The Sober Globetrotter

Save Serious Space with Solid Shampoo and Conditioner

I’ll be honest: I was skeptical about shampoo and conditioner bars. But after trying them out? I’m a convert. They lather beautifully, leave my hair soft, and they don’t take up half my bag like bottles do. I went with Kitsch, because they’ve got something for everyone — a million different formulations, sampler packs, even solid body washes and scrubs. I picked the Biotin & Rosemary set for my super fine hair, and I love it so much I might ditch my bottles at home, too.

The Tiny Bottle That Works Serious Hair Miracles

If my hair could write a love letter, it would be to this It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin. Think of it as serum for your strands: it strengthens, smooths, detangles, and adds shine, all without weighing down fine, thin, or straight hair (like mine!). I spritz it in right after a shower, and suddenly brushing out travel-tangled hair is a breeze. And in a 2oz bottle, it’s TSA-approved and perfect for the road.

Face It: This Soap’s Got It All

When I started cutting down on liquid toiletries, I figured face wash would be off-limits. But turns out, nope! This Artnaturals Kojic Acid Soap has all the powerhouse ingredients — vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol, shea butter — packed into one solid little bar. It leaves my skin clean (but not tight), smooth (but not filmy), and honestly? It made me forget all about my old bottled cleanser. One less thing to spill in my carry-on!

Buff Away Travel Grime with a Gentle Exfoliant

Planes, trains, and questionable city air can do a number on my skin. Sometimes face wash alone just doesn’t cut it — that’s where the Dermalogica Daily Exfoliant Powder comes in. Just shake a little into your palm, add water (or even your cleanser), and it transforms into a silky, gently gritty paste. It buffs away sunscreen, sweat, and city grime, leaving me with skin that feels reset and ready for the next adventure. Bonus: it’s lightweight and travel-friendly — no bulky tub of scrub required!

Simple. Gentle. Effective. A Classic Soap That Never Lets You Down

“It’s not flashy, but Dove Sensitive Skin Bar Soap is my ride-or-die when it comes to travel suds. It’s inexpensive, it gets me squeaky clean, and it never leaves my skin angry, itchy, or dried out. There’s a reason it’s been a staple for decades — it just works. When I’m packing light and don’t want to fuss with liquid body wash bottles, this bar always makes the cut in my toiletry kit.”

A Goat Milk Soap Bar That’s Spa-Worthy, But Travel Friendly

If you want something a little fancier than the basics, the Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soap is a treat. It’s enriched with creamy goat milk to condition your skin, and sprinkled with real lavender buds for a subtle scrub and spa-like fragrance. It feels indulgent, but still packs light.

Aquaphor: Your Skin’s Emergency Backup Plan

Aquaphor and I go way back — like, back to the days when it only came in jumbo tubes meant for burn wards. (Thanks, Mom, for sneaking samples home from the clinic!) Now, I don’t travel without it. I use it on my lips and cuticles daily, but it moonlights as an eye cream, a first-aid salve for scrapes, a soothing balm for irritated skin, and basically a little miracle worker anytime my skin throws a tantrum. It’s not glamorous, but it’s dependable — and that’s exactly what you want in your carry-on kit.

I’m Not Usually a Sucker for Internet Famous, but This Multi Balm Stick is Worth the Hype

I’ll admit it: I rolled my eyes the first ten times I saw this balm trending online. But once I caved and tried the KAHI Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm Stick, I totally got it. This little tube is rich, moisturizing, and ridiculously versatile — use it on your lips, under your eyes, across your face, even down your neck. It’s like bringing a portable facial on the plane. Sure, my beloved Aquaphor could pinch-hit, but this one feels extra luxe and travel-perfect.

The Classic Nighttime Eye Cream That’s Still the Gold Standard

I’ve flirted with fancier formulas, but I always come back to Roc Retinol Correction Line Smoothing Eye Cream. It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and somehow manages to be both gentle and powerful. After years of use, I can honestly say this little tube is as close as I’ve come to finding the mythical fountain of youth.

It’s also the perfect travel companion: tiny tube, lasts forever, slips right into the Dopp kit without taking up precious real estate. Consider it my ride-or-die for keeping peepers looking fresh on the road.

No More Finger-Painting Eye Cream—This Luxe Eye Serum Stick Hits the Spot

Every once in a while, a viral product actually earns its buzz — and this City Goo Retinol Eye Stick is one of those gems. It’s the size of a lipstick, but feels like a first-class ticket for your face: rich, nourishing, and just a little indulgent. I love how it glides on cool and smooth (no fingertip patting required), instantly de-puffing and hydrating after a long haul. Is it pricier than Aquaphor or my classic Roc cream? Yep. Do I still tuck it into my Dopp kit when I want to feel a little extra? Absolutely.

