The 13 (TSA-Friendly) Beauty Products Our Editors Never Travel Without
Read the original article on Purewow.
Whether it's a road trip or a summer cruise, my fellow editors here at PureWow always have something exciting on the books when it comes to travel. So naturally, they've perfected the art of packing the perfect collection of beauty products—including makeup go-tos like the Merit Minimalist stick and skin necessities like protective sunscreen—that won't only ensure they're selfie-ready, but also won't get them flagged by TSA. Below, find 13 editor-recommended beauty products for travel that definitely deserve a spot in your carry-on.
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Revolve
"It's in the name, people—an eye mask designed for jet lag. They're like cups of coffee for your under-eyes," Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz says of these cooling eye patches from Summer Fridays. Having tried them myself, too, I can confirm that they take care of post-flight puffiness in a flash. And since this pack comes with six pairs included, you'll be set for all of your summer travels.
$24 at Revolve
$24 at Sephora
Merit
Another find from Meraz (who also tested a bunch of other travel-friendly products from the brand), this Merit complexion stick is a must-add to your makeup bag. "[This is] my holy grail and literally the easiest thing to blend out, especially if you're in a rush to sightsee! I love that it acts as a concealer but can be built up to double as a foundation," she explains. It comes in 30 different shades, too, so you're sure to find one that perfectly blends with your skin tone.
$38 at Merit
Ulta
You might have seen me rave over my love of Lush products before, so it comes as no surprise that I always pick up a bottle of the brand's famous Sleepy body wash before a trip. The lavender blend scent is super calming and I love indulging in it after a long day out exploring. Plus the 3.3-ounce size just makes the TSA requirement, so I can easily pack it in my carry-on.
$13 at Lush
$13 at Ulta
The Outset
"The Outset travel set is my fave travel beauty buy ever," says PureWow Senior Commerce Editor Stephanie Maida. "It comes complete with a cleanser, serum and moisturizer, and they're all formulated to calm skin—something I definitely need since my skin tends to freak out while traveling. The products deliver an instant dose of hydration (a must after sitting in that dry plane air for hours), and a little goes a long way. Plus, you cannot beat the price." Well, into my cart it goes.
$38 at The Outset
$38 at Shopbop
Dermstore
Whether you're headed to a sunny beach or to check another national park off your list, SPF is a necessity. "I pack a stupid amount of SPF every time I travel," shares PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth. She goes on to explain, "My favorite will always be EltaMD. It goes on smooth, doesn't leave a white cast and works super well with my makeup." Not to mention, this mineral sunscreen offers SPF40 coverage, plus nourishing ingredients like ginger root extract and squalane to smooth and moisturize your skin. It's skincare and sun-care in one.
$46 at Dermstore
$46 at Amazon
Noteworthy
I've tried a bunch of perfumes over the years, but I keep coming back to Notworthy's n,290. This mini eau de parfum is the perfect size to throw in my purse, both when I'm on the go at home or traveling, since it doesn't take up any more space than your average lipstick. It has a twist-up top so it never accidentally sprays in my bag, and you can easily refill it—or try out one of the other incredible scents (I'm eyeing the spa-worthy n,470 for my next buy).
$40 at Noteworthy
Tatcha
PureWow Senior Director of Special Projects and Royals Rachel Bowie never leaves this nourishing lip mask from Tatcha behind. "I am BEYOND obsessed with this lip mask—it is so hydrating and non-tacky and really does deliver a gorgeous gloss-like effect that plumps my pout. Perfect to stash in your carry-on after a flight or even just for daily use after summer days in the sun," she raves. And she's not the only one who loves it. Plenty of shoppers (I'm talking thousands here) say it's super moisturizing, and since my own lips are constantly dry, I'll definitely be picking up a jar of this ASAP—and you might want to, too.
$29 at Tatcha
$29 at Ulta
Ulta
This compact little blush stick will definitely be coming with me on my next summer trip. It takes up practically no space in my toiletry bag and I love the way it goes on as a powder that I can just blend with my fingers (so there's no need to pack a bulky blush brush, too). It comes in a bunch of shades ranging from bright pink to a subtle nude and everything in between.
