Say goodbye to the days of throwing out oversize products at security or having to deal with an exploded shampoo bottle in your suitcase. From business travelers to beach bunnies, here’s our list of what to get for yourself or for the beauty-obsessed on your list.—Teddy Minford
On-the-Go Exfoliating Pads
The Alpha Beta Peel from Dr. Dennis Gross is not your average exfoliator. It’s an alpha hydroxy peel and not an abrasive peel, which means it’s a safe and gentle way of removing dead skin cells and revealing a clear, fresh complexion. Each peel comes in a set of two individually-wrapped pre-soaked pads, making it an easy travel companion.
Perfect for: Your friend who is prematurely worried about aging.
Travel Sunscreen Kit
A sunburn is never a good look, but it can be hard to find decent travel-sized sunscreen. If you’re going on a beach vacation or an outdoor adventure, you’ll need different kinds of sunscreen too. That’s where Coola sun care can help: Their mineral sunscreen kit is a packable pouch that contains tinted moisturizer, waterproof SPF 30, after-sun lotion, and a tinted sunscreen lip balm.
Why we love it: Mineral sunscreen can sometimes be white and chalky, making you look like you’re wearing facepaint. Coola goes on clear so you don’t end up looking like a mime.
An “Everything You Need for the Plane” Kit
The perfect gift for last-minute packers or forgetful friends, this tiny Pinch “Airplane Mode” kit contains all the essentials (and more!) that you need for a flight: ear plugs, ear buds, a phone stand and an eye mask for keeping busy (or catching Z’s) on the flight, and a multitude of cosmetics and tricks so you can look perfectly polished when you land.
Go for broke: There's also a “Screen Queen” kit for any tech-obsessed travelers on your list.
Tiny Makeup
If you’ve ever had to throw out expensive cosmetics that were too big to get through security, then you’ll understand the appeal of Stowaway Makeup. The company makes all their makeup in half sizes for half the price (hint: your makeup bag will only take up half the space). Their essentials kit is a great place to start and includes bb cream, concealer, mascara, eyeliner, blush, lipstick, and an eye palette.
Perfect for: Frequent business travelers or anybody who has to always look their best on-the-go.
Luscious Coconut Hair Care
Using anonymous hotel shampoo can be harsh on hair, but Renpure’s black label coconut hydrating spray comes in a compact container that’s perfect for travel. The moisturizing micro mist and renewing dry oil will leave hair frizz-free and moisturized.
Perfect for: Your friend who has a “hair routine.”
Stress Relieving Aromatherapy
Great for nervous fliers, Tata Harper’s relaxing Aromatic Stress Treatment comes in a tiny bottle that’s perfect for the plane. Dab onto pulse points; breathe in, and relax.
Perfect for: Aviophobic globetrotters.
A Foldable Professional Blow Dryer
You can’t always trust a hotel hair dryer. Drybar’s Baby Buttercup Hairdryer is both powerful and easily packable, making sure there’s no such thing as a bad hair day even if you’re halfway across the globe.
Why we love it: The travel kit comes with a little travel bag, a brush, a shower cap, and several kinds of dry shampoo and haircare products.
Vitamins On-the-Go
Beauty starts from the inside out, and Care/of delivers personalized vitamin packs that are perfect for staying healthy on the go.
Perfect For: Your friend who can’t function without her daily green juice.
Meditation Mists
Carole Shashona’s mists will help even the most harried travelers find a sense of calm. The mists can be used in your hotel room, rental car, or on your hands and wrists to create a mini sanctuary.
Perfect For: Your friend who never misses a yoga class.
A Travel Essentials Kit
Dermalogica’s travel kit includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer so you’re not stuck using whatever you find at the hotel.
Why we love it: The shampoo is sulfate-free and the conditioner will leave hair feeling soft and smooth.