I Spent 5 Days in Monaco With a Carry-On—How I Packed 23 Beauty Non-Negotiables

When it comes to traveling, I like to keep it as light as possible. Yes, that applies for overseas travel—I’m not trying to lug a massive suitcase through customs. On a recent trip to Monaco, I knew that I wanted to somehow pack everything I needed into a carry-on

Luckily, packing beauty products into a carry-on suitcase is my specialty. I was also staying at the luxe Hôtel Hermitage, so I knew I could forgo things like shampoo and conditioner since they’d have me covered. Keep reading for everything I did bring—and yes, I fit it all into my bag!

This is my all-time favorite makeup bag. Multiple compartments allow you to categorize your products, and there’s tons of sneaky space. 

I like to use reusable quart-sized bags for my liquids, which feel like both an easier and more sustainable choice than a ziplock bag. These are TSA compliant and only $11 for a two-pack.

This is my favorite do-it-all hair product. It helps curb frizz and flyaways while also leaving hair soft and shiny. Plus, it’s infused with UV protection to help protect hair from sun’s harsh rays. 

I personally love to slick my hair into a neat bun on days when I’m in between washing. To keep it in place, I like using a high-hold hairspray for any stray hairs. 

There is nothing I don’t trust my Wet Brush with. This mini size is perfect to throw in any travel bag. 

I have very dry skin, and forgoing a body moisturizer will never be an option for me. When I travel, I like to bring along this solid moisturizer, which means I don’t have to waste precious space in my liquid bag, plus it’s incredibly easy to use. Life hack: if the hotel you’re staying at has a bath, break off a piece and toss it in for the most hydrating soak of your life. 

This is one of my favorite face sunscreens to travel with because it’s so easy to use, and at makes skin look impossibly glowy. For any no-makeup days, this does the trick to make your skin look incredible, even if you’re jet-lagged. 

For daytime, this is my favorite tinted moisturizer. It was recently crowned the winner in our test for the best BB creams, and for good reason—it leaves skin glowy, even-toned, and gives just the right amount of coverage for a natural look. 

For nights out and days when I want a more glam look, I like to opt for this foundation. It has never steered me wrong—it gives such a dreamy skin-like finish and makes skin look glowy while also having plenty of flexible coverage. 

For blemishes and dark circles, this concealer is my go-to. It can handle anything and everything you throw at it while never looking cakey or obvious. 

I’ve said it before and I’m just going to keep saying it: if you’re going to travel with one makeup product, make it this multi-use stick from Nars. It works on eyes, lips, and cheeks—though it truly stuns on cheeks. 

This brow is easy to take everywhere and makes brows look so naturally defined. 

This is my favorite compact eyeshadow palette. The colors are so versatile that they can easily be taken from day to night. 

I love this eyeliner for both dramatic wings and smoked out, French-inspired looks. 

I can’t stop reaching for this mascara. It makes my lashes look way longer than they really are, it holds a curl, and it never flakes or smears. 

This subtle scent (which has pleasant notes like amber, bergamot, and white musk) is a winner for absolutely any occasion. 

This scent (which is known for being Audrey Hepburn’s signature) is one of my all-time favorite fragrances, and I like to keep the travel-sized one in my carry on for special occasions. 

A matte red lip is tres Monaco. This liquid lipstick was inspired by the color of a rose petal, and it’s flattering across every single skin tone. 

For a sheer cherry pop, this new balm from Summer Fridays has been on repeat for me. It’s glossy but mega-hydrating. 

I’m someone who has about 85 lip products with me on all times. Rhode’s lip treatment gives lips a high-gloss shine, is non-sticky, and it makes lips look so hydrated and plump. I love how yummy the salted caramel flavor smells. 

A barrier repair cream is a must for traveling. This one helps replenish and moisturize skin after a long overseas flight. 

This eye cream de-puffs and moisturizes. It’s my secret to looking like I slept unencumbered in my own bed even if I just got off a red-eye flight. 

I love taking this travel-sized cleanser with me to remove makeup, dirt, and oil. 

Next, Move Quickly—Dior’s Lip Glow Oil (Among Other Faves) Is on Sale at Nordstrom RN