Packing has a way of revealing our true essentials. When you’re standing over an open suitcase, deciding what makes the cut, you quickly learn which products are non-negotiable and which ones only take up space. Last week, I had the luxury of putting this theory into practice during a blissful family escape to the desert. Because the trip was close enough to drive, I didn’t need to be restrictive—I tossed in nearly everything I thought I might need. The best part? After a week of sun, pool time, and plenty of relaxation, I now know exactly what I actually used and loved.
Skincare Staples
The desert climate can be relentless on skin, so hydration was my top priority. For the face, three products became my daily anchors: *MAKE Succulent Skin Gel Cream for its featherlight yet powerful hydration, the ever-reliable Augustinus Bader The Cream, and *U Beauty The Super Smart Hydrator, which creates that coveted glass-skin finish on contact. I also trialed the soon-to-launch *Saint Jane Petal Cream—silky, lightweight, and perfectly in line with the brand’s luxe ethos—and the nutrient-rich *LULAAV Face Serum, a hidden gem powered by date fruit extract.
For eyes, the Agent Nateur holi glow Ageless Eye Serum was in constant rotation, softening fine lines while adding a subtle, lit-from-within glow.
Body care was equally important. The *Mila Moursi Firming Body Lotion revived skin after long afternoons in the sun, while *Sisley Paris Le Sculpteur offered a taut, toned effect that made me feel polished even in swimwear. Evenings ended with a spritz of *Alo Glow System Magnesium Reset Spray—a ritual that guaranteed the most restful desert sleep.
Sun Protection
A desert getaway is incomplete without serious SPF. My family and I relied on a handful of sunscreens that never let us down. For arms and legs, *Supergoop! Play SPF 50 was my go-to. On my son Joey, I alternated between *Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF 50 and the adorable (and practical) *Putissu Safe Baby Mild Sun Cushion SPF 50 for quick touch-ups. My husband and I both gravitated toward the *Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40, which impressed me with its smooth, lightweight texture and invisible finish. Zero sunburns all week—a victory in itself.
Haircare + Cleansing Essentials
Haircare can be tricky in a dry climate, but the *Meaningful Beauty Strengthening Shampoo and *Smooth & Shiny Conditioner kept my hair healthy and manageable. The shampoo’s gentle AHA formula clarified without stripping, while the conditioner smoothed frizz and added strength.
For cleansing, I rotated between the *107 Chaga Jelly Low pH Cleanser (a new discovery I now swear by) and the indulgent *Clé de Peau Beauté Skin Refining Clay Scrub. For body, the *Kosasport Good Body Skin made showers feel like a spa treatment with its AHA-rich formula. To enhance natural highlights, I used *Oribe Bright Blond Sun Lightening Mist—peroxide-free and desert-approved—and finished with *Hair Rituel by Sisley Cream 230 for detangling and shine.
Supplements for Wellness
Wellness doesn’t take a vacation, so I brought along a few travel-friendly boosts. *MixHers HerPower packets kept my energy and focus steady throughout the week, while *Pique Tea Earl Grey offered a sugar-free, refreshing alternative. For immunity, the *Naked C powder was a daily ritual, and I continued my routine of Agent Nateur Holi Mane collagen and pearl powder, which has made a noticeable difference in my hair, skin, and nails over the past few months.
Travel Bags That Deliver
Packing was made infinitely easier thanks to two organizational heroes. The *Vacationer KUSSHI Bag held my delicate skincare and makeup essentials with ease, while the *Leo Gonta Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag (in a chic green) proved both practical and space-saving with its roomy, waterproof compartments.
Makeup: Streamlined and Sun-Proof
Despite overpacking, my makeup routine stayed simple and consistent. For base, I alternated between *Colorescience Flex SPF 50 in Medium and Tan, often mixing the two with the sheer, luminous Huda Beauty GloWish Skin Tint in Medium. The result? A natural, flawless finish that held up beautifully in the heat.
For concealer, *BeautyPie Superluminous Undereye Genius brought brightness under my eyes, while Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer remained my gold-standard multitasker. Bronzer came courtesy of Huda Beauty GloWish Bronzer in Medium, while the Nude Envie Powder Blush in Enamor added the perfect flush of soft pink.
Highlighters were minimal but effective: the Givenchy Teint Couture Highlighter for a subtle glow and the *Revlon Rose Glow Face Gloss for hydration and radiance.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, the act of packing for Palm Springs was clarifying in the best way. It revealed what I truly reach for, what delivers results, and what deserves space in my daily routine. From sunscreens that shielded us from the harsh desert rays to wellness powders that kept me balanced, this trip was proof that when you choose wisely, you don’t actually need everything—just the right things.
Bottom line: Packing may feel daunting, but it’s one of the best ways to discover what you really value. Whether it’s a serum that never lets you down or a concealer that saves the day, the products that make it into your suitcase often say the most about your routine.
Good things ahead—including new discoveries I can’t wait to share, beauty launches on the horizon, and, of course, more travel-tested favorites.