The 9 Must-Have Beauty Products for Every Traveler

When you're on the go, packing every beauty product you own isn't feasible. But looking good is still a priority. We love filling our carry-ons with versatile products that maximize space efficiency. Here are nine of our top picks.

1. Coconut Oil

“The minimalist in me absolutely adores pure coconut oil. It serves multiple purposes: a body and face moisturizer, lip balm, shaving cream, and frizz control. Plus, my friends say I smell like a delightful cookie on vacation. Even better? It's drip-proof and TSA-approved. Oh, and it's Elle-endorsed!”—Aislyn Greene, associate director, podcasts

2. Danessa Myricks’ Colorfix Mattes

“When I'm on the road, I often lack the time or energy to bring all my beauty essentials. However, Danessa Myricks’ Colorfix Mattes ensure that I have a complete makeup look every day of my trip. These versatile creams work as eyeshadow, lipstick, lip liner, and blush simultaneously. The shades are buildable and adaptable, allowing you to create a full face with just one color. Best of all, their long-lasting formula can last up to 24 hours, so I won’t need to pause for touch-ups.” —Cat Sposato, editorial assistant

3. Argan Oil

“Argan oil is fantastic for everything from dry winter skin (I apply it at night and in the morning before my moisturizer—it leaves you looking dewy, not greasy, I promise) to taming frizzy hair and soothing bug bites. However, the bottle can be quite leaky, so it’s wise to transfer it to a travel-friendly container.” —Lily Soysal, Dinogo contributor

4. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps

“Kiehl’s Crème de Corps is my absolute must-have product. I apply it on both my body and face. It’s designed for quick absorption, allowing you to get dressed moments after application—perfect for travel. (I always rush out the door on trips and prefer to minimize my time in hotel rooms!) What I love most is that it’s my ultimate tool for maintaining my tan after a wonderful beach getaway. When I use it more than once a day, I can keep a rich tan for weeks.”—Juliette San Fillipo, Dinogo contributor

5. Nars Copacabana Multi-Stick

“I can’t travel without my Nars Copacabana multi-stick—I apply it on my eyes, cheeks, lips, and collarbone, and occasionally on my shins for that Kate Middleton glow. Just add tinted moisturizer and mascara, and I’m set.” —Danielle Walsh, Dinogo contributor

6. Pawpaw Ointment

“I discovered this fantastic product while living in Australia—and it's a definite favorite among Aussies—known as pawpaw ointment. Made from papaya, it’s primarily used as lip balm but can also soothe burns, bruises, cuts, insect bites, heat rashes, diaper rashes, sunburns, cracked cuticles, and various skin concerns. It’s incredibly useful to have while traveling, especially for outdoor adventures. You can even apply it as a makeup base to help your eyeshadow last longer!” —Denise Hoo, Dinogo contributor

7. Kinfield Sunglow SPF 35

“I love keeping my beauty routine simple, whether I’m traveling or at home, and this fantastic product from Kinfield is a versatile gem that serves as a foundation, SPF 35 sunscreen, and moisturizer. It truly lives up to its name, giving my skin a beautiful luminous glow without being overly shimmery. Plus, it's 100 percent mineral, making it reef-safe, and its two-ounce size is perfect for my carry-on toiletry bag.” –Blane Bachelor, Dinogo contributor

8. Pond’s Cold Cream

“Pond’s Cold Cream is at the top of my travel essentials list due to its versatility. I use it for everything: face wash, makeup remover, shaving cream, and even as a moisturizer substitute on short trips (much to my dermatologist's dismay). It's straightforward, effective, and budget-friendly.” — Alex Battaglia, sales coordinator

9. Dieux’s Instant Angel Moisturizer

“As someone with dry skin, traveling can be a nightmare for my complexion. The low humidity of airplane cabins and arid climates often leave my skin looking lifeless and feeling flaky. Dieux’s Instant Angel Moisturizer is my ultimate savior for dry patches. Its luxurious formula makes my skin feel silky smooth and incredibly soft. Best of all, I can generously apply it without experiencing any tackiness that often comes with rich creams, so I never hesitate to use as much as needed. It’s also quite versatile: in particularly dry environments, I dab some on my hands to eliminate any cracks on my knuckles within just one or two uses.” —CS

This story was originally published in February 2015 and has been updated to reflect current information.