My travel bag isn’t just a collection of practical items—it’s a reflection of the care I put into maintaining my health, beauty, and professional standards. As a busy provider, wife, and mama, I’m always on the go, balancing work, family, and everything in between. But these essentials help me stay on top of my game, ensuring I feel confident, prepared, and healthy, no matter where life takes me.
Whether I’m traveling for work or enjoying some much-needed downtime with Sal and/or the kids, one thing is clear, feeling good starts with taking care of yourself. When you work for a getaway, it should be a priority to keep your standards high, while away. That’s why I’m intentional about packing items that nourish both my body and mind. Travel can be exhausting and unpredictable, but I’ve learned that staying organized and focusing on the things that make me feel my best is the key to staying energized and confident.
When it comes to packing, I try to keep it simple by focusing on the essentials that help me feel my best, without overloading my bag. I prioritize items that are both practical and effective, so I’m ready for anything while keeping things light and organized. Whether I’m heading out for a quick work trip or a fun family getaway, I want to make sure I’m always prepared, comfortable, and looking my best. From skincare to supplements to my go-to beauty essentials, here’s a roundup of the must-have items I never leave home without.
When I travel, I keep my skincare simple but intentional. These are the five products I never go without and exactly why I pack them.
1. Our NEW Travel-Size Gentle Foaming Cleanser
You asked, we listened!!! The Gentle Foaming Cleanser that you know and LOVE now comes in a travel-size, so you can take your exact routine with you.
It’s the same gentle-but-effective formula that deeply cleanses, removes makeup and sunscreen, and protects your skin barrier, just in a perfectly TSA friendly size. This is especially important when traveling, because stripping your skin is the fastest way to trigger dryness, breakouts, and irritation.
I never travel without this now. It keeps my skin clean, balanced, and hydrated, no matter where I am!!
This serum is my holy grail for hydration, especially while traveling. I use it morning and night, and it gives my skin that plump, hydrated look even after long days, flights, or late nights.
What makes this one so unique is the combination of hyaluronic acid, peptides, and growth factors, which not only hydrate but also support collagen and skin firmness. It’s like a big drink of anti-aging water for your skin.
The under-eye area is usually the first place to show dehydration and fatigue when traveling. This eye serum delivers instant hydration while helping smooth fine lines and keep the area looking fresh.
What sets it apart is the combination of hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, which plump the skin and protect against free radical damage, exactly what delicate under-eye skin needs on the go.
These come with me anytime I’m traveling to keep my pigmentation at bay and continue to maintain my results. I use them at night to keep my skin clear, smooth, and even-toned, even when I’m on the go.
What makes our Koji Pads stand out is the patent-pending blend, kojic acid, resorcinol, arbutin, vitamin C, and salicylic acid, which targets stubborn pigment while still being hydrating and balanced. They exfoliate, brighten, and help keep pores tight all in one step.
** My pro-travel tip: To keep things light in your suitcase, put a stack of these amazing pads in a tightly sealed ziplock bag and leave your jar at home!
5. Tinted Mineral SPF (Matte or Not Matte)
Wearing SPF is non-negotiable, anywhere, all the time! This mineral-only sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection without irritating the skin.
What I love most is that it’s tinted, so it evens out the skin beautifully and can be worn alone or under makeup. Whether you prefer the natural glow (Not Matte) or oil-control finish (Matte), it protects while keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.
Toiletries & Makeup
An organized toiletry bag, always stocked with my essentials, is a must-have for me. When I’m in a tight space and out of my usual routine, having everything neatly organized and ready to go makes the transition so much easier. This helps with packing, because I can easily grab it and know I’ve got everything I need. I love that I can keep using all the products I know and trust from home, even while on the move, thanks to my favorite brands offering convenient travel-size options!
MouthWash: SmartMouth’s Zinc technology keeps your breath fresh for up to 24 hours, making it a daily must-have for me. Their convenient TSA-approved travel packets are perfect for on-the-go freshness.I always keep a pack in my purse to maintain fresh breath while traveling. If you’re looking for long-lasting freshness to pair with your smile, SmartMouth is definitely worth trying!
