We know it’s a hard task trying not to bring every single one of your favourite beauty products on a short weekend getaway. To pack everything you need in a small wheely suitcase can turn into a game of Tetris.

Going on a girls trip? Maybe a romantic weekend away?

Your beauty checklist can have many variables depending on the prescribed activities you have pencilled in, which is why stackable, dual-purpose products come in handy for when travelling light is required.

Read on to find a curated list of beauty essentials that might help lighten that load. 

THE BAG

Here is step one when it comes to packing light. Think of it as your laptop bag for a business trip away, because really, beauty is a full-time job at the end of the day.

Of course, this may not be as functional for when you’re travelling overseas, but since no one is doing that right now, this bag is a must.

You can fit everything in here from your makeup to your toiletries, jewellery and everything else in between.

Shop the cosmetic travel case

$72.00 from etoilecollective.com.au

FACE HALO

You can’t go anywhere without a Face Halo, I know I can’t.

This beauty is one of the hardest working makeup removers around, better yet, it is extremely light and only occupies the smallest pieces of valuable real estate in your beauty bag.

For those of you who like to double cleanse, consider leaving your first cleanser at home and use a Face Halo instead. 

Shop the Face Halo

$30.00 from facehalo.com.au

MICELLAR WATER

Yours truly, the best micellar water, ever. 

I love wearing makeup, but I love taking it off more. For me, there’s no better feeling than an extra clean fresh face. Bioderma’s micellar water is my second step to cleansing skin, we’ve shared many many years together and I haven’t found one better. 

It cleanses, doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils, it tones and it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. Need I say more?

Shop the micellar water

$21.99 from adorebeauty.com.au

SERUM

Serums are one of those products that are really based on your concerns, naturally, there is no one fit for all. But (there is always a but) the Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, is the perfect brightening and exfoliating serum for everyone.

Whether you have dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin, this night serum will give you fresher and younger-looking skin by morning.

Shop the serum

$195 from mecca.com.au

OIL

Having skin on the dryer side, oil is always a must. No matter where I go, I have to bring an oil serum with me. There’s one oil that stands out from all the others, it’s non-comedogenic, it restores balance and behaves like the natural oils found on our skin.

Jojoba oil is rich in Vitamins A, D and E, relieving dryness, dehydration, redness and irritations.

Use it morning and night, it is suitable for all skin types.

Shop the oil

$29.95 from thejojobacompany.com.au

MOISTURISER

A moisturiser should hydrate, lock in your serums, maintain your skin’s moisture barrier and prevent environmental damage to your skin. 

While a thick moisturiser may be extremely hydrating during the winter, a lighter moisturiser during the warmer months can do the same. 

The popular K-beauty brand Klairs, Fundamental Water Gel Cream has a light silky texture with a consistency like custard. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Jeju Green Tea it will leave your skin feeling fresh and well hydrated.

Shop the moisturiser

$49.95 from letsfaceit.net.au

MASK

If you’re only going away for one night, skip the serums and oils and use a mask instead. 

Sisley’s Express Flower Gel Mask works in just 3 minutes! Formulated with a concentration of Lily and Iris extracts that leaves your skin firm, toned, revitalised and hydrated.

Apply it on clean, dry skin just before heading out or if you have skin on the dryer side leave it on overnight and wake up with baby soft glowing skin. 

Shop the mask

$170.00 from sisley-paris.com/en-AU

TINTED SUNSCREEN

Tinted sunscreen is one of the best dual-purpose products when packing light. I love using Invisible Zinc’s Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturizer as it doubles as a light coverage foundation. 

The tinted sunscreen has an SPF of 50+, is water-resistant for up to 2 hours, is non-comedogenic so won’t clog pores and is suitable for those with sensitive skin. 

Put it on in replacement of your normal foundation during the day and for those beautiful sunset dinners by the bar. 

Shop the tinted moisturiser

$33.99 from priceline.com.au

DRY SHAMPOO

Washing your hair is a chore. The thought of having to shampoo, condition, blow-dry and straighten your hair while on holidays pains me to even think about, let alone having to pack all the tools and full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner.

Thank goodness for dry shampoo, Klorane’s Aqua Mint Dry Shampoo is the perfect all in one product to get your hair looking and feeling fresh all through your weekend away.

The shampoo leaves you with a cooling sensation on the scalp, has an invisible finish, adds volume, detoxifies and protects your hair and scalp from pollutants and environmental residue.

Shop the dry shampoo

$15.95 from adorebeauty.com.au

A BRUSH

Healthy hair starts at the scalp and a brush that can detangle, style, massage and exfoliate your scalp is key. 

The Pramasana™ Exfoliating Scalp Brush from Aveda is suited for all hair types and most scalp types. However, for those with very sensitive scalps, we recommend Aveda’s Wooden Paddle Brush instead.

Shop the brush

$49.00 from aveda.com.au

BODY

Tanning before a weekend away is like brushing your teeth every morning. It has to be done. However, we know that fake tans don’t last which is why we love gradual tanning moisturisers. 

Luna Bronze Glow Gradual Tanning Moisturiser is a natural and organic moisturiser designed for everyday use and it doesn’t smell like fake tan! Use the gradual tanner on top of your fake tan to top up and prolong its life or as an everyday moisturiser that will leave you looking sun-kissed.

Shop the gradual tanning moisturiser

$28.95 from mecca.com.au

BODY OIL

Now, this isn’t essential so you can leave this out if you wish but if you have sensitive skin, suffer from redness, acne, psoriasis or eczema and cannot use any old moisturiser, then the Rawkanvas Remedy Body Oil is your go-to. 

It’s formulated with Hemp oil, Jojoba oil and Camelia oil, it’s extra soothing, hydrating and I found that it relieves the redness and itch when I have a psoriasis break out. 

Shop the oil

$55.00 from rawkanvas.com

STACKABLE MAKEUP

Stackable makeup is the ultimate travel essential. Everything you need from a highlighter to eyeshadow is compact into their individual little pot that easily locks in on top of each other.

Trinny Woodall’s eponymous beauty brand, Trinny London only launched a couple of years ago and already has enjoyed sell-out after sell-out and it’s pretty easy to understand why. Keeping things fuss-free without all the BS, her Lip2Cheek colours are exactly that, highlighters and bronzers come in varying shades to suit every skin tone. 

Find your perfect shades using the Match2me tool.

Shop the stack

from $100 at trinnylondon.com/au

A NAIL POLISH

Caught off guard and now you’re going for a romantic dinner after a long day poolside?

HACK: If you love multi-tasking, wind down your afternoon by the pool and put a fresh lick of polish on your nails. Being outside in the sunshine allows your nails to dry naturally faster while your working on your tan. 

This might not be essential-essential, but chipped nails definitely will not look cute in photos.

Shop the nail polish

$41.00 from gucci.com/au