Packing a holiday beauty bag is one of those tasks that should take ten minutes, but somehow turns into a full-scale identity crisis.
I start off feeling organised. I tell myself I’ll keep it minimal. Just the essentials. Nothing unnecessary.
And then suddenly I’m standing in front of my bathroom cupboard at 11pm trying to justify why I might need three different moisturisers, two mascaras, and a lip balm for “different moods”.
Every single time.
So over the years, I’ve slowly refined what actually makes it into my holiday beauty bag versus what gets quietly put back on the shelf before I overpack myself into chaos.
This is the real version.
The mindset shift: less but better
The biggest change I’ve made is accepting that I don’t need my entire skincare routine on holiday.
My skin behaves better when I simplify things, and I enjoy the process of getting ready more when I’m not digging through a bag of products I’ll never use.
Now I pack for three things:
Protection
Simplicity
Products I actually reach for at home
Everything else stays behind.
Skincare I actually take
My skincare routine abroad is stripped right back. No extras, no experimenting, no “just in case” products.
Cleanser
One simple cleanser that works for both morning and night. No backups.
Moisturiser
A reliable moisturiser that can handle sun, air conditioning, and whatever else the holiday throws at me.
Suncream (non-negotiable)
I don’t overthink this one. I take a good suncream and reapply it properly. If anything is worth space in a bag, it’s this. Factor 50, always.
After sun
Something soothing for the evenings, especially if I’ve been in the sun all day.
That’s it. No 10-step routine. No unnecessary layering. Just basics that keep my skin calm and comfortable.
Makeup I actually use on holiday
Holiday makeup is very different from everyday makeup for me. It’s lighter, quicker, and slightly more forgiving.
Base
A light powder foundation or powder base. Something quick, easy, and not heavy on the skin.
Concealer
For under eyes or anything that needs a bit of coverage, but nothing full glam.
Mascara
Waterproof only. There is no debate here.
Brows
Usually just a pencil or gel for quick definition, especially since my brows are already tinted before I go away.
Blush
A simple powder blush. Quick to apply, easy to top up, and it lasts well in the heat.
Lips
Lip balm with SPF and one lip colour I can wear day or night.
Holiday makeup is about looking fresh, not fully done.
Hair products I don’t overthink
I used to pack far too many hair products “just in case”.
Now I keep it simple:
Shampoo and conditioner - never to be forgotten!
Leave-in conditioner or hair oil
Heat protectant if I’m styling it
I’ve learned that my hair behaves better on holiday when I stop trying to force it into perfection and just let it do its thing.
Body care essentials
This is where I used to overpack the most.
Now I stick to:
Body wash
Moisturiser or lotion
Suncream for body - again, Factot 50, always. Melanoma is no joke!
A simple deodorant
Anything fancy or extra stays at home.
Tools and extras I always take
There are a few things I never travel without now because I’ve made the mistake of forgetting them before.
Hairbrush
Hair ties and clips
Tweezers
Nail file
Mini mirror
Small skincare tools if needed
Nothing glamorous, just the things that quietly save you when you need them.
What I always leave behind (and used to overpack)
This is where I’ve really changed my habits.
Multiple moisturisers
I don’t need a day cream, night cream, travel cream and emergency cream.
Too many makeup options
If I don’t wear it at home, I won’t suddenly become that person on holiday.
Full-size products
They take up space, leak, and are unnecessary when travel sizes exist.
Hair styling tools I won’t use
If I’m honest, I’m not doing a full blow-dry routine on holiday.
“Just in case” skincare
Anything experimental or new always stays at home now. Holidays are not the time for skin surprises.
My rule now: if I don’t use it in a normal week, it doesn’t go
This is the simplest shift I’ve made, and it’s changed everything.
If I haven’t used it in the last week or two at home, I don’t pack it.
It immediately cuts out about half the unnecessary items.
And somehow, I never miss them.
Final thoughts
My holiday beauty bag used to be chaotic, overstuffed and slightly stressful to unpack.
Now it’s simple, predictable, and actually functional.
I still have everything I need, but I’m no longer carrying an entire bathroom with me “just in case”.
And honestly, that alone makes going away feel easier.
Next up: my full holiday packing list — the realistic one I actually follow, not the fantasy version where I wear six different outfits a day and somehow need three pairs of heels.
Molly
Please note: The Dry Shampoo pictured was previously gifted in 2018.
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