$28 at Ulta
$28 at Polite Society
Dermstore
"I need something [while I'm away] to keep my hair in shape and this lasts FOREVER," says PureWow SEO Editor Marissa Wu. "[A] little goes such a long way [and] the hold is great, even for longer hair. I just work it through and then blow dry/style per usual. And since it's a solid, [I don't have to worry] about TSA confiscating [it]." Plenty of R+Co reviewers also say it adds a good amount of shine to their hair, which is always a bonus if you ask me.
$39 at Dermstore
$39 at R&Co
Revolve
"When jet lag kicks in (and brings out those dark circles and eye bags) I have my Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift depuffing eye cream at the ready," shares Maida. "The formula is so lightweight, so it soaks right into my skin, and the cooling metal applicator tip works wonders to de-puff and energize [my under-eyes.]" This cream offers much more than instant relief, though, with ingredients like resveratrol, hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen that help to tackle wrinkles and firm the skin with regular use.
$65 at Revolve
$65 at Sephora
Ulta
If there's only one skincare set I'm packing, it's this one from Osea that has a bunch of the brand's fan-favorite products in one bundle (and for less than $50 at that). It includes the Undaria algae body oil that always makes me feel like I just stepped out of the spa, an Ocean face cleanser, Atmosphere Protection face cream and hyaluronic Sea serum—I mean, what else could you need?!
$44 at Ulta
Aēsop
Listen, I know this is a bit of a splurge for a travel-sized shampoo (it's TSA-friendly at 3.3-ounces, BTW)—especially if you pick up the complementing conditioner, too—but whenever I want to treat myself while I'm away, I always pick up a set and have yet to regret it. The formula leaves my hair feeling so soft, while the citrus/woodsy scent (which is a blend of bergamot rind, frankincense and cedar atlas, per the brand) smells incredible. Honestly, if I could use this every day I would, but since the full-size bottle is pretty pricey, this feels like the perfect compromise.
$21 at Aēsop
$21 at Revolve
Revolve
As for PureWow VP of Editorial Candace Davison's go-to? "I impulse-bought [this] Sun Belt Sampler last year, and it became my travel MVP," she shares. "It has everything you need for a sunny vacay (all in TSA-friendly sizes—sunscreen, face mist and aloe-based After Sun gel included). Plus, they're all housed in a clear belt bag that can double as a toiletries bag for packing and a stadium-friendly bag for catching a concert or game." Talk about thoughtful packaging.
$30 at Revolve
$30 at Anthropologie
Editors' Picks: Shop Our 15 Favorite Finds for May
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women's walking shoes that won't hurt your feet, we've got you covered.

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A playful luggage tag that'll make spotting your bag on the conveyor belt a cinch — it's oversized, vibrant, and will give you an excuse to shout, "HOWDYYYYY!" when you see your bag coming. A pack of towel bands that'll fit right in your carry-on bag and likely become your most-used item on your beach vacay — they'll hold your towel down so it doesn't blow away when you pop out of your chair to go grab a little drinky-drink. Reviewers say they do a much better job of holding down towels than the bulky clips of yesteryear. High-waisted leggings, because structured pants are *not* welcome to join in on your 2025 travels. Sorry, not sorry. These have over 68,000 5-star reviews and many reviewers have noted they're a go-to for travel days *and* travel activities. SweatBlock wipes that'll become your saving grace if you're stressing about being a sweaty mess on your trip to Aruba or while climbing mountains in Acadia National Park (or wherever your travels are taking you this year!). These babies are prescription strength and designed to take on hyperhidrosis, nervous sweating, and hormonal sweating. These wipes did NOT come to play! A reading light you can wrap around your neck and enjoy the vacation read you've been so excited to start, even if you're on a plane at night and the lights are low. Reviewers have also said it's great if you tend to fall asleep while reading, leaving your overhead lights on in the process. A pocket-size, refillable travel perfume atomizer you can fill with your signature scent without worrying that the TSA is going to snatch your full bottle (sigh). Reviewers also use it to pack their toners, hair oils, and facial oils. The Wand, a handheld filter designed to remove the histamines and sulfites in alcohol that may trigger headaches and hangovers. This lil' tool is travel-friendly and will help revive you for your long flight home after