May 24, 2026 — 5:20amWhen packing your beauty case for a trip, however long or short, you should focus on products that are compact, lightweight and have multiple uses.For shorter trips, some regulars can be left at home. Says dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta, “Holidays are a great time to break routine – keep active skincare to a minimum and just take vitamin A serum. But never forget sunscreen.”Never forget your sunscreen.Getty ImagesOn the SPF front, our skin saviours include Revlon Gloss Balm SPF 50+ in Peach Spice ($16) and Mother Face and Body SPF 50 ($52). And don’t skimp on body sunscreen. Our favourite is Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hydrating Body & Hand Skinscreen SPF 50+ (from $15), which comes in two sizes.Gupta also suggests going a step further when it comes to sun protection. “Pack a tinted moisturiser with an SPF 50+ in it to act as a second protective layer,” she says. “The tint also helps block visible light, which contributes to pigmentation and fine lines.”As well as SPF products, every kit needs a cleanser, serum and moisturiser, even if you are only away for one night. Two great all-in-one packs are the Laneige Icons to Go Kit ($40) and the Dermalogica Expertise On The Go Set ($90).For in-flight hydration, pack a sheet mask, such as Dr.Jart+ Dermask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution Face Mask ($22 for five), and keep a face mist within easy reach; our pick is Jurlique Rose Water Balancing Mist ($58).Moving on to hair, pack something to tackle flyaways such as the Got2b Flyaway Brush ($15) and a cleanse and conditioning protocol like Olaplex The Mini Essentials Set ($54), to address sun and salt damage. For styling, pack Ouai Melrose Place Super Dry Shampoo ($29) and Ouai Anti-Frizz Crème ($29) – both come in travel sizes. And if your destination allows you to take your own dryer, the new Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer ($449) is lightweight and gives good grunt.For make-up, focus on cream-based products or mini-kits that have multiple uses. A great all-rounder is Make Up For Ever Color Crayon ($57), as it works on eyes, lips and cheeks and won’t melt in the heat. Pack a peachy base for day and a bronze for night; save on space by leaving brushes at home and blending with clean fingertips.For some destinations and skins, a concealer such as Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ($62) can double as foundation. But, if you are like me, I don’t travel without a liquid foundation compact like Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Cushion Liquid Compact Foundation ($95) and a full-sized mascara – when it comes to some products, minis just don’t cut it for me.Finally, if you can’t bear to leave home without your favourite products, consider a decanting kit, such as the Somi Vacay Kit ($197), which has 10 containers, all stored in a stylish hard-shell case.ASK STEPHWhat does “growth factor” mean when it comes to skin care?Growth factors are naturally occurring signalling proteins in the body that act to regulate skin-cell growth for repair and regeneration. In skincare, they help promote healthier and more resilient skin over time. If you want to give growth factors a go, try Zo Skin Health Firming Serum, $464.Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.From our partners