And 100% security clearance…

---

By contributor Allie White.

Imagine, if you will, standing in an airport security line. You’re mere feet from your boarding gate; all that stands between you and the trip of your dreams is an x-ray machine, some overpriced snacks, and a flight. You. Are. READY. Shoes off. Laptop out and in its own bin. Toiletries housed in a clear bag.

Ok, deep breath, you’re up. You make it through the body scan without issue. Shoes come through, then computers, then personal items. Alright, carry-on, the one you packed sensibly and know will fit seamlessly into the overhead bin — where you will definitely get space right above your seat because yes, you will be elbowing your way into a boarding group one to two levels before what’s printed on your ticket — where you at?

Then, the dreaded, “Whose bag is this?” rings from behind the scanner. Mystery solved. It’s yours. And they’re holding it hostage because you packed your entire skincare routine without realizing several of the bottles exceed the 3.4 ounce limit. You’ve got three options:

1. Throw out everything over 3.4 ounces and be on your way without several key components of your self-care routine.
2. Turn around, wait in another line, check your bag, go back through security, and hope your checked bag makes it to your destination.
3. Grab your products, spin on your heels and walk out of the airport, canceling your trip and vowing not to fly again until the 3.4 ounce rule is lifted.

Honestly, less-than-ideal paths, all of ‘em. Instead, let’s avoid the whole situation with a tiny bit of forethought but no skimping on your wellness routine. Below are five products that should be staples in your routine, regardless of travel plans. But if you do find yourself with a suitcase to pack, know that these will not only make it seamlessly through security, but will help maintain your routine on the road (or sky/sea/mountain, etc. etc.)

See ya at the gate!

There’s nothing I love more than a single-serve, grab-and-go wellness product, and nothing fits the bill more than the Wake and Sleep stick packs from Rookie Wellness. Truly, these require next-to-no planning, a relief if your travels include early wake-ups that have you traipsing around a new city, clocking 40,000 steps daily, following a carefully-crafted itinerary. Just throw one in your bag each day, mix it into your morning water, and feel your body recharge thanks to a perky mix of green tea, guarana, and ashwagandha.

And if all that newness and excitement (and time zone changes) means falling asleep is trickier than usual, they've got a Sleep option, too. Full of magnesium and melatonin to help regulate your body's internal clock, you'll be snoozing in no time and giving your body some much needed R&R so you're ready to see more sights the next day.

Science* has proven that, without a doubt, deodorant is the single-most forgotten toiletry while traveling. Having found myself deodorant-less one too many times in a foreign land, my foolproof strategy is now to just keep a tiny stick of deodorant in my carry-on so I don’t have to think about it when it comes time to pack. My current fave: the Travel Deo from Humble; first, because it’s aluminum- and paraben-free; and second, because it comes in some truly delicious scents that keep me smelling and feeling fresh no matter how many blocks I walk in an ancient city full of cobblestone streets.

*Science = my inability to remember deodorant when packing

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it one billion times: SPF IS YOUR FRIEND, ALWAYS. So whether your travel plans include walking around new cities, lounging on a faraway beach, or something in the middle, sun protection is critical wherever you are. The Travel Sunscreen from Supergoop! makes it easy. Weightless, colorless, scentless and oil free, this stuff goes on effortlessly and keeps your skin protected all day long. It's small enough to carry and reapply if you want, but honestly, I don't find it necessary (unless you're on a beach or in heavy, direct, consistent sun). And since a little goes a long way, even though it’s only .5 oz, this adorable tube will last your entire trip (unless you’re on a years-long quest to uncover some hidden treasure in the jungle which, VERY COOL!).

While you’ve likely got the basics of skincare already covered in your toiletry bag, an all-in-one bag (within your bag?) could prove an absolute saving grace for a quick get-up-and-go or bigger excursion when space and portability are of utmost importance. Our favorites within FP’s Curated Travel Bag: a Briogeo hair mask that doubles as conditioner (especially ideal for beach or ski vacations); TSA-friendly Maya Chia’s solid serum SuperBlend; a travel-sized Summary Deo (that works!); a hydrating lip balm from Salt & Stone that’s great for just about anywhere: and No 8 Sleep gummies for jet lag.

Let me preface this by saying that Pai’s Rosehip Oil is one of my desert island products — I will use it until the day that I die and YOU CAN’T STOP ME. Which is why I was beyond stoked to learn they made a travel-friendly size so I could literally have it on my person at all times. Yes, this oil does everything it's supposed to do — plump and revitalize skin, infuse antioxidants, brighten everything — but it is also just generally a delight to use and can actually stand in for several products if you don’t want to pack your whole skin arsenal.

Bon voyage!