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11 Winter Beauty Travel Essentials

by Kelsey Nelson

Let's face it, traveling can wreak havoc on your skin. Before you get to the airport and find yourself tossing an expensive moisturizing cream because it isn't the right size, keep reading for winter beauty travel essentials that will make it through TSA.

Between the food options, the dry plane air, the weird hours, and the fact that you usually can't take your tried-and-true full size products in your carry-on, sometimes, your beauty routine suffers. Add dry, cold air to the mix and it can seem impossible to keep your skin at its best.

Whether you're visiting relatives, going back home from school, or going on vacation, airlines see big travel spikes during the holiday season. You're also probably taking pictures (family photos, selfies, vacation photos) and you probably want to look nice without having to lug your whole makeup bag to your grandma's place. Why fill your precious bag space that you could use for souvenirs and presents with a ton of makeup? Here are 11 essential winter beauty products that you can take in your carry-on to simplify your packing and keep your skin looking its best.

1Sheet Masks

Dr. Jart+ Dermask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution, $6, Sephora

The easiest beauty item to pack for great skin despite your winter travel plans is a sheet mask. They're easy to use, and you don't need to worry about packing it with you on the way home. While you can put your face mask on while still on the plane, you'll still benefit if you put it on the night you land.

2Ceramide Capsules

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules, $66, Nordstrom

This product is a skin saver. It helps build up your skin's lipid barrier with ceramide. It smooths your skin and adds moisture, while fighting aging that is a result of your skin losing its natural ceramide barrier over time. These little capsules are perfect for travel — you could even pack a few in a smaller container for a shorter trip.

3Face Mist

Thisworks In Transit Spray On Moisture, $33, Dermstore

This little mist is appropriately named. If at any point in your travels (airport, plane, etc.) you need a little refresher, reach for a hydrating facial mist.

4Serum

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum, $36, Sephora

Serums are a great choice if you are trying not to pack a lot of products. This specific serum by First Aid Beauty is a water-based gel formula and it soaks into the skin. This creates an invisible barrier of moisture, while peptides plump your skin for an overall smooth and hydrated look.

5CC Cream

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+, $38, Sephora

If you want some coverage while traveling, opt for something that will take care of your skin and be a little bit lighter weight, like a BB or CC cream. Even better: Look for one that has sunscreen. If you're going to be outside at all, just because it's cold doesn't mean you aren't at risk for sunburn and skin damage.

6Exfoliating Wipes

Sephora Collection Cleansing & Exfoliating Wipes, $7.50, Sephora

When traveling, try to look for products that can help you multi-task. These wipes remove makeup, dirt, and oil and on the reverse side they have microbeads to help remove dead skin cells.

7Tint

Perk Up! Lip and Cheek Treat SPF 40, $22, Supergoop!

If you want to brighten your skin, a tint that can be used on your cheeks and lips is a perfect thing to pack in your carry-on. Even after a long flight, adding a splash of color can make you look well rested. This one even has SPF.

8Lip Oil

Hourglass N° 28 Lip Treatment Oil, $44, Sephora

If you struggle with dry lips, you might want to step up your lip care while traveling. This lip oil has essential oils and vitamins that create a barrier on the lips, making it potentially more effective than traditional balms.

9Cake Mascara

Bésame's Cake Mascara, $25, Sephora

Bésame's Cake Mascara can be used on eyebrows, as liner, and as mascara by just adding water, making it a perfect travel companion.

10Eye Mask

TONYMOLY My Little Pet Eye Patch, $4.50, Ulta

Lack of sleep while traveling can make the area under your eyes look tired. The best way to fix this is with targeted hydration. Instead of packing your eye cream, these under-eye masks deliver a punch of hydration which you can then dispose of while whitening and cooling.

11Konjac Sponge

Honest Beauty Refreshingly Clean Gentle Konjac Sponge, $12, Dermstore

If you don't want to pack facial washes and cleansers, try this konjac sponge. You simply submerge it and then use the sponge to cleanse your face. It is loaded with chamomile and clay to calm your skin and remove impurities, and it's super lightweight. Just let it dry and it's good to pack!

With winter travel, try to stick to things that are hydrating and easy to use. It's best not to wear makeup on the plane since your skin dries out, but if you want to it isn't going to make or break your skin. Just exfoliate and hydrate when you are off the plane.