Meet the ELLE-Approved Beauty MVPs of Your Summer Travels

Elle

02-06-2025

Calling all beauty lovers!
Welcome to
an extensive guide to the best travel beauty products to carry on (or check) for your next adventure, tested and beloved by
ELLE
editors.
Acting has never truly been in the cards for me, but the warmer months are when I adopt new characters. Just as an actor needs a script, my summer personas require a few key tools, formulas, and rituals to fully embrace the season.
Let me introduce my summer cast: There's the main character who loves a glimmering complexion, and is armed with glow-inducing oils, bronzing foams, and texture-smoothing scrubs. The glass-skin obsessive who has sunscreen in every handbag, never appears anything less than well-rested, and who treats masking like a sacred ritual. And of course, the type-A overpacker who values function as much as flexibility—because every star needs an easy-switch hair styler to transform into a bevy of looks, right?
Whatever role you're stepping into, we've got your glam covered. These ELLE-approved essentials highlight the year's most impressive new travel-friendly beauty products, blending luxury and practicality with every swipe, spritz, and slather. Before your next out-of-office alert kicks off, bookmark this page. This is your official beauty packing list.
Jump to
Hair
Julia Noni / Courtesy of Ulla Johnson
Shu Uemura Ashita Supreme Strengthening Shampoo
In Japan, the ancestral ashibata plant—the star of Shu Uemura's formula—is cherished for its self-regenerating properties: After a leaf is harvested, a new one sprouts overnight. This Ashita Supreme Shampoo harnesses that power of the plant to revitalize strands. The results? Stronger, smoother, frizz-free hair with each use. One tester noted that both she and her boyfriend took turns using the shampoo and conditioner, which left them both with 'clean and soft' hair afterwards.
Ouai Texturizing Wave Spray
This one product will give you the oceanic waves you desire for a vacation. Just spray, scrunch, and air-dry for a soft, rippled texture without the dreaded crunch. Bonus: the floral-musky scent is so light and intoxicating that one tester said she almost didn't need perfume.
Dyson Chitosan Pre-Styling Hair Cream
This is the go-to styling cream when you need your blowout or curls to last—and last. Weightless yet effective, the formula comes in four versions so you can tailor it to your texture. One tester with straight hair found her curls held longer than usual when paired with the Dyson Airwrap—no heavy residue included.
Emi Jay Halo Shine Hair Oil
Every routine needs a strong finish, and Emi Jay's Halo Hair Oil gets a standing ovation
.
A nourishing blend of moringa seed and passionfruit seed oils seals in moisture, smooths frizz, and boosts shine. Our tester loved the subtle scent, healthy sheen, and non-greasy finish it imparted.
Kitsch Volumizing Rice Protein Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo that actually disappears into dark roots? Yes, please. This non-aerosol powder appears as a soft charcoal hue, absorbs oil, and lifts limp strands—no ghostly cast in sight. One self-proclaimed dry shampoo skeptic was converted thanks to the precise nozzle and residue-free finish.
Pattern Revitalizing Scalp Scrub
Build-up on the scalp prevents your hair products from penetrating to deliver the results you desire. A solution? This scrub—infused with Himalayan salt, ginger root, cucumber, and fenugreek—gently exfoliates to lift buildup and soothe dryness. Our tester loved how refreshed her roots felt—not to mention the zesty citrus scent.
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Root Color Spray
A few light spritzes of the Schwarzkopf Root Spray restores sparse areas as seamlessly as a brow gel or pencil—no excessive cleanup required. The spray applicator dispenses as a liquid, but dries down to a powder. Then you can easily style using edge control or a wax stick, without fear of color transferring. Our tester, who had noticed thinning around her edges, thoroughly enjoyed how the pigmented, fast-drying formula worked to make her hair look more dense.
Gymshark Diffuse Sweat Headband
This moisture-wicking headband was designed with Black hair in mind. Stretchy, secure, and durable enough for frequent washes, it held up for our tester through workouts and kept her edges sleek without slipping.
