4 Editors Reveal the Beauty Products They Refuse to Travel Without This Summer
Our take
The ritual of the beauty editor’s carry-on is quietly fascinating, isn’t it? It's more than just a collection of products; it's a curated capsule of expertise, distilled down to the absolute essentials. As the article reveals, these aren't impulse buys or fleeting trends, but formulas that have demonstrably earned their place through rigorous testing and genuine performance. The discerning eye of an editor, constantly navigating a sea of new launches, ultimately selects only the most impactful—a testament to quality and a subtle declaration of authority within the industry. It's a privilege, really, to glimpse into these edited collections, a peek at what truly resonates amidst the noise. The inherent selectivity speaks volumes about the current landscape, where consumers are increasingly seeking validation and recommendations from trusted sources, rather than simply being swayed by marketing hype. We've certainly seen a shift towards prioritizing efficacy and ingredient transparency, a movement neatly reflected in the choices of these seasoned professionals—and a conversation echoed in pieces like I Cut Off My Hair at 16—Here’s Why I'll Never Grow It Back, which underscores the importance of personal conviction and intentionality in style choices.
The current emphasis on “essentials” also aligns with a broader cultural trend towards intentional minimalism and conscious consumption. We’re seeing a recalibration, a move away from accumulating vast quantities of products towards investing in fewer, higher-quality items that serve multiple purposes. This isn't about deprivation; it’s about discerning what genuinely enhances one’s life and simplifying the rest. The beauty editor’s travel kit, therefore, becomes a microcosm of this larger shift. It represents a refined approach to beauty—one that prioritizes effectiveness, versatility, and a mindful connection to the products we use. Furthermore, the selection process itself provides valuable insight into the evolving demands of the modern consumer. What's making the cut isn't just about delivering results, but also about aligning with values like sustainability, ethical sourcing, and cruelty-free practices—aspects that increasingly influence purchasing decisions. The suggested scents for summer travel, as explored in Trust Me: These Are the Scents to Wear in the Most Sought-After Destinations This Summer, also reflect a desire for impactful experiences and curated moments, rather than simply filling space with fleeting trends.
Beyond the individual product choices, what’s truly compelling about this article is the unspoken narrative it conveys. These editors aren't showcasing their status or flaunting luxurious acquisitions; they’re sharing practical wisdom gleaned from years of experience. It's a quiet demonstration of authority—a confidence born not from volume, but from precision. The focus remains firmly on the products themselves and their ability to elevate the travel experience, not on the lifestyle of the person carrying them. This understated approach resonates deeply with a consumer base that is increasingly skeptical of overt marketing and authentic in their pursuit of genuine recommendations. The selection process speaks to a deeper understanding of how beauty can enhance, rather than define, the self – a perspective beautifully captured in our recent piece on Stuck On What to Wear This Summer? Here Are 5 Celebrity-Approved Outfits That Are Easy to Copy, which highlights the power of effortless style.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to observe how this trend towards curated essentials continues to evolve within the beauty industry. Will we see brands responding by offering more multi-functional products and travel-sized sets designed for ultimate portability? Will the emphasis on ingredient transparency and sustainable packaging intensify, further influencing the choices of both editors and consumers? Perhaps the most significant question is whether this shift towards intentionality will fundamentally reshape the way we perceive and engage with beauty—moving us away from a culture of constant consumption towards a more considered and meaningful relationship with the products we choose to embrace.
Holiday packing has always been an exercise in clever editing, but nowhere is this more evident than in a beauty editor's hand luggage. When your job is to test the industry's newest beauty product launches and discover and recommend the formulas that are genuinely worth the hype, every product that makes it into your carry-on has more than earned its place, and this is really evident when you see those essentials laid out in an airport security tray, stripped back to the few products that are considered truly indispensable. From the hydrating skincare that combats cabin air at 34,000ft to the summer fragrance that will recall memories of the trip once we're home (a perfume postcard, if you will).
