Whether you’re a frequent jetsetter or just a special occasion traveller, packing your toiletries bag and deciding which products are “ride or dies” is one of the toughest tasks.
I often stock up on the “minis” you can purchase at Sephora so you don’t have to pack a full-sized shampoo and conditioner, or I rely on makeup palettes that can work as blush, bronzer, highlighter and eyeshadow all in one.
One of my favourite palettes has to be from Hourglass, which always nails its Christmas collections and — despite the price — are incredibly multi-use and therefore travel friendly.
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But what does a beauty guru and professional hairdresser pack when they go on holiday?
Best Picks spoke to the founder and creative director of Salon HER in Sydney, Michael Kelly, about his favourite carry-on luggage essentials.
Despite confessing to being an “overpacker”, Michael’s carry-on haul is relatively sparse, with skincare mainly from Rationale to get him through.
“I am always overpacking so when I get to my onboard luggage I always try to keep it simple,” he said.
“I love taking Rationale Pre Cleanse Balm on long hauls so I can refresh my skin mid flight. I usually follow with a hydration mask… I love Rationale The Night Crème.”
The Pre Cleanse Balm ($134) is fast becoming a cult-classic for the Rationale brand, restoring skin barrier function with intercellular lipids and ceramides while removing all manner of debris, makeup and SPF from the skin.
The beauty of this balm is that it shouldn’t classify as a liquid in your on-board luggage, so you’ll have more room for the serums that count.
The Night Crème ($230) is a dynamo pot of magic that supports cellular turnover with a “Complex of Vitamin A” — both Retinol and Retinal — that improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while delivering sustained hydration.
“I also pack hand sanitiser, eye drops and my favorite lip balm, BioKiss by Biologique Recherche,” Michael continued.
This luxury lip balm is normally stocked at Sydney-based skin clinic Melanie Grant but it’s currently sold out.
“I also pack my Bose noise cancelling headphones and Kindle for entertainment and a warm jumper is a necessity, even if I’m going somewhere tropical,” he said.
All of Michael’s luggage is packed inside his trusty Rimowa Essential Trunk Plus because “it’s a great depth and it’s sturdy”.
More details about Michael’s award-winning salon can be found here.