Every Vacation Essential This Editor's Packing for a Bon Voyage

Packing for a holiday can be such a daunting task: you never know what you might need while on your vacay, or what items will just end up as dead weight in your luggage. I’ve certainly made mistakes in the past when it comes to striking a balance, but through trial and error, I’ve perfected the art of packing for a tropical summer holiday. Below is my must-have full-body checklist of items that have proven their worth and will definitely be joining me on my next adventure, featuring skincare to recover from a sunburn, makeup picks for flawless holiday MOTDs, and pampering essentials to get my hair and body silky smooth. No more paying surcharges for overweight luggage – keep scrolling to get your time-off picks ready for takeoff.

No. 1

TOCOBO - Cica Calming Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - TOCOBO

The minute I tried the TOCOBO Cica Calming Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++, I knew it would be a favorite of the summer season. The Cica-spiked formula is just so comfortable on the skin, in part due to the cooling sensation it imparts to soothe heated complexions, but also because it sinks into the skin without any white cast or residue. Once I blend it into the skin it becomes indetectable, sitting just as well under makeup as it does own its own.

No. 2

Torriden - DIVE-IN Trial Kit

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Torriden

My full skin-quenching routine is conveniently packed into a travel friendly kit with the Torriden DIVE-IN Trial Kit, featuring TSA-approved sizes of their bestselling cleansing foam, toner, serum and cream. The DIVE-IN collection is centered around Hyaluronic Acid that builds 3D networks in the skin to retain moisture and prevent water loss. It’s suitable for all skin types to refill hydration levels and maintain a firm and plump complexion.

No. 3

ILLIYOON - Ceramide Ato Travel Kit

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ILLIYOON

To extend the effects of my pre-holiday everything shower during the holiday, I’m reaching for the ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Travel Kit. This kit contains 3 body care products that soften and moisturize the skin with strengthening Ceramide capsules, providing lasting hydrating and soothing effects. Each formula is hypoallergenic, free of harmful ingredients, and safe for all skin types to use – when I’m traveling with others, it’s not just me that can’t get enough of these nourishing picks.

No. 4

Fwee - Lip & Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot

Courtesy of Korean Makeup Brand - Fwee

The Fwee Lip & Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot has gone viral for good reason: adorable monochromatic packaging aside, the soft-matte pudding formula creates the prettiest blurred effect on the lips and cheeks. Cocoa Seed Butter and Blue Agave extract ensure the skin is hydrated throughout wear despite the matte finish. I’m bringing at least 2 shades with me on my upcoming vacay so I can use them as is, or blend a couple together for a trendy sunset blush look.

No. 5

Too Cool For School - Artist Vegan Brush Kit

Courtesy of Korean Makeup Brand - Too Cool For School

Between the cut-throat luggage restrictions and my detestation of having to haul around overweight bags, there’s no way I’m bringing my full-sized makeup brushes with me. Luckily, the Too Cool For School Artist Vegan Brush Kit slots effortlessly into my bags without taking up much space, getting me a seamless blend for my base, cheek and eye makeup. While these vegan brushes are pocket-sized, they definitely don’t skimp on the quality – bigger isn’t always better.

No. 6

Masil - 8 Seconds Salon Hair Mask Pack

Courtesy of Korean Hair Care Brand - Masil

Reviving my strands from sunburn and salt water post-beach day is the Masil 8 Seconds Salon Hair Mask Pack. Believe it or not, this hair treatment works its magic in just 8 seconds: when it comes into contact with water, the watery essence becomes a rich cream that penetrates dry and damaged strands with a formula of 16 plant-based ingredients (Tea, Lemon and Centella extracts, to name a few), working to increase shine, tame flyaways and improve hair elasticity.

No. 7

Haruharu WONDER - Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Haruharu WONDER

Traveling can wreak havoc on any skin type, so it’s important to keep the skin barrier as strong and healthy as possible. Enter the Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence, my latest skincare obsession that’s a new drop from the beloved K-beauty label. This essence is packed with Rice extract, Galctomyces, Bifida and 5 types of Ceramide that form a nutrient-rich milk my skin just slurps up. It’s not sticky or heavy in the slightest, and leaves the skin soft and plush.

No. 8

Purito SEOUL - Oat-In Calming Gel Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Purito SEOUL

There’s always the risk of getting sunburnt whilst on holiday and to be prepared for any situation, from slightly toasted to literal tomato girl status, I’m bringing along the Purito SEOUL Oat-In Calming Gel Cream. This lightweight gel cream features Oat Seed Water as its main ingredient, which is great for calming redness, irritation and inflammation, as well as replenishing lightweight but heavy-duty moisture back into the skin. The formula goes the extra mile to form a protective barrier over the skin, thanks to the inclusion of Panthenol that pairs perfectly with Oat.

No. 9

Dasique - Mood Shadow Palette (Sweet Heart Collection)

Courtesy of Korean Makeup Brand - Dasique

No matter what makeup looks or shades I try, I’m a pink girly at heart, which is why I can’t board my flight without the Dasique Mood Shadow Palette (Sweet Heart Collection) in 06 Sweet Heart in my bags. Housed in 1 palette are 20 eyeshadow shades of matte, shimmer and glitter finishes, giving me plenty of leeway to play around with different eye looks and shade combinations. The versatile shadows can also work as highlighter, contour and brow powder in a pinch.

Be sure to snag the vacation staples before your next holiday! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!