The Skincare Savant: The Only Skincare Products I Packed for My Honeymoon
What I brought, what I bought, the unsung heroes and a few regrettable packing decisions.
Welcome to the latest installment of The Skincare Savant, a love letter to caring for your skin. And welcome to the period between my our wedding and when I actually get our wedding gallery, a time when we all try really hard to stay excited for the wedding content that will come in approximately five to eight weeks. Thankfully, we have so much to discuss in the meantime. Today we’re skipping over the wedding and diving straight into the honeymoon, or at least the skincare products I packed for our two week Italian escape. While you’ve undoubtedly heard me gush about each of the products below several times here or on Instagram, you may be surprised by which products made the cut and those that remained stateside. Of course, no trip is complete without a few packing mishaps and several purchases along the way — and I’ll touch on all of it. You can find every installment of The Skincare Savant here. Let’s dive in.
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Natalie in Italy
When it comes to travel, I have a long-standing tradition of overpacking, over-preparing and forgetting at least two incredibly important items. And while I’ve traveled a lot throughout my life, packing for anything more than a weekend getaway has always felt a bit like calculus — it never gets easier. Over the years, I’ve devised a series of carefully maintained lists of my travel essentials and developed my own packing system to make the ritual of filling my packing cubes a little less daunting. But even when I’ve checked my list(s) twice, run through every possible set of unpredictable challenges and memorized the weather forecast, I always end up forgetting more than just my toothbrush.
But I had been mentally packing for our honeymoon for months before I even opened my luggage. I was prepared to meticulously pack for what was essentially three different climates, a wide range of activities and every possible scenario we could encounter. Of course, I didn’t wear the majority of the clothing I brought and only wore makeup a handful of times but I’m happy to report that I never felt like I forgot something. That is, until I opened my skincare case. While each of the products I brought are *perfect* and main characters in my skincare routines, there were a few hiccups (we’ll discuss) and some products I really wish I had. But for all intents and purposes, the products below outdid themselves and managed to keep up with my very needy skin throughout our two week Italian adventure.
With plans to travel throughout Italy, I was determined to fit all of my skincare in one makeup bag. And of course, it was an easy decision to bring my most used travel case because it has reliable and sturdy hardware, fits most full-sized products and the design makes it easy to see exactly what’s inside. While I won’t be focusing on my makeup in this post, it’s worth mentioning that I managed to stuff four Tom Ford quads and all the rest of my makeup for two weeks in my favorite travel case. — save w/ myskinterest15
There’s a list of products and trends that I absolutely refuse to entertain and the notion that you should use a disposable towelette every time you wash your face is one of them. While I agree that using a fresh, clean towel to dry your face is a must, I’m a fierce advocate for purchasing a bunch of small face towels and tossing them in the laundry after each use. You can even use a fancy detergent if you want! All that being said, I bought a pack of Clean Skin Club disposable towelettes to bring to Italy. I know, I know. But I was concerned about having a clean towel each time I washed my face (which was like five times a day), the chemicals used to keep hotel linens perfectly white and so on. And after relying on disposable towelettes for two weeks, I can confidently say that they’re a great option for travel but I continue to be baffled that people actually use them daily.
My new favorite oil-based cleansing balm comes in a tube, making it perfect for travel. While I was an Elemis devotee for years, I really like this one. It’s unscented, effective, enjoyable to use and a mere fraction of the price of other cleansing balms. Though I still adore the Elemis cleansing balm (save w/ myskinterest), I’m so happy I found a cheaper option that I truly love, highly recommend and have no issues traveling with. Also, shout out to Air Milkshake for introducing me to this gem.
It should surprise absolutely no one that I packed my favorite face wash for our trip. I’m nearing the end of my second tube and I truly can’t say enough great things about it — even my husband (omg) likes it.
I’m a big fan of micellar water and I brought two jars of my favorite micellar pads and finished one along the way (save w/ myskinterest10). While I’ve always used micellar water as the first step in my triple cleanse routine each night, I also carried a jar around in my bag as we wandered through Rome for hours in the feverish heat. They also came in handy post-sauna, pool and other spa activities later on in our trip. Unlike even the smallest bottles of micellar water, these micellar pads really are perfect for travel and daily adventures. — save w/ myskinterest10
I’ve already gushed about this vitamin c serum enough but it’s also perfect for travel because it takes up about as much space as a lip balm. Plus, I never have to worry about the packaging breaking or the product leaking. Plus plus, it’s my favorite vitamin c serum I’ve tried to date.
