Carry-On Only? Check Out Our Favorite Travel-Size Skincare Must-Haves

Best travel size skincare must haves
The Ultimate Nashville Travel Guide

'A Local's Guide to Nashville : Hidden Gems, Local Secrets, and Expert Tips for Crafting an Unforgettable First Trip,' is your ultimate insider's guide to unlocking the secrets of Music City! Crafted by two Nashville natives who have spent years immersed in this dynamic, music-loving city, this comprehensive 250+ page guidebook is your key to experiencing Nashville like a true local. Plan your entire trip from start to finish!

"I was in Nashville earlier this year and did all the touristy things. Since returning, I have discovered this guide. I am excited to be returning to Nashville again this year so I can find the more local attractions that I missed the first go. Buy this guide—you won’t be disappointed!!" - smwills

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Travel Light with These Travel-Size Skincare Essentials

    Three plastic bottles of travel-sized skincare lotions next to a white towel
    Source

    Traveling invites a host of exciting experiences and new sights, but it also means packing smart. With airline regulations tightening and suitcase space at a premium, maximizing every inch of your carry-on is more important than ever. Travel-size skincare products are not just convenient; they are necessary for the savvy traveler. They meet airline carry-on standards, fit perfectly in tight spaces, and ensure you have access to your skincare routine no matter where you are.

    TL; DR Our Favorite Travel-Size Skincare Items

    Product Image Product Name / Description Primary Button
    Best for Lip Care
    Best for Eye Care
    Best All-In-One Kit
    Best for Brightening the Eyes
    Best Quick Fix
    Best for Facial Hydration
    Best for Lip Care
    Best for Eye Care
    Lasso Brag

    The Essentials of On-the-Go Skincare

    Maintaining your skincare routine while traveling can be a balancing act, regardless of your destination. Whether you face the dry air of airplane cabins or adapt to a new climate, your skin notices the change. Sudden environmental shifts can lead to itchiness, breakouts, or excess oil. Ugh. 

    After landing in a new city after a long flight, a small vial of an effective hydrating serum quickly rejuvenates your skin and refresh your face. A mini moisturizer can combat the harsh effects of cold winds for when you’re heading to a colder climate. Packing travel-size versions of essential skincare products ensures your skin remains nourished and destination-ready. But the last thing you want to do is get stuck with overpriced or too few options on vacay. Bringing along travel-size versions of quality products is the trick to giving your skin the care it deserves. 

    Woman looking at small mirror while applying face cream for skincare routine

    Streamlining Skin Care While Traveling

    Integrating travel-size skincare products into your routine is key to maintaining the health and vitality of your skin while exploring the world, visiting family, or enjoying a fabulous girls’ weekend in Nashville. A few practical tips can make this process smooth and efficient:

    • Double-Duty Products: Opt for products that serve multiple purposes, like a moisturizer with SPF or a tinted lip balm. Which reduces the number of items you need to pack.
    • Repackaging: Invest in high-quality, reusable travel containers that you can fill with your favorite products from larger bottles. It ensures you only carry what you need.
    • Routine Reduction: Streamline your skincare routine to the essentials: cleanser, moisturizer, and treatment or serum tailored to your skin’s needs. This will keep your bag light and your skin well cared for.
    • Sample Sizes: Many brands offer sample sizes of their products, which are perfect for travel and allow you to test new products without committing to full sizes.

    Understanding Travel Size and Carry-On Luggage Requirements

    When packing for a trip, it’s important to know the rules for travel-size products and carry-on luggage to avoid airport hassles. Travel size refers to products that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, which aligns with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. 

    Sticking to this size limit (and fitting them all inside a clear, quart-sized bag!) helps speed up the security screening process and avoid a hold-up at the airport. Because who wants that? Check product sizes while packing to avoid the pitfall of abandoning a favorite lotion or face wash at security. 

