As much as fashion insiders like to talk about, well, fashion, they very often have an affinity for all things beauty as well. Yes, just as quickly as they’ll tell you about the latest trends they’re adopting in their closets, I’m betting that they would be ready to spill just which life-changing mask they’re using or the concealer that never leaves their bag or the must-try Hollywood-approved spray tan if you asked them. So naturally, I did just that. Specifically, I wanted to find out the beauty products that are so good that they always land in fashion insiders’ travel bags. To me, a beauty product someone can’t travel without just has to be worth trying.
So what are the best beauty products according to fashion insiders? Ahead, I’m breaking down the items they’ll never leave the country without. Go on to shop their tried-and-tested favorites to add to your medicine cabinet.
"Usually, I go straight to work after being on a plane, so I always bring the Capture Youth oil-serum and mix it with my foundation for a touch up before I leave the plane. I also apply it before the flight so my skin feels moisturized."
Chanel
Le Teint Ultra Tenue Ultrawear Flawless Foundation
"I always bring my foundation, not that I apply on my entire face on the plane, but I just feel fresher when I dap it under my eyes and around the nose and cheeks."
Aesop
Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm
"My hands always feel so dry when I wash them in the airplane toilet; they’re like sandpaper. Aesop's hand lotion is so rich, and the smell is divine."
Tromborg
Lip Balm
"I feel desperate without a lip balm. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s the worst when my lips feel dry. On a plane, I need it even more. This wonder from Tromborg has the perfect consistency and smells so nice."
LIV PEREZ, CONTRIBUTOR, FORBES
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Not Your Mother's
Travel Size Clean Freak Dry Shampoo
"I'm a dry shampoo freak and use it every day. I like to wash my hair only twice a week, and this one doesn’t make my hair sticky or white."
MDNA Skin
The Eye Mask
"These are the only eye patches that really work for me. My under-eyes are always smooth and plump after just one mask."
Herban Essentials
Mini Towelettes, Lavender
"Because cleaning down the whole area around your seat is A MUST!!!"
Deo Doc
Intimate Depwipes
"I'm usually on long flights out of New York either to Europe or L.A., so these deodorant wipes save my life."
Ada Oguntodu, Influencer
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MAC Cosmetics
Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolor - Lady Be Good
This is my go-to color. I always feel super confident in red lipstick and this particular shade complements my skin tone and is versatile for any outfit. Definitely a must-have for fashion week."
L'Occitane
Hand Creams Amande
"My hands get really dry all the time so I always have to carry with me a moisturizing hand cream. These are my current fave because they smell so good and keep my hands feeling supple for long."
Linda Hallberg
Mood Crayon
"Vibrant eye liners are so in right now. I love these because on days I don't feel like putting on too much makeup, a simple dash on the eyelid can make all the statement needed to complete an outfit."
Boots
Traditional Glycerin and Rosewater
"I absolutely cannot be anywhere without these. They keep my face moisturized all day and will come very handy for fashion weeks' hectic schedule."
PAM HETLINGER, INFLUENCER
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La Mer
The Eye Concentrate
"There's nothing worse than tired looking eyes after a long flight. I keep this treatment in flight because it brightens up the under-eye area while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles."
Chanel
La Creme Main Hand Creme
"I'm constantly washing and sanitizing my hands when I'm traveling, so I need something to keep it moisturized. This product keeps my hands soft without that greasy residue."
Summer Fridays
Jet Lag Mask
"I love using this product to achieve a fresh, dewy complexion after long-haul flights and traveling. This product really nourishes, plumps, and hydrates the skin."
Caudalie
Beauty Elixir
"I love using this face mist throughout any given day. It always leaves my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated."
Glossier
Balm Dotcom
"Since my lips can get dry during the winter and on the airplane, I like to keep a tube of this lip balm in my makeup bag. I'm a fan of the thick texture, and I just love how it seals in moisture."
Rachel Nguyen, Influencer
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Slip
Silk Sleepmask Lashes
"I take the most care of my eyes—skin is so delicate there and personally feels extra dry from the flight. I always make sure to pack any sort of eye mask as well as a silk eye cover to wear over for some zZzs."
Chanel
Le Lift Firming Anti-Wrinkle Flash Eye Revitalizer
"I also like to feel bougie in economy so I splurge a little more on the goods."
CHRISTIE TYLER, INFLUENCER
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Verso
Lip Serum
"Not only can your face feel dry during flights, but your lips can turn into sandpaper, too. This lip serum has changed my life. I usually apply before bed, but since I know I will be experiencing major dryness on the plane, I throw it in my carry on."
RMS Beauty
The Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes 20 Individual Wipes
"Normally I don't wear makeup on a flight, but my pores still feel clogged and dirty. To prevent breakouts from traveling, I carry makeup removing pads and do a little cleanse routine mid-flight. Your skin will thank you, and you can enjoy your vacation, zit-free."
Mario Badescu
Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater Facial Spray
"Planes and traveling in general can take a toll on your skin and leave it feeling completely dehydrated. I always carry this spray with me and spray some on my face during my flight and once I land. It makes you feel refreshed and hydrates your skin."
STEPHANIE BROEK, FASHION WRITER AND CONSULTANT
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Ere Perez
Natural Arnica Concealer
"As good as the Glossier and RMS equivalent and completely natural."
Glow Recipe
Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
"Perfect for short nights during fashion week. A beauty sleep in a pot."
Remedys Nutrition
Calcium Magnesium Zinc
"I haven't had break-outs since I started taking these. Highly recommend!"
Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel
"It does what it says: skin perfecting. It blurs fine lines and makes your skin look more even."
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.