I recently traveled to Italy, and you guys have been loving my “unsexy things I do to stay hot” series, so it felt like the perfect time to tie that into my travel routine. With spring and summer trips coming up, I wanted to share the not-so-glamorous essentials I always pack that actually make the biggest difference and keep me feeling and looking my best at 40. Everything is linked in the title!

Travel-sized cleansing balm

Always! Just because I’m traveling doesn’t mean I’m not double cleansing every night.

Clean skin club towels

I never use the hotel towels to wipe my face.

Facial mist

This is different from a toner. I keep my skin fresh on flights, trains, and long car rides with this.

Overnight collagen mask

I like this overnight on flights. It locks in hydration and keeps bacteria out, and peels off easily when you wake up.

Collagen peptides

I’m not guaranteed to have protein for breakfast so collagen in my matcha is a good way to get a little in.

Instant glow face & body bronzer

I don’t spray tan before a trip if I don’t have to. Especially if it’s not a warm trip, but I might want a little color on my chest or arms, I love this body bronzer that washes right off. I use this brush too.

Travel shampoo & conditioner

My hair is finicky and doesn’t always respond well to other products. I love the Moroccanoil brand.

Hot thermal round brush

I don’t know how I lived before this! It is the only styling tool I need. I can deal with a hotel hairdryer and this does it all (straightens, curls, waves under).

Hair spray

The Crown Affair is my favorite. It’s a light hold, and your hair isn’t crunchy the next day, so you can restyle if you need.

Hair oil

My favorite is Kérastase! This makes my hair so shiny (and it smells really good too).

Silk hair scrunchie

Silk hair scrunchies keep my hair soft, shiny, smooth, and breakage-free. I wrap my hair in a loose bun, and this usually holds the style overnight.

Book light

Good sleep is beauty sleep! On the plane, in the hotel, I swear by this amber reading light to help drift me to sleep instead of bright blue lights or screens.

Magnesium complex

These help my body recover from stress and jet lag. I sleep better when I take these, and as a bonus, they taste like dessert.

Peptide lip treatment

Dry and cracked lips are not sexy. A good lip treatment is essential on the plane and just always. This quenches the lips fast.