I Took 6 Flights in 3 Weeks—Every Multitasking Skin and Makeup Item That Made Me Feel Put Together
Our take
The recent piece detailing a beauty routine curated for extensive travel – “I Took 6 Flights in 3 Weeks—Every Multitasking Skin and Makeup Item That Made Me Feel Put Together” – resonates deeply within the current landscape of mindful consumption and elevated simplicity. It taps into a growing desire for efficiency without sacrificing quality, a sentiment increasingly prevalent amongst discerning consumers. The article’s focus on “only the essentials” mirrors a broader cultural shift away from maximalism and towards a more curated, intentional approach to beauty and lifestyle. This isn’t about deprivation; it’s about recognizing the power of fewer, well-chosen items that serve multiple purposes. It’s a direct counterpoint to the overwhelming volume of products constantly vying for our attention, a trend we’ve previously explored in articles like Nothing Rivals an In-Clinic Facial, But This Serum Comes Pretty Close, where the pursuit of effective skincare often leads to seeking concentrated solutions rather than a sprawling collection.
The appeal extends beyond mere practicality. There's an inherent elegance in distilling a routine down to its core components. It speaks to a confidence in oneself and a rejection of the pressure to constantly reinvent or experiment. This echoes the ethos of quiet luxury – a preference for understated quality and timelessness over ostentatious displays. The traveler's ability to feel "put together" with a streamlined selection of products suggests that true beauty isn't about the sheer number of items used, but about the intentionality and care applied to the ritual itself. We’ve seen this reflected in conversations around conscious consumption, particularly within the beauty sphere, where individuals are actively seeking out brands and formulations that prioritize both efficacy and sustainability. Lo Bosworth's endorsement of high-performing drugstore beauty products – highlighted in Lo Bosworth Is a "Firm Believer" That Drugstore Beauty Products Can Outperform Luxury Ones—Her 7 Top Picks – reinforces this idea that exceptional results don’t always require a premium price tag, further supporting the notion of thoughtful selection over accumulation.
This trend is also inextricably linked to the rise of the "digital nomad" and the broader acceptance of remote work. Frequent travel is no longer a niche lifestyle but a growing reality for many, demanding adaptable and space-saving solutions. The beauty industry has responded, with brands increasingly offering multi-use products and travel-sized formats. However, the article’s emphasis on *feeling* put together, rather than simply being efficient, is a crucial distinction. It acknowledges the emotional dimension of beauty – the confidence and self-assurance that comes from a well-considered routine, even when pared down. The focus isn't solely on function; it's about the sensory experience and the feeling of being grounded amidst the chaos of travel. This aligns with a broader shift towards prioritizing well-being and self-care, even (and perhaps especially) when on the move.
Looking ahead, it's likely we’ll see a continued convergence of travel, minimalism, and conscious consumption within the beauty sector. Brands that can successfully cater to this evolving demand – offering high-quality, multi-functional products in sustainable packaging – will be best positioned for success. The question remains: will this trend toward streamlining extend beyond travel, influencing everyday beauty routines and further challenging the traditional model of constant product innovation and release? It’s a space to watch closely, as it reflects a deeper societal shift towards intentionality and a re-evaluation of what truly constitutes a fulfilling and beautiful life.
Minimalists, be warned: You're about to enter the psyche of a severe overpacker. It doesn't matter if I'm going away for three days or three weeks—every single time, I somehow wind up with multiple outfit options and a small army of beauty products in my suitcase. After all, you just never know when you'll feel the urge to slap on an exfoliating mask or test out a twinkly new eye shadow palette. (No? Just me?) So when it came to my big summer trip—a wedding in Denver, a week with my family in Texas, and the south of France for my honeymoon—I knew my checked bag would be weighing in at over 23KG. (Apologies to my husband, who had to lug said bag across the European cobblestones.) Still, I attempted to be as strategic as possible with my cosmetic case, prioritising multitasking makeup staples that streamline my routine and instantly make me feel put together after a long-haul drive or flight. Read: a cream blush that doubles as a pretty lip tint, a brightening serum that eliminates the need for highlighter, a sunscreen that functions as a buttery moisturiser, and plenty more you'll find below.
Did I pack way more than these 10? Of course I did. I never said I could magically overcome my chronic overpacking. But here are the 10 essentials I used the most and, if I had the foresight, would have been the only items I brought.
My 10 Favourite Skincare and Makeup Products to Travel With
I wake up super red and blotchy (even more so after long travel days), so starting my mornings with this calming, aloe-based toner was a must. I used it every single day after cleansing to rebalance and hydrate, and my skin has never looked calmer.
After applying my beloved mandelic acid serum, I'll follow up with four drops of the brand's Storm Serum, which further soothes my travel-stressed skin barrier and targets discolouration. I don't even use moisturiser after (it's that hydrating), and it leaves behind the prettiest dewy glow. I didn't touch my highlighter once!
As soon as I touched down in France, I made sure to pick up a new bottle of my beloved Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse. The fast-absorbing formula makes my limbs glisten without feeling sticky, and the vanilla, magnolia and orange blossom scent is divine. No perfume necessary. I applied it every morning before heading to the beach, making sure to add an extra spritz on my collarbones and shoulders before dinner.
As I mentioned earlier, I haven't been wearing moisturiser during the day. Instead, I apply the aforementioned hydrating serum, then finish off my routine with this mineral milk sunscreen from Summer Fridays. In addition to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for sun protection, the formula boasts ceramides, glycerin and a host of antioxidants to hydrate and protect skin. So yes, it's truly moisturising enough to use on its own.
Yes, Hailey Bieber's highly-anticipated bronzer is worth the hype. Creamy and blendable, the formula never fails to make me look effortlessly sun-kissed. I apply it on my cheeks, hairline, lids and on the bridge of my nose for a full-on toasty effect, sans blush. Trust me, it looks so natural.
That doesn't mean I give up blush entirely! On days I crave a girlier, rosier flush, Prada's cream-to-powder blush does just the trick. I apply it on those same spots I mentioned above (my cheeks, hairline, lids and bridge of my nose) for some more subtle colour, plus a tap on my lips to commit to the monochromatic beat. If I could only use one makeup product for the entire summer, it'd definitely be this versatile pigment.
With a plumping, ceramide-rich formula that's just as elevated as its rosy-brown pigment, Anfisa's Ân-Gloss is the ultimate skincare-makeup hybrid. I bring it with me on every flight, as I know it'll deeply moisturise my lips in the air and provide a healthy wash of colour for my post-airport plans.
Some people swear by blotting papers, but I'm much more of a pressed powder touch-up kind of girl. This Guerlain number is my current nonnegotiable since it subtly colour-corrects as it blurs pores, and, not for nothing, the compact is just so pretty. I'd bring it everywhere for that reason alone, but it also does an incredible job at soaking up excess oil without leaving me looking too matte.
My ride-or-die complexion product, whether I'm travelling or not, Merit's The Minimalist is the definition of a multitasking hero. I often use it for my whole base (blend it with Rhode's Highlight Milk and thank me later), but on days when I crave just a bit of coverage, I can use it to spot-conceal precise areas of discolouration. It works like a charm every single time.
You'll never catch me without a hydrating face mist in my summer tote. I currently can't get enough of Anua's silky spray, which contains suspended capsules of PDRN, hyaluronic acid, and collagen for optimal absorption. A bonus: It's exactly 100 millilitres, so I can bring it in my carry-on for a mid-flight refresh.
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