I'm Traveling This Fall and Packing Light—32 Beauty and Fashion Essentials That Made the Cut
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one Who What Wear team member or friend of the brand will share the top 30 fashion and beauty finds on their current wish list.
Don't get me wrong. I love traveling but loathe packing. I'm a notorious overpacker, and you know that's no good when it comes to things like airline weight limits. My solution? It's simple. I'm trying to pack lighter—emphasis on trying. I'll be traveling to Hawaii in a month and have no interest in paying a ton of money because my bag is overweight, so I'm whittling down my options and luggage size. Mostly, the issue is my beauty products. Those always end up being extremely heavy, but I've narrowed it down to the absolute essentials. For everything I'm packing, from shoes and clothes to beauty items and accessories, keep scrolling.
The Luggage
This is my absolute favorite bag to take on a plane. It's so roomy, has a ton of pockets, and fits under the seat in front of you.
I love July luggage. It's so well-made and durable. This particular suitcase is a bit smaller than what I would normally bring, but don't let that fool you. It's so roomy and expandable—perfect for overpackers like me. I know it isn't cheap by any means, but it's my favorite suitcase and totally worth the investment IMO.
This toiletry case is a godsend. It fits all my skincare and makeup if I remove the insert with no problem.
The Bodycare
I've always been obsessed with Nécessaire products, and this santal-scented bodywash is an all-time favorite. If you love Le Labo's Santal 33, then you won't be able to live without this bodywash once you catch a whiff of it.
This vitamin C body treatment brightens any dark spots I have like no other and gives me that vacation-worthy glow.
Carter + Jane is one of my favorite organic brands, and this oil butter goes everywhere with me—especially on a vacation. It deeply hydrates my skin and smells so good.
I use this body scrub two to three times a week, and it works so well for bumpy texture and body acne. Not to mention, it smells amazing.
The Skincare
This serum is a staple in my routine because it's gentle and hydrating and works great at clearing acne for those with sensitized or irritated skin.
I've waxed poetic about this retinoid from Medik8 because it delivers serious results in record time. It also does so with no irritation or dryness for me.
Another favorite from Carter + Jane, this oil came recommended to me by my aesthetician, and I'm so glad I snagged it. It's so hydrating and gives me a glow without being greasy or breaking me out.
Luzern Labs is my favorite skincare brand, and this lighter version of the brand's cult-loved Force de Vie cream is amazing. It's hydrating and gives me a glow without being heavy on oilier or sensitive skin.
Since my aesthetician put me on a Luzern Labs routine, I never go anywhere without this calming and hydrating serum, as my skin can get dehydrated easily.
This is the best mineral sunscreen I've ever used. It's so hydrating and great for darker skin tones. It blends so beautifully and never leaves a whitecast.
I use this foundation year-round, but it's the perfect vacation companion because it makes your skin look dewy and glowy without silicones or heavy ingredients.
This Chanel bronzer looks so natural on the skin and gives that sun-kissed vacation glow.
I don't usually wear too much makeup while on vacation, but this palette is perfect for adding a little warmth to my eyes without being too over-the-top.
I'm pretty picky about my mascara, but this formula from Thrive is a top pick. It's a tubing formula that really lengthens and volumizes, but it truly never flakes or budges—even after eight hours.
The Fragrances
I've loved Gypsy Water for years, and it's my favorite to bring on a trip. With notes of juniper, incense, and lemon, it always seems to suit the mood.
This creamy tropical scent is so delicious and perfect for a trip to Hawaii. The bottle is a smaller size, so it fits better in a suitcase than most other perfumes.
The Haircare
Bread's Milky Hair Cleanser is a staple in my curly hair routine. It's gentle on the hair, smells like Froot Loops, and leaves my thick curls feeling cleansed without drying them out.
I've been loving this styling cream from Innersense and use it just about every day. It really hydrates my super-dry hair and leaves my curls extra defined and soft.
This is the perfect spray leave-in for when I don't want to wet my hair to style it.
I top it with Bread's Everyday Gloss to lock in hydration and shine.
The Accessories
This is actually a diaper bag (it's great for all the parents out there), but I've been using it as a regular bag to take on trips, and I'm obsessed. It has a lot of pockets, and it's so roomy despite being a bit smaller. The brand also has a backpack in dusty rose that I'm into—you can't go wrong with her.
This little camera-style bag from Poppy Lissiman is a recent favorite—especially for traveling. It has so many pockets and I can't wait to add a bag charm or two to it.
I love the puffer style of this sleek bag. I know I don't need several bags on a vacation, but like I said, I'm a notorious overpacker and have to bring my faves. This one is so cute and goes with every outfit.
I'm completely in love with Lola Blankets. In fact, I loved this weighted one from the brand so much I bought a second one. It's so cozy, soft, and comforting. I'm taking this with me on my trip, even if I have to shove it in my carry-on.
The Clothes and Shoes
This dress is the perfect breezy vacation dress. I love this color but might even snag a few more.
I love a knit look, and this dress can be worn over a swimsuit or on its own.
I'm all about being laid-back on a trip, and these platform slides are both cute and comfortable to walk in.
Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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