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The 12 Best Travel-sized Skincare Sets

We love Fenty Skin’s The Glow Around 4-piece Travel Skincare Essentials Set.

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35 Thousand

Despite all the (obvious) positives, traveling can wreak havoc on your skin. Among the culprits: new climates, indulgent food and drinks , fatigue, drying plane cabin air, and more. For this reason, you’ll want to pack a skincare regimen that counteracts these stressors as well as targets your unique everyday needs regardless of the location.

To help you choose the best travel kit for your next adventure , we researched and rounded up selections that address a variety of circumstances and skin concerns, and fall under the TSA 3-1-1 guidelines . Our overall favorite, Fenty Skin’s The Glow Around 4-piece Travel Skincare Essentials Set, stands out for its consolidated product lineup with multifunctional items, a reasonable price point, and the versatility to be used on nearly any type of skin. But, if you want to target specific concerns or environmental stressors, read on. We’ve culled the best items for a multitude of scenarios.

These are the best travel skincare sets to shop:

Best Overall

Fenty skin the glow around 4-piece travel skincare essentials set.

Multiple products in this vegan kit do double duty, and SPF is included.

If you prefer an even more minimalistic travel skin routine, shop the brand’s three-piece set instead.

We’ve long been traveling with Fenty Beauty products in tow, and this skincare assembly — featuring standouts from Rihanna’s Fenty Skin line — is our number one pick. The vegan set, suited for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types, includes four miniature skincare products: an antioxidant-packed cleanser, a toner-serum hybrid, a moisturizer with sun protection, and an AHA exfoliator with a reusable applicator. It has just a little more than the bare necessities to help combat travel-induced skin stress, but it’s not excessive either; it’ll all easily fit inside a clear quart-sized bag, and won’t break the bank.

We especially love that multiple products in the kit do double duty. The 1.5-ounce Total Cleans’r face wash easily wipes away dirt, oil, and makeup, eliminating the need to pack a separate makeup-removing product. The lightweight 1-ounce Hydra Vizor moisturizer contains SPF 30 and also works well as a primer. Furthermore, the moisturizer’s pump-style container is extra sanitary for travel (so you’re not transferring any germs from your fingers into a product tub). For those who prefer a more minimal routine, the brand also offers a three-piece version of the travel kit (sans exfoliator), which comes with a trial-sized body cream.

Best Overall, Runner-up

35thousand all the radiance set.

Four full-sized products (1.7 ounces each) including an SPF 30 serum and bamboo washcloth come in a clear zip case.

It’s on the more expensive side for the size.

If you’ve never heard of 35thousand, it’s a skincare line that was made for travel — literally. All of the brand’s products are travel-friendly in terms of size, containers, and the skin concerns they address. The set is more of a splurge, but that’s because each product in this vegan kit was carefully designed to function in place of multiple other products. For example, the makeup-removing cleansing balm can double as a hydration mask when left on skin for 10-20 minutes. Or, try the refreshing and toning mist in place of water (along with the cleanser) if you don’t have access to a sink.

We love that the day serum includes SPF 30 and a subtle tint hint for added glow while on the move, and the hyaluronic acid-rich cream delivers much needed hydration. The best part? The items come housed in a clear zip case (with room for a few more products) and there’s a mini bamboo washcloth which comes in a smaller zip case to keep it separate from the rest of your stash.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Ren clean skincare evercalm skin zen trio.

Natural ingredients like plant oils can help soothe delicate skin.

You may want to consult your dermatologist first if your skin is highly sensitive.

If your skin tends to be fickle, you may want to follow a less-is-more approach to your routine. Enter this three-piece system, which includes only the essentials. The ultra-gentle cleansing milk is the perfect wash for delicate skin, and the kit follows that with a calming cream for daytime and a recovery balm with an intensely nourishing barrier for bedtime. Even if you don’t generally have sensitive skin, travel conditions (such as plane cabins, new climates, and bedsheet fabrics you’re not used to) can cause your skin to flare up on vacation, and these soothing products featuring sea buckthorn berry, jojoba, and sunflower seed oils can be a welcome relief.

Best for Combination Skin

Caudalie vinoperfect brightening solution set.

The oil-free gel moisturizer is great for warmer climates.

If you prefer a more matte finish, you might not love the pearlescent moisturizer.

Designed to target uneven skin texture, this three-piece set includes a gentle glycolic essence (which the brand recommends applying with a cotton round after cleansing), a dark spot serum (to be used on face, neck, and décolleté), and a brightening moisturizer (to be slathered on morning and night, after serum application). The oil-free moisturizer has a lightweight gel texture, which makes it a great companion for trips to warmer climates. It also has pearlescent minerals which deliver an immediate visible glow to skin.

Best for Oily Skin

Priori the clear skin now kit.

This no-fuss routine is aimed at clearing and soothing blemish-prone skin.

To avoid possible irritation, start slow with the gel perfector only. 

If your skin tends to break out under stress, you’ll need targeted products to combat the effects of a change in daily routine. This small-but-mighty set includes a two-week supply of skincare essentials designed to offer blemish control and clear oily skin. The first step is a calming lactic acid cleanser, which is still tough enough to remove eye makeup. Next comes a salicylic acid gel perfector aimed at balancing oily skin that can lead to breakouts, and that doubles as a mattifying primer. (The brand recommends starting usage at a few times a week to see how your skin reacts and before bumping up to daily application.) Finally, there’s an oil-free, silky-smooth replenishing moisturizer, which can also be used post sunburn to soothe skin.

Best for Dry Skin

Biossance miracle moisture set.

Four squalene-packed products work in tandem to help target parched skin.

The set does not include a cleanser or a product with SPF.

Plane cabins are practically synonymous with dry skin. That’s because an aircraft’s filtration system — which takes in outside air and circulates it in the cabin — causes humidity to drop well below what is comfortable for most people. Each of the four steps in this routine (a soothing eye cream, a plumping serum, a rich moisturizer, and a finishing Vitamin C oil) contain squalane , an ingredient said to have powerful hydrating properties. Not only is the kit a good fit for anyone with naturally drier skin or who may be experiencing abnormal dryness due to time of year or destination climates, but it can be great to boost lost moisture due to the flight alone. We love that this set includes a really creamy eye product, since delicate eye-area skin might need a little extra love after an aptly monikered red-eye flight .

Best for Normal Skin

Olehenriksen find your glow brightening skincare set.

Packed with vitamin C, these products can help brighten dull, travel-stressed skin.

This set does not include SPF, and you’ll want to layer some of top of any areas where PHAs were applied. 

If your skin isn’t fussy, you can focus your routine on products that target long-term skin concerns. Olehenriksen’s four-piece set is anchored by the hero ingredient Vitamin C , which can treat photoaging and hyperpigmentation. An orange fruit water-based daily cleanser, a Vitamin C serum, a nourishing gel cream, and a color-correcting eye cream are designed to help improve luminosity, which can certainly suffer when we put our skin through the stress of traveling. The weightless-feeling gel is cool to the touch, making this set ideal for warmer-weather locations — but don’t forget to pack SPF for vital sun protection, which is not included in this kit.

Best for Lips

Fresh sugar collection lip care set.

These tiny lip balms deliver moisture and a variety of subtle colors.

Depending on the length of your trip, you may not need five different options.

We’ve talked a lot about skin dryness due to travel, but don’t neglect your parched pout. Fresh’s cult-favorite Sugar lip products are famous for delivering moisture along with subtle, buildable color. They’ll do double duty on your next trip by replenishing chapped lips and potentially replacing any lipsticks you might have considered packing. 

This five-piece set includes mini versions of the brand’s best-selling colorless Advanced Therapy lip treatment (a must-have to combat drying plane cabin air), refreshing and softening Mint Rush, and three buildable tinted balms. The color balms — in rosé (a rosy pink), honey (a warm terracotta), and petal (a nude blush) — deliver a subtle tint with one swipe and a deeper shade when layered. If you don’t feel like carrying five lip products, the brand also makes a three-piece set .

Best for Eyes

Charlotte tilbury recovery skin set.

A cult-favorite cream is coupled with two soothing, hydrating serums.

This set is best suited for normal and dry skin types and does not include any cleansing products or SPF.

Jet lag, lack of sleep on red-eye flights, and more can all add up to dryness and redness around the eye area while jet setting. Charlotte Tilbury’s Recovery Skin Set is designed to restore hydration and plumpness with its trio of soothing products. Included is a half-ounce container of the celebrity-loved brand ’s cult-favorite hyaluronic acid-based Magic Cream, a mini serving of a lightweight Vitamin C serum, and a depuffing eye serum containing caffeine. We especially love the eye serum because it has a metal applicator tip which delivers a cooling sensation to your eye area when applied.

Best for In-flight Use

Shielded beauty self defense system set.

We keep these moisturizing minis close while in the air to replenish skin mid-flight.

You’ll need to pack other skincare items for a full routine as this set only has a hydrating mist, facial moisturizer, and hand and body lotion.

Plane cabins are notoriously harsh on skin and just a couple of hours in the air can leave your epidermis feeling parched. Whenever we fly, we love to keep a teeny bottle of hydrating mist — such as the soothing and energizing spritz in this three-piece kit — handy for a little mid-flight refresh. You can even apply it over makeup. Equally essential: the hand and body lotion which can aid any exposed body skin pre-, mid-, and post-flight and the nourishing facial moisturizer. Designed to protect skin against environmental elements, this set is also ideal for packing for new climates that your skin isn’t accustomed to.

Best for Warmer Climates

Image skincare ready, set, discover set.

A minimalistic skincare routine means more time for soaking in your trip .

If you prefer a more radiant finish on your beauty products, the mattifying moisturizer might not be your favorite.

When outdoor activities are on the itinerary, sun protection should be at the top of your packing list (yes, even in colder locations). With ingredients designed to hydrate and brighten — plus SPF — Image Skincare’s three-item set is a great low-fuss find for beach or warm-weather vacations. It starts with a mild cleanser, which is followed by a hydrating and brightening hyaluronic acid- and Vitamin C-packed serum. The last step, a mattifying moisturizer, offers SPF 30 sun protection. A bonus: The products come in a reusable TSA-friendly clear zip case that gives you one less thing to think about while packing for your next adventure.

Best for Colder Climates

Glossier the skincare edit.

The kit comes with two of Glossier’s cult-favorite lip balm minis.

None of the included products have any SPF. 

Cold, dry air can quickly lead to skin dryness and redness as well as chapped lips. If you’re traveling to a climate that’s chillier than you’re used to, Glossier’s Skincare Edit set could be a great companion. It includes mini versions of the brand’s makeup-removing Milky Jelly Cleanser, the hydrating Super Bounce Serum (which they recommend pressing 3-4 drops gently into skin after cleansing), a shea- and murumuru-butter-rich moisturizer (which doubles as a primer), and Futuredew (an oil-serum hybrid that should be applied as the last step in your skincare routine, after sunscreen). We love that this kit also gives you two Balm Dotcom lip balms (one non-tinted and one barely-there pink), which will certainly come in handy if your lips dry out when temperatures drop. A bonus: it includes a nylon-spandex headband that's ideal for washing your face, and everything comes in a molded, recyclable paper case.

Tips for Buying Travel-sized Skincare Kits

Prioritize portability.

When traveling, especially via plane, you’ll want your skincare regimen to follow certain guidelines. First, anything going in your carry-on should adhere to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule (all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and should all fit into a single, clear quart-sized bag). You’ll also want to minimize the number of products you’re hauling as much as possible, per the quart-sized bag. 

Consider your usual skin concerns and the climate at your destination

You’ll also want to think about the specific stressors your skin will be exposed to on your trip and stock up on products that can help combat those: Will you be spending ample time in the sun? Are you entering drying, cold weather? Will you be wearing more makeup than usual? These are all things to take into consideration when shopping for products to pack for your next vacation.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, Talia Ergas used her experience as a beauty editor to curate the best skincare sets to suit most needs.

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The Best Carry-On-Friendly Skin-Care Kits You Should Pack When Traveling, According to a Dermatologist

Traveling is all fun and games until you start to wonder, How in the world am I going to keep up with my skin-care routine? Whether you have a 10-step regimen  or stick with the basics , consistency is key when it comes to maintaining your glow. That’s exactly why your skin will thank you for becoming familiar with the best travel skin-care kits.

Complexion upkeep starts as soon as you take off, so don't wait until you land to start digging into your travel-sized goodies. "Cabin air is often less than 20 percent humidity, whereas at home, humidity is 30 percent or more," says  Gretchen Frieling , MD, a board-certified dermatopathologist. "That means that skin will lack moisture and dry out faster."

• Anna Guanche, MD , Anna Guanche, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas.

With that in mind, you'll want to double down on hydrating ingredients while you're in the air... and keep it going after you've touched down. Anna Guanche, MD , a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas, CA, recommends using “a light hydrating hyaluronic acid serum that is fragrance-free" and applying "a hydrating mask about an hour before landing.” If you’re not quite comfortable looking like Jason from Friday the 13th around your airplane companions, you might also consider using eye masks, says Dr. Guanche. For a little extra hydration, Dr. Frieling's a fan of keeping a facial spray on hand to spritz as needed.

Of course, what you put into your body is as important as what you put on your skin. “First of all, I tell people who are traveling that they should hydrate and drink plenty of water, since the airplane dehydrates them,” says Dr. Guanche. According to Dr. Guanche, you also want to be mindful of how much caffeine and alcohol you drink on travel days because they can “exacerbate the dry, sallow look [people] can sometimes have after traveling.”

To maintain these solid skin-care practices once you've reached your final destination, invest in one of these travel skin-care kits that will keep your complexion in tip-top shape when you're traveling for the holidays—or, really, whenever.

