I’m officially at the point in my life that I can rarely pack everything I need for a trip into a small carry-on. I mean, I could – everyone can – but the older I get, the more I get stuck in my routines and at-home amenities.
Things like being able to steam wrinkly AF clothing, having tums and melatonin on hand, but also good skincare products and makeup I like. You don’t have to comprise beauty and skincare just because you’re on vacation!
Right now I’m in the Cook Islands. I learned after my trip to Maui that island vacations require a different set of beauty products than I normally would bring on other trips. Here’s the top beauty staples I now pack for all my island and/or beach vacations!
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Whenever we know we’ll be swimming in the ocean (or lakes or rivers!) we now buy reef-safe sunscreen to wear. It’s a simple switch but makes such a positive impact on the ocean’s health! I’m low-key terrified about the state of our oceans and while they won’t be saved by everyone switching sunscreens, it’s a small positive impact!
Green Go First Aid Balm: I ranted about Green Go after our camping trip and now I make sure to pack at least their First Aid balm for every trip, especially island ones. It’s a small tin full of potent, yet natural, balm that’s wicked fast at healing wounds. From small cuts that I always seem to get on beaches to sunburn blisters, chafing and bug bites, this stuff does it all.
Sheet Masks: While not always the same brand, I always always always bring a few sheet masks on warm-weather trips. As a pale gale, my face is extra sensitive to sunburns and changes in weather. A hydrating sheet mask in my hotel room at night helps keep my skin happy! Plus, they’re really easy to pack.
Garnier BB Cream: I wear this every day at home so naturally, I bring it with me when I travel! I love that this doubles as basic SPF and also a tinted moisturizer. When I’m on island time, i really don’t wear much makeup at all. I prefer to just use some BB Cream and maybe some mascara.
Like, at Least 3 Lipsticks: When we go out to dinners, I do like to “dress up” with a colorful lipstick. I still keep the rest of my makeup minimal, but a little lipstick helps get me in the evening going out mood. I like to bring fast-drying matte shades in red, oranges and pink.
Yes To Cucumbers Makeup Facial Wipes: I also use these almost every day at home! They do SUCH a good job at quickly removing all my makeup. Plus, the cucumber is cooling and feels nice on my face, especially when it’s sunburnt!
Aloe Vera Gel: I always carry a giant bottle of aloe vera gel on island vacations. Ever since I got in the habit of applying a thick layer of aloe gel to my whole body and face each evening on trips, I rarely have bad sunburns. It helps turn that burnt skin into a nice lovely tan! This was the main reason I knew I’d have to check a bag for this trip: I need my aloe!
Small Scentibird Perfume: I love using the Scentbird perfumes for travel since they pack so well! There’s something that just hits right after a long day at the beach, coming back to the hotel and spritzing some good fragrance on before dinner. I’ve been getting really into perfumes lately, from Zara perfume to Sezane to small companies I find on TikTok. And, Scentbird!
So, those are the core beauty items I took with me to the Cook Islands and on every tropical island vacation. Hope this helps you pack for your end of summer trips!