you've had one too many glasses of the resort's cheapest wine the day prior. There's nothing worse than flying hungover, yuck. A bendy travel pillow that'll become your BFF the next time you take a roadtrip — no need to rest your head against the passenger window to get some much-needed shut-eye. An airplane phone holder to clip onto the tray in front of you whenever you travel — never stress about only owning wireless headphones again! No need to *only* choose from the handful of meh movies the airline is showing. Gentle 2-in-1 travel flossing toothbrushes which will clean your teeth beautifully but also give you extra room in your bag for other essentials since they'll take up way less space than an electric toothbrush and packages of floss. A portable door lock you can attach to any door and transform any hotel, vacation rental, or room in a guest house into one with a properly functioning lock. It'll give you some much-needed peace of mind if you're the first to arrive on the girls' weekend trip after listening to a few too many true crime podcasts. A packing list pad that'll ensure you remember every last item you needed to bring with you on your vacay so you'll never again have that traumatic experience of flying all the way to your tropical destination only to realize you forgot to pack undies. A pair of compression socks to wear on that suuuuper long plane ride you've got coming up. Who wants swollen legs while trying to enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean? Certainly not you. A universal travel adapter you'll easily be able to fish out of your backpack after a long day of getting to your destination. Plug it in, charge up your phone, and unwind with an hour of quiet scrolling for some downtime. A pair of quick-dry water shoes that'll help you conquer even the rockiest of beaches — no one wants to stumble and hop around in pain in front of the cute lifeguard. A portable pack of soap sheets, because entering an airport bathroom (or the one on the plane, yikes) is grime-y enough without worrying, "Will there be soap left in the dispenser???" These will melt away in your hands and ensure they'll be squeaky clean. A solid Kitsch hair conditioner bar, because the TSA liquid-limits shouldn't be allowed to deprive you of having beautifully moisturized hair in your once-in-a-lifetime vacation photos. And a bar of natural, plastic-free solid shampoo that won't leak all over the outfits you carefully curated for your trip. A simple luggage strap that'll act as the extra hand you wish you had when trying to lug all of your belongings through the airport — clip it to your suitcase and watch in awe as it holds your travel pillow for you. You might even be able to grab a coffee *and* carry your bag at the same time! Imagine that! A two-pack of weighted sleep masks you'll thank your lucky stars you packed in your carry-on when you get stuck next to the one person who has big plans to keep the overhead light on to read the entire night flight. An airplane footrest that loops over the tray table to act as a lil' foot hammock so you can embrace Vacation Mode as soon as the cabin lights click off. A foldable traveling case to keep your jewelry in order, because no one likes the unpleasant surprise of discovering *all* of their necklaces have gotten tangled while jostling around on the way to their vacation destination. A digital luggage scale, so you can head off to the airport confidently knowing you won't get a surprise overweight luggage fee or, worse, have to toss a bunch of your bulkier items aside so your bag can get on the plane (I miss you, Oversize High School Sweatshirt). Toss it into your bag to ensure you're also good to go on the way home when your bag is chock-full of souvenirs. A luggage drink caddy to attach to your wheeled luggage — it'll become your saving grace when traveling. You can use it to hold your Starbies, phone, ID, etc. and prevent you from fumbling around for all those items while heading to the gate at the airport. Pedialyte powder packets because even adults can benefit from an electrolyte boost! Sip on one of these when you start to feel dehydrated or if you've had one too many adult beverages during your vacation. A lil' car trash can, so the next time you pick up fast food during a road trip you'll have a designated spot to toss your (likely) greasy bag instead of letting it live on the floor in front of your passenger seat. A 30-pack of waterproof zippered pouches you can use to organize everything and anything for your next vacation — they're transparent so you'll easily be able to spot the bag that's holding your most important travel item: your snacks (which you and I both know you're usually reaching for about two minutes into your travels). Tide sink packets complete with the *perfect* amount of detergent for washing your clothes in the sink — no need to overpack or fret over whether you'll have access to a washing machine. When you get to your hotel and strip out of your "plane outfit," you can wash it immediately so it's ready to go for your flight home (no need to pack two 'fits!) A set of homeopathic jet-lag pills designed to help you fight the good fight against time zone changes — which is no easy feat! Added bonus? They won't leave you drowsy and looking for a nap. 