Vacation, all you ever wanted. You’ve booked your ticket, you’ve gotten your PTO approved, and NOTHING WILL STOP YOU NOW, except for maybe the TSA when they realize that your entire bathroom and vanity made its way into your carry-on. It is so hard to follow the rules—is a nail file still considered a weapon?—but what are you supposed to do, risk ruining your clothes by stuffing that precariously-topped bottle of Alterna 10 shampoo in your luggage (...not to mention the famine of beauty you'll find yourself in if the whole thing goes MIA at baggage claim)? Certainly not. So, while we wait for 3FLOZ to install kiosks of pre-packaged travel-sized must-haves at airports across the country (JFK’s should drop this month!), we’ve put together our own fool-proof travel kit. Note: it's as friendly for airport security as it is for your weekender bag.
FACE
Taking a cue from Julia Restoin Roitfeld’s “ mommy glow,” we’ve stocked up on Mustela Facial Cleansing Cloths. They’re made for “delicate” baby skin, and their pre-moisturized quality makes them perfect for an in-flight pick-me-up—and they don't cut into your liquids quota. Remove/perfect your makeup with a mini Bioderma Créaline, because we would never leave home without it (you can even use it as face wash). And moisturize like a supermodel with Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (we sighed a collective “aww” when we saw this adorable mini tube). Your eyes will stay hydrated with the inclusion of La Prairie’s Crème Caviar Luxe. Yes, we’re allowing an indulgence here, and one that relegates itself to carry-on- only territory, but you’ll hold onto this one loooong after your trip. And if there’s anywhere we’re going to splurge, it’s eyes (aka the windows to your soul). Lucky for you, pretty much every eye cream is packaged in a travel-friendly portion, so bring along whichever one you swear by. And finally, don’t forget your sunscreen! Here, we’re going to kill two birds with one bottle (weighing in at a mere 1.7 fl oz, to boot): SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50 Sunscreen. This ultra-thin, water-resistant, paraben-free UV defense has a “universal tint' and leaves a matte finish. The result is a tone-evening veil not unlike Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation—plus extra room in your makeup bag.
BODY
Take a moment for deodorant and avoid an olfactory offense (or *perceived](http://intothegloss.com/2012/10/a-moment-for-deodorant/) offense, as the case may be) from the physical exertion of running to your gate with Vichy 24H Deodorant. The tiny, baby-powder-fresh under-arm armor is super sensitive, aluminum-free, and fast-drying. Fend off any number of communicable diseases on your travels (for the full run through, watch Contagion) with Kiehl’s “First Class” Purifying Hand Treatment. This double-duty serum’s blend of lavender and rosemary is like Airborne for your hands, and it employs cactus flower to lock in moisture. When you do make it to a shower, Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castille Peppermint Soap is an organic non-drying body wash with a minty kick that'll jolt you out of jet lag. For...err… hairy situations, Bliss’ ‘Fuzz’ Off will save you from any unwanted attention. Yes, it’s meant for your face, but you could employ it between bikini waxes, if necessary. And last, but certainly not least, we always stock up on Kiehl’s Crème de Corps. Garance Doré described it best when she said: “It just leaves a glow on your skin and it stays.”
MOUTH
Yes, oral hygiene gets its own category here. Don't worry about it, just listen: Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste will keep the cavities and stains at bay, while Aesop’s Mouthwash will, as we've said before, provide a polite TKO to bad breath. We’re allowing a little extra room in our dopp kits for VioLight’s Travel Toothbrush and Sanitizer. Why? Six minutes in this UV-light case is all it takes to kill 99% of germs living on your toothbrush, eliminating both the moldy-travel-toothbrush holder conundrum and the need to leave your toothbrush on any questionable hotel-bathroom surfaces. So Fresh, So Clean.
HAIR
Traveling is no excuse to let your mane loose its oomph. Oribe’s Bon Voyage package has a little something for every occasion—color, shine, moisturizing masks, the works—all while economizing space. So important. Between washes, do like Arizona Muse and dry-shampoo with Klorane, or take advantage of second- and third-day texture with Bumble and bumble Surf Spray (another ITG Hall of Fame-er). Aerin’s ivory and gold Travel Brush will add a bit of lived-in style to your hotel/yurt vanity. Estée would certainly approve.
Finally, remember that you’re on vacation, and take a little “you” time. H. Gillerman Organic Travel Remedy's lemon-scented essential oils soothe achey, cramp-y, airplane muscles with just a roll on the neck or a capful in the tub before, during, and after your trip. Ahhhhhh.
*[Ed. note: the TSA allows a total of 32 oz (1 quart) of liquid per person in a carry-on bag. This dopp kit rings in at 25.63 oz, including creams.]
[1] Lisa Marie Fernandez's dopp kit photographed by Emily Weiss, [2-6] Photos by Elizabeth Brockway.
