9 Travel Editors' Genius Beauty Hacks for Your Next Holiday

Dr. Anya Sharma · 2026-08-15

Packing for a trip is always a balancing act. You want to look fresh in photos, but you also don't want to haul your entire bathroom cabinet across the country. I've been there, staring at a suitcase that's half full of products I might use, trying to decide what actually earns a spot. That's why I love hearing what travel editors do. These are people who live out of suitcases for a living, and they've figured out the shortcuts that actually work. Recently, a group of them shared their holiday beauty hacks, and honestly, a few of these are total game-changers. ### Soak Your Hair Before You Swim This one sounds counterintuitive, but it's pure genius. Before you dive into a chlorinated pool or salty ocean, wet your hair with fresh water first. Think of your hair like a sponge. If it's already saturated with clean water, it can't soak up as much of the harsh chemicals or salt. It's a simple pre-game move that saves your strands from turning brittle and dry. You don't need to drench it, just get it fully wet. I've started doing this on beach days, and the difference in how my hair feels at the end of the week is noticeable. ### The Lipstick-as-Blush Trick We all know the struggle of trying to pack light. Why carry a separate blush when your lipstick can do double duty? The trick is to use a cream or satin finish lipstick, not a matte one. Matte formulas can be too dry and hard to blend on your cheeks. Just dab a small amount on the apples of your cheeks and blend quickly with your fingers. The warmth of your skin helps it melt in. It gives you that cohesive, monochromatic look that's very trendy right now, and it saves you valuable real estate in your makeup bag. ### More Editor-Approved Shortcuts The editors shared more than just those two hacks. Here are a few other favorites that are worth adding to your routine: - **Use a face mist as a setting spray.** A quick spritz after your makeup can help melt everything together and give you a dewy finish. - **Pack a multi-use balm.** Something like a coconut oil-based balm can work for your lips, cuticles, and even as a highlighter. - **Don't forget the sunscreen on your part.** Your scalp gets burned too, and it's a painful spot to deal with on vacation. - **Bring a mini dry shampoo.** It's not just for hair. A little bit on your roots can add volume and absorb sweat on a hot day. ### The Real Takeaway The best travel beauty routine is the one that's simple enough to actually stick to. You're on holiday to relax, not to spend an hour in front of a mirror. These hacks are all about working smarter, not harder. So next time you're packing, think about what can multitask. Your skin and your suitcase will thank you. And honestly, if you can get away with a three-step routine that makes you look like you spent hours getting ready, that's the real win.