Trinny London Stackable Miniature Skincare Collection
On a recent journey, I had packed these with me, and they provided a certain sense of satisfaction. They are incredibly compact and lightweight, but more importantly they are enjoyable to use.
Trinny London’s top-selling skincare items in a small, stackable design, are sorted into sets according to skin type and skincare objectives. A good initial choice is The Non-Negotiables set (£30 on trinnylondon.com) that includes miniatures of Be Your Best Enzyme Balm Cleanser and Bounce Back Intense Peptide Moisturiser.
The Overnight Reveal (£40), which contains Plump Up Peptide HA Serum and Reveal Yourself AHA Exfoliant, is another ideal set to combine with The Non-Negotiables that forms a complete skincare regimen in four delightful pots.
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules Trio Tin
On par in terms of impact but with an even smaller footprint, Elizabeth Arden’s ingenious Ceramide Capsules Trio Tin (£17 from Dublin Airport Duty Free) is a must-have. The compact tin houses 21 capsules that include all the serums needed for travelling (and possibly a few extras): seven of the brand’s well-known ceramide capsules for barrier improvement and repair, seven retinol capsules for anti-ageing benefits, and seven hyaluronic acid capsules for fullness and hydration. They can be used either in combination or separately, it’s completely up to you.
Sam McKnight The Mini Cult Classics Collection
When packing for a trip, why settle for basic mini hair products when you can take the best? Sam McKnight’s Mini Cult Classics Collection (£31 on cultbeauty.com) includes three of his widely acclaimed “cool girl” hair products: Cool Girl Mini Texturising Mist (50ml), Lazy Girl Mini Dry Shampoo (50ml) and Happy Endings Mini Nourishing Balm (30ml), all bundled in a stylish Cool Girl Travel Bag.
Even if you aren’t going on a trip in the near future, treat yourself to this collection. It gives you a chance to try Sam’s superior products without emptying your wallet.
Dermalogica Mini Milkfoliant 13g
Delicate and convenient for travel, Dermalogica’s Mini Milkfoliant is a top-tier exfoliating powder. It is particularly recommended for sensitive, dry or dehydrated skin, due to its gentle combination of tackling dead skin cells while preserving the skin’s moisture balance. Available at Dermalogica.ie for €19.50, this little skincare marvel is both light as a feather and indeed beneficial for all types of skin.
Consistently recommended is Sol De Janeiro’s Bum Bum Cream, a luscious, thick body cream priced at €17.85 for 75ml from Dublin Airport Duty Free. Sinking deep into the skin, the cream not only deeply moisturises but also provides an amazing summer holiday-like fragrance. Smaller versions ideal for quick trips, come under €20, including the traditional Bum Bum Cream (widely favoured), Delicia Drench Body Butter, and Beija Flor Elasti-Cream.
Caudalie’s Vinosun Protect Invisible High Protection Stick SPF50, priced at €18 from cultbeauty.com, is the ultimate solution for frequent sun protection reapplication and simultaneous lip care. Small enough to fit into a pocket, this non-sticky sunscreen balm applies effortlessly on the skin, leaving a radiant glow but no trace.
For fragrance aficionados, an exciting highlight is Chanel N°5 L’Eau Drop, released as a nod to the iconic Marilyn Monroe who famously wore Chanel N°5 to bed. Costing €144 from Brown Thomas, this modern take on an enduring classic boasts a blend of citrus notes like lemon and mandarin merging with jasmine, rose, and ylang-ylang, grounded by a hearty base of vetiver, cedar, and white musk. This vibrant and mesmerising scent is a welcome addition to any perfume collection.