I absolutely adore this gentle exfoliating serum and it’s been a staple in my routine since it launched (save w/ myskinterest10). While I typically use stronger exfoliating products at night, I rarely go a day without using this in my morning routine. It helps with cell turnover, dullness and keeps potential breakouts at bay. It’s a great serum for those with sensitive skin or who are just starting to introduce exfoliating products. — save w/ myskinterest10
From the moment I tried the lab sample, I was hooked. Truly, this peptide-packed serum became a holy grail overnight and I can’t say enough about how delightfully refreshing and plumping it is (save w/ natalie10). Not only is it formulated with interesting peptides that you won’t find in every serum but it isn’t sticky or too heavy or at all difficult to incorporate into your existing routine. So you can imagine how truly devastating it was when I finished the bottle just days after we arrived in Italy. While I planned to pick up another hydrating serum from a pharmacy to hold me over until we got back to the U.S., nothing seemed like it could fill the gap of this serum. If you’re in the market, I literally cannot recommend it enough. — save w/ natalie10
While a total splurge, this iconic serum is one of my favorites and one of those products I always have on hand (save w/ myskinterest and link). I’ve gone through several bottles and love how it delivers both immediate and lasting hydration, soothes and plumps my skin and gets along with everything else I use. Though it smells like a field of roses, this serum really worked overtime to keep my skin hydrated with I ran out of the one above. — save w/ myskinterest and link!
Frankly, I don’t understand how this serum isn’t one of the most talked about products the internet. I’ve used it for years and it never fails to give my skin that ethereal, lit from within glow we all desperately crave — especially on our honeymoon. Like every product I packed, I think this serum is the best on the market and absolutely worth it.
Simply put, my eye area is competing with the Atacama for the distinction of the driest place on Earth. Over the years, I’ve learned that the only way to keep my eye area from looking like a dried, crusty sponge is to apply several hydrating layers morning and night. And this brightening eye cream is a lightweight serum-y cream that you can use on its own or layer under thicker eye products (save w/ myskinterest and link). It’s one of my favorites for a reason and if you like what I like, you’ll love it. — save w/ myskinterest and link!
Of course, I had to pack my favorite eye cream of all time (save w/ myskinterest). And of course, I also had to leave it in the security bin at Heathrow. While I still haven’t managed to get the Nobel Committee to pay attention to my calls to award this with the highest honor, my children will carry the torch forward for generations. — save w/ myskinterest
If you have dry under eyes, you need this ultra rich eye cream. I apply this over the other two eye products at night as sort of the cherry on top of my eye care routine. Again, I don’t know why more people aren’t talking about this and when we headed to northern Italy, this seriously saved my under eyes.
Hey you! I’m sending out another box of reader mail this month to a lucky U.S.-based paid subscriber. To enter, like and comment on this post with a post you’d like me to see from me, your travel essentials and/or the best chocolate chip cookie recipe. This month’s box will include many of my most favorite things (read: it’s a really good one).
If you’ve followed me for any period of time here or on Instagram, you know that this lightweight moisturizer is one of my life’s greatest treasures (save w/ myskinterest). Unfortunately, I packed it in my carry-on luggage to use on our flight back to the U.S. and also left it in one of the security bins at Heathrow. And like the eye cream above, I ordered another the moment we reached cruising altitude (I even paid for premium wifi so I could place the order). — save w/ myskinterest
When I first received this moisturizer in the mail at the beginning of the year, I put it in my “to get to eventually” bin and all but forgot about it until a few months ago. Now, are prepare yourself because what I’m about to say is going to be jarring, this has dethroned Instant Angel as my favorite moisturizer. I know, I can’t believe it either but this unassuming moisturizer is truly one of the best I’ve ever used. It’s marketed as a “moisture mask” (read: a thick moisturizer) and I use it every morning and night just like any other moisturizer. It’s absolutely incredible and I highly recommend picking it up for the cold months ahead. It’s unscented, filled with skin loving ingredients and is the kind of product that should be winning every single award. If you only buy one thing from this post, buy this.
