Do you know what I had been missing for a while? That airport smell – filled with excitement, dusty luggage, overpriced iced coffee and intoxicating perfume at Duty Free. In these past few years, I’ve caught myself constantly craving getaways, packing my bags and spending hours on flights, daydreaming through the oval plane window. Just typing this gets me excited for a holiday…
My first trip abroad of the year was to Milan, for work. I’ll write all about this soon, so stay tuned. You have no idea how thrilled I was to finally fly to Italy. I had a checked-in bag, but I only stayed for two nights so I made sure to pack just the essentials.
As I am writing this, it’s a balmy afternoon in Oradea, Romania – my boyfriend’s hometown. We travelled here to celebrate his birthday and our anniversary. A well-deserved break from work, life and responsibilities. Ah, how much I needed it!
We’re staying for the week and then we’re going back to reality, to London. And so, I’ve gathered all my beauty must-haves which never leave my travel bag. They are all under 100ml so you can enjoy them even if you only have a carry-on bag.
Whether you’re looking for new products to try or are curious about what I actually travel with when it comes to beauty, then I hope you enjoy this.
Skincare products
Garnier Micellar Water 100ml, £1.99
This needs no introduction. I’m sure you’re already well acquainted with this micellar water. It’s great for sensitive skin as it’s formulated without fragrance and it removes your makeup successfully every time with ease. I always purchase the biggest bottle when I’m at home and it lasts for ages! Luckily for us, it comes in 100ml too, so you can take it everywhere with you.
ELEMIS Soothing Apricot Toner 50ml, £9
Ideal for sensitive and delicate skin as it has no alcohol or harsh ingredients, this toner from Elemis is infused with apricot and Sweet Betty flower extracts. It has a super hydrating formula that calms the skin while also giving you that radiant glow from within. Plus, it helps your moisturiser to be absorbed easier and quicker.
Avene Hydrance Aqua-Gel Hydrating Aqua Cream-in-Gel 50ml, £20.99
Hydrate, protect, mattify and illuminate the skin with this light and refreshing cream from Avene. With a gel-like texture and enriched with Provitamin E, field pumpkin and Myrtle extracts, it moisturises and protects the skin from daily external aggressors such as pollution. It’s my go-to when it gets hot outside, and here in Romania we currently have over 30°C!
Dr Botanicals Kiwi Superfood Cooling Eye Serum 15ml, £19.90
Sounds like a dream, right? This refreshing eye serum is always by my side, whether I’m at home or travelling – especially during summer. Formulated with kiwi fruit oil to lock-in moisture and grapefruit to reduce skin imperfections, the ingredients list also includes Matrikine Peptide 6 to minimise fine lines as well as protect the skin.
Pixie Rose Glow Mist 80ml, £15.86
This face mist from Pixi is perfect before and after doing your makeup or to hydrate your skin throughout the day. So if you’re travelling anytime soon, make sure to pack this. It’s a skin-saver.
Included in the ingredients are rose, avocado and argan oils to help moisturise, restore and soothe the skin. What’s more, it also improves elasticity and provides protection from free radicals.
Haircare products
Gisou Hair Wash Mini, £9 & Gisou Hair Conditioner 50ml, £9
I’m an avid Gisou lover and the mini versions of the nourishing shampoo and conditioners are my go-to when travelling. Made with honey from the Mirsalehi bee garden, the shampoo cleanses the hair and hydrates the scalp while the conditioner helps detangle the hair.
This combo is sulphate and paraben free and rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Their hydrating formula helps remove any build-up of hair styling products and natural-occurring oils and prevents breakage.
When I last placed an order on gisou.com, I received a sample of the hair oil, which I absolutely adore. It came in a pretty little bottle that I always refill when I have to go somewhere and need to style my hair. For more hydrating hair care products, come this way (these are over 100ml).
If you’re curious about my must-have makeup products when travelling, let me know in the comments or get in touch on Instagram.
Which is that one skin or hair care product that never leaves your travel bag? I’d love to know.
See you soon here on blog,
Irina x
Irina Iacob 
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