Cécred Restoring Hair & Edge Drops
We all aspire to have hair as good as Beyoncé's, and that requires a diligent routine that prioritizes scalp health. This light pink-tinted watery serum infuses the scalp with peptides and biotin along with ginger and rosemary extracts to encourage restoration and optimal health.
Slick Stick Anti-Flyaway Gel Duo
Gone are the days of combining multiple formulas to keep your unruly strands under control. This dynamic gel-and-brush duo smooths without stiffening, shines without a greasy film, and nourishes without frizzing up. 'It doesn't make my hair feel hard,' one tester shared.
Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil
Credit: Charlotte Mensah
Using oil as a sealant delivers the best results for those looking to boost elasticity, softness, and manageability. The Manketti Hair Oil has an airy, weightless texture with a blend of oils—Manketti, castor, kernel, and argan, to name a few. Pair it with your favorite liquid or cream product to master the LCO method—a moisturizing technique popular in the natural hair community with liquid, cream, and oil.
Hydration Treatments
Mariia Siurtukova
Naturium Dew-Glow Tinted Moisturizer SPF 50+
If you're going to be in the sun, why not have a glow to match? Dew-Glow, a tinted moisturizer with SPF, comes in three flexible, flesh-toned shades that offer minimal coverage, but maximum protection. The finish of this product was so impressive that our tester noted it could even double as a primer, thanks to its subtle radiance.
Olay Super Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30
Your moisturizer should do more than just moisturize. How about one that firms, brightens, smooths, and protects? Olay's Super Cream—the latest offshoot of the brand's popular Super Serum franchise—follows a five-prong approach to infuse the skin with good-for-you ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, and collagen peptide. What you're left with is supple skin, as noted by one tester.
Vacation Classic Whip Glow SPF 30
Whipped to perfection and now with newly added shimmer, Vacation's airy SPF 30 melts into skin with a subtle golden glow and tropical scent. One tester noted it doubled as her body lotion, thanks to its hydrating, non-sticky finish.
EltaMD UV Skin Recovery
Credit: Elta MD
EltaMD's green-tinted sunscreen SPF calms and color-corrects in one. It's even ideal for irritated or even post-procedure skin, with a blend of soothing ingredients such as ceramides and Centella Asiatica. Our tester praised the formula for neutralizing beach-day redness.
Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
The cult-favorite TikTok sunscreen now has a tint. As hydrating as the original, this version adds a sheer wash of color to even out skin tone while keeping skin dewy and comfortable all day. One tester noticed how its barely-there texture provided subtle, even coverage for lighter makeup days.
Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick
Now 23% Off
Is it truly a vacation if you return more tired than before? Peace Out's Retinol Eye Stick ensures that you will look well-rested, even post-vacation, acting as an energy shot for tired eyes. Powered by encapsulated retinol, peptides, and hydrating squalane, it brightens and softens lines overnight. One tester said it gradually erased all signs of her late-night TikTok scroll sessions.
Isamaya Hyaluronic Cleansing Conditioning Cloths
No sink? These hyaluronic acid-packed cleansing cloths don't need any rinsing, and remove makeup and dirt without stripping skin. That supple feeling comes from the handiwork of niacinamide and panthenol, all working together to maintain the skin's moisture levels while removing dirt or stubborn makeup formulas. Our tester loved the juicy, plump finish that these cloths left behind on the skin.
Dr. Brandt Skincare Hydro Biotic Recovery Sleeping Mask
Our skin slips into its best recovery overnight, and this mask is beauty sleep neatly bottled up. Our tester found this mask to be incredibly soothing and cooling upon application. Why? Well, it contains a powerhouse blend of peptides, ceramides, and fatty acids working overtime to repair the skin while you catch up on Zzzs.
MUTHA Beauty Sleep Eye Cream
Yes, that's sweet potato in your eye cream—and it actually works. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, it de-puffs and soothes, while niacinamide and peptides boost brightness. Our tester loved the featherlight texture.
