The 13 (TSA-Friendly) Beauty Products Our Editors Never Travel Without

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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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