It's always tempting to pack your entire beauty regime to take on your travels. I mean, it's better to overpack than to forget the essentials back home, right? ? But why waste the finite space of your bag with items you may not even use? You could stuff a few more souvenirs had you not brought along so many bottles of redundant makeup, skincare or toiletries! Load up on these 10 essential beauty products instead – necessities you’ll be sure to use, no matter which country or climate you find yourself in (plus have some spare space in your bags to bring gifts home)!

For sun protection

1. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is undoubtedly one of the most important travel accessories whether your destination is in the tropics, at the beach or in the city. Your skin will be exposed to many new variables like dust and UV rays, especially when you’re exploring a new environment or climate. You may be on vacation, but your skin doesn’t get time off! 

Credit: Wardah Cosmetics on Facebook

Credit: Wardah Cosmetics on FacebookWardah Sunscreen Gel SPF 30: This gel-based sunscreen applies smoothly onto your skin without leaving it greasy or sticky. The formula in Wardah assures you double protection against UVA and UVB with the antioxidant vitamin E, preventing UV-induced skin damage while aloe vera and provitamin B5 to keep your skin moisturized! Apply the sunscreen onto your face and neck 15 minutes before any outdoor activities, and repeat after washing or taking your ablution☺️ Buy it here!

2. Lip balm

Don’t forget to show your lips some love while you slather on sunscreen to your face!

Credit: Handmade Heroes on Facebook

Credit: @handmadeheroes on InstagramCoco Friggin' Fantastic Lip Balm: This vegan, cruelty-free lip balm packs a hydrating-punch with coconut oil and cocoa butter, while natural oils soothe inflamed and irritated skin. Free of parabens, artificial preservatives, and synthetic chemicals, Coco Friggin’ Fantastic uses 100% natural ingredients to not only protect your delicate lips, but also heal and soften them? Some of the balms, like the French Rose flavour, even provide a lovely tint to give your puckers a natural hue! Buy it here!

For feeling fresh

3. Makeup remover

For those who often use makeup, you'd know that oil-based removers are the best for melting away makeup without drying out your face. And if it's too cumbersome to lug around a bottle of your favourite oil while going on a trip, RMS Beauty has the ideal solution!

Credit: The Naturally Better Company on FacebookRMS Beauty The Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes: This set of 20 individually sealed wipes, each infused with RMS' signature 100% organic raw coconut oil, is all you need for that Step 1 in your skincare routine. One compostable cloth rids foundation, mascara, eyeliner and lipstick without any violent rubbing! Coconut oil is the sole ingredient in each wipe, lending its antifungal and antibacterial properties as well as helping to moisturise and soothe rashes and sunburn. To use, warm each sealed wipe with your hands to melt the coconut oil and spread it evenly before using. Buy it here!

4. Facial wash

Facial cleansers are an absolute must and a great way to thank your skin for roughing it out with you at your new travel destination! It's an effective way to remove impurities like dirt and oil that your face indubitably picked up throughout the day. If you’re concerned about liquid cleansers spilling in your bag, consider getting a stick cleanser instead! A stick cleanser is just that: a solid cleanser in the shape of a stick! They're spill-proof, leak-proof and super travel friendly to throw into your bag.

Credit: @val0r1e on Instagram

Credit: @beautyeoppo on InstagramNeogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick: This Korean-brand product is formulated with 99% plant-derived ingredients like green tea leaves, evening primrose oil, coconut oil and olive oil that helps to take off makeup and the daily build-up on your face. And thanks to its low pH level, this cleansing stick is gentle on the skin and does not strip away natural oils? Buy it here!

5. Solid perfume

Another great travel product that comes in solid is solid perfumes. No more worries about breaking your perfume’s delicate glass or having it spill in your bag!

Credit: Pacifica on FacebookPacifica Solid Perfume: This vegan, cruelty-free and non-alcoholic solid perfume comes in an adorable little tin that houses lovely scents made from organic coconut wax, organic soy wax and essential oils. With eleven delectable scents like Mediterranean Fig, Brazilian Mango and Tahitian Gardenia, all you need is a dab on your wrists for a lovely whiff. The tin is no bigger than a size of a MAC eye shadow pot, so you can pop it in your bag and get refreshed anytime, anywhere! Buy it here!

6. Feminine wipes

Feminine wipes are great to have on hand whenever you want to freshen up. Whether you’re going through your cycle while on holiday or need a quick refresher for daily use, these wipes are a convenient way to maintain feminine hygiene while you’re on the go!