Naked Beauty BioPeptide Firming Hydrogel Face Mask
Now 78% Off
Loaded with ten peptides, vitamin C, ferulic acid, and niacinamide, these rose gold face masks deliver a post-facial-level glow in just one use. One tester used them post-chemical peel and said her skin felt supercharged with hydration.
Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser
No need to wait until Sunday—think of this cleanser as a daily ritual. Dieux's Baptism is a thorough, skin-loving cleanser for oily, combo, or sensitive skin. Our tester praised the light scent and the deep-cleansing powers that left her skin feeling fresh and supple.
Le Prunier Plumtox™ Clarifying Enzyme Mask
Exfoliation doesn't have to sting. Le Prunier's plum-powered enzyme mask gently buffs away dead skin with fruit acids for a smooth, radiant finish. One tester used it after heavy makeup days and loved the product's detoxifying effects.
Blue Lagoon Iceland The Cream Light
This moisturizer's formula is light as water and just as hydrating. The secret ingredients include Icelandic microalgae, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and niacinamide. Our tester said that the cream was fast-absorbing and left a soft, nearly matte finish on her oily skin.
YSE Beauty Your Favorite Ex™ Exfoliating Pads
Congested, textured skin is no match for these exfoliating pads, which feature a pocket design for easy gliding. They are pre-soaked with AHAs (glycolic acid) and PHAs (gluconolactone) to reverse dullness and slough away dead skin cells, resulting in soft-to-the-touch skin. One tester saw breakouts calm and skin texture soften without any irritation.
Bubble Skincare Power Wave Super Hydrating Moisturizer
Bubble has the type of vibrant, quirky packaging you can easily spot amongst a sea of products on a shelf. Thankfully, what's inside is great too. With peptides and jojoba oil, the Power Wave moisturizer hydrates and firms without clogging pores. One tester dubbed it her 'Goldilocks' cream—just right in texture and weight, with travel-proof packaging to boot.
Makeup Bases
Julia Noni / Courtesy of Ulla Johnson
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Creamy Bronzing Powder
Armani Beauty's bronzer delivers a soft, dusky radiance with minimal effort, thanks to a silky blend of oils and micro-pigments that blur as they bronze. Our tester appreciated the rich, brown-tawny payoff, which steered clear of any red-orange cast.
Live Tinted Huebeam Gradient Blushing Bronzer
Why choose between blush and bronzer when you can have both? This dual-toned compact sculpts and lifts the face in one sweep with a toasted rosy finish. Our tester noted that it significantly cut down her complexion routine.
Nars Total Seduction Shimmer Eyeshadow Stick
These creamy sticks double as shadow and liner, with blendable color that stays put for hours. Available in matte and shimmer finishes, they're ideal for everything from a subtle wash to a full smoky eye. 'Smooth application with zero transfer,' our tester raved.
Victoria Beckham The Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator
If foundation in the summer isn't your jam, here's an illuminating serum-like formula that imparts a light veil of coverage and a touch more radiance. Our tester shares that it is the perfect way 'to give a bare face a sheer glow.'
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
Now 18% Off
The latest offshoot of the Yummy Balm family is the rare sequel that surpasses the original. The balm-to-powder formula maintains the same blurring effect as the OG, this time with flecks of gold pearl that peek through the skin. Our tester preferred pairing this formula with her matte foundations, as it left the skin looking refreshed and glowy without any greasiness.
Fwee 3D Voluming Gloss
Credit: Fwee
So much of what we hear about K-Beauty in the U.S. is skin care, but the makeup is just as fun. The popularity of Fwee's glosses stems from its intense pigment—it packs on the color as it hydrates. Our tester said this gloss applied seamlessly and 'moisturized lips just as well as my favorite lip balms.'
