I recently went on a trip to Las Vegas for a friend's birthday and found myself faced with a unique challenge: What on Earth do I pack? There's nothing I hate in the world more than packing. If I could have someone pack for me, I would. That being said, I also hate being unprepared, so I try to pack smartly.
As a beauty editor, my packing list obviously consists of a lot of beauty products. There are a few items I can't imagine leaving home without, and on a trip like this one, I also wanted to try out some fun beauty trends. (Face jewels, anyone?)
My rules for packing are simple: make sure you have what you need for every feasible situation, try not to overpack (but definitely don't underpack), and make a sustainable choice whenever possible. With the right packing accessories, you likely won't need to buy any travel-sized items—trust me on that. Below, find everything beauty related I brought with me in my carry-on, and yes, it all fit in that one bag.
I've had this makeup bag for years, and it's never failed me. It fits so much in it, and I love that there are multiple compartments so you can categorize your products.
Lermende
Clear Toiletry Bag
I hate trying to fit all of my liquids into a ziplock bag. It's always a tight squeeze, the zipper always seems to break, and it also feels like a huge waste of plastic. I like to use reusable quart-sized bags for my liquids. These are TSA compliant and only $11 for a two-pack.
Stasher
Platinum Silicone Food Grade Reusable Storage Bag
Another favorite bag for traveling, this sandwich-sized bag is leak-proof and so easy to use.
Kitsch
Refillable Flat Pouch Travel Bottles Set
When it's possible, I try to avoid buying travel-sized versions of items I already own. It feels wasteful to me when I could just put products into travel-sized liquid pouches. These are my favorite because they fit in everything and are spill resistant.
Skincare:
111Skin
Sub-Zero De-Puffing Energy Mask Box
If you're going somewhere like Las Vegas, you're going to want a good de-puffing mask. This one has caffeine to give your skin a jolt of energy.
Dr. Jart+
Cryo Rubber Masks With Moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid
I like to give myself options when it comes to masking. I'm from Colorado, and I know how dry it can get out west, so I also made sure to pack this deeply moisturizing cryo mask to use post-airplane.
Eye masks are also a must for me on vacation. They're one of those things you won't think to bring until you wish you had them with you. These help calm, de-puff, and firm the skin under your eyes.
Joanna Vargas
Bright Eye Firming Mask
As I said, I like to give myself options! I packed these in case I had a night without a proper amount of sleep. (Spoiler alert: It's tough not to in Las Vegas.) The peptides in this mask help diminish dark circles and brighten under-eye skin.
Susanne Kaufmann
Hyaluron Serum
My skin gets dry really easily, and I like to use hyaluronic acid to combat dryness ASAP. This serum gets deep into the skin, infusing tons of moisture when you need it. I like applying it over a face mist at home, but putting it on immediately post-shower works in a pinch.
Versed
Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
I like bringing cleansing balms with me on vacation because they're solids (so easy to pack), and they help take off makeup seamlessly.
Supergoop!
GlowScreen SPF 40
This is my favorite sunscreen of all time, and I refuse to travel without it. It makes the skin incredibly glowy. During the day, I like to only use GlowScreen and some concealer. It also acts as a makeup primer if you want to do a full face.
Habit
N°38 Facial Sunscreen Mist With SPF 38
I honestly don't know what I was doing before I found this sunscreen mist. As far as the sun goes, this checks all my boxes. It has SPF 38, goes on in a superfine mist, is easy to reapply as needed, and sets makeup. I even found myself spritzing it onto my shoulders whenever I felt they were getting too much sun. Plus, it smells incredibly refreshing.
Skinceuticals
Emollience
When I'm traveling, I like to stick with the basics for skincare. This rich, frill-free moisturizer helps revive and plump my skin.
Skinceuticals
A.G.E. Eye Complex
Eye masks help with de-puffing and minimizing dark circles, but I'm a die-hard eye-cream fanatic, and this one always comes with me when I travel. It moisturizes and works to stop puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines in their tracks.
Neutrogena
Makeup Remover Cleansing Face Wipes
I am truly not a makeup-wipe person, but I keep a pack of Neutrogena makeup wipes with me when I travel in case I need them, and I nearly always do. I find makeup wipes a bit wasteful, but I feel better knowing these are now made with plant fibers to be compostable at home.
Ilia
Lip Wrap Reviving Balm
I can't go anywhere without lip balm. This balm from Ilia delivers both instant and long-lasting moisture thanks to hyaluronic acid and sea succulent.
A lip balm with sunscreen is always a good idea to bring on the go, and this one smells divine.
Makeup:
R.E.M. Beauty
Dream Lashes
I'm not fan of false lashes but if there's one place I'm going to wear fake lashes, it's Las Vegas. These lashes from Ariana Grande's line convinced me that maybe I need more falsies in my life. They're flattering and not too long and look much more expensive than they are.
Ardell
Duo Lash Adhesive Clear
This is the holy-grail lash adhesive. For seamless application, apply an even coat to lashes and let it dry until it's tacky before trying to adhere them.
Arches
Halos
Surgical Stainless Steel Brow Tweezers
It's always good to have tweezers with you, whether to pluck a stray hair or to help you apply false lashes or gems.
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Face and Body Gems
Face gems are majorly trending, and I love that these ones come in multiple sizes. Plus, they're just $3.
Saie
Hydrabeam Brightening + Hydrating Under Eye Concealer
Saie's newest makeup product doesn't disappoint. It hydrates, brightens, and hides imperfections, all while looking like skin.
