Packing for Travel: Fashion & Beauty Must-Haves for Jet-Setters

Apr 9

Passport? Check. Boarding pass? Got it. Now let’s talk about the real essentials.

Let’s be real—packing for travel is basically a full-time job when you’re a beauty girlie with a love for luxe fashion. Between airport fits, content-ready outfits, skincare essentials, and glam that holds up from takeoff to touchdown, there’s an art to traveling stylish and stress-free. Whether I’m headed to a dreamy beach resort with Luxx Escapes, glamming brides in another city, or hopping on a quick work trip, I always make sure my suitcase is a perfect blend of function and fashion.

There’s definitely been some trial and error across many trips—yes, a few crumpled fabrics along the way and missing essentials. But over the years, I've discovered the secrets to streamlining my packing list without sacrificing style or beauty essentials. Now, I'm excited to share my insider tips, holy grail products, and jet-set hacks to help you travel efficiently and elegantly, just like the beauty CEO you are.

Packing smart doesn't mean compromising your look. It's about finding the perfect balance between functionality and fabulousness. By implementing these strategies, you'll be able to curate a travel wardrobe that's both chic and practical, ensuring you look and feel your best throughout your journey.

From versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create endless outfit combinations to multi-tasking beauty products that save space and time, I'll guide you through the process of creating a travel capsule that caters to your every need.

Get ready to elevate your travel experience and embrace the art of packing light without sacrificing your signature slay. With these tried-and-true tips, you'll be able to travel with ease and confidence, knowing you have everything you need to look and feel amazing, no matter where your adventures take you.

Barbie’s Pro Packing Tips

When it comes to packing like a pro, I don’t play around—efficiency and elegance go hand in hand. Every item has its designated place, and I never leave home without an organization technique.

My secret weapon? Packing cubes. I use them to organize outfits by day or event, so I never overpack (or forget what I brought!). They're a game-changer for organization and maximizing space. Packing cubes are my go-to travel hack. These lightweight, zippered pouches come in various sizes and are designed to fit neatly into your suitcase. I use them to compartmentalize my clothing and accessories, creating a system that keeps everything organized and easily accessible.

I like to pack outfits together in each cube, either by day or by activity. This strategy eliminates the need to rummage through my entire suitcase every time I need something, and it ensures that I don't overpack by visualizing complete outfits ahead of time.

Packing cubes also help to maximize space in your luggage. By compressing your clothes into the cubes, you can often fit more into your suitcase than you would be able to without them. They're a simple but incredibly effective tool that can make a big difference in your travel experience.

When packing my suitcase, I always roll my clothes instead of folding them. This technique not only helps to prevent wrinkles but also allows me to maximize the space in my luggage, ensuring I can pack everything I need. Additionally, I carefully select a few versatile pieces that can be easily dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. This strategy ensures that I'm prepared for any eventuality, whether it's a formal dinner or a casual outing, without having to overpack.

A mini steamer is a must-have, especially when you're working with brides or heading to events where looking put-together really matters. Delicate fabrics like silk, satin, or chiffon tend to wrinkle fast, and having a steamer on hand makes it easy to freshen things up on the go. Whether it’s for your own outfit or a last-minute fix for a client, it’s one of those little tools that saves the day and keeps everything looking clean and polished.

An organized jewelry box is one of those underrated travel essentials that makes a huge difference. There’s nothing worse than opening your bag to find tangled necklaces or missing earrings right before an event. I always pack a compact, structured jewelry case with separate sections for rings, studs, statement pieces, and delicate chains. It keeps everything in place, easy to find, and protected—especially when you're traveling for weddings or special occasions where accessories really pull the look together.

At the end of the day, packing for travel is all about balance: staying organized while keeping your style and glow intact. You want to make sure the way you set up your luggage works with you, not against you. Organizing by category—like outfits, accessories, beauty, and tech—makes it so much easier to find what you need without the stress. A little strategy goes a long way in keeping your travel experience smooth, stylish, and totally stress-free. Check out my Amazon list for more packing essentials that you might forget on your next trip.

Fashion Staples That Travel Well

One of the first things I keep in mind while prepping and packing for a trip is figuring out what I’m going to wear on the travel days—both there and back. It might seem simple, but getting those outfits out of the way early makes the rest of the packing process so much smoother. I go for looks that are comfy, layered, and still a little elevated—think matching sets, athletic wear, or lounge wear.

Packing these key fashion items allows you to get the most out of your wardrobe while traveling by adding versatility to your outfits. Think neutral basics like a classic white tee, black leggings, or a denim jacket—pieces that can be styled multiple ways and paired with different looks from your travel sets.

By mixing and matching, you not only save space in your luggage but also create effortlessly stylish outfits throughout your trip. It’s all about choosing smart staples that work double duty, so you’re ready for anything from sightseeing to a spontaneous dinner out.

Here is a complete checklist of what you want to bring in your suitcase for your next trip:

A Classic White Shirt: A crisp white button-down or a simple white tee can be dressed up or down for various occasions, from casual sightseeing to a more polished dinner.
Denim Jeans: Your favorite pair of jeans is a must-have. They're versatile, flattering, and can be worn multiple times without showing wear.
Black Leggings or Workout Set: Perfect for long flights or comfortable sightseeing days, black leggings are sleek enough to be paired with a dressy top for a more elevated look. A workout set is great for being productive during traveling.
Sweater or Cardigan: A lightweight sweater or cardigan works great for layering and can add a touch of warmth during chillier evenings.
A Versatile Dress: A simple dress in a neutral color is great for both casual and semi-formal occasions. Add a scarf to dress it up or sneakers to dress it down.
Neutral Shoes: A pair of stylish yet comfortable sneakers or ankle boots in a neutral shade (like black, brown, or beige) can complement almost any outfit and handle a variety of terrains.

Of course, when you're traveling for weddings or work trips like I often do, you'll want to pack the specific outfits you've planned for those events. However, if you're extending your trip and want to make the most out of it, these packing essentials are key to keeping things versatile and stylish. With a few carefully chosen staples, you can mix and match to create multiple outfits without overpacking, ensuring you're ready for everything from business meetings to sightseeing, while still feeling chic and comfortable.

In-Flight Beauty Must-Haves

When it comes to long-haul flights, staying comfortable and looking fresh can be a challenge, but with the right in-flight beauty essentials, you can arrive feeling rejuvenated. In-flight beauty must-haves are all about staying hydrated and refreshed despite the dry air and hours spent in the air.

In my personal bag, I’ll keep a small beauty organizer filled with my favorite travel-sized products to help me stay refreshed and looking my best during the flight.

One of my must-haves is the Tower 28 facial spray—it’s a game changer to help with any extra germs and calm any skin irritations I have. I’ll also pack my go-to makeup products in mini sizes, like concealer and mascara, so I can touch up or refresh my look on the go. Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for reviving my hair and adding volume, and a small fragrance helps me feel fresh and put-together, even after hours of travel.

With these in-flight beauty essentials, you’ll be able to stay refreshed, hydrated, and looking great throughout your journey. A little bit of self-care goes a long way, ensuring you’re not only prepared for the flight but ready to take on whatever your trip has in store.

Skincare

When you're on the go, maintaining a simple but effective skincare routine is key to keeping your skin looking fresh and healthy. This may be hard to achieve because of all things such as the dry air in airplanes, changing climates, and exposure to new environments taking a toll on your skin, so you want to make sure that you pack the right products for your skin type.

You still want to be consistent with the skincare products you use while traveling. By sticking to your usual routine, you’re helping your skin maintain its natural barrier and stay protected from the environmental stressors of travel. Packing your tried-and-true products means you can avoid experimenting with new items that might cause breakouts or reactions, keeping your skin in its best shape throughout the journey.

However, you can add skincare products into the mix that will help your skin barrier and prevent any irritation.

Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup without stripping your skin's natural oils. The Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser is a great option for this because it's an antioxidant made with clean ingredients, making it perfect for all skin types. This, paired with the Tower 28 Hypochlorous Facial Spray from your travel kit, creates a powerful combination to soothe and hydrate your skin. Together, these products help ensure your skin is as least irritated as possible, combating any stress or dryness caused by travel. Whether you're facing dry airplane air or a new climate, this duo will keep your skin feeling fresh and balanced.

Finishing this off with the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Moisturizer is an absolute must. This hydrating mask is perfect for giving your skin a much-needed boost after a long flight or a busy travel day. It instantly replenishes moisture and helps to calm tired, dehydrated skin, leaving you feeling refreshed and glowing. With these new travel skincare products added to your bag, you’re all set to keep your skin looking and feeling its best throughout your journey.

Makeup That Survives the Jet Lag

Traveling for bridal destinations as a makeup artist has taught me many things, and one of the most important lessons is how to achieve the ultimate long-lasting makeup routine. As I’ve shared in one of my previous blog posts, Getting the Perfect Daytime Glam While Traveling, it’s all about creating a base that can withstand the elements of travel—whether it’s long flights, different climates, or the exhaustion of being on the go. Over the years, I’ve refined my approach to ensure that the makeup not only stays put but looks fresh and flawless from morning to night, no matter how hectic the day gets.

A great makeup routine starts with prepping the skin properly, as I mentioned before. With the right primer, hydrating foundation, and long-lasting setting spray, you’ll have a solid foundation for your makeup to endure through the day.

These items have stood the test of time, travel, and even the occasional tear-filled celebration! Whether you're a makeup artist on the go or a bride-to-be looking to stay flawless throughout your special day, these travel-friendly tips and tricks will ensure your makeup stays just as radiant as when you first applied it.

As you wrap up your packing and get ready to embark on your next adventure, remember that the journey starts long before you board the plane.

Now that you've got everything packed and organized, consider the practical aspects of your journey as well. Have you checked in for your flight? Do you have all necessary travel documents, such as your passport and any required visas? Have you packed all essential items, including medications, toiletries, and appropriate clothing for your destination's climate?

Remember that the journey itself can be an opportunity for relaxation and reflection. Take time to enjoy the sights and sounds of your surroundings, whether it's the bustling airport terminal or the peaceful countryside you pass by on your way to the airport.

If you'd like to see more of my travel journeys and get a behind-the-scenes look at my adventures, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok. With wedding season coming up, you'll be seeing more content on Cinderella Bridez and Luxx Escapes—stay tuned! Safe travels, and see you out there!