Shampoo, Conditioner & Hair Oil: Taking care of my hair while traveling is just as important as my skincare routine. I swear by Kérastase products. This shampoo & conditioner not only deeply cleanses but also replenishes moisture. It’s a must-have for maintaining moisture and shine, especially when traveling! Before every trip, I treat myself to a blowout to keep my hair looking fresh, and daily I treat my hair with a little Kérastase Hair Oil to lock in that smooth, glossy look for lasting results. These products are my travel essentials for strong, beautiful hair no matter where I am!
This is my tried and true. I have been using this little travel makeup bag for years. It always keeps my makeup organized and safe! When it comes to makeup and travel, I find that less is more and I like to stick to my essentials.
Foundation
- Full Coverage: Forever Skin Glow Hydrating Foundation – Perfect for days when I need a flawless finish and long-lasting coverage.
- Light Coverage: Chanel VITALUMIÈRE AQUA Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Hybrid Fluid Foundation – Ideal for a light, natural look with SPF protection, especially for sunny destinations.
Blush
- Charlotte Tilbury in “Walk of No Shame” – A beautiful, versatile shade that adds the perfect pop of color for a fresh, healthy glow.
Lashes
Great lashes can make all the difference, and Latisse has been my secret for long, thick, and full lashes—something I always make sure to have when traveling to keep my eyes looking wide and youthful. Learn more about how Latisse works here.
- Mascara: Chanel Le Volume De Chanel – This mascara gives me full, voluminous lashes without the hassle, making it a must for travel.
Lip Products
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk – This lip combo (liner, lipstick, and gloss) is the perfect neutral shade, making it ideal for any occasion.
Eye Shadow Palette
This Tom Ford eye shadow palette in Disco Dust is perfect for travel—it’s compact, wearable from day to night, and suits all skin tones. Whether I’m going for a subtle look during the day or something more dramatic at night, this palette does it all.
Carry On
Airplane time is my secret productivity zone! There’s something about the quiet hours in the sky that allow me to focus and get work done. I never leave home without my travel charging block, iPad, and work notes & documents—they’re my essentials for staying productive no matter where I am.
But the most meaningful part of my travel bag is always a little something from my kiddos. No matter if I’m gone for one night or a week, I carry a handwritten note, a small drawing, or a simple message tucked in my bag. It’s their way of sending love with me, and it’s the perfect reminder of them during my travels.
In addition to these personal touches, I always make sure my carry-on is stocked with my supplement essentials. Staying on top of my daily regimen is non-negotiable, especially when I’m on the go!
Supplement Organizer: I fill this organizer every Sunday with my vitamins and supplements, making it easy to stay on track throughout the week. It fits perfectly in my purse, so I never miss a day, no matter how hectic my schedule gets. This organizer has been a game-changer for maintaining my routine while traveling!
Greens Travel Size: Since fresh veggies aren’t always accessible when traveling, these Greens are a lifesaver. They help keep my gut health in check and provide the nutrients I need when my food choices aren’t ideal.
Microfactor Daily Vitamin Packs: These packs are a quick and convenient way to ensure I’m getting all the vitamins and minerals I need, helping me stay healthy and boost my immunity while traveling. I never leave home without them!
1P Beef Sticks: For a quick protein boost during busy travel days, I reach for a 1P Beef Stick. They’re easy to carry and keep my energy levels steady when I’m on the move.
Hydrojug Traveler Cup: Staying hydrated is key, and this cup is my go-to for making sure I’m drinking enough water throughout the day. Hydration is so vital during travel! I fill it with Strawberry Hydration Sticks, which provide the micronutrients I need to stay energized and hydrated, especially during travel.
With these essentials tucked in my carry-on, I’m ready for whatever the day brings, from work to play to staying healthy on the go!
Wishing you happy travels—stay healthy, beautiful, and refreshed, no matter where your journey takes you!
XO-
Racquel