Credit: @natracare on InstagramNatracare Organic Cotton Intimate Wipes: These soft cleansing wipes are made from 100% organic cotton cloth and formulated with natural plant-based ingredients like the oils of chamomile, calendula and French rose as well as natural plant extracts - all to cleanse and refresh you! Natracare is also free from parabens and alcohol. Buy it here!

For looking good

7. Concealer

Concealers make great best friends: they are super travel-friendly, not taking up too much in your bag and a little product goes a long way in making you look fresh and ready! Dab a little on your trouble spots to hide blemishes or layer on for a heavier coverage.

Credit: @@bhlooms on Instagram

Credit: @colourpopfun on InstagramColourpop No Filter Concealer:  This vegan and cruelty-free concealer is lightweight, creamy, and offers full coverage! At just 4.0g, hardly takes up space. It is formulated for a matte complexion to conceal blemishes, highlight your under eyes and (with the right shade) contour! Plus, all you need are your fingers to create an airbrushed finish - no need for additional sponges or brushes. Colourpop concealers come in fifteen shades. Credit: ColourPop PH on Facebook Buy it here!

8. BB Cream

Caking on makeup may not be a priority if your plans involve a lot of beachside activities and a fuss-free beauty routine. Nothing is more fuss-free than multi-functional products like BB Creams! These heaven-sent must-have is a foundation, moisturizer and sunscreen all in one, so you’ll be out the door in just one easy step.Credit: Absolute Skin on FacebookINIKA Certified Organic BB Cream: A multitasking formula that combines primer, moisturizer and foundation in one product, this BB cream contains nourishing ingredients like prickly pear, pomegranate, avocado and jojoba Oils to moisturize and hydrate the skin while providing coverage for your blemishes.

Credit: INIKA Organic on Facebook Aside from BB creams, other alternatives for multi-purpose bases are the BB cushion (a similar product to BB creams but in a more secure, leak-proof packaging!) or opt for a tinted moisturizer for lighter coverage. Buy it here!

9. Makeup multi-tasker

Keeping with the theme of multifunctional products, here is a cult favourite - The Multiple Stick! Typically, these are made for the eyes, cheeks (either as blush or highlighter, depending on the shade) and lips.

Credit: @jennloeofficial on Instagram

Credit: Sugar and Spice on FacebookNARS The Multiple: This multiple stick has a creamy and blendable formula that creates effortlessly beautiful shimmering accents. They are easy and quick to apply with just your fingers, and has a natural, sheer finish for a polish, dewy look. Some popular shades include Copacabana which has an opalescent pink pearl finish - great for highlighting and Riviera, a true pink hue that is buildable for a rosy blush and lovely lip colour! NARS The Multiple is also enriched with Vitamin E and acai oil for antioxidant benefits. Buy it here!

For hijabis

10. Wrinkle-free hijabs

Ironing your shawls while travelling may not be a convenient task. So it is best to prepare a few wrinkle-resistant hijab options and spend your mornings sleeping in instead of worrying about crumpled shawls during your trip. Choose shawls made from lycra and jersey which are known to be wrinkle resistant. Viscose hijabs are also great lightweight options with creases easily disguised.

Credit: Tudung People on Facebook

Credit: TudungPeople on FacebookTudung People Afya Printed Instant: This ironless, pin-less hijab is made from a blend of cotton and lycra and is an instant hijab! Just slip it on and you’re all set. Afya features a soft awning and ruched shoulder detailing and comes in both printed designs and plains. Buy it here! #HHWT Tip: If you do need a little help “ironing” out wrinkles on your shawls, hang it on a hanger and place in your bathroom while you shower. Steam from your hot shower can gently smooth out the creases and you’ll be ready in no time!

BONUS!

11. Dry shampoo

Dry shampoos can be a real time-saver and great for hijab-donning travellers who do not have the time to wash their hair in the morning before slipping on their scarf. However, do note that dry shampoos typically contain alcohol in its formulation and is best washed away before taking ablutions.

Credit: @randcohair on InstagramR+Co Death Valley dry shampoo: Refresh your scalp with a few sprays of this dry shampoo. More than just cleaning up your hair, Death Valley absorbs excess oil, increases volume and adds definition to your untamed mane. And there we have it: ten beauty must-haves that will keep you sun-protected, feeling fresh and looking good during your travelling days! These essentials could save you a lot of time getting ready in the morning with their dual purposes and convenient uses. Plus, multi-purpose items also mean less to pack so you get to keep within your baggage allowance!