Sigma Beauty
Soft-Blend Brush Set
In my book, these brushes work for just about everything. I always throw them in my travel bag.
Merit
Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm
For a natural-looking, controlled glow, I reach for this Merit highlighting stick, which is easy to pack.
Lorac
Pro Palette Noir
For how compact this palette is, it has so many colors, which makes it a traveler's dream. The colors are buildable, blendable, and highly pigmented.
Tom Ford
Ultra Shine Lip Color in Aphrodite
I cannot stop wearing this sultry plum-toned lip color.
Refy
Lip Sculpt Lip Liner and Setter
The second I tried this lip liner and setter, I knew the duo was going to be on heavy rotation. Once it's on, it doesn't budge. The fine tip allows you to have tons of control when applying.
Givenchy
Prisme Libre Loose Setting and Finishing Powder
This is the only setting powder I will touch. It's so finely milled that it doesn't look cakey or leave any residue. It just makes your makeup look natural and finished perfectly.
Saie
Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer
This bronzer is lightweight, blends easily, and gives you a naturally sun-kissed glow.
YSL Beauty
Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara
Out of every mascara I own (and I own many), I chose to bring this one because I'm pretty sure it would last through an extreme weather event. I have dry eyes, and they chose to act up in Vegas, but my mascara stayed in place the entire time.
Charlotte Tilbury
The Super Nudes Duo Liner
I would use this dual-ended eyeliner for any and all ocassions. It works so well for sharper eyeliner or more diffused looks.
Kimiko
Super Fine Eyebrow Pencil Automatique
This eyebrow pencil lets me draw hairlike strokes that look completely natural. It also stays on without smudging or smearing.
Kimiko
The Brow Sensei
I always top off my brow pencil with clear gel to ensure my eyebrows stay locked in place.
Charlotte Tilbury
Luxury Palette in Pillow Talk Dreams
Charlotte Tilbury eye shadows are truly a dream. This compact palette comes in ultra-flattering rosy shades, and they don't budge or have any fallout, even if you don't use primer (which I didn't bring).
Chanel
Rouge Allure Ink in Choquant
I love a matte red lip, but I want it to feel comfortable and not drying. Chanel's Rouge Allure Ink is my favorite liquid lipstick for the perfect red lip every time.
Jones Road
The Best Eyeshadow in Ash
I consider this single eye shadow to be the ultimate eye definer.
Tweezerman
ProCurl Eyelash Curler
I will never go anywhere without curling my lashes. This gives them the perfect coif that stays for hours.
Tower 28 Beauty
BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush
This is my ideal blush, because it's endlessly multipurpose and so blendable. The color is highly pigmented but diffuses easily. I like blending this into my eyes for a simple, rosy glow all over.
Nars
Pencil Sharpener
Pro tip: never leave the state without a eyeliner sharpener.
Body:
Kate McLeod
Daily Stone Solid Body Moisturizer
Say it with me: Solid travel products are always smart. I can't go anywhere without body lotion in fear of my skin turning into a desert, so I like to bring this solid body moisturizer with me on trips. It's easy to use and mess-free.
Plus
Summer Body Wash
In my opinion, this might be the most clever and innovative product I own. I always take this bodywash with me to travel because the packet dissolves in the shower, meaning I don't have to take anything home (or feel wasteful).
Shiseido
Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen
I squeezed some of this into one of my liquid travel pouches so I could bring my own sunscreen. This one is extra protective since it gets more effective as it's exposed to water and heat.
Tom Ford
Mini Soleil Neige Shimmering Body Oil
I've had this body oil for a bit and have wondered when I'm ever going to use it. The answer: Las Vegas. It actually gives skin a very subtle, pretty shimmer and smells like the cult-favorite Soleil Neige fragrance. I'm going to start wearing it more often.
Dove
Advanced Care 48-Hour Cool Essentials Antiperspirant
Deodorant Stick
I did end up buying a travel-sized deodorant. This scent is refreshing, and it provides 48-hour protection.
Ellis Brooklyn
Salt Eau De Parfum
This is one of my all-time favorite perfumes, and it's perfect for anywhere with hot weather since it smells like the ocean and tropical florals.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Baccarat Rouge 54
I had a small bottle of this lying around, so I tossed it in my carry-on, and I'm glad I did. This perfume guarantees endless compliments.
Beia
Refresh Wipes
Since it's hot in Nevada and I knew I'd be spending time at the pool, I wanted to bring along a few body wipes to freshen up if needed.
Hair:
Nolé
Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Set
Once again, I opted for a solid product to toss into my reusable bag for shampoo and conditioner. These are deeply hydrating and easy to use.
Sol de Janeiro
Brazilian Joia Milky Leave-In Conditioner
I'm a hair minimalist, and luckily, Sol de Janeiro's newest hair product lets me continue being one. This multitasking product protects from heat, tamps down on frizz, and hydrates hair.
Wet Brush
Original Detangler Hair Brush
Wet or dry, I use this brush for every ocassion. It never causes any snags and keeps my hair tangle-free.
Bed Head
Curlipops 1-Inch Tourmaline Ceramic Tapered Styling Iron
I used the hotel's hair dryer but popped in some curls with this wand, which I've been using for years.
Prior to her time atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
, Katie Berohn worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan; a digital editorial internship at New Yorkmagazine's The Cut; a social good fellowship at Mashable; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles.