Rachel Singer Clark is Because Magazine's contributing Beauty Editor.

With the weight allowance only 20kg, as a make-up artist and beauty editor it was always going to be a tall order to pack all of my essentials for a ten-day holiday to Greece.

Although maybe counterintuitive with said weight limitations, I thought the trip lent itself well to trialing and testing summer’s hottest contenders for the ultimate travel-friendly beauty bag title, so I can pack smart next time round.

Rating them out of five, discover what ticked boxes across the board, where I felt there was room for improvement and what I’ll be returning to use on my next trips!



Susanne Kaufmann, Travel kit-sun

Score... 3/5

Because... Although Susanne Kaufmann’s Flight Kit is designed to be used inflight, with a hand spray, deodorant spray and moisturising spray its core products, it made for a great bag to have with me on the beach and on boat trips. A quick spritz to freshen up was just what I needed before going straight to lunch, but I don’t imagine the deodorant could withstand a full day of sunbathing and swimming. Meanwhile, the vegetable oil and wax-lip balm worked wonders after hours but it didn’t have any SPF, which meant I tended not to use it when I was in direct sunlight as I burn my lips a lot on holiday! However, it is supposed to be used when 35,000ft in the air so I can't knock it for that... 

Aesop are masters of travel kits – with a number to their name, like their Vienna, São Paulo and Rome kits formulated for such locations. For this trip, I opted for their ‘Departure’, which they call “an ensemble for adventurers en route”. Containing seven essentials – the heroes its rose-petal infused mist and resurrection skin-softening hand balm – it served its purpose well as my inflight companion. I’d definitely look to the kit again for long haul flights; it would also be a saviour when it comes to flight delays as it ticks key boxes for its toothpaste and hand wash. However, to really tick all of the boxes, I would love for it to feature a deodorant, an eye cream and a body cream. Can you do that, Aesop?

Includes Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash 50 mL, Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm 15 mL, Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque 15 mL, Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol 60 mL, Rosehip Seed Lip Cream 6 mL, Mouthwash 50 mL, Toothpaste 10 mL.

Aromatherapy Associates, Support & Travel Edit

Score... 2/5

Because...  Dubbed the ‘Support’ edit, Aromatherapy Associates’ did exactly what it said on the tin. On my flight over to Greece, I was suitably supported by the brand’s hyaluronic acid-infused biodegradable mask; in a non-slip lace fabric it’s ideal to wear while nodding off. 

Elsewhere, as my skin errs on the tight and dry side after sun exposure, just a few drops of the intensive skin oil treatment was perfect for evening cleaning and moisturising; adding it into my night cream made my skin feel smooth and supple. Other highlights included the lightweight muscle gel, which was a game changer as I was running and swimming most days, along with  the lavender and peppermint shower oil, which meant I could wash and cleanse off my layers of SPF without abrasion that leads to  dryness. My criticism would be that due to my fervour, the sizes of the items could do with being slightly more generous, ergo the kit is best suited to a short weekend away.

Elemis did a great job of hitting the 'sweet spot' with the size of their products in their set of seven… They are just what you want while travelling! The offering – including a white flowers eye and lip makeup remover, a pro-collagen cleansing balm, a blackcurrant jelly exfoliator, a peptic night recovery cream-oil and soothing apricot toner – covered most bases for a full face cleanse. I particularly loved using the hot towel and cleansing balm each evening; it was the best way possible to wrap up a day in the heat. To give it the full five stars, however, I would’ve loved for the kit to feature an eye cream, a lip balm and a face serum. Hint hint, nudge nudge...

Includes: White Flowers Eye & Lip Make-Up Remover (0.95 fl. oz), Superfood Blackcurrant Jelly Exfoliator (0.5 fl. oz), Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (0.7 oz), Soothing Apricot Toner (1.69 fl. oz), Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (1 fl. oz), Peptide⁴ Night Recovery Cream-Oil (0.34 fl. oz), Frangipani Monoi Body Cream (1.69 fl. oz).

Tata Harper, Tata's Daily Essentials 

Score... 5/5

Because...There’s no going back… I’ve been completely transformed into a Tata Harper addict since using this travel kit! Spoiler: Tata Harper is a staple in my regime as it is. And its seven-step plan – from an exfoliating and clarifying cleanser to a lightweight floral moisturiser and facial serum and beyond – saved my skin after sun exposure. My visage was happy as happy as Larry – calm, spotless and hydrated each morning. I was blown away by the instant results! 

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