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The best travel skin-care kits to pack in your carry-on to keep your skin glowing

Even though “at home” is in the name, this is absolutely one of the best skin-care travel kits. It’s got three of Murad’s fan-favorite retinol products (a serum, a moisturizer, and an eye cream)—all of which are designed to be gentle enough for use on all skin types—plus a cleanser. Since a lot of the products contain hyaluronic acid, it’s safe to say Dr. Guanche would recommend this kit to keep skin hydrated while on the go.

The Tatcha Mini Treasure Set is a great way to sample some of the Tatcha Greats. You get the one-step Camellia Cleansing Oil (which will remove makeup and clean your face in one fell swoop) as well as The Deep Cleanse, The Essence, The Water Cream, and The Dewy Skin Cream. All are formulated to infuse maximum hydration that truly does show (W+G editors can vouch for this). What more could one ask for from a travel skin-care kit?

The products in this kit include barrier-repairing goat milk and probiotics, which help fight free radicals that can cause premature aging. The set features a moisturizer, an exfoliating jelly cleanser, an eye serum, and a ceramide serum. If all that wasn’t enough to convince you, the kit also comes with a travel bag for easy storage and an adorable gingham hair clip.

A travel skin-care routine doesn’t have to feature 10 steps in order for it to be effective. This travel-friendly skin care kit by Clinique makes skin care simple by narrowing it down to a three-step routine and focusing on the basics (and when you’re traveling, sometimes basic is best). Formulated for dry skin, this kit comes with a gentle cleanser, a clarifying lotion, and a moisturizing lotion.

Florence by Mills (created by Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown) has a travel skin-care set, and it’s pretty excellent—and pretty affordable. It has five stars on Target, and comes with a facial cleanser, a moisturizer, a facial mask treatment, and some beauty products—like a lip gloss, mascara, and blush. What we really love about this set is the Dreamy Dew Moisturizer and Mind Glowing Peel Off Mask—both are rich in hydrating ingredients that’ll make your skin happy.

With this TSA-approved skin care kit, you’ll be able to exfoliate, tone, and hydrate your skin. It also comes with a night cream so that you can take care of your skin as you catch some Zzzs. Since this kit is made specifically for jet-setters, it also comes with a bag to store all your goodies in.

The five products in this skin care travel kit include a cleanser, mask, treatment lotion, serum, and a moisturizer. Some of the key ingredients in this kit are mint, which can reinvigorate your skin’s appearance; niacinamide, which reduces the appearance of pores; and caffeine from coffee, which is a natural way to recharge your skin.

This is one of those skin-care travel kits that lets you treat yourself from head to toe. The Osea cleanser removes surface impurities while the hyaluronic sea serum keeps your skin hydrated by using hyaluronic acid. You also get protection cream, body oil, and a vegan leather bag.

If you’re looking for a travel skin-care kit that treats and prevents breakouts, look no further than this Tula set. It comes with four products: a foaming cleanser, an acne-fighting moisturizer, and a treatment mask. To boot, it comes with a matching travel bag that I kind of want to use as a clutch.

Rihanna is the queen of so many things, skin care included. Featuring a travel-size mini makeup remover and cleanser, a toner-serum, and a sunscreen-moisturizer, this definitely counts as one of the travel skin-care kits that checks all the boxes (and, bonus, that will cut a few steps from your routine). Plus, it now includes a sample of Fenty’s popular Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream (you’ll be thanking yourself you bought it if your hotel room doesn’t supply you with complementary body lotion).

Drunk Elephant re-launched its famous “Littles” a few months ago—just in time for holiday travel. The kit has all of the “big 5” products derms consider non-negotiables for a well-rounded routine (a cleanser, a vitamin C serum, an exfoliating serum, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen—plus a facial oil as an added bonus), so you can literally throw it in your bag and be out the door without a second thought.

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How to Pack the Perfect Travel Skincare Routine, No Matter Where You’re Going

Updated 05/11/23. Prepping for a trip can be hectic enough, the last thing you need is to be stressing over which skincare products to pack. Unfortunately, between being on an airplane and then in a brand new environment, travel can sometimes wreak havoc on your skin if you don’t come prepared.

I’ve written this post to help you take the guesswork out of which products to bring on your trip and give you my best skincare travel tips! As someone who’s on a plane almost once a month (if not more!), I’ve gotten pretty good at packing for every scenario. 

Stick to the Basics (This Isn’t the Time for Experimentation)

When packing skincare for travel, your number one goal should be to keep your skin as balanced and comfortable as possible. This means it’s definitely not the time to bring along any new skincare products you’ve been wanting to try! The last thing you need is to have a bad reaction, or for your skin to be thrown out of whack at a time when it’s already being introduced to so many new variables. 

The first step is to pack your basics (this is especially true if you’re only taking a carry-on and have limited space for liquids). Here are my personal non-negotiable travel skincare products:

• Daytime moisturizer with SPF
• Nighttime moisturizer

If necessary, decant your products into smaller travel containers (I like to use these ones from Cadence and pack them all together in my Truffle Bag ). Even if you’re checking a bag, keep these three products in your carry-on. This way, if your luggage gets lost, you’ll still be able to take care of your skin’s most basic needs. 

Pro Tip: I came up with a travel hack years ago that allows me to pack liquid skincare products without actually classifying them as liquids. Start by generously saturating a toning cloth with your favorite alcohol-free toner, eye makeup remover, or other liquid skincare product. Then, store the cloths in a plastic baggie so you can use them as needed.

Choose Your SOS Products Carefully

Your suitcase is precious real estate so if you do bring more skincare products beyond the basics, choose wisely! The two things I would urge you to take into consideration are 1) which problems you’re trying to avoid (i.e. breakouts, sensitivity, or dryness) and 2) the climate you’ll be traveling to (more on this one later). 

Everyone: If you only have the luxury of bringing one more skincare product, make it an exfoliant. Don’t get too hung up on what kind, just make sure it’s one you’ve used before and that agrees well with your skin. Removing dry, expired skin cells from your face every few days is a good way to “reset” the skin and can help minimize almost any problem you’re prone to.

If you’re prone to breakouts: consider a hydrating face mask that also fights breakouts with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil. The reason I love this as an SOS product is that it delivers a 1-2-punch: it minimizes breakout activity on the skin while also providing water-based hydration. Even if you have oily skin, airplane travel or traveling somewhere without much humidity can lead to dehydration (which can lead to more breakouts). With one product, you can stay ahead of both issues. 

Additionally, you might want to bring a spot treatment for emergency pimples. If you tend to get cystic acne, bring a non-drying spot treatment . Those more prone to classic whiteheads should opt for something with drying ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or sulfur ( this one can even double for calming bug bites!).

If you’re prone to sensitivity: I would recommend either a soothing serum or face mask you can use as often as needed to keep your skin comforted. A few ingredients I personally love for relieving irritation and sensitivity are water lily extract , algae extract (specifically red marine algae), allantoin , and green tea extract . 

If you’re prone to dryness: bring a facial oil and/or a lipid-rich moisturizing mask . Replenishing your skin’s oils will be key to preventing flakiness and crepey-looking skin, especially if you’ll be riding on an airplane or are going somewhere cold. 

Focus on Skincare Before and After a Flight, Not During

Some people try to prevent the dryness caused by flying on a plane by doing sheet masks or misting their skin mid-flight, but I personally believe this is a waste of time (and that you may end up doing more harm than good ). Instead, focus on what you can do for your skin pre- and post-flight. 

If you can, do a hydrating mask before your flight then layer up on hydrating ingredients in the form of a toner and serum. Then, lock it all in with a moisturizer. If you’re flying during the day, it’s super important that you choose a moisturizer with SPF. You can get a lot of UV damage being that high up, which is why I always try to get a window seat so I can close the shade. Finally, cap everything off with a few drops of facial oil. This will seal in all that hydration and prevent it from evaporating into the dry, cabin air.

Once you arrive at your destination, wash your face and exfoliate to remove the dry skin cells that built up during the flight. If you can, follow up with a hydrating mask to rehydrate fresh skin cells. 

Consider the Climate at Your Destination

Few things can throw your skin off balance as much as heading to a totally different climate than the one you’re used to. 

What to Do If You’re Traveling Somewhere Colder and/or Drier  

If you have dry skin ( Skin Types 7-9 ) : layering rich, oil-based products is essential. You can also consider slugging , which is applying a thin layer of Vaseline or other petrolatum-based product over your moisturizer to create an occlusive seal, just like an oil would. (You also don’t want to neglect your lips , and Vaseline can be great for keeping them from getting chapped.)

If you have oily or combo skin ( Skin Types 1-6 ): keeping your skin hydrated in a cold, dry climate can be a little trickier since you don’t want to layer on too many heavy products. In this case, the best strategy is more layers made up of lighter products. Start by making sure you’re using a cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin. Then, if you can, layer the same way you would before a flight: a hydrating toner, hydrating serum, moisturizer for your skin type, and a facial oil. People are sometimes surprised when I recommend an oil for oily skin types, but it’s all about applying it correctly . The key is gently patting it onto the skin instead of rubbing it in. This will ensure the oil sits on top like a seal to keep everything in instead of settling into your pores.

NOTE: If you’re layering products that contain humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid while in a dry environment, be sure to apply them to damp skin then quickly seal them in with moisturizer. Applying humectants to dry skin in a dry environment will give you the opposite of a hydrating effect and leave your skin more dehydrated than before.

What to Do If You’re Traveling Somewhere Warmer and/or More Humid

If you have dry skin (Skin Types 7-9 ) : the good news is you shouldn’t have to switch your routine up much! The humidity may actually do your skin a favor. One thing to keep in mind if you’re going on a beach vacation is that saltwater can dry out the skin . To combat this, I recommend using a water-resistant sunscreen since they use emollients that will help repel water. 

If you have oily or combo skin (Skin Types 1-6 ): you’ll definitely want to focus on oil control to prevent breakouts. One way to do this is to consider switching over to a more acne-focused cleanser; look for something low-foaming that includes ingredients like salicylic acid to curb oil production. Salicylic acid is also a great ingredient to look for in a serum if you bring one since it’s so effective at keeping pores clean. Beyond this, focus on water-based products with a light texture. For nighttime, use either a gel or oil-free lotion moisturizer. For daytime, look for a sunscreen that doubles as a moisturizer to minimize the number of layers on your skin.

I hope you found these tips helpful and that they help you put together the perfect travel skincare routine!

Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”

Disclaimer: Content found on www.ReneeRouleau.com and Blog.ReneeRouleau.com, including text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website or blog.

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Great skin starts with knowing your skin type.

9 essential skincare items for the savviest travelers

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

If you regularly spend time 35,000 feet in the air , you're likely no stranger to things you might encounter throughout your journey: Delayed flights, airport lounge food, HSBC jet bridges — and lest we forget about Hudson News.

Depending on who you are, though, one of the most overlooked rituals of the travel experience is a solid skincare routine.

We know we're not the first ones to tell you that airplane air is incredibly dehydrating, and can send your skin into a tailspin if you don't take care of it. Factor in potential climate changes, too, and you're really putting your skin through the ringer, even for just a quick weekend trip. Take even a fraction of the amount of time you spend picking out your carry-on bag or backpack , and we promise your skin will thank you.

Even the airlines are hopping on board the skincare bandwagon. United Airlines introduced Sunday Riley products to its amenity kits early last year, and airlines such as Japan Airlines fill amenity kits with face masks.

If you play your cards right, you can earn bonus points or miles on cash back on these travel necessities, too.

First things first: You'll want to use a credit card that's prime for online shopping. We rounded up our favorites here , and by using one of them, you'll start racking up valuable points and miles that you can use to fund your next trip. As far as your skincare purchases go, the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express , Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card and Chase Freedom Unlimited will be your best bets.

The information for the Amex EveryDay Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

New to TPG? Read our Beginner's Guide

That's only the tip of the iceberg, though.

Take advantage of online shopping portals , and you'll also be able to rack up miles with your favorite airline. This is in addition to the credit card points and miles you're getting on your aforementioned credit card — a little something we like to call "double dipping."

Popular skincare sites such as Sephora, Dermstore and Bluemercury are all available on popular shopping portals such as Delta , United and American . Word to the wise: Check these sites before you make any purchases to earn bonus points on items you'd buy anyway.

Speaking of Sephora, the beauty giant is currently hosting its annual Spring Savings Event . Depending on your Beauty Insider level (essentially elite status at Sephora), you can get anywhere between 10% and 20% off your purchase until April 27. Just be sure to use code "SPRINGSAVE" at checkout.

If you'd rather go the cash-back route, be sure to take advantage of sites like Rakuten or RebatesMe. Installing one of the plug-ins in your internet browser is an easy, quick way to save a few dollars here and there. Rakuten, for example, is offering 2% cash back at Sephora — a nice addition to the savings you're already getting at the retailer through the end of the month.

Just note that you can't use a shopping portal or a cash back site at the same time, so you'll want choose which one more closely fits your travel and financial goals.

Now that we have that, er, foundation , let's take a look at some of our tried-and-true travel skincare favorites.

• Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
• Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater
• Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
• Glossier Balm Dotcom

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Cleansing Water

• Mei Apothecary Mini Jade Facial Roller
• NuFACE Mini Facial Toning Device
• Shiseido Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask
• Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Mini Peel

SUMMER FRIDAYS JET LAG MASK

Why we love it: Once you have the Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask, you'll never want to go anywhere without it. It naturally piqued our interest because it has the phrase "jet lag" in it, so we had to try out this Instagram-favorite for ourselves — and it definitely lives up to the hype. After just one use, your skin will have an unmistakable moisturized glow. Because you don't have to wash it off, it's especially great for travel. No need to bother your seatmate and run back and forth to the bathroom — just lather it on, sit back, relax and enjoy the flight (or a movie or two ).

To buy: It retails for $48 directly through Summer Fridays , but if you use the above strategies, you can get it cheaper elsewhere. For example, it also retails for $48 at Sephora , but you can get it for at least 10% off, depending on your status level, plus an additional 2% cash back on Rakuten. Bada bing, bada boom.

MARIO BADESCU FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, HERBS AND ROSEWATER

Why we love it: Whether you're on a mileage run or halfway through a 13-hour flight and need a little refreshment, Mario Badescu's facial spray with aloe, herbs and rosewater will be a godsend. It will keep your skin feeling clean and dewy, and comes in handy to add an extra level of moisture when you need it most.

DRUNK ELEPHANT BESTE NO. 9 JELLY CLEANSER

Why we love it: Everyone raves about Drunk Elephant, and for good reason. Their jelly cleanser is refreshing and lightweight, and your skin will notice the difference even after just a few uses. After spending even a little bit of time in an airport and on the plane, you'll want to get as much grime off your face and you can. Drunk Elephant's Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser does the trick every time.

Related: Best cards for Amazon purchases

GLOSSIER BALM DOTCOM

Why we love it: This lip balm does everything, and that's because it's not just lip balm. Yes, it will easily hydrate your chapped lips, but it also works wonders on your skin. Think: cracked palms and dry elbows. You'll get your money out of it and then some. We'd recommend the original, fragrance-free flavor, but it also comes in a handful of others that might strike your fancy. Some other favorites are rose, birthday and mint.

To buy: You can buy Balm Dotcom directly through Glossier. A single balm is $12, but you can get a trio on sale for $30 (usually $36).

Why we love it: If you want your skin to have the best possible outcome on a plane, you'll want to keep things light and easy. Bioderma's micellar cleansing water should be a regular step in your routine, whether on the ground or in the air. It will get rid of any makeup, dirt or grease and leave your skin feeling squeaky clean.

To buy: The travel size (3.33 fluid ounces) is available on Amazon and Dermstore . If you shop at Dermstore, though, you can get an additional 15% off by signing up for emails, as well as 4% cash back through Rakuten.

MEI APOTHECARY MINI JADE FACIAL ROLLER

Why we love it: If you haven't used a jade roller yet, you're missing out. It's incredibly soothing and will take the puffiness out of your face (which, let's be real, we all need after a long-haul flight). We like this miniature roller from Mei Apothecary. It's small and compact, and does the same work as some of the pricier rollers you'll see on the market for half the price.

To buy : It sells for $12.99 directly from Mei Apothecary, but you can find it at Target for under $10.

Related: Why the Target debit REDcard makes sense to me during quarantine

NUFACE MINI FACIAL TONING DEVICE

Why we love it: There's no other way to say this: This thing is amazing. It uses microcurrent technology to contour and tighten your face in minutes. After sleeping with your face pressed against an airplane window, you'll love using this to smooth and soothe your jawline, forehead and cheeks. Vogue calls it a "desert island must-have" and once you use it, you'll understand why.

To buy: Such accolades don't come cheap. It retails for $199 on NuFACE'S website , but you can find it cheaper through Sephora . It's on sale there for $179, although it's out of stock at the moment. When it's back in stock, be sure to activate additional cash back on Rakuten. It's also available on SkinStore for $199, with 30% off by using the code "COUNTDOWN."

SHISEIDO PURE RETINOL INTENSIVE REVITALIZING FACE MASK

Why we love it: You can't go wrong with anything from Japanese skincare brand Shiseido, and this face mask is no exception. Bring brightness and color back to your dull skin either at the end of your long flight or when you first check in to your hotel. You'll be ready for a full day of sightseeing in no time.

To buy: A pack of four masks sells for $70 on Shiseido — and you can get 15% off by signing up for emails, as well as 2% cash back via Rakuten. It's also available on Nordstrom , Macy's and Bloomingdale's .

DR. DENNIS GROSS ALPHA BETA EXTRA STRENGTH DAILY PEEL MINI

Why we love it: Exfoliate all of the germs and gunk off your face faster than you can say, "passport, please" with these Dr. Dennis Gross peels. The salicylic acid will clear out your pores, and the lactic acid will help naturally encourage your cells grow back. Your face will thank you for these.

To buy: You can find the peels at Sephora for $17 — and get an even deeper discount right now, depending on what type of Beauty Insider you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for when buying skincare for travel.

When buying skincare products you want to travel with, be sure to buy things that are under 3.4 fluid ounces so they fit in your carry-on bag and stay TSA-compliant. Since you're likely going to be away from your usual skincare routine, you'll want to make sure the products are easy and functional and aren't too time-consuming or messy to use. Above all, make sure the products keep your skin feeling fresh, clean and hydrated. No matter what, always test the products out first to make sure they work for your skin.

Related: What your luggage brand says about you

How much should you spend when buying skincare for travel?

You don't need to buy a lot of expensive products to keep your skin feeling great while traveling. Many of these products can be found on Amazon, at Target or in department stores. Be sure to take advantage of cash back offers, and use a credit card that earns bonus points or extra cash back on your purchases, too.

The 27 Travel Skincare Products You Need In Your Carry-On

As difficult as it is to whittle down your wardrobe to a few key outfits for holiday travel, most beauty enthusiasts would agree it’s even harder to settle on a travel-friendly skincare routine. Besides the whole 3.4-ounce size limit thing, there’s also the issue of space. I mean, you could theoretically pack your usual line up of cleansers, serums, and moisturizers into a separate checked suitcase, but if your vanity looks anything like mine, even that would be a struggle (not to mention a hassle). Enter the latest TSA-approved travel skincare products , which are just as easy to pack as they are effective.

To determine your ideal travel routine, experts say you should consider where you’ll be going and how long you’ll be gone. “For cooler climates in general, I would recommend seeking out treatments with peptides,” Dr. Jennifer Vickers, a dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology, tells The Zoe Report; since cold, dry air can strip moisture from your skin. Stash a few of Peach & Lily’s ceramide-spiked Original Glow Sheet Masks in your bag to rehydrate on-the-go. “I like products with hyaluronic acid to really maximize hydration,” she adds, like Peter Thomas Roth’s mini Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream . Destined for a humid or tropical getaway? “A gel cream may be more favorable,” Dr. Vickers tells us — the travel-size Squalane and Probiotic Gel Cream in Biossance’s trial set is ideal. No matter where you’re going — snowy or sunny — Dr. Vickers maintains that daily SPF is a must .

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Just because it’s in a tiny bottle doesn’t mean it deserves a coveted spot in your carry on, though — an efficient travel routine requires downsizing in terms of both fluid ounces and skincare steps. If you’ll only be out of town for a few days, ask yourself if you truly need to pack your favorite exfoliating scrub or once-a-week mask (no shame if the answer is yes). You may also want to invest in multitasking products that fill more than one role. Peach & Lily’s Lazy Day All-in-One Moisture Pads act as a toner, essence, and moisturizer all in one; and Kopari Coconut Melt Mini can be used as an oil cleanser, lip balm, overnight cream, and even a hair mask.

Don’t forget to slip a few hydrating essentials into your purse for the plane. The recycled cabin air you’re exposed to in flight has about half the humidity level that your skin is used to, Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, a clinical instructor in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, told Allure . In other words, skin can become dehydrated pretty quickly, leading to dry patches, dullness, and breakouts. To counteract this effect, why not skip the makeup and apply a hydrating face mask while en route? In-flight masking doesn’t have to be messy or awkward as it sounds — just slather on a thick layer of Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask , which moisturizes skin with natural oils and ceramides, and doesn’t need to be rinsed off.

When deciding what to pack, you might as well mix practicality with pleasure. It can’t be ignored that “travel size” is interchangeable with “trial size” these days — so travel is the perfect excuse to experiment with the pricier products you’ve been considering. Cult-favorite Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum costs upwards of $200 for a full bottle, but the travel size sample is a mere $65 — who could resist?

Ahead, 27 travel skincare products that are proven to work and perfectly sized for packing.

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13 Skincare Products You Should Bring on Vacation

For when you're on the glow.

Наталия Гусарова/Getty Image

Traveling is hard enough, and trying to pare down your beauty routine while packing for a trip can be a challenge. After all, travel impacts your skin—and rarely in a positive way. So you want to make sure you have everything you need on hand. The best way to go about this is to pack multitasking products, especially ones that contain SPF or calm your skin after a day in the sun. Here are the skincare products worth bringing on vacation.

Supergoop (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder

This could be one of the most useful products you take with you, not just on vacation but anytime you're on the go this summer. A true holy grail, Supergoop (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder ($35) provides SPF 35 sun protection and sets your makeup. Not only is it pocket-sized, but it has a built-in brush that dispenses the perfect amount of product. So, you don’t need to bring an extra powder brush. Better yet, there’s no need to tote around a potentially leaky bottle of sunscreen for re-applying throughout the day.

All Moringa

All Moringa Cold-Pressed Oil

If you’re looking for one product you can use on your face, body, and hair, All Moringa Cold-Pressed Oil ($29) is it. This natural oil is a moisturizer for the face and hair as well as a post-pool or beach soother. You can even use it to shave. It's a minimalist traveler's dream.

Summer Fridays Mini Jet Lag Mask

After a long day—or night—crammed into a plane, using the Summer Fridays Mini Jet Lag Mask ($26) can help you look rested and refreshed. It's loaded with ingredients that'll help hydrate and calm tired skin, such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin.

Iris & Romeo

Iris and Romeo Weekend Skin

Traveling can make skin look dull, so choosing a skincare product with vitamin C is a good way to counteract this. Iris and Romeo Weekend Skin ($50) can help you get your glow on all day long with time-release vitamin C. The transparent mineral SPF 50 formula also helps to combat hyperpigmentation, even out skin tone, and soften wrinkles. There are shades available for both darker and lighter skin tones. 

Dune Lifeguard Cooling Aloe Gel

If your vacation plans involve sun and surf, packing post-sun skin care is essential. Dune's Lifeguard Cooling Aloe Gel ($23) soothes with antioxidants and aloe vera—without aloe vera's signature stickiness. It offers 72 hours of hydration, and won't clog your pores while you do it.

Kate McLeod

Kate McLeod Daily Stone Solid Body Moisturizer

Pack along a moisturizer that won't get confiscated by the TSA with Kate McLeod Daily Stone Moisturizer ($45). This solid moisturizer is scented with rose, frankincense, and neroli, and features all-natural moisturizers like cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, and apricot kernel oil. Even better? It comes in its own bamboo container to make it easy to pack.

Wild Rose Beauty

Wild Rose Beauty Daily Toner

Wild Rose Beauty Daily Toner ($29) not only contains powerful ingredients like glycolic and hyaluronic acids to help get rid of dead skin cells and moisturize, but its packaging is perfect for travel. This spray bottle can be kept in your purse so you can refresh on the go, or spray a little bit on a cotton pad after washing your face for extra exfoliation. 

Rosebud Salve

If you're looking for a multi-tasking product that's easy to pack—and even easier on your wallet— Rosebud Salve ($7) should be on your list. This century-old formulation works beautifully as a lip balm or a moisturizer—and can even help soothe diaper rash, too.

Augustinus Bader

Augustinus Badar The Cleansing Balm

If you’ve ever travelled with a bottle of face wash, you know how challenging it can be to take along any kind of makeup remover product. That’s why packing a cleansing balm such as Augustinus Badar The Cleansing Balm ($80) will make your life easier. There’s no need to worry about leaks or even bringing a separate bottle of eye makeup remover because this product can do it all—leaving you with super soft skin.  

Dear Dahlia

Dear Dahlia Paradise Tinted Blooming Balm

Between the dry air on the plane and the heat of the sun, travel can wreak havoc on your lips. Opt for a tinted balm instead of lipstick. We like this one ($29) from Dear Dahlia because it applies like lipstick—no finger or brush required. Infused with sweet almond and argan oils, the subtle color works just as well at the pool as it does out to dinner.

VSoto Exotic Pearl Eye Creme

Traveling can make you feel and look tired. So, if there’s one product you shouldn’t scrimp on, it’s a good eye cream. Vsoto Exotic Pearl Eye Creme ($68) is formulated with essential oils, green tea, and silk peptides to brighten and rejuvenate the area. For an extra kick, keep it in your hotel fridge. 

Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules

Elizabeth Arden's clever Vitamin C Ceramide capsules ($95) protect the serum inside—and make it super simple to pack along enough for your trip. This vitamin C-packed dry oil helps brighten skin and reduce the signs of aging.

Beekman 1802

Beekman 1802 Facial Cleansing Wipes

Refresh your face anywhere from the beach to the airport easily with Beekman 1802 Facial Cleansing Wipes ($12)—no water required. The goat milk and citrus oil formulation is easy on the skin—and the wipes give you a soft orange-honey scent.

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How to Travel with Skin Care

Which skin care products should you bring.

• Cleanser: Opt for a hydrating and
• Hydrating Moisturizer: A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer helps keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores. Try and opt for a dual action
• Sunscreen: Protection from UV rays is paramount. Choose a
• Eye Cream: Eye skin ages faster than the rest of the skin on your face, and is significantly thinner. The right
• Lip Balm: Don't forget your lips; pack a lip balm with SPF to protect them from UV damage and prevent dryness.
• Spot Treatment: If you're prone to skin issues like breakouts, especially during travel, include a spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

How should you store your products?

• Separate Liquids: Placing liquid products in a separate quart-size resealable bag (as recommended by TSA guidelines) helps to facilitate the screening process. This also helps to contain leaks and spills, should they occur.
• Pack in Layers: Place your skin care products in layers within your toiletry bag. Start with the heaviest or least fragile items at the bottom and work your way up to prevent breakage and spills.
• Seal Containers Securely: To prevent leakage, try placing a small piece of plastic wrap over the openings of your travel containers before screwing on the caps.
• Organize by Function: Group your skin care products by function, such as cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, to make them easier to locate while on the go.

TSA Guidelines

• You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
• Make sure to pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage, regardless of the amount within the containers.

Refillable Travel Size Containers

• Purchase a set of refillable containers designed to meet TSA guidelines for travel. These often include small plastic bottles, jars, and spray bottles.
• Transfer your favorite skin care products from their original packaging into these smaller containers.
• Label each container to prevent any confusion and to ensure you're using the right product.
• Remember that you may need to refill these containers between trips, so be sure to clean them thoroughly between uses.
• Prioritize essential products, such as a cleanser, moisturizer, broad-spectrum sunscreen, serum, eye cream, lip balm with SPF, and spot treatment if needed.
• Store your products securely to minimize broken containers, spills, and leaks.
• Follow TSA guidelines for carrying liquids in a quart-sized bag of travel-sized containers (3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters per item).
• Explore OneSkin's Travel Kit for a simple and science-backed skin care routine on the go.
• www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule
• www.oneskin.co/products/oneskin-discovery-travel-kit

Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin

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Your Travel Flamingo

Digital Nomad & Female Travel Blog

Travel Skin Care: How to Take Care of Your Skin While Traveling

May 16, 2021

Balancing your skin care routine while traveling may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be. After all, travel takes a big toll on the skin, so it’s even more crucial that you take care of your skin while traveling. Whether you are a digital nomad always on the road or just jetting off on a fabulous vacation, these are the things you should know first about travel skin care.

Why Travel is Bad For Skin

First, we need to understand the major suspects that do quite a number on our skin while traveling. Below are the main reasons our skin suffers while abroad.

1. Sun Damage

It’s very likely that you’ll spend more time in the sun than you would back home. Whether at the beach, or simply exploring a new city, the sun is relentlessly pounding into your skin and causing premature aging. And in case you don’t know, sun damage is the number one scientifically proven reason for premature skin aging. So sun damage should be at the top of your concerns.

2. Pollutants

Many cities and sometimes entire countries suffer from poor air quality. The high levels of pollutants in the air can damage and clog the skin heavily. Then factor in the usual levels of smog, smoke and other things present in every day life, and the result is skin-aging effects when left unprotected.

3. Unhealthy Diet

When traveling, it’s common to allow yourself to over indulge from time to time. We’re not going to not drink wine and inhale cheesy pasta and pizza in Italy, right?! But the unhealthy eating patterns can quickly affect the skin (ever get a nasty pimple on the second day of a trip?. Moreover, in certain countries the sanitation and quality of the ingredients of food can be questionable at best, which can wreak havoc on both the immune system and skin.

4. Airplanes

It should be no surprise that airplanes are the skin’s mortal enemy while traveling (after the sun). With the arctic breeze level air-conditioning constantly blowing into your face, or the constant recirculation of dry artificial air, it won’t take long for the in-flight dehydration effect to take place. Also doesn’t help that airplane food is unhealthy, and you are unlikely to get good sleep (if any) while on board.

Changes in time zone and restless nights of jet lag will leave your skin dull and well, tired looking. You can bandaid your low quality sleep with all the coffee and concealer in the world, but long term damage will be done if unattended for.

Rules of Travel Skin Care

Now that you understand the ways travel can negatively affect our skin, you may ask how we can combat the constant assault on our skin while traveling. After years of traveling full-time and living my life out of a suitcase, I’ve come to these 7 absolute skin care commandments, simple enough to be implemented by even the busiest jet-setter.

The 7 Travel Skin Care Commandments

1. Travel sized items only, that can go in carry on

This is both to save space, and to ensure your beauty products are small enough to go in carry on, to have in-flight.

1. Don’t buy expensive products

You don’t need expensive products to see real results. Plus, there is always the chance you’ll lose it, spill it or get it taken away by TSA en-route. It’s better to go for high quality but low-priced products that won’t ruined your day if you lost.

3. Never let your sunscreen run out

How much you let UV rays penetrate your skin determines how fast you will (or won’t) age. It’s not an exaggeration either when you hear people say you need sunscreen everyday. At the very minimum, always make sure you have a face sunscreen of SPF 30 – 50 on you at all times.

4. Prepare an in-flight beauty kit

The airplane is an unforgiving place for your skin, and if left to run its course will have you looking dull and ashy upon landing. Always pack essential items to use before boarding and also in-flight.

5. Cleansing is key

Not cleaning your face is like trying to cook on a pan without cleaning off the grease, or painting your car without cleaning off the bird sh*t. Plus, you are exposed to way more nasty stuff and pollutants when traveling, so as a rule cleanse twice a day.

6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Unless you are in your teens or just have exceptionally oily skin, everyone can benefit from extra hydration. For travelers, it is even more critical to replenish all the hydration loss from flying, hot or dry climates, swimming in the sea and all the other things we get up to that dry out our skin.

7. Pack an Eye Mask

How well rested you are instantly impacts your appearance. An eye mask is my secret weapon to giving myself the best chance of getting quality sleep in any time zone or place.

How to Take Care of Your Skin While Traveling

So, now that you have the non-negotiable foundation rules, let’s dive deeper into the nitty gritty of how to maintain and even improve the state of your skin while traveling.

Side Note : A lot of products I will recommend for the ultimate travel skin care routine are from one brand. I’m not sponsored (I wish), it’s only because their products are inherently travel-sized, affordable and I see amazing results.

Protecting Against Sun Damage

There is no way around it: if you want to delay the aging process you must protect yourself from the sun. I’m not saying to stay away from the beach or to only jump in the pool at 3 AM. But I am saying that you need protection. I would never recommend traveling without:

Good Sunscreen

By good, I mean at least SPF 30 sunscreen, but if it’s closer to SPF 50 even better. Anything above that tends to taper off in effectiveness, and regardless, you’ll still have to re-apply every 1-2 hours.

When it comes to picking a sunscreen, you have chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens. Without getting too deep into the science, chemical sunscreen is basically a chemical that’s absorbed into your skin and blocks UV rays from causing damage. Physical sunscreen is almost always made of tiny particles of titanium dioxide, which sit on top of the skin physically blocking UV rays from your skin.

Which is better? Chemical sunscreens tend to set in more clear, while physical ones can leave a white cast. However, chemical sunscreen has been shown to contain carcinogenic compounds which your body absorbs after topical use. It’s also bad for the ocean and environment, so on principle I’d recommend physical sunscreen.

A good physical sunscreen brand is the mineral UV filter 30 SPF Sunscreen by The Ordinary .

Sunscreen is probably enough to protect your body, but your facial skin needs to be treated with more care. If you are traveling, especially to a tropical place or during warmer months, you need a hat.

Not only are these super cute for taking instagrammable photos, but they are a physical barrier against your face and the sun that you can see.

I like to pack along an easily foldable athletic cap for hikes, and a floppy wider brimmed hat to match more girly outfits or to wear at the beach.

Hot Tip : Go for hats that fold easily, and won’t lose its structure from being stuff in a suitcase. If you choose to bring one that isn’t bendy, wear it to the airport instead of cramming it in your luggage.

Protecting Against Pollutants

There are numerous harmful pollutants in the air from everyday life. When traveling, these harmful substances can be amplified by horrendous airplane cabin air, excessive air pollution in certain cities, or just going out and getting your face dirtier. You can’t avoid them, but you can remove them and even eliminate them from your skin even after exposure. Here’s how:

I have been guilty of neglecting my cleansing routine while traveling, especially on long days when I come home and just collapse in bed. I have since learned the errors of my ways and now know that cleansing is key. If you don’t clean your face of all the impurities after a day out, any other skin care treatment will be rendered useless.

As a rule cleanse twice a day, once in the evening and once in the morning. If this is still too difficult to juggle, at the bare minimum cleanse before sleeping.

Oil Cleansing

Generally, most dermatology reports I’ve read do not recommend using oil as your only cleanser, as it tends to leave something behind. However, if you are like me and don’t wear face make-up, it could be acceptable.

I prefer oil cleansers because they are natural, and usually offer some antioxidant goodness as well as cleansing. I currently use rosehip seed oil, and can say it’s a godsend. It never leaves a greasy residue if you wash it off properly (use a gentle towel), plus it has vitamin A to revitalize the skin.

For a travel sized option, go for The Ordinary rosehip seed oil .

If you have dry skin, wear make-up during the day or use a heavy SPF sunscreen, go for a cleansing balm instead, which is more robust in cleaning everything off your face.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are used like extra goodies for the skin. They help the skin remove pollutants and free radicals to stop damage before it can happen.

I always use a vitamin C serum in the morning, after cleansing and before applying SPF (and make up).Vitamin C absorbs into the skin, and acts like a body guard against pollutants and free radicals.

On top of that, the Vitamin C is also working to speed up skin turnover, meaning you’ll have a fresher complexion.

I love the Vitamin C serum from The Ordinary because it offers an astonishing 23% vitamin C content. The higher the percentage, the more effective it is so this is one of the best vitamin C products for a budget price available.

Hot tip : You will become more sensitive to the sun, so you need to be on top of your sunscreen game while using this. If going to the beach or somewhere with extreme sun exposure, maybe even skip the vitamin C for the day.

Pycogenol is an extract from marine bark, which is said to help the skin speed up it’s collagen production and improve both hydration and elasticity. After a couple uses you’ll feel the difference and be hooked! It makes your skin so soft.

I use the pycogenol serum from The Ordinary , and apply it after my other serums nightly, and before any retinol or moisturizer.

Chemical Exfoliant

Travel will throw your skin in for a loop, and as a result it may become triggered to overproduce sebum. What this means is blackheads, clogged pores and for some, pimples and acne.

It’s smart to exfoliate once a week, or at the least once every 2 weeks. I do not recommend physical exfoliants, because the harshness of these substances causes micro-tears in the skin, causing inflammation and sensitivity. Pair that with going in the sun a lot and you have a recipe for redness and other disasters.

Instead choose a salicylic acid chemical exfoliant, and only use it in the areas needed. If you don’t know which those are, look for where you already have blackheads, excess oil and larger pores. For most of us, it’ll be our nose and maybe forehead.

A good exfoliant is the 2% salicylic acid solution by The Ordinary , or the salicylic acid masque which is almost always sold out.

Protecting Against Hydration Loss

Almost everyone can benefit from hydrating their skin more, especially when traveling as there are many ways your skin loses moisture. Here are some things to pack to hydrate and plump up your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

Your body produces hyaluronic acid naturally, but we can always benefit from more. Each molecule of HA can hold up to 4 times its weight in water. What this means when absorbed into the skin, it will pull in moisture from the lower dermis or air, giving you a smooth, soft and youthful skin texture.

Hot tip : Apply it to damp skin after cleansing to allow the extra water to soak into the skin with the HA.

A good hyaluronic acid is the 2% HA + B5 from the Ordinary .

If you want to use facial oils, use them in your evening routine so they can work their magic overnight. There are many types of facial oils to experiment with. If you need hydration choose one high in vitamin E like argan oil . If you want to add antioxidants go for rosehip seed oil.

Hot tip : Many countries have their own local oils that can be used for the face. Sometimes these cost a fortune when bought abroad so go ahead and try out some new ones while traveling. I got high quality moroccan (argan) oil while in morocco for a very low price.

Moisturizer

A moisturizer is crucial for both hydrating skin, and also stopping moisture from escaping it. You also need to apply a moisturizer at the end of your skin care routine for the evening to help it set in.

The key to a good moisturizer, is not how expensive it is. Simplicity goes a long way with moisturizer.

I am currently using The Ordinary Moisturizer , which goes on smooth and with no shininess.

Protecting Skin on Airplanes

Airplanes do a lot of damage to your skin. If you are in for a long haul flight, you are even at more risk of skin damage from prolonged exposure to the dry, nasty air on airplanes.

I strongly recommend having go-to pre-flight and in flight products to protect your skin. This is my skin care line up for flying day:

• Cleansing oil
• Hyaluronic acid
• Non-greasy moisturizer
• Under eye cream
• Rosewater spray

First, I’ll cleanse my face at the airport before boarding. You’ll want to remove all make up and everything off your skin because the last thing you want is you be sitting for hours with all that clogging up your pores.

After thorough cleansing when the skin is still damp, I’ll apply my hyaluronic acid. This will pull the water into my skin, and protect it from the drying effects of the cabin air.

Apply a non-greasy moisturizer over it to seal it in and you’re good to go.

While in flight, you can apply an under eye cream before dosing off. I always use my eye mask on board when sleeping, because you never know when they will turn on the light and disturb you.

Finally, before landing I’ll go to the bathroom and cleanse my face then spritz myself with rosewater. During the flight, the skin tends to produce excess sebum as a reaction to the overly dry air. The rosewater is a toner, and helps to absorb any excess oil so I don’t look shiny AF when landing. Plus, you’ll feel refreshed, which god knows we need after a long flight.

Damage Repair

No matter how valiant your efforts are, skin damage will happen while traveling. I mean, I would never dream of saying no to a beach day or diving trip, just to protect my skin!

That’s why on top of preventative measures, we also need repairing measures.

Retinol is a time tested, science backed substance proven to not only help maintain healthy skin, but also undo aging and skin damage. A very hefty promise, but when used correctly, you too will see the difference in your skin.

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A, that kicks skin cell-turnover into overdrive. This means sloughing off dead cells to uncover new, fresher skin for a more youthful appearance. It can also reduce fine lines, dry up excessive sebum and reduce redness and hyperpigmentation. It’s really the holy grail of skin care products.

The downside, is it makes you very sensitive to the sun. You shouldn’t be using it everyday either, as it can be drying. So it’s recommended to use retinol only 2 – 4 times a week. Apply it in the evening and only when you don’t have a beach day planned the next day.

I am currently using the 0.5% retionol in squalane oil by The Ordinary , and seeing amazing results. It goes on after cleansing + water based serums, but before moisturizer. Be sure to wash your face thoroughly in the morning.

The truth is you don’t need serums to have a solid skin care routine, the same way you don’t need nail polish or jewelry to get dressed everyday. But it makes everything so much better. Think of serums like a treat for your skin. They supply extra goodness to your skin to give it extra love and nourishment.

There are about 101 types of serums out there, so before getting overwhelmed identify your target skin needs, and choose 1-3 maximum.

I currently use “The Buffet” by the Ordinary , which is like a superfood cocktail for the skin. There is a formula including collagen peptides, which is an absolute powerhouse for restarting your skins natural collagen production. It’s water-based so I’ll apply oil-based products after it.

Hot tip : Apply serums after hyaluronic acid, to allow better absorption into the skin.

Skincare From Within

I don’t travel with supplements, since I live on the road it would mean lugging around some big jars that I don’t really need. However, there are many proven benefits from supplement use, and for trips where you’ll want to look your best, bring small packets of these for your travel skin care routine:

Collagen Supplements

Collagen is the secret to youthful skin. As we get older the skin produces less of it, so supplements can really help. Basically everyone I know who uses them, raves about them and claim to see major results fairly quickly.

You can find them on Amazon, here .

Algae Supplements

Otherwise known as omega-3, this is a fatty acid supplement derived from algae (instead of fish). Not only does it help prevent rapid aging, it can also protect against sun damage, to support healthy skin and hair.

Skin Friendly Diet

A kick-ass travel skin care routine can only do so much, if you aren’t maintaining your overall health. It’s hard to keep a healthy diet when traveling , especially when you feel obligated to overindulge in unhealthy ways or you aren’t familiar with the local food products. I myself am not so strict with my diet when traveling, because a huge part of travel for me is eating new food. No way I’m going to France and not stuffing my face with wine and cheese!

However, for every “cheat” day (or week) I have, I try to balance with healthier overall habits. Here are some simple rules to abide by:

Fruit & Veggies Everyday

If you are traveling to a tropical place, you should really take advantage of the exotic fruits available. Not only are these delicious and cheap when not imported, they do wonders for the skin. In Southeast Asia I always replace one meal with a fruit bowl or smoothie (ask for no or less added sugar). Exotic fruit like papaya and dragonfruit offer unique micronutrients that are good for the body and skin. Coconut water is also super hydrating, also good for skin.

Even if you aren’t in a tropical places, incorporating fruit or veggies into each meal helps a lot. I try to eat both raw and cooked veggies everyday. If it’s a country with questionable hygiene, just go for the cooked stuff.

Reduce Alcohol

I recently fell into a night of binge drinking and the immediate effects on my skin were alarming. I woke up with deep under eye bags and dry, tired looking skin. Yikes!

Until I mostly stopped drinking, I never noticed the toll it took on my skin. Now after largely removing it from my life, when I do drink I can see the huge negative impact it has.

Many studies report that alcohol is among the top 3 causes for premature aging, after sun exposure and smoking. The silver lining is that a glass or two of red wine may offer some health benefits. So no need to go cold turkey. Just don’t go overboard at the margarita happy hour at your hotel and you’re good.

Drink More Water Than You Think You Need

It shocks me to learn how little water many people drink, including friends of mine I had considered beacons of health and fitness. You can spend a fortune on skin care products to provide hydration to your skin, or just do what our bodies are meant to do, and drink water.

Moreover, when traveling we are vastly more dehydrated than at home. From beach days, to hiking trips, to food poisoning, or just spending more time outside, there are many reasons we lose hydration on the road.

Water flushes out toxins in the organs and body. Since the skin is essentially just another organ, you need to drink up to hydrate and keep skin pure.

I like to bring my own water bottle, so I always have some water on hand and always know how much I’m drinking.

Other T ravel Skin Care Tips

Get better sleep.

Ever wake up after a restless night of jet lag or tossing around in your economy seat and noticed immediately the effects this had on your skin? A good night of sleep goes a long way. I used to choose sleepless nights of partying with other travelers, or pushing myself to sleep less while traveling to “see more” of the destination. And honestly, it’s not worth it. Get a sleep mask, listen to your body, and schedule in at least 6 hours of sleep every night. Your skin and mental health will thank you.

Be Consistent

Your travel skin care routine only works if you are consistent. So once you decide what your routine is stick to it, even if it means starting with something easy like “I promise to cleanse my face properly each night before bed”. Once you conquer one routine, you can add new ones like “I’ll moisturize after cleansing” and finally “I’ll apply sunscreen everyday”. That’s really all you need to build an effective routine, everything else is just extra.

Health and beauty work from the inside out. Keep your body and overall health in check, and your skin will follow suit. Plus, when you travel you have so many opportunities to move everyday. Try to pencil in one travel activity a day that involves exercise. It can be swimming at the beach, taking a dance lesson, going for a hike or just going on a walk around the city.

And that wraps up this guide to travel skincare, and all you need to know about how to take care of your skin on the road. It doesn’t take much to take good care of your skin, just a few key products, a solid routine and commitment. Thats all there is to mastering travel skin care!

And over to you? Do you have any travel skin care secrets? I’de love to hear them, so let me know below!

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May 16, 2021 at 10:12 am

Great post! I used to take minimal products on holiday and my skin looked terrible. Now I take a bit more but make sure I cleanse and also apply my usual moisturizer which I fill in a travel tin. And cannot emphasize sun protection enough!

May 16, 2021 at 12:46 pm

I always get the worst skin when I’m travelling and I never know how to fix it. This post will definitely come in handy though so thank you for sharing these great tips!

December 16, 2021 at 11:35 am

This is such current information for me! My skin and I are terribly tormented by acclimatization and my hair is becoming unruly. I took vitamins, couldn’t really enjoy the local food. THANKS FOR THE INFO.

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The Skincare Tips Our Editors Swear By

By Madison Flager

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Travel frequently enough and your skincare routine becomes just as important as your plane outfit or boarding ritual. After all, a dehydrating airplane cabin combined with a dose of jet lag can do a number on even the clearest of skin types. Everyone takes care of their skin in different ways, of course: For some of us, it means a strict regime of moisturizers and serums slathered onto clean skin, while for others the focus is more about keeping hands hydrated after being dried out by sanitizer or cold weather. Then, of course, there are those of us who feel no shame in applying an under-eye mask once the plane reaches cruising altitude. We asked our editors for their best travel skincare tips—and which products they use just as much at home as they do on the road.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Tinted moisturizers and micellar wipes

Being much more homebound during the pandemic has really changed my relationship with makeup, in that I don’t wear it anymore unless I really have to. When I do pack a Dopp kit, my travel-size products are a lot more dedicated to keeping my face clean and moisturized these days: A tinted moisturizer is all I will put on for the dry plane, and before going to bed I want to make sure every drop of makeup is off with a good micellar wipe (the only time I’ll use wasteful wipes is on the go and for this purpose). A night time routine I’ll sometimes squeeze in on a plane if my skin is feeling dry: a really cool-feeling face moisturizer like Tatcha’s The Water Cream , plus a concentrated eye cream or gel, like this one from Clinique that has lasted me so long now–a tiny dab goes a long way for tired, dry eyes. —Shannon McMahon, destinations editor

Gua Sha and cleansers

Nothing dries out my skin quite like traveling, so I call in my A-team of products to give my skin the extra boost of hydration it needs. I always pack a mini Clinique Moisture Surge 100 Hour Hydrator —it’s made for locking in extra moisture and perfect before a long flight. I love using my favorite lip mask every morning and night on any trip. I find that when I’m eating a lot of salty food on vacation, I wake up looking extra puffy; to combat that, I keep my jade roller and Gua Sha in the mini fridge (if it’s available) to de-puff after my skincare routine. If any blemishes pop while I’m on a trip, I place a tiny dot of the Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Gel directly on the spot right before bed. A little bit goes a long way—this Clearing Gel is my secret weapon for clearing pimples overnight and the bottle is small enough to fit in any makeup bag. When I get back from a vacation, I use the Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Cooling Mask to reset my skin with extra hydration. —Meaghan Kenny, editorial assistant

Sunday Riley treatments

I have become a die-hard supporter of Sunday Riley's ICE ceramide moisturizer —it works very, very hard and absorbs very deeply. Your skin feels super nice to touch and has a bit of shine, too. I also use the brand’s all-in-one lactic acid treatment once a night: It supports elasticity and retextures skin, which is good news for frequent fliers who are exposed to various degrees of dry, recycled air, and all types of temperatures in a single journey. —Erin Florio, executive editor

Facial spray and the Jet Lag Mask

Pre-pandemic, I foolishly chose to take a lot of red eyes, but the one silver lining was that it helped me master my in-flight skin routine. (Getting off a plane at 6 a.m. with a full face of slept-in makeup is a unique brand of gross.) Before boarding, I like to clean my face with a TSA-friendly face wipe, then apply a blob of Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask for the duration of the flight. It’s incredibly hydrating and works overtime on long journeys to keep skin looking plump and dewy—better still, it works as a great night mask at home if your skin is feeling tired from travel or whatever else the world has thrown at you that week. I also love spritzing myself with Mario Badescu’s travel-size facial spray —it gives you a refreshing little pick me up whenever you need one. —Lale Arikoglu, articles director

Hydration and blemish control

I have two main skincare priorities when traveling: hydration and blemish control. I have a slew of products for keeping my face and body hydrated, and on the way to my destination, that starts with eye masks, like the brightening and wrinkle-minimizing patches from Loops . Packed with niacinamide and a light retinol, they’re the perfect thing to de-puff after a long day of travel. Once I’m at my destination, it’s all about Weleda Skin Food lotion , an incredibly thick paste-like formula that really hydrates your skin, whether that's on your face, elbows, or knees. I also love packing Aesop's hand balm ; it the same lush scent as the brand's most popular hand soap, with notes of mandarin orange, lavender, and rosemary leaf, and is packed with cocoa butter, shea butter, and sweet almond and coconut oils for maximum hand hydration. Plus, it doesn't leave that slippery residue that most hand lotions do, so you won’t have to worry about your phone slipping out of your hands after applying. 

Finally, my skin always, always breaks out on vacation, especially after flights, so I pack a sheaf of CosRx’s acne patches , which not only serve as a hydrocolloid spot treatment to draw out impurities, but also as a mostly sheer protector, to ensure I’m not touching my face or blemishes throughout the day. They’re almost invisible enough to wear out and about—but if I’m in a mask , I usually pop them on as needed underneath. —Meredith Carey, travel bookings editor

Eye balms and de-puffing serums

After every red-eye, I say I'll never fly overnight again, but then it comes time to fly cross-country and the late-night trip just makes the most sense. As such, I'm always on the lookout for products to de-puff and soothe my tired eyes. An absolute staple that I've used for a decade-plus: Clinique’s All About Eyes serum, which feels so soothing post-flight, when I have a headache, or when I'm in need of an afternoon pick me up back at home. A newer favorite that I've incorporated into my daily routine is Tula's Glow and Get It brightening eye balm; a few swipes of the stick after my moisturizer and I'm good to go. (At night, I'll sometimes switch to the Rose Glow and Get It for a slight rosy shimmer.) 

Before bed, I've been slathering on Nuria's Revitalizing Jelly Night Treatment , which is super hydrating and feels just like the name suggests. Another key skincare tip: Cadence's reusable capsules, which have made traveling with my usual products, from face wash to body soap, so much easier. 

My all-time favorite product, though, is Smith's Rosebud Salve . I always have a tin of this in my purse or carry-on—it’s the best chapstick I’ve found for dry lips, but can also be used on small cuts or burns, dry spots on your hands or face, and dry cuticles. I’ve used it for years and it never disappoints. —Madison Flager, commerce editor

Sunscreen, serums, and lip scrub

My travel skincare routine has changed a bit with the incorporation of face masks. Now, I fly with scrubbed-clean skin that only has a rich moisturizer and airy sunscreen on top—usually, Eve Lom moisturizer and Supergoop Unseen sunscreen —and a pack of disposable masks to ensure whatever is pressed against my skin for hours on end is totally germ-free. I always pack my jar of Hanalei lip scrub , for smoothing out dry lips, and the juicy tube of “lip treatment” that comes with it. 

I do my best to keep up my regular skincare routine up wherever I go, thanks to travel-friendly bottles of Lesse face wash and a Lesse serum that acts like a moisturizer, but I save my best stuff for when I return home: a spa night with Drunk Elephant Babyfacial followed by the brand’s Virgin Marula oil , which cleans out my pores and leaves me feeling totally renewed after all my skin has been through. Just make sure you don’t use the oil immediately before or after time in the sun; it’s strong and can leave your skin extra vulnerable to UV rays for a few days, I’m told. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor

Moisturizers and eye cream

I obsessively hoard beauty and skincare samples anywhere I can get them, and I love using them up while traveling because my packing strategy is to try and return with less than I brought. That also means that I get to try a bunch of different things on the road, from new eye creams to makeup-removing oils. My travel skincare routine is actually much more rigorous than my regular routine—because if I've brought all the things, I have to use them. I'll layer on Olay moisturizer , Glossier serum , and Neutrogena eye cream before bed. In the morning, I'll wash it all off, then add serum, sunscreen, and do my daily makeup, which is really just eyeshadow and eyeliner. I'm fanatic about making sure I always remove my makeup before the end of the day—or even earlier, if I know I'll be traveling for a long amount of time. —Stephanie Wu, former articles director

Multi-purpose salves

I've become a little obsessed with salves for a few reasons. They're so multi-purpose: You can use them as lip balm, or hand moisturizer, or to moisturize any sad, bone-dry body part, really, like dry elbows and knees. They're also incredibly lightweight and portable, and are perfectly within grounds, weight-wise, to bring with you on the plane. The two that I'm loving right now are C.O. Bigelow's time-tested Rose Salve, which is a little thicker than most, but smells absolutely divine, and Phoenicia Honey's Lavender and Calendula blend, which I snagged from my guest room during a stay at the Urban Cowboy Lodge . Both come in beautifully packaged little tins, and are ideal, low-maintenance quick fixes for when I'm on the road—or even at home at my couch. —Betsy Blumenthal, features and franchises editor

Deep cleansing masks

I have this thing about showering as soon as I get home from a trip. No matter what time it is—midnight, 5 a.m.—I'm jumping in the shower and washing all that airplane yuckiness off me. Then I started incorporating this mask into my post-flight regimen for next-level deep cleaning. I'm still using it twice a week at home, too. It makes my pores nearly invisible and gives this incredibly fresh glow (it's the little things these days). And because I've used it so much after traveling, it tricks my mind into thinking I'm just back from a trip, which makes me feel less anxiety and stress . —Lauren DeCarlo, former strategic projects director

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The 18 Best Travel-Friendly Beauty Products

By Renee Trilivas and Stephanie Saltzman

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Brands

Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser

This creamy gel cleanser is kind to sensitive skin, which is ideal for days when you spend too much time in the sun and salt water.

Tweezerman Mini Slant Tweezer

You can't stop a stray hair or two from popping up during your vacation, but these adorable mini tweezers make hotel-room grooming easy.

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+

Slick this sunscreen on your face and ears straight from the tube. The hypoallergenic formula won't clog your pores or sting sensitive eyes.

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

Even if you skip a manicure, this velvety salve keeps cuticles soft and nails looking neat.

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Shiseido Perfecting Stick Concealer

You can swipe this creamy compact concealer on right out of the tube and blend it in easily with your finger, so there's no need to pack a brush.

Karuna Hydrating+ Face Mask

Whether you're bold enough to go the wear-on-the-plane -and-scare-your-fellow-passengers route or would rather wait until you hit the hotel room, this ultra-moisturizing sheet mask will soothe and revive dull, dry, plane-air-ravaged skin.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Solid Perfume Compact

Even if you love your signature scent, we're guessing you're not super into the idea of it spilling all over the contents of your suitcase. That's where this compact comes in: It houses a mirror and a balmlike solid vanilla-violet-and-sandalwood fragrance that's completely drip-proof.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray

The company took its OG salt spray for creating perfect beachy waves and put it in tiny 1.7-ounce bottles to make it both adorable and conveniently portable.

Lavanila the Healthy Deodorant in Pure Vanilla Mini

Meet the rare natural, aluminum-free deodorant that actually works—in fact, it's so good, we've given it a Best of Beauty Award. This compact version packs all the same wetness- and odor-fighting power in a less bulky package.

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

A solid cleansing balm in stick form that a) won't leak or drip and b) couldn't be easier to use. This antioxidant-packed pick, made by innovative Korean skin-care brand Su:m37, is a favorite of Soko Glam founder Charlotte Cho. Just twist the dial at the bottom (like you would a Chapstick), then massage it into your skin and rinse or wipe off. It's so simple, you could even do it on an airplane.

The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray

Most hand sanitizers smell like obscenely cheap vodka. These spritz-on ones smell like lemongrass, lavender, and oranges. And if that weren't enough of a minor miracle, they're also way less drying than most other formulas we've tried, thanks to a dose of aloe and glycerin.

La Prairie Anti-Aging Eye and Lip Perfection á Porter

On-the-go skin care doesn't get much more luxurious than this eye and lip duo. It combines a creamy, superthick—but not at all sticky—lip balm that melts into lips with a lightweight yet quenching eye cream, packaged together in one mirrored compact. Both formulas are gentle, so they won't further agitate skin that's been through a lot (say, a transatlantic journey).

EOS Every Day Hand Lotion

The slim, rounded tube can squeeze into even the tiniest pocket of your carry-on. Plus, it's lightweight and nongreasy, so it soaks in in seconds, leaving a pleasant scent and softness in its wake.

MoRoCcanoil Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a travel must: Who wants to waste precious vacation time washing and styling her hair? The formula in this 1.7-ounce can smells heavenly, degreases strands, and comes in two different tints, so there's none of that chalky cast other versions can leave.

Laneige BB Cushion

We've all seen that "Oh, no! My nudes leaked!" meme that's a photo of a drippy foundation bottle—and for anyone who's ever had a makeup-bag travel mishap, it's all too real. This compact contains a cushion soaked with a thin BB cream that is about as leakproof as it gets. It also hides blemishes, evens skin tone, hydrates, and offers sun protection.

Grown Alchemist Hydra-Mist+ Desert Lime & Amino-Peptide

Aerosols can sometimes do weird things in pressurized airplane cabins. And so can your skin. This non-aerosol mist is spiked with hyaluronic acid, pomegranate, and bilberry-leaf extracts to calm inflammation, as well as peptides and antioxidants to protect and bolster skin during even the longest flights.

Coola 4-Piece Organic Suncare Travel Set

This kit is basically a dermatologist's dream. It contains every kind of sunscreen you could possibly need: a spray-on natural one that smells like coconuts, a smaller bring-with-you-to-the-beach lotion, and a lip balm—all with SPF 30. There's also a tube of aloe-laced after-sun moisturizer to help rehab skin in case you (somehow) miss a spot.

Fresh Seaberry Restorative Body Cream

In case we haven't made it clear: Traveling makes your skin really freakin' dry. And that doesn't just mean your face. This buttery, paraben -free 2.2-ounce cream helps it bounce back with a blend of four different omegas, plus seaberry oil and cranberry-seed oil.

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Travel Skin Routine: Before, During and After a Flight

By Alannah Koene

• Air travel can cause skin issues, such as sun damage, increased oil production and puffiness.
• Skin hydration and protection are top priorities for air travel as aircraft cabins typically have much lower humidity levels than skin is accustomed to.
• Cleansing and moisturizing products can help purify and lock in moisture, while habits such as good sleep and water consumption can promote overall skin health.

The combination of recirculated cabin air, high altitude and UV ray exposure can result in major skin turbulence. Many air travelers deal with dry, puffy or aggravated skin, but the right travel skin-care routine can help you arrive at your destination with glowing skin.

Read below to learn about the products and strategies to take care of your skin before, during and after your flight.

How Does Traveling Affect Your Skin?

Skin is most comfortable with humidity levels between 40% and 70%. When cruising 30,000 feet high, your skin is exposed to aircraft humidity levels averaging around 20%, meaning your skin may experience a significant dip in hydration levels as well as dryness, flakiness and irritation.

Other effects of air travel include:

• Puffy eyes: Inactivity and salty airplane snacks can cause water retention and puffiness.
• Excessive oil: Low humidity is correlated to increased oil production in your skin.
• Chapped lips: Arid aircraft cabins dry out mucus membranes of your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Sun damage: UV rays are more intense at higher altitudes.
• Dull complexion: Pressurized aircraft cabins can lead to reduced oxygen and blood flow in the skin.

Preflight Cleanse

Clean skin is the best prep before a flight. When combined with air travel, makeup, dirt and other debris can make it difficult for your skin to maintain a healthy balance and may result in clogged pores.

Before your flight, use a gentle cleansing wipe to remove any surface-level dirt. Double cleanse by using a light and hydrating cleanser, and avoid any over-exfoliating or harsh cleansers.

Top gentle cleansers and face washes include:

• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
• Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Tiger Grass Enzyme Foam Cleanser
• PanOxyl 4% Acne Creamy Wash
• Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm

Moisturize and Balance

Help your skin stay balanced and protected by sealing in hydration with a creamy moisturizer. If you need to wear makeup during your flight, mix your foundation or other skin makeup with moisturizer.

Preflight serums and face masks can also boost your skin’s hydration by penetrating skin more deeply. Serums enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and other antioxidants can help improve skin cell turnover and protect your skin from environmental pollution. Look for face masks that include these ingredients as well as extra-nourishing products, such as olive oil, honey, aloe and jojoba oil.

Topical Probiotic

Studies show that skin responds to probiotics in a manner similar to that of the gut, with cases demonstrating that topically applied lactic acid bacterium increases skin ceramides, which help moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier and protect it from environmental aggressors. As such, topical probiotic skin treatments can help keep inflammation under control and promote hydration and radiance.

Skin care products infused with probiotics include:

• Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
• Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads
• Tom’s of Maine Prebiotic Bar Soap
• Manyo Factory Bifida Complex Ampoule

Applying sunscreen is a necessary step in your daily skin routine, but it’s even more important during flights. With lower oxygen levels and closer physical proximity to the sun at higher altitudes, UV rays can be up to twice as strong at 30,000 feet as they are on the ground.

Look for sunscreens and other products, such as moisturizers, lip balms and hand creams, that contain at least0 SPF 30. Apply them as you board your flight, and touch up applications during longer flights. You can also help control your UV ray exposure by closing nearby cabin window shades.

Apply Face Oil

Moisturizers, mists and face masks are generally less effective during flights as the low cabin humidity means that these products may actually pull moisture from your skin instead of the air. Excessive misting with water can also interfere with your skin’s pH level and cause additional drying.

High-potency face oils are an in-flight alternative to moisturizers that can help keep your skin hydrated. Look for oils that contain essential fatty acids and vitamins A, E, D and K as well as calming and hydrating essential oils.

Apply face oil every 3 hours, but keep in mind that it may interfere with the potency of your products containing sunscreen. Prioritize sunscreen over face oil during daytime flights, and save face oil for long or nighttime flights.

Stay Hydrated

While moisturizers and other skin products are helpful, drinking enough water is key to hydrated skin while flying. Drinking extra water keeps your internal skin cells hydrated and healthy and doesn’t necessarily affect skin hydration directly if you’re already getting enough, but dehydration is linked to more noticeable appearances of lines and wrinkles.

Make good hydration a part of your daily routine before your flight, and pack a water bottle to bring during travel. Diuretics, such as coffee and tea, may contribute to dehydration, but enjoying coconut water mid-flight can help boost your hydration.

Get Your Beauty Sleep

Some travelers find sleeping on flights difficult, but studies show that even short periods of sleep deprivation can have dehydrating effects on the skin. As such, sleeping during flights can help reduce issues such as poor elasticity, wrinkles and flakiness.

To promote good sleep during flights, reduce light exposure by closing window shades or shutting off overhead lights. Avoid looking at your blue light-emitting devices, such as your phone or laptop, and use an eye mask to block out any other light. Melatonin supplements can also help you fall asleep and get quality rest.

De-stress and Relax

Between flying fears, cramped cabins and chaotic terminals, air travel can create stress and anxiety for many people. In turn, excessive stress can release hormones that may trigger and antagonize inflammatory skin issues, such as psoriasis, dermatitis and acne.

To relax and de-stress, take advantage of in-flight entertainment, or bring relaxing books and music. Avoid alcohol, and sip on herbal teas with calming ingredients, such as chamomile and peppermint, instead. If you struggle with extra anxiety, breathing exercises or meditation can help manage stress and improve your mood.

Stretch and Move

To help offset blood flow issues that can happen at high altitudes and consequent puffiness, try to move and stretch during your flight. Avoid sitting in awkward positions that cut off blood flow, such as with your legs or arms crossed. Do a few laps up and down the aisles every hour to promote circulation, or try a few stretches from your seat if turbulence is an issue or you’re unable to walk around.

Get some light exercise after your flight, even if it’s just a brisk walk through the airport. Light movement can help to mobilize extra water retained after spending time in a pressurized aircraft cabin.

Clean and Sanitize

Although airplane air is heavily filtered, a cabin of travelers is bound to carry plenty of bacteria. Most people touch their face unconsciously and inadvertently transfer bacteria from other places their hands have touched to their skin. To avoid transferring bacteria to your face, sanitize your seat with an antibacterial wipe when you board the plane, and sanitize your hands regularly throughout the flight.

After you’ve arrived at your destination, wash the clothes you wore during travel, and sanitize any items you used during the flight, such as your phone, laptop or neck pillows.

Postflight Cleanse and Exfoliate

Once you arrive at your destination, your skin-care routine should focus on reintroducing moisture and preventing breakouts. Double cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser to get rid of any dirt or bacteria picked up during the flight. Cleansers or spot treatments with salicylic acid can be extra effective if you’re prone to acne or breakouts.

Although many people prioritize a hot shower after travel, washing your skin in hot water can strip it of its natural oils and cause dryness and aggravation. Instead, opt for a lukewarm shower during your post-flight cleansing routine.

Brighten and Rehydrate

Although it may not be obvious, dry skin and cells can build up on your skin during flight and cause your complexion to appear dull. Follow cleansing with a gentle chemical exfoliator that contains AHAs and BHAs, such as:

• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
• Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys
• Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid

After exfoliating, brighten and nourish your skin with a vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid moisturizer. Eye creams containing caffeine can help reduce eye puffiness, or you can apply a cold pack or towel to the skin around your eyes.

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Alannah Koene

Contributor

Alannah Koene is a content writer based in Victoria, British Columbia. Although she writes for a range of topics, her professional writing often focuses on business, health, and lifestyle. Spending much of her time exploring the outdoors through sport, Alannah aims to share her perspectives through writing and content. She’s happiest reading a book in her hammock with her dog napping nearby.

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I Tested 20 Cream Blushes to Find One That Actually Lasts

With just a few taps, a cream blush breathes life into the skin — a natural-looking flush that’s integral to “no-makeup makeup.” But ironically, what I love about cream blush is also the thing that frustrates me most. Cream blush looks incredible moments after you apply it (Sunkissed! Glowy! Rosey!), but because of how emollient and moisturizing the formulas are, the pigment is easily wiped away and fades quickly. And in my experience, a cream blush will require multiple trips to the bathroom throughout the day in order to preserve the look from that morning.

