Menu

(Skin Care)

These TSA-Approved Beauty Kits May Skimp On Size, But Are Packed With Benefits

Don't put your skin routine on OOO.

by Natasha Marsh

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: Dec. 14, 2022

tsa approved

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Blame it on bottomless work trips, postponed weddings, and milestone birthdays of the 2020-21 pandemic years, but I have traveled multiple times every month this year. (Friends have even encouraged me to sublet my NYC apartment since it hasn’t gotten much use.) For context: In the course of 11 months, I’ve been to Iceland, Paris, Bologna, Chicago, San Francisco, Cabo, Playa Mujeres, Los Angeles, Big Sky, San Diego, Palm Springs, Guadalupe, Miami, and Aruba. And while this kind of travel can be thrilling on a personal level, the constant on-the-go agenda in multiple climates often wreaks havoc on my skin.

Fortunately, as a beauty writer, I always arm my carry-on with the latest and greatest launches and TSA-friendly beauty kits to combat acne (brought on by said travel and changing seasons) and dryness from the array of environments I find myself in.

These travel-minded items might be small in size, but they are mighty in benefit — protecting my complexion from dryness, blackheads, dullness, and pigmentation. They also help deliver a sun-kissed glow that lasts long after my travel is over. From UV-blocking sunscreens and radiance-boosting serums to volumizing and hydrating hair care products, ahead, 16 mini beauty kits perfect for your holiday travels, wherever they may take you.

Best-Sellers Travel Kit

Best-Sellers Travel Kit

Some kits focus on one area of the body, whereas Malin + Goetz Best-Sellers Travel Kit is great for head-to-toe hydration and glow.

Dermstore Best of Dermstore x Skin Cancer Foundation Sun Care Kit

Best of Dermstore x Skin Cancer Foundation Sun Care Kit

Perfect for those who like to escape the winter chill in favor of warmer temperatures, look no further than the sun-protective Dermstore kit. Packed with PCA Skin Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60, Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray Sunscreen, and more, you simply can’t go wrong.

Barefoot Scientist Nailed It

Barefoot Scientist

Maintain your holiday manicure with this mini kit for hydrated and smooth cuticles and nails. It includes a clipper, file, and cuticle oil.

Beauty Sleep Set

Beauty Sleep Set

Your skin does the most work while you’re sleeping, and this kit from a dermatologist-founded brand is stocked with an eye gel, serum, and face mask that will help the skin rejuvenate itself overnight.

Drunk Elephant The Littles

Cult-favorite Drunk Elephant has a comprehensive skin care kit that includes best-sellers like the C-Firma Fresh to brighten and firm the face and Beste No. 9 to gently remove all traces of makeup.

Coola Organic Suncare Travel Set

Organic Suncare Travel Set

Not to sound like a broken record, but sunscreen should be applied every day – even in the winter. Stay disciplined wherever you are with this travel set of four best-selling Coola SPFs.

The Manicure Kit

The Manicure Kit

Lock in a salon-worthy manicure with Tenoverten’s The Manicure Kit. This collection of tools and nail care kit includes all of the essentials you need to your nails at home, including handy remover wipes to touch up any blunders.

Tata Harper In-Flight Essentials

In-Flight Essentials

This three-piece travel set will help de-puff skin, replenish hydration, and produce an effortless lit-from-within glow.

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Ultra Rich Trial Kit

Bumble and bumble

Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Ultra Rich Trial Kit

For those who appreciate good hair days while away, look no further than Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Ultra Rich Trial Kit. It’s a frizz-fighting collection that combats the effects of humidity and is great for all textures.

Stella McCartney Travel Essentials Set

Stella McCartney

Travel Essentials Set

Queen of sustainability, Stella McCartney’s Travel Essentials Set is a three-piece restorative skin care routine that will bring dewiness back to your life (or keep it intact), housed in a recycled and reusable tote.

Supergoop! Daily Essentials SPF Starter Kit

Daily Essentials SPF Starter Kit

For happy and healthy skin, invest in Supergoop!’s Daily Essentials SPF Starter Kit, which features the brand’s top three best-selling SPF formulas.

Sanitas Holiday ReTreat

Holiday ReTreat

For those who appreciate an adventurous holiday, balance things out with some R&R courtesy of Sanitas’ Holiday ReTreat. With three overnight mini masks, this kit is sure to refresh and brighten any complexion.

Nails. Inc Manicure Me 4-Piece Nail Polish Set

Manicure Me 4-Piece Nail Polish Set

Perfect to enjoy on vacation or in the comfort of one’s home, Nails. Inc Manicure Me 4-Piece Nail Polish Set is a great kit to have in any nail arsenal. The nourishing products will produce healthy and strong nails.

Act + Acre Mini Essentials

Mini Essentials

Remove all residue, dirt, and oil buildup from all-day adventures and come out with shiny, and ultra-clean holiday hair with this travel-friendly kit.

Image Clear Skin Solutions Blemish Defense Trio

Clear Skin Solutions Blemish Defense Trio

For those with sensitive skin, Image Clear Skin Solutions Blemish Defense Trio will help gently exfoliate and remove all unwanted impurities.

35Thousand All Radiance

Glow at all hours of the day with 35Thousand All Radiance. This four-step skincare routine includes a cleansing balm, refreshing mist, moisturizer, and SPF, that revives dullness and protects against environmental aggressors.

This article was originally published on Dec. 14, 2022