So, what will you find in a beauty editor's carry-on? I asked our beauty team to unzip their bags and reveal the products that they will never travel without. You'll find clever travel-sized miniatures, multipurpose products that save on space and formulas designed to work hard in the sun. Consider this your curated packing list of beauty products that multitask, travel effortlessly and deliver a sense of familiarity and joy, wherever in the world you happen to be. Scroll on to peek inside the airport security trays of our discerning beauty team, and feel free to take inspiration for your own ultimate carry-on edit.
Shannon Lawlor, Beauty Director
"If I’m being honest, as a beauty director who spends a lot of time discovering the best beauty products the world has to offer, my feet are rarely on the ground. It means that, over the years, I’ve become a total pro at packing my hand-luggage-only essentials, so summer-holiday packing isn’t too much of a stress for me. These are the products set to make it into my bag for every single trip I’ve got planned this summer." — Shannon
Shop Shannon's Summer Beauty Products:
"I never leave the house without at least one sachet of Vida Glow Liquid Collagen in my bag, and whenever I’m travelling, I make sure I have one for every day that I’m away. I’m a big believer that skin radiance starts from within, and this Liquid Collagen Skin + Energy formula is ideal for long journeys and jet-lagged days. Naturally, it contains Vida Glow’s hydrolysed marine collagen peptides to support skin firmness and hydration, but there’s also an added boost of liposomal CoQ10, red ginseng and green tea extract to support immunity and energy levels. Oh, and the green apple flavouring makes them absolutely delicious, too."
"My super-long, fine hair is prone to tangling, knotting and therefore breaking on the best of days, let alone when it's rubbing against the back of static-inducing aeroplane seats. Because of this, I invest in good-quality hairbrushes that are effective but gentle. My favourite of them all is La Bonne Brosse 03, and I have this brush in countless different colours. I also have a couple of 'petite' versions, like this one, that I keep in my handbags."
"Concealer is, without question, my most cherished makeup product. I’m happy to leave the house without mascara or brow gel, but concealer? Never. I don’t like to wear a lot of makeup day-to-day, but this is especially true when I’m on holiday. This new serum concealer from Chanel has fast become my most beloved. The creamy, serum consistency becomes one with the skin—sheer enough to still look natural, brightening enough to make me look alive."
"That bleach-induced hair damage I was just talking about? Well, beyond just causing breakage, it also manifests in dry, frizzy ends, especially come summer. This teeny bottle of hair oil comes everywhere with me. It nourishes ends in seconds, delivers heat protection and contains Olaplex Bond Building Technology to strengthen hair bonds and prevent further breakage. Not only does it make my lengths look (and feel) silky-soft, but it's also a great product for creating those summer-ready, slicked-back styles."
"I believe in sun protection all year round, but when the UV index is particularly high in the summer, I like to opt for skin-blurring formulas in particular. The reason for this is that I know applying makeup over SPF in a rush (I’m always in a rush, FYI) can not only displace the protection, but isn’t particularly conducive to that all-important reapplication. This mineral formula from Ilia is jam-packed with hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate, and the sheeny tints (which really do blend into a sort of pigment-less finish) are next-level glow-boosting. They prove the ultimate perfecting base for sunshine-filled days."
"All of that SPF protecting my skin from the sun’s harmful rays does mean I’m not somebody who develops a tan over summer—but that’s not to say I don’t know how to fake it expertly. Blending this watery bronzing tint from Victoria Beckham Beauty into my hairline, down my nose and onto my cheeks with the partnered brush has everyone I know complimenting me on my summer glow."
"My lips are perpetually dry, and the heat only makes things worse. For this reason, I don’t tend to wear lipstick all too often, as I find the formulas can only exacerbate dryness. Instead, I turn to tinted balms, like this nourishing formula from Dries Van Noten. I have one case, and I swap out the balms depending on which colour I want to wear that day. My go-to? Natural Blush (£34), which imparts the prettiest rosy sheen."
Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor
"I’ve got a summer full of city breaks this year, and I like my carry-on to feature a tight edit of minimalist yet hardworking everyday essentials that won’t take up too much space in my case or my handbag when I'm sightseeing. I love picking up local beauty finds whenever I travel, so I always make sure I have extra space for new discoveries. too. But for the most part, you'll find me packing multi-use products and minis of my favourites that are functional but sleek—I'm a total magpie for a beautiful beauty product!" — Eleanor
Shop Eleanor's Summer Beauty Products:
"I’ve lost count of the number of Westman Atelier Face Trace tubes I’ve gone through. These creamy contour sticks are great for soft sculpting, and the buttery texture melts straight into the skin for undetectable contouring, and I find it doubles up brilliantly as a bronzer when I want to fake some sun-kissed colour on my cheeks. It comes in a mini size, too, which is perfect for trips away."
"I like packing a versatile mascara for holidays, and this one is easy to wear whether you want a natural daytime look or to layer it up for dinners out—it’s basically two mascaras in one, saving space in my makeup bag. The tubing mascara formula means it won’t smudge or flake during hot city break days, but it just melts away with warm water at the end of the day. Honestly, I'd recommend anything from Merit for travelling; everything is compact in size and easy to use."
"The cabin air often dries out my skin, and so you’ll always find a tube of hand cream in my carry-on. Whilst I'll be sitting in economy this summer, I can pretend I'm in first class with a luxurious hand cream like this one. Rich in texture yet fast-absorbing, this nourishing cream leaves my hands silky soft and delicately scented. I’m loving the woody scent of Bal d’Afrique right now for a mid-flight pick-me-up. Bougie? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely."
"I leave my full-sized Rhode Glazing Milk at home well away from the mitts of airport security staff, and instead take the (exceptionally cute) miniature version away with me. It’s great for a whole array of things, from makeup prep to adding hydration anywhere you need it post-flight, or mixed in with makeup to sheer out my base with a dewy finish."
"This serum foundation is a new discovery of mine, and now I won’t ever leave home without it. This texture is akin to wearing silk on your skin. With just a couple of drops, it blends in beautifully to a natural yet buildable finish, and it self-sets (no need for heavy powder) so you can enjoy a satiny finish that won’t melt away during a day full of sightseeing."
"I’ve had a long-standing tradition of buying a new perfume for a trip away, and this year I’ve chosen Diptyque’s travel set, which contains three summer scents, including Philosykos, Ilio and Eau de Sens to remind me of my summer adventures. Diptyque’s Ilio is my all-time favourite summer scent, so I’m never without a travel-sized vial when I travel."
"I'm never more than 2ft away from a lip balm, and Celine's newest one hasn't left my side all year. Rather than being glossy, it has a matte finish that gives the lips a soft, blurred finish. It's perfect for swiping on for a hint of colour before a dinner reservation, but it's still hydrating enough to keep my lips hydrated at 34,000ft. And the packaging? I'm swooning."
Grace Lindsay, Deputy Beauty Editor
"When it comes to summer beauty, I don’t mess around. The minute the sun comes out, you’ll find me spritzing my favourite holiday perfumes, applying SPF like there’s no tomorrow and slathering on the best cream bronzers to get that sought-after glow. So, it’s no surprise that my airport beauty essentials reflect this. I have a couple of trips coming up, and this is exactly what I’m packing in my carry-on." — Grace
Shop Grace's Summer Beauty Products:
"In a bid to save some pennies, I’ve booked the earliest flights imaginable, which means I’m bound to be looking a little tired in duty-free. However, it’s nothing that Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches can’t solve. Infused with hyaluronic acid, cucumber extract, niacinamide and caffeine, these hydrogel patches immediately hydrate and de-puff the under-eye area, which is why you’ll see me wearing these as soon as the plane takes off."
"I have dry lips at the best of times, but especially when flying. If I’m feeling a little boujee, I like to pack this La Mer lip balm, which is infused with the brand’s Miracle Broth and hydrates and conditions the lips so effectively. I love the refreshing mint scent, and the formula creates a subtle plumping effect that I can’t get enough of."