But I just knew there had to be a cream blush out there that actually lasts. And so I got to testing. Like last year, when I hunted for the best clear brow gel, I decided to test out as many cream blushes as I could get my hands on, from a wide variety of brands at all different price points. Some of the blushes were recommended by friends and colleagues, others I found sleuthing TikTok or Reddit, and a few I picked up at Sephora or Target simply because I liked the look of them. This time around, my criteria were as follows: The blush has to be easy to apply with fingers (I don’t always have time for brushes and sponges — who does?), it must blend easily into the skin, and, most importantly, it has to actually last . Each morning, I applied a different cream blush as I would normally — on top of sunscreen and a bit of concealer, using my fingers to blend it out (this alone weeded a few out, as some pilled or looked patchy instantly). On top of the standard wear test, I also took photographs at the beginning and end of everyday, in order to formally document the process and compare notes when I was done testing.

Of all the 20 blushes I tested over the course of two months, there were quite a few that met most of my criteria but not all. For example, Saie’s Dew Blush in Spicy , for example, had excellent staying power and gave the nicest sunkissed flush, but I found it looked a little patchy when I blended it out with my fingers (it looked much more natural when I did so with a brush). And Pixi by Petra’s TikTok beloved On-the-Glow blush gave a really gorgeous rosy, pinch to the cheeks and was so easy to blend with just your fingers, but it rubbed off quickly (it had admittedly been a hot day when I tried it, but a good blush should be able to withstand a little sweat).

The champion, it turns out, is Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder , a relatively new launch from the brand that I’d seen making the rounds in makeup-artist kits and on editors’ favorites lists for a few months. I hadn’t actually gotten around to trying it, until now. The formula itself is unique because, as it says by the name, it starts off as a balmy, almost slippery consistency. So when you first rub your fingers into the pot and start pressing it into the skin it’s buttery and easy to work into your skin. But after a few taps, the product begins to sheer out with a lightweight powdery finish. When I first tried the blush, I applied it over a light layer of foundation on a night out. I was thrilled at how easily it melted into the skin without disrupting or pilling the makeup I’d already applied. But perhaps more impressive was just how vibrant it looked when I peeked in a mirror a few hours later — it almost looked like I’d just put it on. The next day I tested the blush over bare skin just to see if that would make a difference. To my surprise, it also stayed put throughout a whole day of meetings.

Now I do understand the potential hesitation from anyone with dry skin who’s typically powder averse, but this is truly nothing like any other powder finish I’ve tried before — it’s soft, airy, and almost silky. No cakiness or dehydration. The Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder definitely has a soft matte finish once it’s fully blended into the skin, (as opposed to the dewy finish of an ultra emollient blush). That finish not only gives the blush staying power (more on that in a second), it’s also a really stunning blurring effect. So, it’s a great choice for people with more textured or acne-prone skin types, like me.

This blush is incredibly pigmented and a tiny bit goes a really long way. In the past, I’d find myself really digging my fingers into my cream blush pots in order to get enough product for both my cheeks, but with the Blurring Balm Powder Blush, a quick tap or two will get you enough blush for at least one cheek. The high pigment in conjunction with the soft, powdery finish, I suspect, is what makes this blush really stick to the skin — I applied this at 8 a.m. and couldn’t believe when, nearly seven hours later, I came home with pretty much the same amount of blush I’d applied that morning. I recommend pressing or tapping the product into the cheeks to apply it, rather than rubbing it in circles, in order to get the most flawless, even layer.

Danessa Myrick’s Skin Blurring Balm Powder comes in six vibrant, richly pigmented colors — among them a rosy pink, bright coral, to a mauve-y berry — and while they show up incredibly well on my fairly pale, olive-undertone skin (I’m even paler than usual now that I live in London), I was thrilled to see Reddit users with deeper skin tones were also impressed with bright pigment. I tested “It Girl”, a true hot pink, and “Dancing Queen” a plum shade and, despite the shades looking quite bold on their own, when applied to my cheeks both gave my skin a soft, natural-looking flush, like I’d come back from a walk on a cold winter morning. Another bonus: The texture and finish of the blush mean it also works on lips. When you tap it in, it sheers out and leaves a smudgy soft matte stain, a finish similar to Rouje’s Powder Lip Palette, a holy grail of mine that’s sadly been discontinued.

A great blush has the uncanny ability to quickly and easily refresh your entire complexion. Even when I’m running out of the house with no time to apply concealer or foundation, a few taps of blush along the apples of my cheeks is able to add color and life back into the skin and take the edge off my ghoulish, pasty, winter-ridden skin. And while a creamy, ultra-dewy and emollient blush seems essential in achieving that quick, low-fuss, fresh-faced makeup, the staying powder of a cream-to-powder product like Danessa Myricks allows for your skin to maintain that healthy rosy glow all day long. And don’t let the pigment scare you: You can still apply this in the backseat of a cab.

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The one shocking mistake that led to us tourist rene remund’s staggering $143k bill.

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A US tourist has revealed the moment he received a bill of six figures after a short holiday to Switzerland went horribly wrong.

Rene Remund and his wife Linda made the trip last September, a journey the pair had been on previously given it’s where he is originally from.

As always, Remund ensured his mobile phone provider was notified of his travels, by going in-store to share his overseas movements. He said that as a customer of 30 years, he was told he was “covered.”

But while enjoying the Swiss countryside and sharing some of the magical sights of his trip via photo messages to friends and family, not once did Remund think these texts could be racking up thousands and thousands in daily roaming costs.

After returning home and receiving his T-Mobile bill, Remund thought it was for $143 which he thought to be “reasonable.”

“I get this T-Mobile bill and it doesn’t bother me very much because I was reading $143,” he explained, adding it wasn’t until he went to pay the bill that he realized a few more zeros were involved.

“I look at the bill and I say, ‘Excuse me’,” he said.

“$143,000.00 … are you guys crazy?”

According to the mobile phone bill, Remund racked up 9.5 GB of data while in Europe, costing him thousands of dollars each day.

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And while 5-10GB isn’t considered a large amount of data, not being covered by roaming fees will cause a user to run up thousands of dollars very quickly.

“I called [T-Mobile] and the girl put me on hold for a while,” he explained.

“She said let me check this out and I’ll get back to you. She gets back and says, yeah this is a good bill.

“I said, ‘What do you mean it’s a good bill?’ And she says ‘Well, this is what you owe.'”

“I said ‘You’re kidding me … you’re crazy.'”

Following confirmation his bill was to the value of around $143,000.00 — Remund hired a lawyer to argue the fact he was “covered” for international roaming to avoid such “exorbitant” charges.

His lawyer issued a letter to the president of T-Mobile, for which no reply was given until just a few days ago.

The letter from T-Mobile allegedly said that the service provider was “sorry” for the charges and that Remund would receive a “credit” to eliminate the entire phone bill.

In an email issued to local media Scripps News Tampa, T-Mobile said that customers should always “check the travel features of their plan, such as international data roaming, before departing.”

“If a customer is on an older plan that doesn’t include international roaming for data and calling, they’ll need to make sure they’re using aeroplane mode and wi-fi when using data to be certain the device doesn’t connect to an international network.”

Last year, Melbourne activist and author Sally Rugg was slapped with a little over $720.00 fee two minutes after she touched down in London.

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A handful of mobile service providers have ruled the landscape for years in the US, but as of late, a number of budget-friendly options have emerged. T-Mobile arguably began the trend with its “un-carrier” service, and several MVNOs have sprouted up, giving phone owners new alternatives. Visible , the Verizon-owned deprioritized network, has started enticing potential customers with affordable plan options. Now, the mobile carrier is launching a new option for those seeking up-front savings.

Visible gets a cheap add-on for international travel

Visible has announced that it is making annual plans available to both new and existing customers. For basic service, customers currently pay $25 per month, while premium tier customers pay $45 per month. The annual option for basic plan members comes in at $275, which Visible equates to $25 of savings. If you choose to pay the upfront annual fee of $395 for premium tier service, the service provider claims you’ll save about 26 percent.

What you should know before switching to Visible

While Visible offers plans that are more budget-friendly than some of the existing options on the market, it’s worth acknowledging the deprioritized part — Visible service is based on Verizon’s network, but because it’s “deprioritized,” it’s the first to be slowed when bandwidth is low.

If you accept this limitation, though, Visible’s affordable service could be right for you. The basic tier will get you unlimited data, talk, and text on LTE networks, and you can also use your phone as a mobile hotspot without any limitations. For a few extra bucks, the premium tier — also known as Visible+ — you get the same unlimited text, data, and talk, but on Verizon’s 5 Ultra Wideband network. If speed or strong connectivity are a priority for you, this tier is likely your best bet.

As Visible looks to carve out a niche for itself in the growing budget carrier sector, it’s making power plays to do it. Recently, the company launched an unlimited talk-and-text add-on for premium tier customers seeking such international service, tagged at just $10 per day. With competition heating up, it may be these types of offers that help differentiate Visible from the pack.

Visible+ is Visible’s most expensive plan ever, but with a discount thanks to new annual plans, you can get an entire year of the company's premium service for just $395.

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Experience intense close-quarter action in our new Frontlines mode

Frontlines is coming back! 

With the Crimson Front Event unfolding in Battlefield™ 2042, get ready to experience the unprecedented global assault by the Ground Forces' 4th Battalion of the Thousand Petal Coalition. Known as The Red Hand, this experienced and lethal battalion is reputed for pushing the front lines and never falling back.

Join us between April 16 and April 30, 2024* for our new time-limited event. An intense tug-of-war experience that will require everything you got to come out on top.

Push the Frontlines, destroy the M-COMs

Frontlines was a fan-favorite mode in Battlefield 1 and Battlefield V, and we're excited for it to return as a new time-limited game mode within Season 7: Turning Point. 

As a mixture of Conquest and Rush, expect a strategic, intensive and fast-paced combat experience focused on relentless assault. You must secure each sector and advance into enemy territory to reach their ultimate defensive line. 

Upon reaching the enemy's final line of defense, your goal is to arm and eliminate the enemy's M-COMs to secure a win. However, reinforcements are limited! And if depleted, you will be forced to retreat to the previous sector. 

Frontlines is a 20v20 tug-of-war experience, playable on Haven, Reclaimed, Discarded, and Redacted.  

Dominate the Frontlines

To ensure you have the upper hand, the team provides us with some tips to share with you:

1. Outflank the enemy: In all but the final sectors, Frontlines is played on one objective at a time. Capturing the objective is vital, but when your teammates are on the point, you can mount an aggressive offense by outflanking the enemy and blocking paths from their HQ to the flag, forcing them back and moving the frontline to your advantage. Adapt to your situation intelligently and respond to the actions of your teammates!

2. Capitalize on momentum: When you capture an objective and push the frontline, you can't afford to slow down. Push towards the next objective before the retreating enemy can set up a defense.

3. Staging a comeback: New to Battlefield 2042's iteration of Frontlines, the defending team in the final sector gets access to vehicles. Make the most of this vital opportunity and push the enemy back with your increased firepower. The longer the vehicle survives, the more damage you can do, even taking it with you into the next objectives if your M-COMs survive the enemy's final push.  

Push Forward - In Frontlines, secure each sector and push into hostile territory to reach the enemy’s final defensive line.   

Destroy the M-COMs - When you reach the enemy’s final defensive line, arm and destroy their M-COMs to achieve victory. Be advised: your reinforcements are limited. If they’re depleted, you must fall back to the previous sector.  

Hold the line - Frontlines is a tug-of-war experience, where your enemy has the same mission as you. The enemy can retake sectors and will fight to push farther into your territory.  

Claim The Spoils of Victory

New rewards are available to earn or purchase. Earn Ribbons by playing Frontlines to unlock rewards which are also purchasable separately as store bundles during the Crimson Front event bundles.

Earnable items (reduces bundle price when earned): Blood Lotus - Epic Weapon Charm Skull Curator - Epic DXR-1 Skin Crimson Oath - Epic Boris Skin Fractures - Rare Player Card Tag

Store Bundles

• Bound by Blood - Angel Legendary Skin
• Grave Reminder - Legendary AK 5C Skin
• Death’s Hold - Epic Railgun Pistol Skin
• Blood Lotus - Epic Weapon Charm
• Breaking Point - Rare Player Card
• Hand of Death - Sundance Epic Skin
• Bloodshot - Epic GOL Sniper Magnum Skin
• Skull Curator - Epic DXR-1 Skin
• Hemothorax - Epic Weapon Charm
• Red Cell - Rare Player Card Tag
• Crimson Oath - Boris Epic Skin
• Dead Petals - Epic SFAR-M GL Skin
• Bone Collector - Epic EMKV90-TOR Skin
• Epic XP Booster
• What Remains - Rare Weapon Charm
• Fractures - Rare Player Card Tag
• The “The Red Hand”, “Stranglehold”, and “Blood Pact” in a combined bundle.

We’re counting on you to hold the line during the time limited event Crimson Front, starting April 16, 2024.

Don’t forget to check out the community calendar for upcoming events in Battlefield 2042! 

PTFO and push forward!

// The Battlefield team

 *Includes in-game purchases. Requires Battlefield 2042 (sold separately) and all game updates to play. Free Battle Pass content requires gameplay to unlock. Premium Battle Pass content requires Season 7 Premium Battle Pass (sold separately) and gameplay to unlock. You must log in each week and claim your weekly reward. Failure to log in and claim during a week will result in forfeiting that week’s reward.

