With an upcoming trip planned to a warmer climate- not only do I need to worry about what to pack, I need to carefully plan out my skincare items. For this trip and in honor of the Sample September Challenge occurring on Instagram, my goal is to bring and use as many sample packets as I can.

The majority of the items that I’m packing are products that I currently use or have used in the past. I tried my best not to try out too many products at once - especially since I’ll be on vacation.

Cleansers

Laneige Multi Cleanser- Cleansing and Exfoliating that removes make-up, sunscreen and impurities.

I’ve never used this cleanser before, but I have tried a few other products from Laneige brand line and my skin has responded well to what I have tried. The multi cleanser sample was included in the Laneige Pore Care Trial Kit.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, PEG-32, Potassium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Laureth-1 Phosphate, Cellulose, Lauric Acid, Lauryl Phosphate, Papain, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus / Water Hyacinth Ferment, Mannitol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Lauramide DEA, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Polymethyl Methacrylate, PEG-75, Fragrance

Tatcha The Deep Cleanse - I’ve been using the Deep Cleanse several times a week. I love how gentle it is along with being hydrating. The cleanser starts off as a gel consistency and lathers to a foam that contains sparse natural exfoliants.

Ingredients- Water, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Coco-Betaine, Saccharomyces/Camellia Sinensis Leaf/Cladosiphonokamuranus/Rice Ferment Filtrate*, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit, Sodium Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Silk, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Belamcanda Chinensis Root Extract, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Edta, Fragrance, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol.

Omorovicza- Cleansing Foam (Sample packet)- Sulfate-Free cleansing foam that can remove make-up and impurities. I’ve never used anything from the Omorovicza brand, but I’ve heard good things about them. This brand is very much luxury skincare as the full size of the cleanser is priced at $80.00 and only 5 oz. It’s safe to say I won’t be purchasing this cleanser in the future due to the price. I don’t think any cleanser is worth that price tag.

Ingredients: Hungarian Thermal Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sorbitol, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Saccharomyces (Hungarian Thermal Water) Ferment Extract, Limonene, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance, Copper Gluconate, Linalool, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Edta, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Phospholipids, Chlorella Vulgaris/Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment, Pectin.

Toners and Essence

Son and Park Beauty Water- This has been my current go to toner since March and since then I’ve used it pretty much everyday. I honestly think that using this toner has improved the texture of my skin. If you’re interested in a full review, (click here).

Ingredients: Water, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, PEG-7 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Pentylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Xylitol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Water, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit/Seed Oil, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Rose Flower Oil, Ferula Galbaniflua (Galbanum) Resin Oil, Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract , Mentha Piperita(Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Mentha Spicata Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Octanediol, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Protease, Alcohol Denat., Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol.

Laneige - The Essential Power Skin Toner travel size was also included in the Mini Pore Kit that I just mentioned. I was extremely interested in trying out the toner as a secondary to my Son & Parks toner. I was especially interested for the fact that its specifically targeted to those who have Combination to Oily Skin. I haven’t used this toner long enough to formulate a full review, but one will be coming soon!

Ingredients: Water, Alcohol, Glycereth-26, Dipropylene Glycol, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Magnesium Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Chloride, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance.

Essence

Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence

I’m only bringing one essence as its the only one that I have that is a sample size. I’ve been using the Fresh Essence for almost two months and I really like it. I’m not sure if it really does everything that it claims. I highly doubt that I’ll be purchasing the full size as it retails for $68.

Ingredients: Water, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglycerin-3, Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Diglycerin, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum (Fragrance), Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Citrate, BHT, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Biotin, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol

Eye Cream

Biossance Squalane Peptide Eye Gel (Sample Packet)

I’ve been using the Eye Gel for the past couple of months. I love how moisturizing and how the eye gel helps with de-puffing of the eyes. If you’re interested in reading more, check out my previous review here.

The sample packet should be a sufficient amount for the length of my trip.

Ingredients: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Squalane (Material), Niacinamide, Glycerin, Panthenol, Algae Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Tocopherol, Pentylene Glycol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lycium Barbarum (Go Ji) Fruit Extract, Lycopene, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Skin Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Acacia Senegal Gum, Dimethicone CrossPolymer, Carbomer, Lauric Arginate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Silica, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol.

Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream- (bringing just in case). I’ve only used it a few times; therefore I can’t give a full review. I will say that this the consistency is more on the heavier side. Just based on the texture, I would prefer to use this at night. (Full Review Coming Soon)

Ingredients: Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate*, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Silica, Glycerin*, Butylene Glycol*, Cetearyl Alcohol*, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydrogenated Avocado Oil*, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Mica, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters*, Caffeine*, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract*, Palmitoyl Grapevine Shoot Extract*, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7*, Citric Acid*, Cetearyl Glucoside*, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Tocopherol*, Tocopheryl Acetate*, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Arginine, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Sodium Phytate*, Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide, Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides).

Serums

AM Serum

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum- (image below) The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is my current daytime serum and I’ve been using it for almost a year. I really like the texture and the formula as it’s very light weight, but still effective. For those that may not know, the C-Firma is a Vitamin C serum that is great with correcting uneven skin textures and helps to brighten the skin. It stays active on skin for up to 72 hours and cannot be washed or rubbed off !

Ingredients: Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Laureth-23, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Tocopherol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Glutamylamidoethyl Imidazole, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Glycine, Sucrose, Maltodextrin, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan gum, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 60

MISC Serums

Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen- I’ve been using this serum on and off for several months. I really like that this serum is a vegan based collagen that also contains nutrients such as omegas 3, 6, and 9. I like this serum, however it’s pretty expensive at $115 for only 1 ounce of product! I personally haven’t noticed a dramatic enough change with my skin to justify this hefty price tag.

Ingredients: Collagen, Water, Propanediol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine, Pentylene Glycol, Dextrin Palmitate, Collagen Amino Acids, Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides, Chlorella Protothecoides Oil, Helichrysum Stoechas Extract, Cylindrotheca Fusiformis Extract, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Adenosine, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Palmitic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Amodimethicone, Homosalate, Polysorbate 20, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Octocrylene, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene, Beta-Carotene (CI 75130).

Caudalie- Vine(activ) Glow Activating Anti-Wrinkle Serum (Sample Foil) I’ve never tried this out. But I also have a deluxe size sample of this serum. I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed by a product from Caudalie. I’m looking forward to trying out this serum, but I doubt I’ll be able to see a difference from just using this sample foil.

Ingredients: Water, Squalane*, Butylene Glycol*, Glycerin*, C14-22 Alcohols*, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Parfum (Fragrance), Tocopherol*, Glyceryl Stearate Se*, Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract*, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside*, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid , Phenylpropanol, Picea Abies Extract*, Propanediol*, Acacia Senegal Gum*, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate*, Citric Acid* (193/031) *. Plant Origin.

PM Serums

Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum (Sample Foil) The night serum is 12 percent AHA/BHA serum for night that refines and resurfaces skin. I tried this out about a year ago and I really liked the results. I would love to try using this again. For my current night skincare routine I rotate several acid based serums that contain retinol and lactic acid. I’m not comfortable with mixing too many different acids together or too close together.

Ingredients: Water, Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Buddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Galactoarabinan, Propanediol, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Nitrate, Potassium Sorbate, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate- I’ve been using this oil on and off for several weeks. I really like the texture of the oil. It’s almost like a dry oil and absorbs into the skin very quickly and it doesn’t leave my face feeling oily/sticky. I’m currently still testing out the oil to see if I should purchase a full size. But I think I need to use it more consistency in before I can make that decision.

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Dicaprylyl Carbonate Squalane Rosa Canina Fruit Oil Oenothera Biennis Oil / Evening Primrose Oil Simmondsia Chinensis Oil / Jojoba Seed Oil Coriandrum Sativum Oil / Coriander Seed Oil Tocopherol Lavandula Angustifolia Oil / Lavender Oil Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil Linalool Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil / Rosemary Leaf Oil Citronellol Geraniol Lavandula Hybrida Oil Cucumis Sativus Extract / Cucumber Fruit Extract Curcuma Longa Extract / Turmeric Root Extract Limonene Citral Sclareolide Rosa Spp / Rose Flower Oil Jasminum Officinale Extract / Jasmine Extract Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / Sunflower Seed Oil.

Moisturizers and Sunscreen

I’m bringing an array of light weight moisturizers as I’m traveling to a warm humid climate. I know my skin will not need a lot of moisture.

Dr. Roebuck’s (click here for full review)- this will be my night moisturizer to be used before bed. Although, it’s a light moisturizer, it’s still a thicker consistency compared to the others that I’m bringing.

Dr. Jart UV Sun Fluid- This a sunscreen that sometime I use as just a moisturizer based on the thicker consistency. It’s not sticky and doesn’t leave a cast on my face. But I will not be purchasing the full size of it as I don’t love it.

Ingredients: Water, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dipropylene Glycol, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Potassium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-7, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Disodium EDTA, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Xylitol, Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Rose Flower Oil, Alcohol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Styrax Benzoin Gum, Commiphora Myrrha Oil.

Supergoop ☼ Sunscreen Spray Full Review (Here)

Tatcha - Full Review (Here)

Masks/MiSC

Cleansing Wipes (generic-Pond’s original Fresh Wet Cleansing Towelettes)

This is just in case I need to remove makeup prior to washing my face or if I’m too tried to cleanse my skin. I usually would use Micellar water when I’m at home, but I don’t have any travel size versions of it at the moment.

Etude House Sheet Masks - These sheet masks are hydrating and not sticky. The masks fit my face well and stay in place. They’re also budget friendly. I may or may not be the crazy person to use this on the plane. But I’m bringing 2 just in case I want to share. :)

P.S Prior to using this mask, I was unaware of the full line of products sold by Etude House. I will likely be purchasing sheets mask and other items from them soon.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Mud Mask Purifying & Mattifying- I’ve used sample packets of this mask. The formula is more on the drying side. This is not a formula that I would feel comfortable using on a frequent basis as I like the Lanegie Mud Mask better.

Ingredients: Kaolin, Water, Glycerin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Powder, Capryloyl Glycine, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides, Fragrance, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Gluconate.

Sleeping Mask- Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Sleeping Recovery Masque (Sample Foil)- I’ve used samples of this sleeping mask in the past and I really like it!

Ingredients: Phyllostachis Bambusoides Juice, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Squalane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycereth-26, Water, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydrolyzed Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Hydrolyzed Phyllostachis Bambusoides, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Flower Extract, Lactobacillus/Water Hyacinth Ferment, Theanine, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Kaempferol, Betaine, Beta-Glucan, Niacinamide, Natto Gum, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysilicone-11, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Stearyl Behenate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Peg-15 Pentaerythrityl Tetra(Laureth-6 Carboxylate), Caffeine, Mannitol, Phytantriol, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea, Poloxamer 407, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

My overall goal when packing my skincare items are to find products that will match the climate I’m traveling to along with the needs of my skin during the current time. The size and packaging of items also is a factor. I also like to bring as many foil packet size samples as possible. I know my packing of products may seem excessive to some. But I like to be prepared!

TIP: For sample size packets puncture with a pin to allow an excessive amount of product from spilling out and being exposed to the air

What are you travel beauty essentials? Did I mention any of your holy grail products? Please comment below!