Before I became a travel writer, I was absolutely engrossed in the world of beauty; I practically grew up watching beauty YouTube videos instead of television and learned everything from my makeup artist sister. In fact, one of my first jobs was at Ulta Beauty, where I helped shoppers find the best products, while reading and rereading labels of hundreds of items to learn everything there is to know about this expansive world of makeup, skincare, and hair care. 

Now, as an avid traveler, I’ve taken that knowledge to create a fantastic list of beauty items that I refuse to travel without. And at this point, I’ve tried hundreds (if not thousands) of makeup products, skincare items, hair care accessories, and more and have curated a must-have list for looking and feeling my best wherever I go. Whether it’s a cast-free sunscreen or packing a satin pillowcase to keep my skin from breaking out in blackheads and acne when staying at a hotel, these items never leave my suitcase.

And, because I loved sharing all of the beauty intel with shoppers back in my beauty retail days, I’ve put together a list of the best items from Ulta Beauty that are absolutely and undoubtedly worth it. Items start at just $6, and my top picks include everything from an irritant-free, waterproof mascara to an energizing under-eye cream that keeps my dark circles at bay; keep reading to find your new toiletry bag staples.

Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel

Good Molecules was still relatively new when I was working at Ulta, but it quickly became a shopper-favorite for its better-for-you-ingredient products at affordable prices. This tiny-yet-potent under-eye gel stays in my travel bag and is formulated with caffeine, peptides, and other skin-friendly ingredients to keep your eyes looking energized (like you just got eight-plus hours of sleep even if you just hopped off an overnight flight) And for just $6, I recommend adding a few to your cart to keep one perpetually in your travel bag and on your everyday makeup counter, too. 

Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen SPF 30

Tula is an editor-approved brand loved for its effective and good-for-you formulas. This particular sunscreen is always first in my toiletry bag because it not only protects my skin, but is also made with glow-boosting ingredients that makes it look great, too. And, as someone who is always looking to cut down on my packing list, I can leave my highlighter at home since this sunscreen creates the same radiant effect. And, as someone with a tan complexion, I don’t have to worry about dreaded white cast either since it has a fast-absorbing gel formula.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum

If you’re prone to dryness when traveling, you should incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine. It not only promotes moisture retention in your skin (hello, plumpness!) but that same hydration can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne scars, and more. I’ve got combination skin that gets dry in the cooler months and oily in the heat, and I use this serum year-round to cater to each concern. This particular one from The Ordinary is the real deal, and at just $9, it’s basically begging to be added to your cart. 

La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer With Niacinamide

This French skincare brand is a trusted go-to for Travel + Leisure editors, and it’s one of my favorites for its selection of hydrating and nourishing products. I personally love that this travel-friendly moisturizer is formulated with niacinamide because it really locks in hydration and also helps keep my skin balanced without needing to pack extra serums. 

E.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Blush

As someone who feels like powder blushes always look blotchy on them, when cream blushes began picking up popularity, I was first in line to try the trend. And, several years later, I’m happy to report that it wasn’t just a fad — and that this particular one from E.l.f. Cosmetics is one of the best out there. It’s easy to apply, whether you use your fingers or a brush, and it keeps you looking glowy and rosy all-day long. And at just $7, it’s an unbeatable deal. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray Travel Size

If your makeup constantly needs an extra boost to go the extra mile, then a setting spray should be in your toiletry bag. And for this former Ulta employee, there’s no better one out there than the Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray. One particularly fond memory that I have of using this spray is applying it in the morning and then spending an entire day exploring London, and then (without touching anything up) going out all night. This spray helped my makeup last quite literally for 24 hours, and because of that, I always keep a travel-sized one on me.  

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer 

If you’re packing light and only prioritizing items that do double (or in this case, triple) duty, then you need this concealer. It not only provides smooth, full coverage to your under-eyes, but it also de-puffs and is designed with a waterproof material for all-day staying power. It also doesn’t crease, so you don’t need to even powder your under-eyes afterwards. It’s maintained its status as a fan-favorite for years, and for good reason.

St. Tropez Self Tan Express Kit

My favorite travel hack for packing a lighter toiletry bag is self-tanning the night before a trip. I have long loved this kit from St. Tropez for its easy- and quick-to-use applicator that never looks streaky and lasts upwards of a week. When I do this, I don’t have to worry about packing a bronzer because it already gives me a warm, sunkissed glow. 

ZitSticka Mini Killa Deep Zit Microdart Patch

If you’re like me, the stress of travel and lack of routine can wreak havoc on your skin. After a long flight with recycled air, I’m typically left with an unwelcome blemish beginning to grow on my cheek, forehead — you name it. I hate letting acne take my mind away from enjoying a trip, so that’s why I always keep zit patches in my bag. This particular set features patches that dissolve into your skin to keep early, on-set blemishes at bay. 

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray 

I have curly hair and my strands succumbs to immediate frizz the moment I step outside. However, my hair game has completely changed thanks to this truly magical spray. I use it as a pre-styling treatment, and it keeps my hair frizz-free throughout the entire day — even in the humidity when visiting my family in Florida. I’ve experimented with countless styling sprays (and often more costly) in the past, but none have managed to maintain that level of sleekness as effectively as this $12 spray.

Kitsch Satin Pillowcase 

My friends used to make fun of me for keeping a satin pillowcase in my travel bag, but as someone with sensitive skin, I’ve learned that the best way to keep flare-ups of acne or redness from ruining a trip is with a trusty satin pillowcase. It’s incredibly lightweight, takes up minimal space, and its soft material keeps my skin happy and healthy (and now, each of my friends travel with their own satin pillowcase, too). Even better, its luxurious feel adds another touch of elegance and comfort to any trip — no matter the location.

Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara

I love the original formula for day-to-day use but, whenever I travel, I always opt for the waterproof version for long-lasting, bleed-free wearing. And trust me, this waterproof mascara is one of the best out there, especially if you’re like me and suffer from allergies. This mascara not only stays on, but it doesn’t itch or irritate my eyes, even with 14-plus hours of wear time. My mom is a huge fan, too, and I can’t recommend it enough. 

Shark Beauty Air Styling and Drying System

Back in the day, I sold more than 100 of these highly-coveted hair dryer-air styler hybrids, driven by the enthusiastic recommendations from colleagues and customers alike. However, it wasn’t until a few months ago that I got one for myself, which has me wondering how did I last so long without it? My hair tends to frizz, and previous blow dryers often left my hair feeling dry and flat. But this styling system not only keeps my hair feeling hydrated (even on the highest heat setting), but my style lasts up to three days (without touch-ups). It’s great to pack for worry-free, vacation-ready hair. 

Honest Beauty Invisible Blurring Loose Powder

Honest Beauty is known for makeup products that keep users looking and feeling great. With the stagnant air of planes coupled with the introduction of new particles from your destination, it’s always a good idea to have a loose powder on you to keep oiliness and shine at bay. I know that when I travel, my skin is always at its oiliest, and this blurring loose powder not only controls shine, but also adds a subtle-yet-stunning blur effect. Sometimes, when I’m in a rush, I’ll just apply this and skip foundation since it makes my skin look airbrushed. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth and Blur Primer 

If there’s one tip that I’ve learned from my makeup artist sister, it’s that if you want your makeup to last, you need a good primer. Smashbox makes some of the best out there, and not only is this Photo Finish Primer a personal favorite of mine, but it’s also a go-to for countless Ulta shoppers. I’ve danced at weddings for hours and sweated my way through new cities while wearing this trusty primer without my makeup budging at all. Even more, its formula blurs the look of pores and hydrates away dryness for plumper, brighter-looking skin. 

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