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Overwatch 2’s mythic skin prices revealed to be (unsurprisingly) very expensive

Purchasing a mythic skin directly could cost $40 or more

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Share All sharing options for: Overwatch 2’s mythic skin prices revealed to be (unsurprisingly) very expensive

Overwatch 2 season 10 is now live, with a few important changes to how Blizzard is monetizing the game. Most notably, the hero shooter’s new hero Venture is free for all players, and no longer locked behind the battle pass . Overwatch 2 ’s battle pass now also pays out multiple kinds of currency, including the premium paid currency known as Overwatch Coins and a new type of currency called Mythic Prisms, which players can spend on mythic-tier skins.

Mythic Prisms are spent in a new section of the Overwatch 2 shop. Players can spend the new currency on this season’s new mythic skin — Vengeance Mercy — or mythic skins from previous seasons. Complicating the matter a bit is that the two most recently released mythic skins (for Moira and Orisa) won’t be available in the shop until future seasons.

In addition to offering Mythic Prisms as part of the premium battle pass, Blizzard is also selling that new currency, letting Overwatch 2 players catch up on mythic skins they may have missed from past seasons’ battle passes. The price of Mythic Prisms may be eye-watering for players who are looking to directly purchase mythic skins, but likely won’t be a surprise for longtime Overwatch fans who have been conditioned to expect to pay $20 or more for a single skin.

Mythic Prisms are now being sold through Overwatch 2 ’s in-game store in three bundles:

• 10 Mythic Prisms - $9.99
• 50 Mythic Prisms - $39.99
• 100 Mythic Prisms - $79.99

A base-level mythic skin, without additional customization options, costs 50 Mythic Prisms, or $39.99. A fully-upgraded mythic skin costs 80 Mythic Prisms. That makes the total starting cost of a complete Mythic skin around $70, depending on which bundle players purchase.

That sticker shock will likely lead to a lot of grumbling about the cost of mythic skins, since that’s equivalent to the costs of many AAA console and PC games. But for players who purchase the premium battle pass (which costs $9.99), they’ll get enough Mythic Prisms each season to purchase a fully upgraded mythic skin if they invest the time to complete the pass up to level 78 (out of 80 tiers). Alternatively, players could spend only 50 of their 80 Mythic Prisms earned through the battle pass to unlock the base skin, saving the remainder for other skins or mythic skin upgrades.

Here’s how Blizzard explains how players earn Mythic Prisms over the course of completing the premium battle pass:

Starting on Tier 8, you’ll collect 8 Mythic Prisms every 10 tiers until Tier 78. At Tier 48, you’ll be able to unlock the base level of Mythic hero skin that you want to collect. Once you complete Tier 78 of your Premium Battle Pass, you’ll earn enough Mythic Prisms to unlock the remaining customization levels for your Mythic hero skin.

Mythic Prisms can only be earned by progressing through the premium battle pass or through directly purchasing Prisms, Blizzard explained in an FAQ about Overwatch 2 ’s new Mythic shop. Other currencies, such as Overwatch Credits and Coins, can’t be used to purchase mythics, just Mythic Prisms.

Blizzard has said that its new approach to unlocking mythic skins is designed to give players more choice. Players who never touch Mercy may not see much value in paying for the battle pass to unlock her mythic skin, and can now spend those newly earnable Mythic Prisms on cosmetics for their favorite characters. But the new Mythic shop will undoubtedly inspire more negativity toward Blizzard’s heavily monetized free-to-play shooter; after all, Blizzard just added a bunch of older skins that a new player could spend upward of $500 on, if they went all in on Mythic Prisms.

That may be the price to pay (or not) for a reversal of one of Blizzard’s most controversial decisions around Overwatch 2 : putting heroes behind a paywall. Now that that’s been undone, it appears that Overwatch whales will be the ones footing the cost.

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• Eater Travel

Singapore’s Foragers Find More Than Food in the Sidewalk Cracks

Foragers avoid cops and nosy neighbors to make dinner from Singapore’s flowering hillsides and teeming shorelines, all while challenging the city’s conception as a hypermodern nation

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Share All sharing options for: Singapore’s Foragers Find More Than Food in the Sidewalk Cracks

Without understanding exactly how I’d gotten there, I straddled the side of a steep hill in downtown Singapore, stretching my arm into the branches of a belimbing buluh tree for plump yellow-green fruits. Tiled shophouses surrounded the hill, and beyond, the austere skyline loomed like a glittering tidal wave. I focused on a little cluster of fruit dancing just beyond my fingertips and went for the pluck.

From the base of the tree, MJ Teoh, head chef at Native , told me belimbing is a member of the starfruit family that produces small, powerfully sour fruit. From the restaurant’s air-conditioned dining room, she had tasked me with helping gather ingredients for the dinner menu. We also needed bunga kantan, known as torch ginger — a flower that grows like a pink flame and a key component for a local sweet-savory classic called rojak — and pepper leaves, flashy green leaves used as ground cover throughout Singapore that yield a sharp flavor, which the chef uses in a take on miang kham, a street food popular in Thailand.

We gathered what we needed and hustled back to the restaurant — before we attracted any unwanted attention. Foraging in some parts of Singapore is illegal, and perpetrators are subject to fines and jail time. While only a small portion of the 283-square-mile territory is technically protected and penalties are rarely enforced, the law represents a broader cultural prohibition on foraging that essentially applies to all public spaces. Even when foragers are safe from legal consequences, rampant social stigma and nosy neighbors are enough to keep people away from the bounty growing around the metropolis.

In a generation, Singapore transfigured from a nation of agriculture into a hypermodernized economic powerhouse with robust manufacturing and a massive international port, doing its best to clear any memory of humble subsistence farming along the way. But a dedicated minority of intrepid foragers maintain the practices that predate the modern country, gathering wild fruits in the shadows of skyscrapers, prying oysters from rocky shores, and hunting for gems among mangrove swamps. With my T-shirt full of belimbing fruit, I had joined them. It was not the last time I would be up on that hill.

The country’s rapid urbanization has made it easy to forget that Singapore was recently an island made up of small villages known as kampongs. After being expelled from Malaysia in 1965, Singapore’s first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, furiously pushed the country toward modernity and relocated residents into high-rise housing developments.

“Difficult adjustments were inevitable and there were comic, even absurd results,” Lee wrote in his autobiography. “Several pig farmers could not bear to part with their pigs and reared them in their high-rise apartments. One family ... brought a dozen chickens and ducks to rear in the kitchen.”

While the government was busy moving people into apartments, Lee was establishing green spaces that would beautify and cool the gleaming city. He saw urban greenery as a way to “achieve First World standards in a Third World region.” And he was fiercely protective of these green areas, railing against what he saw as lawless destruction.

“Perseverance and stamina were needed to fight old habits,” he wrote. “People walked over plants, trampled on grass, despoiled flowerbeds, pilfered saplings. And it was not just the poorer people who were the offenders. A doctor was caught removing from a central road divider a newly planted valuable Norfolk Island pine which he fancied for his garden.”

Today, his obsession is law. Under the Wildlife Act (established in 1965) and later the Parks and Trees Act , the National Parks Board of Singapore prevents residents from tampering with plants in protected spaces. Anti-foraging rules are rarely enforced, making the prohibition something like laws against jaywalking in New York. Authorities look the other way usually — but not always.

In 2018, a Bangladeshi migrant worker was slapped with a fine of $2,000 Singapore dollars (about $1,500 USD) for picking leaves from a kelat oil tree in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Singapore has a track record of heavily scrutinizing migrants, especially people from countries perceived as less developed. In the end, the man was let off with a warning, but for many in the foraging community, the incident was a wake-up call.

Even more than the cops, foragers have to watch out for their own neighbors. Lee’s words still echo among environmentally conscious NIMBY (“not in my backyard”) residents, who see foraging as destruction. Often, fear of public shaming is all it takes to deter foragers.

“It’s the Singaporean psyche,” says Rossman Ithnain, a retired Singaporean diplomat and an expert in local flora and fauna. “We are generally law-abiding. So in a sense it´s self-policing.” Recently, when a group of friends went foraging, he warned them, “Technically it is not a protected area, but you know there are many nature warriors who have a single-minded approach. Don’t get filmed!”

This conflict plays upon a generational divide. When given the chance, aged residents, rapt in nostalgia, will recall the wild flavors of old Singapore they enjoyed in their childhood. Younger to middle-aged Singaporeans — who grew up with grocery stores, air-conditioned hawker centers, and other conveniences — condemn foraging as a drain on Singapore’s extremely limited biodiversity.

This isn’t an accident. When Lee and his government set about redefining Singaporeans’ relationships with the natural world, they specifically targeted children, filling schools with new lessons about environmental protection.

Rossman invited me on several excursions, which always had a delightful air of serendipity; they weren’t explicitly for foraging, but there was always the possibility.

At the crack of dawn one morning in western Singapore, I met him and a group of friends outside of Bukit Panjang train station. We chatted in our sun hats as we made our way to the trail. Rossman dove toward papaya trees along the way as a few gardeners watched us with curiosity.

The trail had once been a large kampong. The only remaining evidence was the once-cultivated fruits and herbs now growing wild. Huge displays of bird’s nest ferns, radiating from notches of trees and flowering straight out of the ground, offered young shoots that could be eaten raw in salad. We spotted ulam raja, with its pink flowers and splaying fan-like leaves, the latter of which taste wonderfully of green mango and offer remarkable anti-diabetic properties . We wandered further, posing for photos in front of finds like rugged trophy hunters. At a giant daun buas-buas tree stretching out of a river, I was tasked with wading in to gather leaves, known for their antibacterial properties and culinary uses in soups and curries.

Until the 20th century, the country was part of Malaysia, where there’s a long history of herbal medicine. Knowledge of medicinal applications lingers in Singapore (augmented by immigrants who brought their own practices from India, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar). But this expertise is seen as out of step with Singapore’s modern health care. The association with outmoded natural medicine is yet another strike against foraging.

Even when they’re not overt, though, medicinal practices underlie dishes like nasi ulam, which translates from Malay to “herbaceous rice.” It essentially consists of chopped herbs — laksa leaf, galangal, Thai basil, torch ginger, mint, ulam raja, lemongrass, turmeric, and wild betel leaf, each with its own impressive resume of benefits in traditional medicine — sometimes combined with dried fish, folded into steaming rice, and topped with bits of shallot and sambal chile. The dish is relatively rare, since it can include up to 19 different herbs, which must be diced into near subatomic size before incorporation.

“It’s a lot of work,” says Redha Faikah Binte Abdul Wahid, owner of the Little Red Hen stand at Amoy Street Food Centre in downtown Singapore, where she specializes in nasi ulam.

At one time, all the necessary herbs and leaves were local to Singapore, making it a highly foragable dish. Many ingredients can still be found within meters of the hawker center. Yet, instead of walking around the corner to pick whatever looks good, Wahid and her family rise around 4 a.m. each morning to buy them from a local market, where ingredients are trucked in from Malaysia.

This kind of international sourcing is par for the course. The country produces roughly 10 percent of its own sustenance and buys the rest from 172 different countries. Despite its complex relationship with homegrown ingredients, the Singaporean government has recognized the vulnerability of relying almost entirely on foreign markets, even before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted supply chains. In 2019, Singapore launched the 30 by 30 initiative to become 30 percent self-sufficient by 2030.

Though foragers would appear like prime advocates for building up Singapore’s native resources, overreliance on outside supply chains has only reinforced NIMBY residents’ scarcity mindset. Critics assume foragers take as much as they can, despite the fact most foragers express an ethos of taking “just enough.” With their intimate knowledge of the land and the plants living alongside them, foragers are uniquely qualified to understand the precarity of the resources they utilize.

The government isn’t only interested in developing green spaces, but any sort of land. Since its founding, the country has attempted to expand its territory through infilling. The reclamation effort off the city’s east coast began promptly in 1966, building out coastal areas with mixtures of sand, mountain soil, and cement. Singapore’s famous Changi International Airport, constructed in the late ’70s, is built entirely upon this kind of reclaimed land.

Not far from the airport, Changi Beach is one of the few original coastal areas that hasn’t been impacted directly by reclamation. One afternoon I joined Rossman there for a walk. Small crabs scuttled under neon hoods of kelp, razor clams flowered on the rocks, and bright pink sea cucumbers rolled aimlessly in the tide as we combed the shore. Nearby, a boy and his father put long, spear-like shells into a bag. I asked them what they had planned for the shells.

“Can eat,” said the boy with a shy smile.

We marveled at brown muscles, an invasive but edible species. Rossman gave a little cry when he spotted a noble volute, an edible species once abundant in Singapore that’s now considered highly vulnerable due to habitat loss.

The sheer amount of trash was also disquieting. Car tires lay beached in the sand. I poked at a red alarm clock studded with barnacles and bagged a sturdy plastic clothes hanger for my closet, ultimately our only foraged token of the day. Rossman was less interested in gathering ingredients than giving me a peek at the texture of Singapore’s waters before the reclamation effort totally reshapes every mile of coastline.

Though the conflict between foragers and NIMBYs does illuminate Singaporeans’ changing relationship with the natural world, it also distracts from the destruction officials continue to impose upon the landscape in the name of modernity. Locals largely do not have a voice to stop the government from chomping away at their forests and waters. What they do have are small acts of preservation, not of wild spaces but of practices that encourage respect for natural resources.

As we made our way off the beach, in the dying light I watched shadows moving in the tide, making calculated passes at little reef guppies with handheld nets. Rossman’s wife picked us up in their car, and we zipped off into the warm evening. I held my wet shoes in a plastic bag on my lap.

“So what did you find out there?” she asked.

The car was silent except for the air conditioner blasting away.

Jackson Kao is a writer and professor living in Bogotá, Colombia. He eats dark chocolate and prefers the mountains to the ocean.

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