    Our Favorite Travel-Size Skincare Products for Travel

    LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

    Best for Lip Care
    LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Berry

    What makes the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask special:

    • Super hydrating: Packed with moisture-rich ingredients, this mask intensely hydrates your lips while you sleep.
    • Long-lasting effects: Many users report that the mask's effects last well beyond the morning, keeping lips soft and supple throughout the day.
    • Variety of flavors: With a variety of flavors, you can find one that suits your taste.
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    What it is: A leave-on lip mask

    Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal

    Stars: 4.7

    Recommended Use: Apply before bed and leave on overnight

    This cult-favorite lip mask has been getting rave reviews for a reason. It’s a thick balm packed with moisture-rich ingredients like shea butter, murumuru seed butter, and coconut oil. While you sleep, it works its magic to soften and smooth your lips. In the morning, you wake up to flake-free, baby-soft lips. Many users love that this mask comes in various flavors like berry, gummy bear, and vanilla.

    Epionce Renewal Eye Cream

    Best for Eye Care
    Epionce Renewal Eye Cream

    What makes the Epionce Renewal Eye Cream special:

    • Fragrance-free: This is a great option for those with sensitive skin who are easily irritated by fragrances.
    • Target signs of aging: This cream addresses fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles.
    • Soft-focus technology helps blur imperfections, making the under-eye area look brighter.
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    What it is: An anti-aging eye cream

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Stars: 4.5

    Recommended Use: Apply to the eye area 1-2 times daily

    This fragrance-free eye cream targets common signs of aging around the eyes. Hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates the delicate under-eye area, while soft-focus technology helps to diminish the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.

    Tula skincare On the Go Best Sellers Travel Kit

    Best All-In-One Kit
    Tula Skin Care On the Go Best Sellers Travel Kit

    What makes the Tula skincare On the Go Best Sellers Travel Kit special:

    • Travel-friendly: The perfect size for taking on vacation or weekend getaways.
    • Great way to try new products: This kit allows you to sample various Tula's best-selling products without committing to full-sized versions.
    • Probiotic extracts: Tula's products are formulated with probiotic extracts, which are increasingly popular in skincare. Probiotics help support the skin's natural microbiome, essential for healthy skin.
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    What it is: A travel-sized skincare kit

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Includes: Purifying Cleanser, So Polished Scrub, Hydrating Day & Night Cream, and Vitamin C Serum

    Stars: 4.6

    Recommended Use: Varies based on product.

    This travel-friendly kit is a great way to try some of Tula’s most popular products. It includes a cleanser, exfoliating scrub, day and night moisturizer, and vitamin C serum. These products are all formulated with Tula’s signature probiotic extracts, which help support your skin’s natural microbiome.

    TULA skincare Eye Balm Rose Glow

    Best for Brightening the Eyes
    TULA skincare Eye Balm Rose Glow

    What makes the TULA skincare Eye Balm Rose Glow special:

    • Multitasking: This balm hydrates, brightens, and reduces the appearance of puffiness.
    • Portable: The small size makes it easy to take on the go.
    • Unscented: This is a good option for those with sensitive skin who are easily irritated by fragrances.
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    What it is: An eye balm

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Stars: 4.6

    Recommended Use: Apply directly to the under-eye area under makeup or at night

    This portable eye balm by Tula is a great option for brightening and hydrating the under-eye area. It contains several interesting ingredients, including probiotic extracts, thought to help support the skin’s microbiome, which is essential for healthy skin. Hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates the skin, caffeine can help to temporarily constrict blood vessels, reducing the appearance of puffiness, and rosehip oil and rosewater add a touch of hydration and may help to soothe the skin.

    Patchology Restoring Night Eye Gels

    Best Quick Fix
    Patchology Restoring Night Eye Gels

    What makes the Patchology Restoring Night Eye Gels special:

    • Quick results: These patches work in 5 minutes to brighten and de-puff the under-eye area.
    • Easy to use: No mess, no fuss – just apply the patches and relax!
    • Relaxing scent: The patches have a light, relaxing scent of Cedrus.
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    What it is: Under-eye patches

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Stars: 4.5

    Recommended Use: Apply for 5 minutes in the evening

    These under-eye patches from Patchology are designed to brighten and de-puff the under-eye area. The hydrogels are infused with retinol, which can help reduce wrinkles’ appearance over time. They also contain ingredients like Cedrus, which give the patches a relaxing scent.

