Skincare is a top priority for me, especially when I’m traveling. Because my face gets super dry, I need to put moisturizer on every day. Besides that, products I generally use are face wash, toner, and sunscreen. I don’t have a complicated skincare routine since it’s tough while I’m traveling. Plus, I’m limited to 3 oz. liquid containers, meaning I can only bring so much.
Still, a girl’s gotta take care of her skin. I love finding products that work well with my skin, which tends to be dry, blemished, and acne-prone (more so now that I’m constantly on the road).
I’ve compiled a list below of the skincare products that I’m currently using. The best part about this list is that I’ve accumulated some of these on my travels and am so happy that they turned out to be great finds.
Read more:
10 Affordable Travel Essentials
Perfect Whip Face Wash
My Japanese friend introduced me to this drugstore brand two years ago. Apparently, it’s one of the most popular face wash products in Japan and is making waves abroad as well. To my surprise, it’s the more affordable brand under Shiseido.
I love it because it creates a creamy, rich lather that also takes off face makeup. I wash my face with this once a day, usually while in the shower to wash away the day’s makeup and impurities. Additionally, it helped control my acne besides the occasional hormonal act up. A little of this product goes a long way!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel
This is a lighter gel face wash that I like to use in the mornings to start my day off feeling so fresh and so clean. It’ll leave your skin hydrated and rejuvenated. The smell is a cool, ocean breeze, which is one of my favorite smells. I actually look forward to my mornings because of this!
Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner
Since I’ve discovered this affordable brand, I’ve been hooked! The packaging is simple, which is why the products can be offered at a lower price point. Simple looking but definitely effective.
I’ve used this toner for a while now, and it’s been a staple in my skincare routine. After taking off my makeup and cleansing my face, I use this toner to get rid of any residual makeup. Toners can dry out your skin, but this one isn’t very drying.
Hada Labo Goku-jyun Perfect Gel
Another Japanese product that I’ve grown fond of. After cleansing my face and applying toner at night, I slather this lotion-milk-cream-serum-mask combo on like it’s nobody’s business. This one product acts as an all-in-one for protecting, boosting, and hydrating your skin as it contains collagen and hyaluronic acid. I use this for the daytime as well. It leaves your skin feeling extra moisturized but not oily or greasy.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen
Ok, I also found this one while I was in Japan, and it seriously is my favorite find thus far. I’ve been looking for a lightweight sunscreen that isn’t oily or super creamy or takes forever to rub into your face.
I bought this one on a whim, and voila! – it surprised me by being lightweight with a smooth application. Doesn’t even feel like sunscreen!…more like a “rich watery essence.”
Petitfee Black Pearl and Gold Hydrogel Eyepatch
Eye patches, to me, feel like luxury products, in that you really feel pampered when using them. I also tend to use them sparingly as not to waste them, like for when I have the puffiest eyes in the mornings or have a special occasion that requires not showing up with sleepless undereyes.
When we were in South Korea (the land of skincare), I decided to try this Petitfee Black Pearl and Gold eye patches that came in really nice packaging. I’m not sure if the “hydrogel” is the material for the eye patches, but it is a gel-like material that’s soaked in a pool of ingredients containing aloe vera, rose, ginseng, and collagen.
You can put it in the fridge before using to feel the cold effect on your eyes. It’s sooo satisfying! I noticed that my eyes feel more hydrated after use, even though it doesn’t last for too long. Because I only use eye patches once in a while, I can’t say how effective they are for the long-term. This one is great though for when I need a racoon-eye remedy stat!
Avène Cold Cream Lip Cream
Does this one technically qualify as skincare? Maybe not, but I wanted to include it on this list. Love, love, love this brand. I was first introduced to Avène through Birchbox samples of its Cleanance Expert Lotion and Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum. Immediately, my skin connected with the products.
After researching more about the brand, I kept coming across their lip cream. Of course, I love me a good lip balm. Sidenote: if I was stranded on an island and could only have one thing with me, it would be lip balm (anybody else?!).
This one’s a winner because I only need to apply this once or twice a day unlike other ones I’ve used. My lips stay hydrated for a loooong time after use. I also scored because I found this in Spain for half the price it usually sells for in the U.S. But to be honest, I would probably pay the $16 for it once I run out…
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As you can see, the theme across most of my skincare products while traveling is hydration and moisturizer. Even though the atmosphere is always changing around me, these products have helped calm and maintain my skin through and through.
Have you tried any of these? Do you have any recommendations for products you love to use while traveling?
— T.