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A clear TSA-approved toiletry bag you can pack to the brim with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair ties, bobby pins, and, well, you get the point. Games on the Go, which includes 50 different activities to prevent your kids from constantly asking, "Are we there yet?" during your road trip. You'll all have a blast playing games creative games from the pack like "Tune Up" where you have to shuffle your playlist and try to guess the song after a few lines. Joke's on my fam when I *only* hit play on Taylor Swift. Hehehe. A cord organizer you'll be happy to have on hand when you're traveling and trying to pull your trusty wired headphones or phone charger out of your bag without tangling them. A waterproof pouch to toss your phone into before heading out on a water-filled expedition (or, you know, just a casual boat ride). It'll protect it from the elements and also provide you with a spot to keep your credit card, ID, and cash. 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A set of compression packing cubes you'll soon wonder how you ever traveled without. Your clothes will stay nicely folded (or rolled if you prefer!) and they squish down nicely when you close 'em. As a result, there will be more room in your suitcase to work with! Yeah, you're a certified packing expert now. A travel-friendly eight-compartment pill organizer to ensure you stay on your daily supplement and medication schedule without packing a bunch of big bottles. It has EIGHT compartments and comes with labels so you know what's what! A packing list pad so you don't forget anything important *and* so you can start packing a bit more strategically. You'll have a clear idea of what needs to fit in the suitcase as you go down the list, which may make you feel like the smartest traveler alive when it works on the first try! A carry-on-friendly travel Gillette Venus razor when you're determined to stay on top of your body care routine while traveling *without* sacrificing too much prime real estate in your already-bursting toiletry bag. Problem solved! OR Alleyoop's -3-in-1 travel razor with a compact (TSA-approved!) design that'll occupy hardly any space in your bag. It comes with two triple-blade razors, a moisturizing bar, and a spray bottle! Now you can shave on your trip when you suddenly realize that you've missed a spot. A small but mighty luggage strap for a hands-free travel experience that allows you to easily bring *another* bag when you inevitably overpack — it happens to the best of us. Not to worry, this lil' strap has you covered! It's also great for carrying your sweater or travel blanket so you have more room in your suitcase that was about to explode. A set of Tozo wireless Bluetooth earbuds if you simply cannot fathom a busy travel day without your beloved playlist. However, your bulky over-the-ear headphones may need to sit this one out if you wanna save space. These have over 169,000 5-star ratings and offer up to 15 hours of playtime on a single charge! Sit back, relax, and block out your noisy seat neighbor. A travel brush with a hidden compartment, which can store your razor, hair ties, and other tiny travel-size items you need to find a place for. It also allows you to leave your giant, bulky hairbrush at home so you can save more room in your luggage, purse, or oversized tote. A 4-in-1 makeup brush set because who wants a cosmetic bag that's perpetually bursting at the seams? This can help! It works as four different brushes, BUT only takes up as much space as one! It's a foundation, concealer, powder, *and* eyeshadow brush. Or this super convenient Alleyoop Pen Pal for anyone who wants to be a bit wiser when packing their makeup bag so they can save space! This 4-in-1 lip liner, eyeliner, brow pencil, and highlighter ensures you'll have everything you need in one sleek pen that takes up less room. Tide sink packets if you just KNOW there's an outfit you'll wanna wear multiple times while traveling. Not to mention, you'll be able to pack lighter knowing you'll have the option to wash things before rewearing 'em. A mini lightweight flat iron, which is truly the perfect size for traveling — no ifs, ands, or