My Out Of Office email is scheduled, and I’m ready for a summer getaway. One thing that’s still pending – packing! I’m heading to New York and Mexico, and the summer travels has got me thinking of my go-to beauty essentials to keep my hair and skin in check.
Travel can put your routine through a bit of a spin cycle. One minute it's long-haul flights and dry cabin air, the next it's busy days exploring the city, followed by beach days, sunshine and hot, humid weather.
NYC will mean busy days out and about, while Mexico brings a completely different energy with warm weather, humidity and plenty of time outdoors. I know from experience that my hair and scalp usually notice the climate shift before I do, so I always make room for a few trusted essentials that help me feel refreshed, comfortable and ready for whatever the trip brings.
These are the products that have earned permanent status on my packing list.
Travel Hair Care Essential: Botanical Repair Shampoo & Conditioner
Summer holidays usually mean beach days, sunshine and plenty of time outdoors, which can also mean extra stress on my hair. Botanical Repair Shampoo and Conditioner are always packed as more of a preventative step rather than waiting until my hair feels damaged.
Whether it's exposure to the sun, salty ocean water or styling while travelling, I love having products that help keep my hair feeling healthy and cared for throughout the trip. Botanical Repair Shampoo and Conditioner also come in travel-friendly sizes – perfect for carry-on.
Best Product for Oily Scalp and Humid Weather: Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
I suffer from an oily scalp, so this is one travel hair product that always makes the cut.
Between long travel days, styling products and heading into Mexico's hot and humid weather, my scalp can sometimes feel heavier than usual. Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Scalp Treatment helps remove excess sebum and build-up, leaving my scalp feeling refreshed and properly reset.
There's nothing better than stepping out of the shower after a long day and feeling like you've pressed a refresh button.
Travel Essential: Mini Paddle Brush
The Mini Paddle Brush fits perfectly into my toiletries bag without taking up too much space, making it an easy travel beauty essential.
Beyond the convenience factor, I love that the bristles feel relaxing on the scalp, turning a simple step in my routine into a small self-care moment. It's one of those products that quietly earns its place on every trip.
My Go-To Travel Styling Product: Grooming Clay
Grooming Clay is my go-to styling product and one I never travel without.
Most of the time on holidays I'm living in caps and keeping things low maintenance, but when I do want to style my hair, this product makes it effortless. It can be used on damp or dry hair and helps create a fuss-free style without spending ages in front of the mirror.
Travel styling should feel easy, not like you're preparing for a photo shoot before breakfast.
Long-Haul Flight Essential: Hand Relief Travel Size
Planes, hand sanitiser and constant hand washing can quickly leave my hands feeling dry, especially on long-haul flights.
The travel size Hand Relief is perfect for keeping in my bag and close by throughout the journey. It keeps my hands hydrated and makes a surprisingly big difference after hours spent moving through airports and sitting on planes.
Long-Haul Flight Essential: Lip Saver
Lip Saver has become a permanent travel companion.
Dry cabin air and long flights always seem to leave my lips feeling dehydrated, so I keep this close from take-off through to landing. It's one of those products I instinctively reach for throughout a trip without even thinking about it.
My Final Thoughts
Packing for travel always changes depending on where I'm going, but these travel beauty essentials have become constants for me.
They aren't just products I pack because I like them. They're products that help me feel comfortable, refreshed and a little more like myself while travelling. Whether I'm walking through New York, heading to the beach or stepping into Mexico's heat and humidity, I want to spend less time worrying about my routine and more time enjoying the adventure.
After all, the best travel essentials are usually the ones you don't have to think twice about packing.
Mac Smerdon
Marketing Manager – Aveda Retail
