampoo comes in different fragrances but my absolute favourites are Floral and Blush!

Feather & Bone Exfoliator that Fits in Your Purse

• Feather & Bone exfoliator is one of the most brilliant new face products if you travel a lot because the tiny tablet works as a cleanser, exfoliator and moisturiser all in one.
• It’s made of natural ingredients, my favourite, sandalwood is one of them.
• The instruction calls for adding a tiny bit of water, which will turn the tablet into a paste.
• I leave it on my face for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off, which makes the skin on my face feel incredibly tight as if I had a facelift!

Makeup Remover for a Short Trip

If your skin is dry or sensitive, you might be interested in my in-depth article about the top 10 makeup removers.

• I use different makeup removers. The one brand that never disappoints is Shiseido and their Future Solution LX Extra Rich Cleansing Foam is no exception.
• You can read more about it in my article,  Top 10 Shiseido products
• Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
• I  usually apply this miracle worker before a moisturiser but it’s absolutely perfect on its own especially when I travel and taking both is not an option.

Lip Balm

• Sisley Comfort Extreme Levres and Kiehl’s Buttermask for lips never leave my sight. I use the products interchangeably all year round, and I can’t think of a better remedy for dry lips.

The Mascara

• I have short and straight eyelashes, truly awful, and I often wear faux lashes. Unfortunately, I’m not very skilled in applying them, so when I travel, I use lengthening mascara instead.
• I simply can’t live without the newly discovered Dr Irena Eris Perfect Lashes Mascara, as well as their Lashes Growth Mascara. If you live outside the EU and can’t get hold of the Dr Irena Eris brand, I can wholeheartedly recommend Pat McGrath FetishEYES Mascara.

The Red Lipstick

• Red lipstick either by YSL, Pat McGrath, Besame or KIKO MILANO is an absolute must-have for me. You can analyse me as much as you like but I feel naked without my lips being painted red.
• If you don’t have much space in your luggage for a bag full of makeup, I suggest you take your favourite lipstick and nothing else!

The Nail Polish for the Polished Look

• Beautifully manicured hands are a sign that you pay attention to details!
• Red, black and pale pink are the preferred colours for my nails. Remember, no matter how expensive the nail polish is, it will probably chip off during your trip so don’t forget to take it with you for a touch-up!

BESAME

My fabulous readers can now enjoy 25% off the entire order on the vintage-inspired Besame make-up.

Buy The Queen nail polish here.

And What Are Your Favourite Beauty Travel Essentials?