If you’ve ever been personally victimised by the 100ml liquids rule at airport security, raise your hand. Trying to fit all the hair, skin and body products you need for a holiday into the equivalent of a plastic sandwich bag is not for the weak.
We’ve been there: gently stretching the bag to fit in as many bottles as possible; looking longingly at the security-desk bins, where your slightly-too-big moisturiser now sits (the one that was slightly-too-expensive in the first place).
The solution: put down the liquids. Or some of them, anyway. Because swapping out a few for their solid counterparts means you can add a full grooming regimen to your carry-on, with room left in your plastic bag to fill as you please.
Here’s your vacation Wish List: five solid beauty products that you’ll use beyond your trip, plus five necessarily liquid products we wouldn’t travel without. Prepare to feel smug when you swan through security, no questions asked.
The Head-To-Toe Cleanser
Don’t panic, we’re not suggesting you use body soap on your face. In fact, it’s the other way around: Mirror Water’s Butter Brick is a shea-butter-based solid face wash that can be used all over the body for a gentle, purifying cleanse. (It works as a substitution for shampoo, too.) £14, Mirror Water at Liberty
The Hydrating (Yet Light) Lip Balm
You might know Starface best for its spot stickers (alright, if we can have an 11th carry-on beauty essential, it’s these fast-acting salicylic acid ones), but its new Star Balms are a solid formula hydrating enough to beat the dry climate of an airplane cabin with one swipe. Plus, the minty scent leaves you feeling fresh. £6, Starface at Space NK
The Pocket Perfume
It’s not worth checking a bag just to fit your full-sized fragrance – especially when a solid formula can do the same job. Glossier’s silver compact translates its warm, musky signature scent into a balm that melts into skin. It’s designed to smell different on everyone, for a lasting hint of fragrance that feels tailored to you. $35, Glossier
The Glow-Giver
You’ll have plenty of room left for makeup in your carry-on, but if we can make a case for one product, it’s these Illuminating Drops from Jones Road. Add to your moisturiser for a hydrating, dewy finish, or dab along cheekbones, collarbones or shoulders for a subtle glow when the sun hits. £36, Jones Road
The Dry Hair Saviour
Conditioner, leave-in moisturiser, detangler, Fenty Hair’s Comeback Kid does it all. With long-term use, it strengthens hair. During a weekend away, it deeply conditions all textures as a mask and smooths split ends when used on dry hair. Worth every bit of space it takes up in your liquids bag. £19, Fenty Hair at Cult Beauty
The On-The-Go Shampoo
If anyone was going to supercharge dry shampoo, it’s science-backed brand K18. Its new AirWash absorbs oil and odour for up to three days after applying, and comes in a 47ml travel size – ideal for a post-beach pick-me-up. £24, K18 at Cult Beauty
The Mini (But Mighty) SPF
SPF is a necessary liquid, whether you’re off to sunny islands or cooler climes. Fortunately, Ultra Violette has just launched its Supreme Screen in this ‘Mini Mate’ 20ml size – it’s SPF50, doesn’t clog pores and leaves no white cast. The kind of friend we like to take everywhere. AUD $20, Ultra Violette
The Skincare-Infused Roll-On
A creamy, refillable stick that doesn’t count towards your liquid limit. Saltair’s formula is aluminium and baking soda-free to minimise irritation, and contains BHAs to remove build-up, algae to reduce odour and nourishing oils to keep skin smooth. It works – and this Santal scent is delicious. $13, Saltair
The Do-It-All Moisturiser
Forget packing separate day and night moisturisers, just keep a nourishing barrier cream to hand. This one from Dr.Reju-All not only ticks all the buzzword boxes (pharmacist-founded! Korean skincare!), but locks in moisture and absorbs quickly – all in a handy 50ml bottle. $39, Dr.Reju-All
The Good-Hair Guarantee
No need to fill your case with creams and gels – this solid styling stick from JVN combines vegan waxes and plant butters for a versatile hold. Use directly from the stick to slick back hair, or melt into palms to mould short hair, define curls and pat down flyaways. £17, JVN at Space NK