Valentino Puffer Complex Lip Plumper Gloss
Like a chic, V-embossed bag elevating an outfit, Valentino's Puffer Gloss is the punctuation to any makeup look. Behind the iridescent finish is a hydrating complex that (slightly) puffs up the lips via hyaluronic acid, and a conditioning finish, courtesy of ceramides and vitamin E. Our tester was pleasantly surprised by how nourishing this glitter gloss topper was compared to her everyday balms.
Care.e.on Layover Lip Mask
Now 39% Off
It's a shame that this lip mask doesn't come in a larger package to use all over your body—nourishment this good shouldn't be relegated to just the lips. Thick, but not goopy, and insanely hydrating, this mask envelopes your lips in a bed of shea butter and moringa seed oil to deliver long-lasting hydration, no matter the flight length. Our tester wore this mask overnight and noted how supple and soft her lips felt in the morning.
Kosas Hotliner
Kosas's Hotliner is for the experimental, not the reverent. Sure, you can use it as intended, to outline the lips for a soft blur. But the creamy, versatile formula shines best when smudged into the lips or diffused all over to create a base for subsequent lipsticks or glosses. Our tester loved how much it 'defined and hydrated the lips.'
Maed Signature Lip Pigment
Red lipstick-averse folks, meet your match. This isn't your typical lipstick that leaves dry, cracked evidence behind; powered by maca root, cherry coffee seed oil, tacuma butter, and jojoba oil, it sits comfortably on the lips. The chic gold packaging is immediately enticing, and the creamy, one-swipe pigment will make it a mainstay in your arsenal. Our tester became a red lipstick convert after using this, noting that it maintained its moisture without flaking.
Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir Foundation
If there is one thing Kylie Jenner knows, it's what formulas will have you looking picture-perfect. Using hydrating hyaluronic acid, this skin tint blurs imperfections and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. According to our tester, its resilient formula holds up well even on sticky, warmer days.
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Blurring Setting Spray
The latest extension of the Easy Bake family is the star of the group. As the final and most important step in a routine, this setting spray dispenses a hyaluronic acid and mineral clay-containing mist that locks in your makeup formulas for hours, lasting through banter, drinks, and heat. Our tester praised the formula for mattifying, while also maintaining a natural-looking glow.
Jones Road Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer
Even the pickiest makeup wearer can find relief in this tinted moisturizer. Offering minimal coverage but enough to provide an even veil and subtle radiance, it can be built to your desired coverage or left sheer for a dewy finish. Our tester was excited to add this to her collection because of its lightweight consistency and minimal coverage.
Kulfi Badi Lash Smudge Proof Volumizing Tubing Mascara
Skip the lash extensions and opt for a volumizing, lengthening mascara that builds on its strength with each stroke and won't leave lashes in the sink post-wash. Each lash is lifted and caressed with care by this nourishing product, featuring rambutan extract, peptides, and castor seed oil. Our tester said this mascara gave her short lashes a volume boost and was easy to remove at the end of the day.
Saie SuperSuede Blush
Cream, liquid, baked? Blush is too versatile to stay in only one form. Saie's baked version combines the velvety texture we love from cream and liquid forms and compresses it into a flexible, pigmented powder that softly kisses the cheeks with radiance. Our tester loved how the formula blended flawlessly into her other complexion products, instead of sitting atop it like other powder blushes.
Body
Julia Noni / Courtesy of Ulla Johnson
Nair Lux Wax
Nair's Lux Wax makes at-home waxing as easy as one, two, three—at least, that's how quickly the microwave heats up the formula. Once the wax reaches a honey-like consistency, it glides along the skin smoothly—to safely remove stubborn, unwanted hair—yes, even short stubble. Our tester loved how beginner-friendly the process was and how buttery smooth her skin felt post-application.
Cyklar Exfoliating Body Spray
A reliable companion in the battle against body acne, Cyklar's Glycolic Acid Spray spritzes wide to cover larger areas. Each application treats texture and hyperpigmentation with a mix of peptides, enzymes, and AHAs that dry out oil, without leaving a sticky film. Our body acne-prone tester noticed her chest breakouts flattening after just a few days of use.