"I wear SPF every single day (of course!), and for the summer months, I love this lightweight, hydrating option from Beauty of Joseon. It’s great for my combination skin, and the glow that it gives is out of this world. You’ll never see me leave the country without it."
"I’m looking a little pale after what feels like a very long winter, so bronzing drops are a carry-on essential for me. This season, I’ve got my eyes on the ever-so-chic Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops, which are perfect worn alone or mixed into your base to add natural warmth and dimension to the skin."
"When I’m lugging suitcases around and running through the airport to get to my gate on time, it’s safe to say that I can get a little bit hot and sweaty. This Ouai deodorant is great for travelling as it comes in a roll-on format, and the tropical scent makes me feel as if I’m already on holiday."
"Speaking of holiday scents, this is my summer perfume of choice. Like a five-star beachside resort in a bottle, Glossier You Soie contains notes of fresh bergamot, creamy rice milk and coconutty tiare flower. It’s totally intoxicating but still feels soft and delicate on the skin. A true delight."
"Flying always dries out my complexion, so I like to carry a hydrating face mist in my bag for on-the-go moisture. I know this Anua one is about to be my holiday go-to, as it’s packed with PDRN and hyaluronic acid, delivered in 'hydra-glow capsules' that burst onto the skin to give a dewy finish."
Brittany Davis, Junior Writer
"As someone who runs naturally warm and therefore very much feels the heat, in summer, I’m always on the hunt for the most scaled-back makeup routine that doesn't feel overly complicated or leave me a sweaty mess at the end of the day, and this is even more true when I’m on holiday. Whether I’m on the plane, sitting by the pool or exploring a new city, my go-to travel products very much fall into the low-effort, high-reward category; they make getting ready quick and simple whilst still giving me that holiday-like glow I yearn for." — Brittany
Shop Brittany's Summer Beauty Products:
"Perfect for achieving an extra glowy and bronze look, Nuxe's Huile Prodigieuse Or Shimmering Multi-Purpose Dry Oil is formulated with 100% natural-origin shimmer particles to give the face and body an instant golden glow. I love that it gives me the look of a sun-kissed glow, without any of the sun damage, of course!"
"Ever looked at a product online and wanted it in your makeup bag solely for its looks alone? This is exactly how I felt when I first saw this limited-edition Hermès powder. It was a complete impulse buy, but luckily, it did not disappoint, providing my cheeks with a subtle wash of shimmer that will be so good on holiday."
"When I'm on a sun-soaked getaway, I usually ditch my complexion products entirely. However, Refy's Skin Tint quickly found a permanent place in my holiday makeup bag. It provides just enough coverage to hide my dark spots but doesn't feel too heavy or greasy on my skin."
"An SPF stick is one of my go-to ways to top up my sun protection when I’m on the go around the city, but it’s also great for when I'm on the plane and don't want to touch my face with my hands. Enriched with nourishing grape seed oil and cocoa seed butter, Caudalie’s Invisible High Protection Stick is moisturising without feeling sticky or greasy."
"I'm always on the hunt for an SPF without a white cast, and I recently found my new favourite: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF50+. Loved by dermatologists and beauty editors alike, it's lightweight, hydrating and sheers out into an undetectable layer of sun protection—perfect for no-makeup days on the beach."
"I love a tropical getaway as much as the next person, but I don't love the overly sickly sweet fruity scents often associated with these destinations. Phlur's Beach Skin has a soft, musky leaning, which takes it away slightly from the creamy blend of coconut and vanilla."
"The hands-down worst thing about being on a plane is the air sucking the life out of my lips. Tatcha's melting lip balm in Reddo is soft and hydrating, with the most subtle tint of colour that gives my pout a natural-looking glow. And when I'm out and about at my destination, this plus a dark-brown lip liner is a match made in heaven for me!"
Photographer: Lucy Robinson for Who What Wear UK
Prop Stylist: Chris Hobbs
Beauty Editor: Eleanor Vousden
Fashion Editor: Remy Farrell
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience