Must-pack picks from your favourite skincare brands

Our skincare routines often go in one of two ways when we’re travelling: either they’re so complicated with so many products that we stuff our toiletry bags to the max, or we tend to overlook them when we’re sidetracked basking in the vacation sun.

But it’s when we’re away from home that taking the time to indulge in self-care—especially when it comes to our largest organ, our skin—matters most. And what it comes down to are three core items: sunscreen, moisturiser, and hand cream. So we asked you to name your top brands when it comes to these essentials—and here are some products that make useful travel companions.

Active days at the beach call for a serious dose of protection—and this Banana Boat lotion is ready to go the distance with a formula that is water resistant for four hours. The fragrance-free sunscreen hydrates with aloe and Vitamin E, but also is lightweight, earning it accolades from the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Enjoy all of the sun without any of the shine with this mattifying formula that’s light and fast-absorbing, but also strongly effective with ultra spectrum protection that fights off damaging rays, as well as pre-maturing again of the skin. Best suited for those with normal and combination skin, the sunscreen is even eye-friendly, should it come in contact with your eyes during a hasty application. And most importantly, there’s none of the sticky goop to deal with.

Mineral sunscreen can pull on the pursestrings, but this zinc oxide Neutrogena hits the right notes of quality protection at a drugstore price. The dermatologist-approved brand is gentle enough that it’s hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin, yet it’s tough enough to be water resistant and shield the rays with hefty SPF 50. Just beware the thick cream takes a bit of time and effort to rub in (have a mirror nearby to make sure there aren’t traces), but it’s worth it for the strong, safe shield.

Olay’s not just committed to getting you through the day—it also is working hard to ward off signs of ageing with this multifunctional moisturiser that’s truly looking out for your best interests. Its seven superpowers include smoothing, brightening, evening, refining, moisturising, restoring firmness, and targeting age spots. Plus it’s filled with Vitamin B3 to keep that skin looking fresh and healthy.

This simple formula was made to check off all the right boxes. It’s free of oils, dyes, fragrance, and alcohol, yet is still hypoallergenic and won’t clog pores—plus it has an added boost of broad spectrum SPF 15 to help save time on the go. On top of that, the lightweight lotion absorbs quickly, but has results that last for 12 hours.

This all-purpose daily moisturiser soothes as much as it protects. By combining natural colloidal oatmeal and emollients, the fragrance-free formula is designed to nourish the skin for 24 hours, so that you can focus on your day, instead of scrambling through your carry-on for more lotion.

By combining Vitamin E with jojoba oil, this lightweight cream is quick to take action, rejuvenating the skin on contact. While ideal for hands, this travel-sized product can also be used on the face and body with an all-in-one formula that’s as efficient as it is effective.

Chapped skin can really get in the way of a travel day, but Aveeno is ready to take that worry off your hands. This hand cream goes hard with an intense formula that moisturises for 24 hours—and even lasts through hand washings.

This tried-and-true product has long been a staple of bathroom shelves and medicine cabinets alike, thanks to its tremendous healing power. Just a dab goes a long way (a 56-gram tube has more than 200 applications) and its concentrated power works its magic to turn even the harshest of dry skin back into baby-soft hands. It’s no surprise that the formula originated from Norwegian fishermen who discovered the power of glycerin.