Here’s Everything You Need to Solve On-the-Go Beauty Emergencies

Twenty miles from civilization you feel a zit swelling up on your nose. Where’s that blemish stick when you need it?

Without my travel packing lists, I’d be like Jack, Kate, and Locke: LOST. Whether I’m camping out in the mountains an hour away from my house or traveling overseas, there are around 60 “essentials” on my list, embarrassingly. I swear I’m not high-maintenance; in fact, I consider myself generally unattached to “stuff.” It’s just that I’m pretty picky about what I put on my skin (and prefer vegan marshmallows for those fireside s’mores!). Ending up on a remote beach without my trusty sunscreen or waking up in the middle of the night with parched lips only to realize I left my cruelty-free lip balm at home—it feels like I’m up the creek without a paddle. It may not seem like a big deal, but choosing and using natural, eco-friendly, and ethical beauty products matters—to me and the planet.

Interested in stocking your very own to-go beauty kit? Here are some of my favorite travel-friendly picks. Keep them in a zippered pouch to throw in your bag or suitcase, so you won’t find yourself empty-handed in the case of a skin or hair care “emergency.” You won’t be sorry!

Kiss My Face Sun Spray Lotion SPF 30

Never, I repeat, never leave home without sun protection. It’s the No. 1 way to prevent premature aging and skin cancer. Take what dermatologists (and parents everywhere) often say about SPF seriously: “Don’t forget to reapply.” That means sunscreen should never be far from your side at any given moment. This lightweight, non-greasy option is formulated specifically for the face, but works well for the entire body. Remember to re-up every two hours.

Nourish Organic Refreshing Balancing Face Toner

When your complexion feels dry and dull, sometimes all it needs is a little hydrating spritz. That’s where a refreshing spray toner made of rosewater and witch hazel comes in—it quenches dryness without ruining your makeup.

Desert Essence Blemish Stick

Don’t get caught without a way to battle a sudden breakout. Reach for this little guy and apply as a spot treatment. Tea tree oil can be harsh and even irritating, but this formula also includes soothing chamomile, lavender, palmarosa, and calendula to fight acne more gently.

Weleda Skin Food

Forget all other hand and body creams—Skin Food is on another level. It’ll give your skin everything it’s craving, particularly essential fatty acids and vitamin E from organic sunflower seed oil.

Body Wipes

Wipes are definitely a must-have for freshening up any time, anywhere. With skin-soothing oat and aloe, plus the calming scent of lavender essential oil, these are gentle enough for the body and face.

Thrive Market Organic Vanilla Mint Lip Balm

A trusty tube of lip balm is a lifesaver. The magic ingredient in ours: baobab oil. Extracted from the fruit seeds of African baobab trees, it’s rich in vitamin C and fatty acids—so luxurious for your lips. And it tastes like heaven.

Photo credit: Alicia Cho