11 Travel-Sized Cosmetics Worth the Splurge

Channel Katharine Hepburn in The African Queen with this Charlotte Tilbury Filmstars On The Go Palette—it provides all the adventure-ready color you’ll need (besides what you’ll get on the beach of course). Choose a pocket palette with your two favorite buildable and blendable cream shades, which work as a lip/cheek stain and shimmery eye shadow so you can leave everything else at home.

M.A.C. Sized To Go False Lashes Mascara, $10 at Nordstrom

You can’t bring your whole beauty arsenal with you while you’re traveling, but makeup mavens know that if you’re going to wear just one cosmetic, mascara packs the most punch. Make eyes pop without popping the seams of your toiletries bag with this petite tube of high-impact M.A.C Sized to Go False Lashes Mascara.

Mai Couture Revitalized Vitamin C + E Blotting Papier, $10 at Mai Couture

Mai Couture has eliminated the mess of makeup on-the-go by designing efficient cosmetics in paper form (and anyone who’s had a powder explode in their bag can understand the significance of this innovation). Their slim wallet of Revitalized Vitamin E + C blotting papers refreshes your complexion to eliminate shine and nourish skin.

Tony Poly Panda’s Dream Brightening Eye Base, $12 at Sephora

Pop Tony Poly Panda’s Dream Brightening Eye Base in your bag to avoid those telltale jet lag under-eye circles. This luminizing serum with pearl extract, chrysin, and brightening peptides comes in a handy (and adorable) stick form, so you can swipe it on any time to keep the panda look at bay.

Skinnyskinny Grapefruit and Cardomom Organic Travel Size Dry Shampoo, $10 at skinnyskinny

Don’t touch that harsh hotel shampoo—if you haven’t tried dry shampoo yet, you’re missing out on a major convenience. When there’s no time or place to shower (think a long-haul flight or post-trek) sprinkle this zesty-smelling skinnyskinny Grapefruit and Cardamom Organic Travel Size Dry Shampoo on your scalp and let the kaolin clay and orris root powder soak up all the nasties.

Smashbox Travel Size Photo Finish Foundation Primer Blemish Control, $16 at Smashbox

Recycled airplane air, disrupted rhythms and a new environment can all make your skin freak out when you travel—but you’re going to be taking a lot of photos, so ensure that your skin is camera-ready with this travel-sized tube of Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Blemish Control. The salicylic acid acne treatment not only banishes blemishes, but also hydrates skin and plays well with your concealer or foundation.

Bobbi Brown Beach Rollerball, $25 at Bobbi Brown

We know things can start to get a little ripe when you’re on the road, but Bobbi Brown’s cult-classic Beach is a summery blend of sand jasmine, sea spray, and mandarin to make you smell fresher than fresh. The intoxicating scent comes in an airport security-proof 6ml rollerball so you don’t have to bring the whole bottle.

La Fresh Travel-Lite Natural Mosquito Repellent Wipes, $19.99 at Amazon

Bug spray gets a clever upgrade with these La Fresh Travel-Lite Natural Mosquito Repellent Wipes. Down-to-earth babes will love that these 100% natural, peppermint oil-based wipes have been proven to work as effectively as DEET. Hint: La Fresh also makes ingenious sunscreen, anti-perspirant, shoe-shining, and makeup removing wipes.

Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $24 at Clinique

You already know that daily sunscreen is essential, so don’t give yourself any excuse to forget to apply by always keep a teeny tube of Clinique’s favorite Super City Block SPF 40 sunscreen on your person. The sheer, weightless formula offers powerful protection but spares you that dreaded white sheen that announces “I don’t get out much.”

Tweezerman Mini Nail Rescue Kit, $22 at Ulta

Get your nails done before you go, then keep your manicure fresh with this convenient Tweezerman Mini Nail Rescue Kit. Combat hangnail emergencies and snags with the cuticle snipper, nail cleaner and sapphire-finish nail file.