Soft Services Green Banana Buffing Bar
Yes, it's true: This one bar is strong enough to tackle hyperpigmentation, keratosis pilaris, acne, and strawberry skin in one go. Nestled in this tropical-scented bar are tiny sanding crystals that provide gentle polishing while emitting a moisturizing finish to prevent any irritation.
Akt The Foaming Body Scrub
Soft skin is expected after a full-body scrub, but you typically lose said softness in a matter of minutes. AKT's Foaming Body Scrub is a lasting sensory experience, beginning with papaya enzymes, rice and sugar exfoliants, and squalane, which buff the day away. The scrub transforms into a creamy lather and sets a dolphin-smooth base for impending lotions or oils.
Lilis Instant Peel
Inspired by the traditional Korean practice of exfoliating mitts, Lilis Body Resurfacing Peel skips the gloves. This gel-like formula sloughs off dead skin cells so intensely that you can see pilling in your hands. Thanks to bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol derivative, skin is left brighter and cloud-soft. Our tester said the peel smoothed and visibly reduced texture left on her shoulders from breakouts.
Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
Skip the body moisturizer—this creamy cleanser does the heavy lifting. Infused with nourishing ingredients, it deeply hydrates and locks in moisture for up to 24 hours. Our tester praised the non-greasy, lotion-like feel it left behind and how her skin stayed soft, even in dry climates.
Kiehl's Since 1851 Over & Under Cream-to-Powder Deodorant
Credit: Kiehl's
Don't let the creamy texture fool you—this deodorant dries down to a soft, powder finish that tackles odor and sweat with ease. AHAs gently exfoliate and help fade underarm discoloration over time. 'Clear, smooth, and effective, even on hot days,' noted one tester.
Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Pads
Part exfoliant, part odor fighter, these pre-soaked pads swipe on wet, but keep you dry. Glycolic acid smooths and de-gunks pores, while rosemary and eucalyptus oils naturally neutralize odor. Our tester kept them in her bag for post-workout touch-ups.
Fur Chafe Cushion
Meant to be used wherever uncomfortable skin-to-skin contact occurs, this quick-dry balm uses volcanic ash to absorb moisture and chamomile to soothe irritated skin. It's perfect for anywhere friction hits, including the thighs or underarms. Our tester loved the smooth, non-greasy finish and the fast-acting comfort.
Alo Magnesium Superfruit Body Lotion Liter
Infused with magnesium and a crisp citrus scent, this lotion calms the skin while easing post-workout tension. Our tester swore by it for both morning resets and nighttime wind-downs.
Jouissance En Plein Air
Jouissance is a fragrance brand that turns French literature into perfume. En Plein Air draws inspiration from the life of French writer Catherine Millet, and opens with shy tension: Zesty grapefruit, lemon, and musk meet a whisper of herbs for a scent that evolves uniquely with your skin. The scent can lean citrusy or green, but our tester found the result bright, refreshing, and impressively long-lasting.
Jo Malone London Beach Blossom Cologne
Head to Jo Malone's beach and you'll find citrus, coconuts, and mint—an aromatic mojito blended in a compact vial. Her take is a deeply seductive, almost nocturnal representation of a beachside escape. Our tester loved how it transitioned from crisp and fresh to warm and sexy.
NOYZ The Solid Fragrance - Lost + Found
Noyz's Lost and Found is the kind of intimate kiss on the wrist, neck, and arm folds, that only those you want close can experience. The solid balm format skips alcohol with a squalane base that melts into pulse points, blending buttery woods with fresh citrus. Our tester noted it lingered like a second skin, and subtly clung to clothing for hours.
Dior Miss Dior Mini Miss Parfum Solid Perfume
Warning: It's not a lipstick, but you'll love it just the same. Small but mighty, this tube contains the elegance of Miss Dior Eau de Parfum in a travel-friendly stick. One swipe delivers a soft bouquet of florals, anchored by warm sandalwood and tonka bean. Our tester loved how chic, sweet, and purse-proof it was.