    Urban Decay All-Nighter Long Wear Face Primer

    Urban Decay All-Nighter Long Wear Face Primer

    What makes the Urban Decay All Nighter Long Wear Face Primer special:

    • Long-lasting: This primer helps your foundation last up to 8 hours longer.
    • Hydrating: This primer leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smooth.
    • Vegan and cruelty-free: This primer is made with vegan ingredients and has not been tested on animals.
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    What it is: A long-wear face primer

    Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal

    Stars: 4.8

    Recommended Use: Apply after skincare and before foundation

    This primer by Urban Decay is designed to make your foundation last longer. It creates a smooth, hydrated canvas for your makeup while also helping to control oil and shine. This primer is vegan and cruelty-free.

    La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

    Best for Facial Hydration
    La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

    What makes the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer special:

    • Fragrance-free: This moisturizer is ideal for those with sensitive skin who are easily irritated by fragrances.
    • Suitable for all skin types: This moisturizer is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.
    • Repairs the skin barrier: This moisturizer helps to repair and strengthen the skin's barrier, which is essential for healthy skin.
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    What it is: A daily facial moisturizer

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Stars: 4.7

    Recommended Use: Apply morning and night

    This fragrance-free moisturizer from La Roche-Posay is designed to hydrate and repair the skin’s barrier. It contains ceramides, which help to strengthen the skin’s barrier, and niacinamide, which can help to calm redness and irritation. This moisturizer is also formulated with prebiotic thermal water, which helps to support the skin’s microbiome.

    La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50

    La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50

    What makes the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 special:

    • Tinted: This sunscreen provides a hint of sheer coverage, so you can skip foundation for a lighter look.
    • Mineral sunscreen: This sunscreen is made with 100% mineral sunscreen filters, which are less irritating to the skin than chemical sunscreens.
    • Broad spectrum SPF 50 protection: This sunscreen protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    What it is: A tinted mineral sunscreen

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Stars: 4.5

    Recommended Use: Apply before sun exposure and reapply every 40 minutes or after swimming

    This tinted sunscreen from La Roche-Posay is a great option for those looking for a sunscreen that provides both sun protection and a bit of coverage. It’s made with 100% mineral sunscreen filters, so it’s gentle on even the most sensitive skin. The tint helps to even out skin tone and sheer coverage.

    LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm

    LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm

    What makes the LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm special:

    • Hydrating: This balm contains murumuru and shea butter, which help to keep lips hydrated.
    • Sheer tint: This balm provides a hint of color, which can help to brighten up your face.
    • Pocket-sized: This balm is small and portable, so you can easily take it anywhere.
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    What it is: A hydrating lip balm with a hint of tint

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Stars: 4.6

    Recommended Use: Apply throughout the day as needed

    This lip balm from Laneige is a great option for those who want to keep their lips hydrated and add a sheer color. The balm contains murumuru and shea butter, which help to lock in moisture. It comes in a variety of shades, including berry.

    Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

    Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

    What makes the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion special:

    • Fast-acting: This lotion can help to dry out blemishes overnight.
    • Easy to use: Simply dip a cotton swab into the pink sediment at the bottom of the bottle and dab it directly on the blemish.
    • Not for everyone: The alcohol content can be irritating to some people.
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    What it is: A spot treatment for blemishes

    Skin Type: All skin types, especially oily skin

    Stars: 4.7

    Recommended Use: Apply directly to whiteheads

    This drying lotion by Mario Badescu is a cult-favorite treatment for blemishes. It contains ingredients like salicylic acid and sulfur, which help to dry out pimples overnight. While it can be effective, it is important to use this product with caution as the alcohol content can be irritating to some people. 

    Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil

    Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil

    What makes the Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil special:

    • Gentle: This cleanser is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.
    • Effective: This cleanser removes makeup and dirt without stripping your skin.
    • Fragrance-free: This cleanser is ideal for those easily irritated by fragrances.
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    What it is: A micellar cleansing oil

    Skin Type: All skin types, especially sensitive skin

    Stars: 4.5

    Recommended Use: Apply morning and night

    This cleansing oil from Bioderma is a gentle yet effective way to remove makeup and cleanse your skin. It uses micellar technology to trap dirt and oil without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. This fragrance-free cleanser is also suitable for sensitive skin.

    ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

    ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

    What makes the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm special:

    • 3-in-1: This product can cleanse, remove makeup, and hydrate skin.
    • Nourishing oils: This balm contains a blend of nourishing oils that help to hydrate and soothe the skin.
    • Aromatherapy: The essential oils in this balm provide a relaxing aromatherapy experience.
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    What it is: A 3-in-1 cleansing balm

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Stars: 4.6

    Recommended Use: Apply daily as a cleanser or weekly as a mask

    This 3-in-1 cleansing balm from ELEMIS can be used as a cleanser, makeup remover, or mask. It contains nourishing oils and essential oils for lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus.

    Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum

    Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum

    What makes the Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum special:

    • Brightening: This serum can help to even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
    • Fragrance-free: This serum is ideal for those easily irritated by fragrances.
    • 15% pure vitamin C: This is a high concentration of vitamin C, which can be very effective for brightening the skin.
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    What it is: A brightening vitamin C serum

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Stars: 4.7

    Recommended Use: Apply in the morning

    This vitamin C serum from Vichy is designed to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

    Seamless Packing, Memorable Travels

    A close-up of a hand putting a travel-size skincare bottle into a carry-on bag
    Source

    Packing smart with travel-size skincare products not only complies with airline regulations but also guards the health of your skin, enabling you to look and feel your best wherever you roam. Choosing the right products ensures your travel experiences are improved and not hampered by skincare woes. Remember, the goal is to enjoy your travels with the confidence that your skincare routine remains consistent, no matter the destination.

    Set Your Sights on Nashville

    Ready for an unforgettable journey to Music City? Let Nashville Luxury Stay enhance your travel experience. Our luxurious accommodations offer the perfect backdrop to refresh and rejuvenate after exploring the sights and sounds of Nashville. 

    With your skincare essentials packed, you’re ready to indulge in the comfort and style only Nashville Luxury Stay can provide. Book your stay with us today and make your Nashville adventure as smooth and refreshing as your favorite travel-size facial mist.

    About the author

    Share this post

    Meet Kush & Ana

    Nashville Enthusiasts

    We are Kush & Ana Ratwani. We moved to Nashville in 2020 for Kush’s fellowship at Vanderbilt. When we moved here, the once vibrant music city, full of aspiring songwriters trying to be the next Carrie Underwood and pedal taverns full of brides to be was in a state of hibernation due to COVID. However, that was short-lived, and Nashville is now back to full speed! 

    We have loved living in Nashville so much so over the last few years that we even got married here in 2021! We feel Nashville has so much to offer, and it would take months to experience everything. From boutique shops to James Beard award-winning restaurants, who can forget live music every night on Broadway?

    We started “Grits & Grace” to blog about all of our favorite spots, highlighting why we love Nashville and why we firmly believe it’s the best city in the country! 

    Let us be your local tour guides on your journey to the Music City. 

    Kush & Ana Ratwani

    Our personal favorites
    Stay with us
    Scroll to Top

    FREE Nashville Starter Pack

    What this pack includes:
    ✅ Our essential Nashville packing checklist

    ✅ A list of over 40 must-visit spots to ensure you have an unforgettable trip 
    ✅ The 10 things you can’t miss on your first trip
    Done-for-you itineraries written by locals