Travel beauty essentials

Best skin care and makeup for travel

Discover the ultimate travel-ready skin care and makeup essentials to keep you looking and feeling your best wherever the adventure takes you. From inflight hydration heroes to the best mini beauty picks, we've got tips and products to make your journey smooth and stress-free.

Inflight skin care routine

Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, making hydration key during your flight. Start with a gentle cleansing wipe or micellar water, then apply a hydrating mist or essence, followed by a nourishing serum or face oil. Lock it all in with a rich moisturizer or overnight mask, and don’t forget a lip balm and hand cream. A minimalist, moisture-focused routine is best for keeping skin calm and comfortable in the air.

Best face masks for plane travel

Sheet masks, cream masks, and overnight masks are great travel companions—especially on long flights. Look for formulas with soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or ceramides to combat in-flight dryness. For convenience, single-use sheet masks or travel-size tubes are perfect for mid-air application or a hotel refresh.

Best moisturizer for plane travel

When flying, go for a travel-sized moisturizer that's ultra-hydrating but not greasy. Look for one with ingredients like glycerin, squalane, or ceramides to lock in moisture. A lightweight formula works great if layering is your thing, but don’t shy away from a heavier cream if your skin tends to feel extra dry in-flight. Bonus points if it has SPF for sun protection when you step off the plane!

Explore these top-rated travel-friendly moisturizers designed to keep your skin hydrated and glowing—even on the go. All available at Ulta Beauty:

• Clinique: The Moisture Surge™ collection offers lightweight, gel-based hydration that lasts all day, perfect for combating dry cabin air. Plus, the travel-sized options are great for packing light.
• First Aid Beauty: Known for their Ultra Repair Cream, this brand packs rich hydration in TSA-friendly sizes. Ideal for sensitive or dry skin needing an extra boost during long flights.
• CeraVe: Affordable moisturizers that prioritize hydration and skin barrier repair.
• La Roche-Posay: Loved for its Toleriane moisturizer lineup, this brand offers soothing, travel-sized creams made for sensitive, dehydrated skin.
• Kiehl’s: Their Ultra Facial Cream in mini versions provides 24-hour hydration without weighing skin down, making it a traveler’s dream.

Best travel makeup bags

Your travel makeup bag should be compact, durable, and ideally leak-proof. Clear pouches are perfect for breezing through security checks, while bags with multiple compartments help keep your mini essentials organized. Choose flexible fabric options to maximize space in your luggage. Bonus tip? Pick a bag that's wipeable for easy cleanup in case of spills.

Explore these top-rated travel makeup bag brands designed for organization and style. All available at Ulta Beauty:

• Tartan+Twine: Known for sleek, compact designs with multiple compartments to keep your beauty essentials neatly organized.
• Caboodles: Iconic and vintage-inspired, their sturdy cases come with multiple compartments for ultimate organization.
• MYTAGALONGS: Known for their trendy and functional travel bags crafted with padded designs and waterproof materials for added convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foundation is best for traveling?

Stick or compact cushion foundations are ideal for travel since they’re mess-free and don’t count as liquids in your carry-on. Opt for a lightweight, buildable formula that delivers natural coverage and keeps you feeling fresh during changing climates. For added convenience, look for products with SPF built in!

What makeup is best for plane?

Keep it simple and hydrating. Stick foundations or tinted moisturizers provide a fresh, no-makeup look. Cream blushes and multi-purpose sticks for eyes and lips save space while keeping your glow intact. Avoid powders to sidestep dryness caused by cabin air. And waterproof mascara is always a great idea for long days of travel.

How to take care of your skin while traveling?

Stick to a simplified routine: gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturizer, and SPF during the day. Pack travel sizes or decant your essentials to save space. Prioritize hydration and barrier repair, especially if your destination has a different climate or water quality.

Can you bring face masks on the plane?

Yes, absolutely! Sheet masks, creamy sleeping masks, or under-eye patches are perfect for inflight use. Just be sure they’re within TSA’s liquid size limits.

Can you bring face wash on the plane?

Yes! Bring a travel-sized bottle of your favorite face wash (3.4 ounces or smaller) in your quart-sized liquids bag. If you use a solid or bar cleanser, even better—that eliminates the liquid requirement altogether. Gentle formulas work best to refresh your skin after a long day of traveling.

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