fbpx

Salt & Wind Travel

Drugstore Buys To Have In Your Carry-On

When it comes to air travel, Julie is dialed in: she’s got apps that forecast turbulence, clothes that are comfy chic, and her secret stash of in-flight beauty supplies. It took some strong-arming and a few Bee’s Knees cocktails, but we finally got her to ‘fess up to her routine.

Yes, I’m 100% about makeup all day long, but when it comes to flying, I go minimal. I’m talking mascara with a dash of liner, a little color on the lip, and, if we’re really getting fancy, a sweep of blush. Instead toting tons of makeup, I load up on products that will save me from the dry air—read: a good face oil, moisturizer, lip balm, and the other gems I have here. But, let’s be real, I don’t have to be flying to take this bag with. It stays with me 99% of the time so I can feel at my best, whether I’m at 30,000 feet or just down the street.

Cleaning Up

Don’t leave home without some sort of wipe that’s all-purpose. Ideally, you want one that can do a good job cleaning your face or hands or even that cup of coffee your neighbor might spill.

Acure Organics Argan Oil Towelettes

Nothing To Sneeze At

Traveling light means you need items that do double or triple duty like tissues. They can be used in a pinch as blotting paper, to touch up mascara, or as a barrier pretty much anytime you might want to touch your face. Because we don’t even want to think of all the germs that get on your hands when in flight — ewww.

Kleenex Tissue Packs

Swab Out

If there’s even the smallest potential that you’ll doze off, you’re going to want to pack some cotton swabs. No matter how much you’ve conked out, cotton swabs can get your makeup back into shape. But even their magic is limited — not even they can help with those pillow creases on your face.

Sephora Targeted Eye Swabs

Nose Knows

Here’s the reality: when our nasal situation gets dry we are more susceptible to getting sick. Solution? Just have a spray on hand to keep it kosher. Ayr is a fave brand because it’s non-mediated and alcohol free.

Ayr Saline Nasal Rinse

Calming Scents

This is the newest addition to my bag but every bit as essential as the classics. It just helps keep everything balanced and under control and helps allergy sufferers during change of season.

Neti Stik Aromatheraphy Inhaler

Floss Fix

No joke, dental floss goes with me everywhere — I never want to get caught with an embarrassing food-in-teeth emergency.

Oral B Dental Floss

Lip Service

Go ahead and pack your favorite lip balm, but make sure it’s something that’s soothing, hydrating, silky and adds shine. And maybe a bit of color. Because a colored (or tinted_ gloss will instantly brighten your look, even if you’re only wearing gloss and a pair of sunnies.

Reviva Vitamin E Stick or Malin+Goetz Mojito Lip Balm

Cream Of The Crop

Flying and traveling dries and stresses our skin and this is the solution to feeling more comfortable head to toe. Obviously, you want to slather it on your hands but I also sometimes press it into my cheeks to add radiance and plum up dry in-flight skin.

Kiehls Creme De Corps or L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream or NARS Mezmer

Essential Fragrances

You know that free fragrance sample you got last time you bought cosmetics? Keep it. Because a dab of a nice scent is the number one way to feel refreshed and prettier after a long flight. But exercise proper plane etiquette and don’t overwhelm your seatmates by applying it in-flight — a little dab before deplaning works magic.

Jo Malone or Hermes Poivre Samarcande


Opening photo by Maria de la Juana on Flickr

Travel Planning Resources

This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to our privacy policy.

About The Author

TRAVEL SERVICES

We'll help you taste Italy Mexico California Hawaii Mexico France Spain the world

We specialize in food-focused experiences in the most interesting culinary regions of the world.

We host unique small group trips to California, Italy, and Mexico from Sicily to Oaxaca.

Our tailored-to-you trip planning services help you make the most of your trip.