I’ve worked as a digital nomad for the past year, traveling between New York City, California, Istanbul, and parts of Asia. One thing I’ve learned quickly: travel can be tough on your skin — and on your beauty routine in general. Between long flights, shifting climates, and unpredictable product availability abroad, it’s not always easy to maintain your usual regimen.
That’s why I stock up on a few travel-friendly essentials whenever I land back in the United States. These compact, spill-proof, and easy-to-pack products have become staples in my suitcase — and they’re especially useful for fellow nomads and frequent travelers.
Portable Face Mask
SKIN1004 Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask
$14
Honestly, I’d use a roll-on face mask even if I weren’t traveling. This clay stick mask from SKIN1004 has an average rating of 4.6 stars, and it’s designed to clear pores without the mess of traditional masks.
It’s perfect for refreshing your skin after long flights or humid travel days.
Exfoliating Skincare
Paula’s Choice AHA/BHA Peel Packs
$16
Liquid exfoliants can take up a lot of space, but Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Wipes solve that problem. The neatly packaged wipes easily replace bulkier AHA or retinol bottles and are perfect for refreshing tired, travel-weary skin.
Press-On Nails
BTArtbox Press-On Nails
$12
Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia or riding the Orient Express across Europe, nail emergencies can happen anywhere.
Press-on nails are a fast and surprisingly polished fix. This compact BTArtbox set includes adhesive tabs so you can apply them easily on planes, trains, or in hotel rooms. They’re lightweight, affordable, and ideal when you don’t have time to hunt down a salon.
Soap Bar & Travel Dish
Soapology Bar Soap + Travel Soap Case
$13
I prefer to travel with bars of soap (less liquid to worry about). After living in New York for 12 years, I can confidently say I found the best soap shop in the city: Soapology. Their handcrafted bar soaps start at around $8 and come in an incredible range of scents.
Pair your soap bar with the travel-friendly soap holder from Amazon for mess-free adventures.
Shampoo & Conditioner
Monday Shampoo and Conditioner Travel Pack
$10
I have textured hair, and for years I relied on Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine travel packs. That is, until I discovered Monday haircare’s “smooth” line for frizzy hair. My hair has genuinely never looked healthier while traveling.
The square packaging is surprisingly aesthetic and practical. The boxy design helps maximize space in your toiletry bag, which any frequent traveler knows is a major win.
Nail Care
Butter London Nail Polish Remover Pads
$9
If you’ve ever had a bottle of nail polish remover leak in your luggage, you already know why these exist.
Butter LONDON’s individually wrapped nail polish remover pads are one of the safest options for travel. Similar to Paula’s Choice skincare packs, each pad is sealed separately, eliminating the risk of spills while still giving you everything you need for a quick manicure reset.
Hair Control on the Go
got2b Glued On-the-Go Wax Stick
$7
Between airplane headrests, hats, humidity, and long travel days, your hair will inevitably end up in some compromising situations.
That’s where this tiny wax stick comes in. The got2b glued on-the-go Wax Stick is a great way to tame flyaways without making your hair crunchy. The compact size makes it easy to throw into a carry-on, backpack, or even a purse for quick touch-ups.