While I brought my favorite sunscreen along with me, I forced my husband (again, omg) to go to roughly twenty-seven pharmacies so I could pick up more of my favorites and try several new-to-me delights. By the time we landed in the U.S., I accumulated over twenty bottles of sunscreen. Frankly, I’m surprised I didn’t buy more.
In my experience, this lightweight, TSA-approved device is the secret to surviving a long-haul flight, adjusting to a completely different timezone and consuming every last drop of wine and pasta without turning into a puffy balloon. I could write a full post on why I love it (let me know if that’s something you’re interested in below!) but essentially, it’s the device I’ve been waiting for someone to make. It adjusts to your desired setting (cool or warm) almost immediately and never gets too cold or too hot but still effectively depuffs and seems to help relieve some of the discomfort associated with my persistent jaw tension. Plus, the warm setting doesn’t cause my facial flushing to flare up.
Among the many things absolutely no one warned me about is the mustache that appeared on my face once I reached a certain age. And while I don’t need to dermaplane my entire face all that frequently, I definitely couldn’t go two weeks without my trusty face razor. I’ve tried the plastic ones from Amazon and the very fancy ones that probably cost more than laser hair removal but this one is my favorite. It’s simple, works perfectly and the shape/weight makes it easy for me to control.
Obviously, I also packed my favorite lip balm. Though it wasn’t until I began unpacking that I realized I brought seven with me.
Three Products I Wish I Packed and Three Products I Bought
I emptied this serum shortly before leaving for Italy and decided not to bring my backup with me. Big mistake. Maybe it was my strict diet of carbs and cheese or the copious amounts of wine but I noticed that my skin appeared dull, less plump and dim without it. I know it’s rather pricy but in my experience, it’s worth every penny. Highly recommend.
It wasn’t long after we deplaned that I felt a pimple brewing and of course, several others followed suit. While I debated packing my go-to spot treatment, I decided against it at the last minute and ugh, I wish just brought it. — save w/ myskinterest10
As I mentioned above, I emptied one of my absolute favorite peptide-packed serums just days after we arrived. And while I should have known it was running low and packed another hydrating serum just in case, I told myself I could buy whatever I needed while we were in Rome. But I completely forgot about my hydration state of emergency as soon as I saw all the sunscreens and deodorants in each pharmacy. Plus, I couldn’t find anything that appealed to me. I must have gone to the wrong pharmacies. If I could do it over, I would have thrown this beloved milky essence in my bag.
In addition to the twenty bottles of sunscreen I managed to fit into my already stuffed checked luggage, I made a few other purchases that honestly might surprise you. Tret was one of the few products I really wanted to grab while in Europe because it’s such a pain to get here. However, I was told by several people that pharmacists can be hesitant to give it to tourists. But I was convinced that taking a screenshot of the product next to others (like how I share my morning routine) would make it look like I was trying to get a refill and ultimately improve my chances. And it worked! I’m positive they would have sold it to me without the photo (I know, I was really overthinking this one) but either way — good idea to have as a backup! Finally, I bought a lot of deodorant. I know that sounds weird but I’m a firm believer that European deodorant is lightyears better than what we can get in the U.S. and I was on a mission to try a few I had been eyeing for a while. Though I didn't find all of the ones on my list, I did find a new favorite that I’m adding to my next bulk order from Europe (lol).
Tell Me More
Which products do you have questions about?
What other honeymoon content do you want to see?
Do you want me to share my packing tips?
Are you still interested in seeing wedding content? And if so, please tell me!
What product do you always toss in your luggage?
Until next time, follow along on Instagram and browse all of my favorite things. myMusings is a labor of love but it is labor. Don’t forget to click the 🤍 button before you go! Thank you for being here. Talk soon.
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I'm so curious about the Dr Diamond serum you finished???? Also how dare you not tell us what you bought!!
I would love to read more of yours thoughts on the TheraFace Depuffing Wand! There are sooo many good devices out there, hard to sort out which one is *the one* to get!