buts about it! It heats up super quickly too. Your hair will stay ~flawless~ and you won't lose a lot of luggage space just by packing a styling tool. A digital luggage scale to help you pack the essentials without living in fear of those dreaded overweight bag fees. You won't be filled with anxiety when you head to the airport because you already know your bag is under the weight limit. You travel genius, you. An RFID-blocking travel wallet — a sensible *and* stylish way to carry all your important documents so they're not causing your purse or carry-on bag to overflow. It has eight credit card slots, a cash pouch, a boarding pass compartment, and a passport pocket. A folding travel "flossing" toothbrush when you wanna keep your pearly whites fresh and clean without bringing a full-size one that pokes outta the top of your toiletry bag (iykyk). They're designed with *two* layers of bristles to give you a deeper clean that helps remove particles between the teeth as if you flossed — without actually flossing. A luggage drink caddy because when has trying to juggle a drink in your hand *or* putting it inside your bag ever worked out for you? This ensures your precious beverage is safe and secure while you sprint to the gate and leaves room in your tote for more important items. It also has two extra pockets to hold other essentials, like your phone charger, keys, snacks, hand sanitizer, etc. A compact portable charger that'll save you from that dreaded low battery warning. It can charge an iPhone 15 1.8 times, or AirPods Pro *13 times* — that's twice as fast as similar models, It'll also fit perfectly in your bag or even your pocket because, hello, it's only 1/2-inch thick! OR a brilliant 3-in-1 foldable wireless charging pad perfect for when you're on the go and need to charge your iPhone, AirPods, *and* Apple Watch at the same time. The pad is designed with sturdy magnets that maintain a strong connection to your devices while charging. It even folds up into a tiny lil' square for easy storage and transport! A fold-flat jewelry organizer with zipper compartments, an earring panel, necklace holders, and padded ring rolls! Now you can *actually* pack your jewelry without it turning into one huge mess. Plus, it folds up into a thin little case that occupies minimal luggage space. Some super thin Fomin antibacterial paper soap sheets you'll keep in your travel bag at all times. The next time you find yourself in a bathroom with the unthinkable no-soap-anywhere situation, you'll be so glad you bought these *and* that they take up so little room. Just grab a sheet, add water, and rub your hands together to create a foamy lather! A collapsible silicone water bottle to help you stay hydrated while traveling without having to sacrifice a giant chunk of space in your crowded bag. Bonus: You'll save some money on those ridiculously overpriced airport water bottles. A spacious travel backpack with an anti-theft pocket and many, many compartments that'll come in handy when, try as you might, a suitcase alone isn't cutting it. It has room for ALL your belongings, including *deep breath* a shoe compartment, two laptop sleeves, an anti-theft pocket, and a "wet bag" that keeps damp stuff separate. Oh, and it has a USB charging port! The Ring Thing when you're prone to misplacing your most prized accessories and need to take extra precautions. This will keep your rings secure without requiring an entirely separate jewelry organizer. You can clip it onto your purse or water bottle, too! A leakproof, TSA-approved 16-piece travel toiletries set so your itty-bitty bottles are ready for flight in no time. This set takes up minimal space and comes with cute spray bottles and jars for storing various products, like lotions and perfumes. You even get pre-printed labels so you always know what's what, which is better than accidentally washing your body with shampoo! The new *mini* Kindle because bookworms should be able to keep up with their reading habit at all times — yes, even on vacation. Carrying around a huge stack of actual books isn't exactly realistic but this compact and lightweight Kindle is a great alternative. It's faster, brighter, and will fit just about anywhere! A comfy, ergonomic Trtl neck pillow designed to keep your head in an upright position, which can help prevent painful aches and strains after trying to sleep without proper support. Most importantly, it'll take up way less space in your overpacked bag than the big round ones. Goodbye, sore necks and bulky pillows! A clever Toptote hat clip so you don't have to stuff your fave hat in a suitcase where it'll get deformed and take up way too much room. This magnetic clip protects it, prevents you from losing it, and frees up some luggage space.