At the start of the month, my family and I set off on a three-day road trip to Death Valley. The landscape felt both otherworldly and grounding—vast skies, crisp desert air, and a much-needed pause from the rhythm of everyday life. Between savoring the scenery and family time, I documented the beauty and style essentials I had packed. As it turns out, this little escape doubled as a reminder of what I truly rely on when away from home.
Skincare + Haircare
Travel can make even the most reliable skin and hair behave unpredictably. A few trusted staples ensured everything stayed balanced.
Oribe Run Through Detangling Spray was my first line of defense. Hotel water can be unpredictable—sometimes too hard, other times overly soft—but this mist kept tangles in check with a few spritzes. For cleansing and nourishment, I turned to Moroccanoil’s Moisture Repair Shampoo and Extra Volume Conditioner—hydrating, smoothing, and carrying that signature Moroccanoil scent I adore.
My skincare routine centered on hydration and radiance. I packed the Agent Nateur trio—Holi C, Holi Water, and Holi Face Serum—in a travel set that kept my complexion bright and balanced. These are formulas I use daily at home, so having them with me felt grounding. To refresh, I leaned on Ranavat Luminous Ceremony Cream Cleanser, which removes every trace of makeup without leaving skin tight, and the Youngblood Daily Enzyme Exfoliant Creme, a hybrid exfoliator-mask that left my skin remarkably smooth.
For deeper hydration, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream was indispensable—not just for me, but for my husband and Joey too. Its calming, nourishing properties make it a true family investment. On the body, I used Sisley-Paris Velvet Nourishing Body Cream, a saffron-scented formula that’s as indulgent as it is effective, and always travel with a spritz of Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540, a fragrance that seems to adapt effortlessly to every climate.
Smaller details made a big difference, too: City Beauty Eye Revive Firming Serum helped tired eyes look awake, Kosas Chemistry Deodorant proved once again why it’s my favorite natural formula, and Biologique Recherche P50—a cult favorite for good reason—resurfaced and balanced my skin at the end of each day.
Makeup Musts
When it comes to travel makeup, I aim for versatile, high-performing pieces. This trip’s lineup was streamlined yet impactful.
For base, I alternated between Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (shade 4.5), which adds luminosity whether worn alone or under foundation, and Monika Blunder Blunder Cover in Vier, a creamy, buildable foundation with a natural finish. Concealer was non-negotiable—Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer in Buff is my gold standard, instantly brightening my under-eyes and doubling as a touch-up stick throughout the day.
For cheeks, I relied on Laura Mercier Blush in Fresco, a blush-bronzer hybrid that warms up the complexion in seconds, paired with LAWLESS Beauty Blush in Vintage Love, a plummy nude tone that brightens without overwhelming. To add a subtle highlight, I tapped Au Naturale Multi-Stick in Mine across the high points of my face for a rose-gold glow.
Eyes were simplified with the Wayne Goss Imperial Topaz Palette, rediscovered in my stash and a reminder of how brilliant neutral shades can be when well-formulated. Each shade is velvety, blendable, and long-wearing—the only palette I needed. Brows stayed in place with Uoma Beauty Brow-Fro Volumizing Gel Pomade, while lashes felt defined yet natural.
For lips, I reached for the Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Lip Crayons (Natasha and Ilona) paired with Au Naturale Lip Creme in Me—a personal favorite I collaborated on. The combo created a pinky-beige pout that felt polished yet easy to wear.
Style Notes
While the beauty bag was well-stocked, I also had a few style standouts that made every outfit feel intentional.
The star was the Wendy Glez Catherine Pop-Up Collar Shirt, a crisp poplin blouse with just the right mix of structure and softness. Sustainably made in Los Angeles, its high collar gave every look an elegant finish. Paired with the Frame Le One Jeans, which stretch to fit a range of sizes (a godsend for travel comfort), the outfit felt effortless yet refined.
For footwear, though I packed four pairs, I only wore my Chuck Taylor All Stars—comfortable, slightly elevated, and even waterproof. They carried me through desert trails and casual strolls with ease. Accessories were practical yet stylish: an MCM Belt Bag for hands-free convenience, and a cream Patagonia jacket that kept me warm during brisk evenings while pairing seamlessly with everything I packed.
Takeaway
This short desert getaway was more than a change of scenery—it was a reminder that the products and pieces I return to again and again are the ones that truly earn their place in my bag. Hydrating skincare, versatile makeup, and reliable wardrobe staples not only made the trip seamless but also allowed me to feel like myself, no matter the setting.
Travel has a way of stripping routines down to essentials. For me, it highlighted the value of a detangler that always works, a cream that soothes every skin type, a fragrance that feels timeless, and jeans that don’t punish you for fluctuating between sizes. In the end, those are the things that carry you through—from Death Valley’s sun-soaked mornings to starlit nights.