Hello from the road. Just began a 9-city tour with my band in a 13 passenger van… It goes without saying there’s no room for anything extra. Whether you’re heading out on a tour of your own – spreading your art, embarking on a road trip to see the continental US, or simply taking a much needed pre-summer vacay, here’s what you need to travel light (without totally quitting skincare).

Priorities

When traveling light, you have to prioritize. You simply can’t bring 19 shades of lipstick and full size everything. But you know what? On the road you learn – you don’t actually need all that stuff, though it’s nice to know it’s all waiting for you at home. My priority while on the road is skincare. I’m traveling to different regions with different weather, small towns with fresh air and big cities with, well, pollution. What I’m saying is – these products, where I go, they go. Luckily they all come in minis, and as with most skincare products a little goes a long way… Like a 9-city tour long way.

Products 

Empty your makeup bag of all those “I might need this…” nonessentials, and fill up on these life saving travel essentials instead!

James Read Overnight Tan – If brassy self tanners have your eye rolling at the phrase “overnight tan” this is the solution you didn’t know you were looking for. Not only is this mask an overnight treatment meant to moisturize and freshen (it can also be used pre-makeup during the day), it leaves you with the softest, sunny hint of bronze – like you spent an hour dining on an outdoor patio prior to whatever real life errands you’re actually running next-day. Perfect for work trips or jam packed travel, where you don’t exactly have time (or aren’t in the place) to lounge poolside.

Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum – Avene’s thermal spring water, hailed as the ultimate in healing parched skin, comes in a 77% concentrated serum meant to be applied morning or evening too. This mini version also happens to be a great toss-in-your-bag option for a pre-event refresher. It basically gets skin in tip-top shape so you don’t apply your skincare and makeup on a dull, dry canvas.

Clarisonic Mia Fit + Skin Illuminating Cleanser – I don’t like to travel sans Clarisonic (if you’re a Clarisonic user I don’t have to explain why) – but the Mia and travel-size skin cleanser are far more practical than the whole full size system. This may be something you can leave at home if you’re packing light for just a weekend, but if you’re away for a couple weeks – this travel-friendly version is well worth it.

Chantecaille Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask – So the great thing about travel-approved versions of products, is that you can toss a few in your bag without bearing too much extra weight… Ideal for those trips with multiple destinations in one where skin concerns vary. Chantecaille is coveted for a reason. This little tub contains jasmine for cell renewal, chamomile to calm, oils that moisturize, plus active botanicals. AND it’s a night cream if you want it to be too.

Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask – If you can get your hands on a travel size version of this cream mask, it’s a full-on anti-aging treatment with plant extracts and vitamins. This is your “when was the last time I had a real night’s sleep?” pick-me-up.

Kate Somerville Resurfacing Peeling Pads – Blemishes and other not so welcome skin problems are bound to pop up during long trips, especially if you have sensitive skin. The individual pads make it perfect for exfoliating and buffing while literally on the go. Can’t get a faster facial than that.

Aveda Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother – Enough saving face, what about hair? It’s tempting to say screw it and pack every hair product you own in the event that you need dry shampoo, hair spray, hair oil, mousse, and conditioner at once, but realistically you just need something to spruce up visibly ‘lived in’ dos. This product a) smoothes, b) fights heat and humidity, and c) smells fantastic. It tames unruly hair making it look like you spent at least an hour more than you really did styling it.

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