There’s an art to packing a cosmetics bag that feels indulgent without becoming a suitcase burden.
Whether you’re jetting between Johannesburg and Cape Town for work, slipping away on a weekend break, or taking to the skies for a long-haul escape, the trick is deliberate selection.
Opt for multi-taskers, decant where it makes sense, and rely on concentrated formulas that do more with less.
Below are my tried-and-tested travel-light tips, along with some of my favourite travel-friendly products.
Travel-Light Tips
- Start with skin: A well-hydrated, prepped canvas reduces the need for heavy makeup. Pack a concentrated serum (or single-dose capsules to avoid spills) and a protective SPF; both save space and simplify your routine.
- Three looks, one palette should be your motto. One neutral eyeshadow palette that doubles as a highlighter and soft brow tint keeps options open without adding bulk.
- Choose cream textures over powders. Cream blushes, sticks, and balms are travel-friendly (no shattered-powder drama) and often multitask as lip-and-cheek colour.
- Mini, kit or capsule? Concentrated minis, travel kits, or single-dose capsules give you full performance in a fraction of the size. They’re also carry-on friendly.
- One multi-tasking luxe oil that can smooth hair, hydrate cuticles, and give skin a dewy finish is a true lifesaver.
- A small dry shampoo freshens hair after a long-haul flight and comes in handy when rushing from meetings to networking drinks with no time to get back to the hotel.
- Overnight recovery is a must. A sleeping mask means you can skip heavy creams and wake up polished.
- Fragrance remains one of my unwavering indulgences. I always feel better with an uplifting spritz, and discovery sets allow for variety without the bulk.
On-the-Go Luxury Picks
These are the products I reach for when I want luxe performance without the baggage.
• My all-time favourite is Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules — potent, travel-proof, single doses of ceramides that restore barrier function and give a noticeable glow. Plus, there’s a capsule for every need:
— Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum is best for dry, dehydrated and dull skin
— Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum targets loss of firmness, dry or ageing skin
— Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules are perfect for oily or combination skin needing lightweight hydration
— Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin-Renewing Serum treats fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture, including sensitive skin
— Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum is the answer to dullness, uneven tone and loss of glow.
Price varies depending on capsule type and size. elizabetharden.co.za
• A compact palette like the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette offers multipurpose shades, applicators, and a mirror in one elegant case. R1 505. arcstore.co.za
• The limited-edition Petite Petal Edition by Westman Atelier is a cream stick that adds a touch of rosiness to cheeks and lips. R2 600. skins.co.za
• The overnight Laneige Water Sleeping Mask rejuvenates skin after long flights, while the Lip Sleeping Mask is a cult-favourite compact treatment for lips. R670 and R490, respectively. skincolab.co.za
• Choose an all-in-one multipurpose oil that’s high-performance, multiuse and decadently concentrated, like Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, the ultimate all-rounder. From R495. cosmetology.co.za
You don’t always know what you’re going to get in the hotel, so I always have a little shower gel in my travel kit.
• Molton Brown Stocking Filler Gift Set contains 10 of the brand’s most-loved Bath & Shower Gels. R1 230. skins.co.za
• Penhaligon’s Festive Scent Library features eight curated 2ml fragrances. R990. skins.co.za
