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A chronic overpacker, I’m not one to rely on hotel amenities that might or might not suit my skin or hair type, so I always bring my own. While I don’t travel as much as I used to, an occasional weekend getaway calls for a fully stocked beauty kit that I can quickly toss in the bag along with a change of clothes and go. A couple of you asked me about this on Snapchat a while ago, so I thought it’s finally time to show you the current contents of my travel bag, Winter edition.

My Winter beauty routine is always focused on natural oils and products that help retain moisture in the skin. Most of these would be too heavy for my combination complexion during the warmer months, but now that it’s cold they provide just the right amount of nourishment.

FACE

I have just one skincare mantra: cleanse, moisturize, and protect. I follow it every single day, and it takes me anywhere from 3 to 13 products to achieve that, depending on how short I am on time. On vacation I prefer to simplify the routine so I can devote more time to doing other fun things. After all, my skin can certainly survive a couple of days without layers of lotions and potions.

1 // Wei to Go Real Clean Gelled Oil Cleanser can be pore clogging if I don’t immediately follow up with another cleanser, but it dissolves makeup very quickly and effectively, which is perfect for a short trip.

2 // GLAMGLOW Youthcleanse Mud to Foam works as a cleanser and an exfoliant in one.

3 // Dr.Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water is the tiniest micellar water sample I could find. I actually prefer Bioderma Sensibio, but my sample bottle is too big for a small trip travel bag. I’d definitely take it with me on a week-long vacation though.

4 // Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes are something I hope I never need to use, because they’re loaded with irritating alcohol. But if my skin suddenly throws a tantrum, they will temporarily deal with the hyperactive pores and breakouts until I get home to use my full-sized remedies.

5 // Exuviance Collagen Triple Boost Serum foil packet has been sitting in the bag since Spring, and I just kind of left it there. It’s a good lightweight serum, but not nourishing enough for Winter.

6 // BUTTERelixir Face Oil acts as a serum and an eye cream to seal in the moisture after cleansing. I love that it’s unscented and makes my makes my skin feel incredibly soft!

7 // pur~lisse pur~moist hydra-balance moisturizer is just a gentle, very basic moisturizer that works as an occlusive for the oil. I keep it in the travel bag because I know it won’t break me out, although I don’t really care for the product itself.

8 // Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense SPF50, because I definitely need sunscreen on my face, even indoors.

9 // Korres Black Pine Firming, Lifting, and Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream is one of my latest discoveries from this brand, and so far I really like it! I may have to get a few more samples to know for sure, but I think I might have to get a full-size eventually.

10 // LJH Tea Tree Facial Mask Sheet is situational, because it helps with the breakouts overnight. It’s nice to be prepared for everything!

11 // skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels are perfect for depuffing bags under the eyes. I always bring one of these on trips, especially if I expect that we’ll be drinking or having very salty foods in the evening.

12 // BUTTERelixir Lip Balm is seriously amazing at reviving chapped lips! I’ve been using all kinds of lip balms this Winter, and this one is among the best. Highly recommend you give it a try!

13 // DHC Silky Cotton Deluxe Cosmetic Pads might seem like an unnecessary luxury, but for me high quality cotton pads are essential when it comes to applying toners or using micellar water. These never tear or pill on me, even when I use them to remove glitter polish. Now that’s what I call quality!

 14 // Cotton swabs, generic. 

BODY

I’m not as picky about my body products as I am about my facial skincare, but I still like to have on hand a good creamy body lotion and body wash that doesn’t strip my skin of moisture.

1 // Perlier Ultra Rich Moisturizing Cream Shower with Citrus Extract. What can I say, I’m a fan of Perlier body washes!

2 // sumbody salt scrub was a sample I got in a Birchbox, and I kind of just tossed it into my travel bag without even trying. It smells nice though.

3 // DERMAdoctor KP Duty is a sample packet of another body scrub, but this one contains both physical and chemical exfoliants. It will be great to use on the legs to make them extra smooth.

4 // Perlier Intensive Nurturing Body Balm with Lavender Extract is perfect for Winter, because it contains 25% Shea Butter and that lavender scent is just so soothing.

5 // BUTTERelixir body & hair oil is a great multi-tasker. It works best applied right in the shower on still wet skin. I also add a little to my palms and run through the hair to make it shiny and more manageable.

6 // Josie Maran BEARNAKED Nail Wipes, because I would rather have naked nails than wear chipped nail polish.

7 // Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensee is one of my favorite fragrances ever, and my most repurchased. I have a mini bottle tucked in all of my purses!

HAIR

If it’s a short trip, I prefer to not waste time on hair styling. Instead, I try to play up my hair’s natural wave and add it some texture for effortless tousled locks by using minimal products.

1 // Pureology Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner to make my hair hydrated and protect the color.

2 // amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo is hands down the best dry shampoo I’ve ever tried for fine hair. It gives texture without weighing it down, which is almost impossible if you knew just how baby fine my locks really are. Plus, it looks fun!

I hope you enjoyed peeking into my travel bag, and maybe I even inspired you to go and pack your own right now so you are always ready to go on a spontaneous overnight trip!

Have you tried any of these products before? What are some of your Winter travel must-haves? Let me know in the comments below!

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