Ellis Brooklyn Guava Granita Eau de Parfum
Like a summery, juicy smoothie, the guava, mango, and banana rind in this fragrance create a fruity first impression, while vanilla and almond milk soften the blend into a sun-drenched skin scent. 'It's an instant mood lift,' said one tester.
DedCool Taunt Hand Cream
Constant hand sanitizing calls for major hydration. Dedcool's hand cream delivers with a conditioning blend of ceramides, shea butter, and cocoa butter that treats and moisturizes in one fell swoop. Our tester praised the thick yet fast-absorbing formula, noting it never left her hands feeling greasy or clammy.
Chillhouse Cobalt Klein
Want gel-like shine without the removal nightmare? Chillhouse's polish (Chill Paint) plus the brand's top coat (Magic Finish Top)—mimics a gel mani—no UV lamp or base coat necessary. Our tester loved how the high-gloss finish held up through frequent handwashing and daily moisturizing, for up to 14 days.
Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam
Bondi Sands Ultra Dark Self-Tanning Foam offers a rich, even tone delivered through a lightweight foam. The quick-drying formula rinses off after six hours, creating a golden, sun-kissed bronze from the comfort of your home.
Tronque Vitamin C Body Oil
Credit: Tronque
Tronque's body oil is what happens when you add the power of your favorite vitamin C serums to a dry oil formula that swirls with lipids, rosemary leaf, and avocado oil, to deeply hydrate and improve the overall appearance of the skin. It has a subtle sheen and citrus scent, too.
Barrière Vitamin B12 Patch
Now 64% Off
If wearing pimple patches took you a while to get comfortable with, Barrière's B12 Vitamin Patch is one you'll actually want to show off. Vitamin B12 and folate join forces to boost metabolism and energy, without a mid-day crash. The tattoo-designed stickers latch onto your wrists, and suddenly, you'll be jolted to conquer every bullet point on your to-do list. As with other vitamin products, you should consult with your doctor before applying the patches.
54 Thrones Barrier Repair Cloud Body Cream
Credit: Cloud
For the uninitiated, this brand is widely beloved for its shea butter-infused products. Its Barrier Repair Cloud Body Cream delivers richness—powered by peptides, hyaluronic acid, and South African Resurrection Plant—for the ultimate full-body nourishment.
Space Savers
Christina Fragkou / Courtesy of Giambattista Valli
Parallele The Brush Traveller
Brushes deserve better than being tossed in a pouch. Enter: The Brush Traveller. With upright compartments and multiple pockets, it keeps your applicators organized and clean. Our tester travels with more than 15 brushes and said that this bag made packing (and unpacking) a breeze.
Dosey 7 Day Pill Compact Travel Pill Organizer
Dosey's 7-Day Pill Case organizes a week's worth of vitamins in a compact case. Our tester appreciated how easily it slipped into small bags, helping streamline her routine.
Etoile Collective Duo Vanity Case (Lavender)
With a wipeable interior, separate compartments, and a tiered design, Etoile's vanity case keeps your routines—A.M. and P.M.—neatly tucked and travel-ready. Our tester loved the top tray for tools and palettes, and the structured lower compartment for bottles and jars.
BaBylissPRO Style|Switch Ionic Multi-Styler
One base, four attachments, endless possibilities. The Babyliss Pro Multi-Styler smooths, curls, volumizes, and defines across hair types with customizable settings—and remembers your preferences. Our tester found it perfect for quick, salon-quality blowouts—no need to juggle multiple tools.
NuFACE FIX Microwand
Credit: Nuface
Long-haul or red-eye flights can result in puffy, dreary eyes. This NuFace MicroWand is your quick fix for post-flight rejuvenation. The slim design can easily slip into your personal or carry-on bag to target your undereye area, smile lines, and everywhere in between before landing. Our tester loved the gentle vibrations most, which helped calm and depuff her tired eyes most mornings.