True story: I will do just about anything to avoid checking a bag. Whether I'm headed out on a weekend getaway or a two-week international trip, I do my very best to limit myself to whatever will fit in a single carry-on roller and a tote.
The problem is that I also happen to have a wildly extensive skincare and getting-ready routine, a proclivity for wearing multiple outfits a day, and a crippling fear of not having exactly the thing I need at exactly the moment I need it. (Lol, I am *a lot* of fun to travel with, clearly. A real low-maintenance kinda gal!)
So, not to brag, but over the years I've gotten my packing down to a bit of a science. I have a borderline-obsessive process (which involves keeping ongoing lists in my phone at all times for any upcoming excursions) and some go-to products and clothing staples that make the whole thing a little bit easier. Here are a few of those essentials.
Glow Up
A Tasty Lozenge
Nothing ruins a trip faster than a dry or scratchy throat, so I always keep a stash of Ricola drops in my bag. I like the Cherry flavor, which has this really nice, subtle sweetness and ever-so-slightly herby flavor.
A High-Tech Facial Device
I kind of want to gatekeep this genius tool, but I won't. I swear this is my secret to depuffing and revealing my cheekbones after any amount of travel or late nights. I don't go anywhere without it. It's super-pricey, but I find the effects comparable to those from any kind of fancy in-spa sculpting facial so…that means it pays for itself, right?
A Refreshing Face Mist
Never underestimate the power of a little spritz of setting spray to bring your skin back to life post-travel (or to cool down at the beach).
Dress for Success
A Chic Matching Set
I love that I can throw this on in the morning to go grab coffee, wear it over a swimsuit as a cover-up, or pair it with heels to go out to dinner…or even mix and match with other pieces for even more outfit combos. This cute black and white one will be getting a lot of wear this summer.
A Blingy Bikini
Again, sparkles are always a yes from me.
Top Off My Look
A Dressy Flat Sandal
Since just about everything in my carry-on needs to do (at least) double duty, I love these sandals that can be dressed up or down and take up almost no space.
A No-Mirror-Needed Lip Product
I have one of these in every purse—I'm a little bit addicted. It's just the right amount of color, and I love how moisturizing it is.
A Signature Perfume
Beyond the fact that this travel container is adorable, I gravitate to this Tom Ford scent because the cherry notes feel summery in a way that stands out in the sea of coconut- and citrus-based perfumes.
A Sun-Blocking Hat
Let's be honest: I spend far too much on skincare products to undo that work by letting my face get exposed to strong rays all day!
A Versatile Purse
Back on the doing-double-duty theme: This bag earns the space it takes up thanks to the many ways it can be worn or styled. I wear it as a crossbody to glam up a casual outfit, or by just the shoulder strap for evening. (And yes, IMO, sequins are appropriate for all occasions.)
A Colorful Pair of Sunglasses
I like to stick to a pretty basic palette when I pack for a quick trip, so a pair of red sunglasses is an easy way to liven things up.
Art direction by Jessica Tsouplakis; creative production by Hannah Miller; photography by Chelsea Kyle; prop styling by JoJo Li.