These Serums Cover All Your Bases, So You Can Pack Less and Still Do It All

At home, my bathroom shelf looks like a skincare apothecary — serums galore, each with its own Very Important Job. But when I’m traveling, there’s no way I’m lugging seven glass bottles across the globe. Enter the +1herolabs Serum Set.

The Little Liquid That Works Big Pore Magic

When I tell you this tiny 1oz Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliant is a heavy hitter, I mean it. A couple drops of this liquid gold smooths skin, unclogs pores, helps with fine lines, and basically makes your face look like you actually slept on that red-eye. It’s fragrance-free, gentle enough for daily use, and comes in the perfect travel size — which means it earns a permanent spot in my Dopp kit.

A Night Cream That Does It All (and Is So Concentrated It’s Practically a Solid)

I don’t usually shell out for pricey skincare, but the Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream has earned its place in my Dopp kit. It firms, lifts, smooths, boosts radiance, moisturizes, evens texture, and basically makes you wonder why you ever lugged six different jars around. And because it’s so dense, a tiny dab covers face, neck, and décolletage—making it the rare splurge that actually stretches your dollar while saving space.

Day Cream PLUS Sunblock For the Win (From a Japanese Cult Favorite)

Discovered on a trip to Japan, this Bioré UV Watery Essence has earned permanent residency in my travel kit. Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and refreshingly non-greasy, it feels more like a trendy hydrogel than a heavy sunscreen. The best part? It gives serious SPF protection without that dreaded white cast, so your skin stays fresh, dewy, and protected—whether you’re sightseeing all day or just catching rays through the airplane window.

Make Your Soap Go the Distance with Mesh Soap Bags

Who knew a little net pouch could be such a game-changer? These Kootinn Mesh Soap Bags turn your humble bar into a lather machine while giving you just the right touch of exfoliation. Plus, they keep your soap high and dry between uses, so no more goopy, wasted chunks melting away in the dish. I was late to the soap bag party, but now? Can’t live without ‘em.

Pop, Chomp, and Shine with Toothpaste Tablets

Forget the messy tube—these T-brush All Natural Toothpaste Tablets are a total space-saver and surprisingly effective. Just pop one in, give it a quick chomp, and you’re ready to brush your way to a fresh smile. Perfect for your Dopp kit, and even better mid-flight when you want to feel human again. Tiny jar, big clean.

A Flat/Curling Iron So Easy, Even I Can Use It

Confession: I had never successfully curled my own hair until I met this tool. The L’ANGE Le Duo 360° Airflow Styler is basically my magic wand. I only failed once before I totally got the hang of it — which, for someone with fine, stick-straight hair, is a miracle.

The built-in cooling vents set curls instantly (no awkward pinning required), and those curls actually last all day on me — which has never happened before. And when I’m not in a curly mood? Just skip the twist, and voilà, it’s a flat iron. Straight bangs, smooth ends, or all-day curls… this little powerhouse does it all.

A Folding Travel Mirror That Actually Lets You See What You’re Doing

Hotel bathroom lighting? Usually tragic. Airbnbs? Forget it. That’s why I love my Beautifive Rechargeable Double-Sided LED Mirror. One side is regular, the other magnified (for those sneaky chin whiskers 👀), and both are lit just right with built-in LEDs.

It’s not the tiniest tool in my kit, so it doesn’t always make the cut for super-light packing trips. But when I do have the space? Total game-changer. Eye makeup looks sharp, skincare goes on smooth, and I don’t wind up chasing stray hairs in bad lighting.

An Organizable Toiletry Bag That Plays Nice With Counter Space

Packing toiletries is always a puzzle: sometimes I throw everything in one big bag, but when I’m moving around a lot (or sharing space), this EUOW Multifunctional Toiletry Bucket Bag is a lifesaver. It keeps my skincare and makeup neat, easy to find, and simple to pack up again between stops.

The best part? It sits open and upright on the counter, so I’m not digging through a black hole of bottles. And when it’s time to move, just cinch it up and go — tidy, portable, and totally fuss-free.

The Big Boy Toiletry Bag That Holds It All

When I want every single thing in one place, this BAGSMART Large Toiletry Bag is my go-to. Four compartments, loads of elastic loops to keep bottles upright, and a hook for hanging — it keeps everything neat, visible, and easy to grab. On super-light trips, I’ll even use one of the big compartments for jewelry or accessories. Whether I’m packing light or going all out, this bag adapts to my chaos.

An Electric Toothbrush That Travels as Well as You Do

I adore the Quip Toothbrush system. It’s slim, lightweight, and cleans like a champ with its gentle oscillating head. But what really sold me? The subscription service sends you a new head and a fresh battery every 90 days, so I never end up brushing with sad, mushy bristles. For my ADD brain, that reminder is clutch. Add in the fun color options (yes, I picked mine to match my vibe), and it’s the only toothbrush I actually look forward to packing.

A Tiny Travel Hairbrush That Punches Above Its Weight

No travel brush will ever match the glory of a full-sized version, but the Wet Brush Pop Go Detangler comes close. It’s compact, purse-friendly, and works surprisingly well on wet hair without the usual tug-of-war. Bonus points for folding up neatly and having a built-in mirror in the handle. And for me? Total 90s nostalgia — the travel brush of my youth, but better.

The GUGUG: A Skin Scrubber, Face Spatula, and Pore Cleaner in One

Yes, the name sounds silly, but this little gadget is mighty. The GUGUG Skin Scrubber & Spatula gives you pro-level pore cleaning without the bulk of a full skincare system. It’s thin, lightweight, and versatile: scrape away travel grime, deep-clean with ultrasonic vibrations, or snap on the silicone covers to boost your everyday cleanse. It feels a little luxe, even though the price tag is anything but. Small, portable, and seriously effective — this is one tool I always make room for.

A Little Silicone Scrubber That Makes a Big Difference

Sometimes your face wash just needs backup. This Silicone Facial Cleansing Scrubber & Exfoliator adds a gentle polish to my routine — enough to sweep away grime after long travel days without leaving my skin angry. The soft silicone bristles are antimicrobial, so it stays fresh between uses, and it’s gentle enough to use every day. My pores always feel cleaner, my skin softer, and my routine just a little more spa-like.

A Silicone Body Scrubber That’s a Loofah Upgrade

If my face gets the deluxe scrub treatment, why should the rest of my skin miss out? This MainBasics Silicone Body Scrubber is my go-to loofah alternative. One side has long, flexible bristles that lather beautifully and feel like a thousand-finger massage, while the other has shorter, firmer nubs for deeper exfoliation. It’s about the size of a sponge, quick-drying, and way more hygienic than a traditional loofah. Clean skin, happy traveler.

The Perfect Travel Razor That Won’t Wreck Your Bag

I like my fancy razors with their replaceable heads and extra features (like built in cream to get a smooth shave) and this Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Travel Razor Kit  is tiny, well designed for easy use, and with the case – with air holes so it can dry! – I don’t have to worry about it reeking havoc in my bags.

An Eco-Friendly Storage Bag To Organize (and Protect Everything From Leaks)

These thick, reliable Stasher Silicone Bags are a splurge-worthy upgrade from flimsy plastic. They’re endlessly reusable, easy to clean, and tough enough to corral anything from soap bars and makeup tools (hello, pocket size) to a full lineup of travel toiletries in the larger bags. Bonus: they double as snack bags — because snacks are non-negotiable.

Reusable Zip-Top Bags For When You Want Something Simple (But Still Eco-Friendly)

While I love my Stashers, sometimes I want something lighter, sleeker, and easier to toss in my bag. This Reusable Silicone Zip-Top Bag Set is the simpler, less expensive option — perfect for airplane kits, quick overnights, or corralling random little things you don’t want loose in your carry-on. They slide against each other better, take up less space, and I always bring a few extras… because mystery liquids will happen.

A Good Pair of Tweezers Are a Necessity

These Zizzili Basics Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel Slant Tip Tweezers are the real deal. After years of tossing out flimsy pretenders that couldn’t grab a stubborn chin hair to save their lives, I struck gold with this pair. Sharp, precise, and strong enough to nab those bristly little troublemakers the second they pop up — they’ve earned a permanent spot in my travel kit.

Got Little Hairs the Tweezers Can’t Grab? Dermaplane Those Suckers!

For those sneaky, fine-but-dark chin hairs that hide where you can barely see them, Kitsch Dermaplaners are a lifesaver. They gently scrape away fuzz and strays without irritation, leaving skin smooth and worry-free for days. Perfect for tackling the spots tweezers just can’t reach — and way easier than awkward mirror acrobatics.

You Can’t Fly With Nail Clippers, but This Exceptional Nail File Means You Won’t Even Miss Them

The Diamancel Luxury Diamond Nail File isn’t cheap, but it’s absolutely worth it. Made with real diamonds (because we’re fancy bitches) and crafted with a medium grit, it can actually take down length without endless filing. Even better? Each swipe leaves edges smooth and snag-free. Proof that sometimes the little luxuries are the ones that make travel life feel downright glamorous.

A Perfect Pocket-Sized Makeup Mirror For When You Can’t Swing the Big Guy

The Kintion 1X/3X Magnification LED Compact Travel Makeup Mirror has it all — bright lighting, a magnifying side and a regular side, plus a rainbow of color options. Compact and durable, it’s perfect when you don’t have space for a full-size mirror or when you just need a handbag backup. Honestly, I can’t even imagine what else you’d want in a travel mirror.

Few travel horrors rival opening your bag to find your shampoo—or worse, your lotion—has exploded everywhere. Even if it’s contained inside a waterproof toiletry bag, it’s still a sticky mess and a waste of product.

These little silicone “bottle condoms” (yes, really) slip over your toiletry lids to give you an extra layer of protection. No leaks, no mess, no tearful bathroom counter scrubbing when you should be sipping your welcome cocktail.

Some toiletries are just non-negotiable. These TSA-approved 3.4oz Plastic Travel Bottles are lightweight, leak-proof, and actually stay shut (no dopp kit disasters here). The squared-off sides mean they pack tighter than those flimsy round bottles, and the sturdy flip-tops make them easy to use without a mess. Whether it’s your favorite shampoo, a face wash you refuse to part with, or that one lotion your skin can’t survive without, these bottles keep it all safe and carry-on friendly.

Need Extra Help Hiding Your Pores? This Bargain Primer Gives You Baby Skin

A dab of Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer between moisturizer and makeup makes a world of difference. It blurs pores, smooths texture, and helps everything stay put longer — basically a cheat code for baby-soft skin. Best part? It’s a budget buy that works just as well as the fancy brands, which is why it’s the only one I bother packing.

Powder Foundation Does It ALL (And Travels Light, Too)

The Make Up Forever HD Skin Matte Powder Foundation is my holy grail. It takes me about 45 seconds to cover my whole face, evens out blotchy tones without caking, and doesn’t exaggerate my dinner-plate pores the way liquids do. Compact, liquid-free, and basically magic — this is the one product that keeps me wearing makeup at all.

For a Sheer, Shimmery, Dewy Look (With SPF, Too)

When I want a glowier day look without all the fuss, I reach for bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer. It hydrates, adds SPF protection, and delivers a sheer wash of color that makes my skin look healthy even when travel has it acting up. Some days it’s my one-and-done; other days I layer it under powder foundation for extra coverage and a subtle sheen. Basically, this little tube does it all.

This Wee Blush Packs a Big Punch

That miracle powder foundation evens me out so well it erases my natural flush — which means I need a little color to look alive. Enter the Phase Zero Powder Blusher: smooth, blendable, and subtle enough to complement a minimal makeup look while still adding that healthy glow. Tiny in size, flattering in shade, and just plain easy to use.

Sometimes You Just Wanna Shimmer and Shine… Subtly

A good highlighter is a true multitasker. The Benefit Dandelion Twinkle Highlighter works beautifully on cheekbones, doubles as a sheer eyeshadow, and can even gussy up your décolletage when you’re going necklace-free. Just a dab on collarbones (or anywhere else you want a little glow) and suddenly you’ve got that effortless shimmer without looking like a disco ball.

An Urban Decay Mini Palate for Fancy Pants Eyes

Remember when the full-size Naked Palettes were the thing? I loved mine, but I only ever used half the shades — and lugged around a whole lot of wasted bulk. The Urban Decay Naked3 Mini Eyeshadow Palette trims it down to just the saturated, versatile shades that actually get used. From subtly classy dame to smoky-eyed punk rock princess, this little compact does it all without taking up precious bag space (or budget).

A Travel-Sized Lash Curler That Actually Works

The JAPONESQUE Travel Eyelash Curler is tiny enough to toss in any makeup bag, but still delivers a serious curl. It fits comfortably in your hand, clamps smoothly without pinching, and gives lashes that wide-eyed lift without taking up the bulk of a traditional curler. A small but mighty upgrade for any travel beauty kit.

Brow Pencil and Powder with Staying Power (Plus a Spoolie, Too)

My brows are fine, thin, and far too light (annoying, since my head hair is too dark). Enter the Revlon Colorstay Brow Creator — pencil, powder, and spoolie all in one. It defines, fills, and lasts all day without smudging, and it doesn’t cost a fortune. Basically, it’s my secret weapon for faking naturally full brows.

Mascara With Natural-ish Results(Plus a Lash-Boosting Bonus)

The Grande Cosmetics Conditioning Mascara gives me delicate, fluttery lashes — even though I always go for black against my lighter hair and brows. The formula glides on without clumps, looks natural-ish, and actually conditions while you wear it. Packed with peptides, it helps strengthen and improve lashes over time, so my makeup routine does double duty.

Or Give Those Fancy Pants Eyes Some Dramatic Lashes – In Travel Size

When I’m putting in the effort — styled hair, shoes that aren’t sneakers — my eye makeup gets an upgrade, too. The Benefit Bad Gal Bang Mascara delivers bold, dramatic lashes that make eyeliner optional. Even better, it comes in a travel size, so I get all the pizzazz without the bulk (or the hefty price tag). Big impact, tiny tube.

A Crème-to-Powder Eyeshadow Stick for Quick, Foolproof Eyes

I am nothing if not impatient with makeup, which is why the Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Powder Stick is my ride-or-die. One stick does it all: a quick line along the lower lashes, a solid swipe across the lid, and a smudge with the built-in blender. Voilà — eyes done in seconds. It’s waterproof, crease-proof, and actually lasts all day without touchups.

The Teeniest, Tiniest Eyelash Comb

No one wants clumpy, flaky mascara gooping up their lashes — but how many tools can you realistically pack? The Docolor Foldable Eyelash Comb is so small it barely counts. Slip it in your kit and you’ll always have a quick fix for fluttery, separated lashes on the go.

A Kabuki Brush Without All That Unnecessary Stem

The Elf Travel-Sized Kabuki Brush is small but mighty — full, soft, and perfect for buffing on powder foundation. It’s hands-down the best foundation brush I’ve found that’s travel-sized and road-ready. No bulky stem, no wasted space, just flawless application every time.

One Little Wand, Four Makeup Brushes

The Jilier Travel 4-in-1 Makeup Brush Set just earned a permanent spot in my kit. Each end twists apart to reveal four different brush heads — foundation, blush, shadow, and detail — all in one sleek tube. Soft bristles, smart design, and a fraction of the space of a full set. It’s the multitasking hero I didn’t know I needed until now.

A Cult Favorite Lip Color in Miniture

I’m always skeptical of anything with a “cult following” or that claims to be “universally flattering.” But the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Mini Matte Revolution Duo Set proved me wrong. The shades really are perfect — giving a natural-but-polished lip that lasts all day. Consider me a begrudging cult convert.

For a Lip With More Pop (and 67 Shade Options!)

So many options, so little time. The evpct Lip Liner and Lipstick Set is a 2-in-1 mouth paint that comes in 67 shades and finishes — from matte to metallic. At well under ten bucks each, you can experiment guilt-free (I already own three). Perfect for on-the-go touchups or when you just want your lips to steal the show.

This Little Setting Spray Keeps Everything in Place on My Face (and the Shine Away)

When I go all-in with a full face of makeup (rare, but it happens), I want it to last through all my nonsense. The NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray delivers — keeping everything locked in and shine-free for hours. Affordable, effective, and the final step that makes the whole look travel-proof.

Dewy Shimmer + SPF in a Beachy-Smelling Mist

The “glassy skin” look isn’t usually my jam, but the Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist makes me a believer. It hydrates, adds SPF protection, and leaves skin looking like a beautifully glazed donut (in the best way). Bonus: it smells like the beach, and it won’t break the bank. Hydration, shimmer, and sun protection in one spritz — that’s a win.

Take It All Off With This Solid, Soothing Balm

Stubborn, long-lasting eye makeup used to be the bane of my existence — especially with sensitive skin and a tendency to look like a raccoon if things smudged. Oil-based cleansers worked, but they leaked and made a greasy mess in my toiletry bag. The Clinique Take the Day Off Solid Cleansing Balm changed everything. It melts away makeup without irritation, leaves my skin clean and hydrated, and stays solid and mess-free in my kit. Cue the angels singing.

Add a Little Definition (Without the Helmet Hair)

When I want more separation or a little chunky hold at the ends, the American Crew Hair Fiber is my jam. I first swiped it from an ex-boyfriend (no regrets), and now I always keep the travel size in my kit. It’s inexpensive, pliable, adds thickness and texture, and keeps my hair from looking overly coiffed. And who cares that it’s technically “for men”?