When I travel for vacation in the summer, I like to travel light.  Unlike some bloggers who think that false eyelashes, travel-size Jo Malone candles and six pairs of heels are necessities, I bring a few cotton dresses, a pair of sandals and as little jewelry as possible.  And since I’m living under the tyranny of the TSA’s 3 ounce rule for liquids and gels, packing fewer beauty products is also a necessity.  Here are a few of the beauty products that you’ll find in my carry-on bag.

1. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray ($15) // 2. Supergoop Sunscreen Serum ($20) // 3. Ouidad Climate Control Gel ($22 for kit) // 4. Say Yes to Blueberries Wipes ($8) // 5. Fresh Hesperides Perfume ($19) // 6. Josie Maran Argan Oil ($14) // 7. Smith’s Minted Rose Balm (tin $8, tube $6)

One. My hair has exactly zero natural wave, but Surf Spray allows me to put a bit of “casual” texture in my hair.  I spritz it in after it’s curled to give it that not-so-perfect wavy look that is perfect for vacation.  And now that it comes in a travel size, I don’t have to buy a bottle upon arrival at my destination.

Two. When I’m going to be in the sun, I might let my arms and legs absorb a few UV rays in the name of Vitamin D, but if you think I’m allowing on sun ray to touch my face, you are wrong.  Supergoop serum provides a base layer upon which moisturizer with sunscreen, primer with sunscreen, tinted moisturizer with sunscreen and face powder with sunscreen can be layered.  And in addition to broad spectrum UV protection, this product also provides healing and wrinkle reduction benefits making it a makeup bag multi-tasker.

Three.  I rarely recommend a product I haven’t tried (it’s on order), but my friend Amy has been campaigning in Florida all summer and swears by Ouidad Climate Control Gel.  She says there is nothing like it for protecting your hairstyle from and hot and humid weather and the dreaded flat frizz.  I cannot wait for it to arrive just in time for the party conventions down south.

Four. Makeup removing wipes are a vacation lifesaver because they don’t count toward your liquids and gels maximum.  My favorite brand is still Say Yes to Blueberries because they provide a brightening, rejuvenating experience.  Plus, they’re gentle on my sensitive skin, which is important when I head off the the higher, drier elevations and my epidermis shrivels up like a raisin.

Five. If you like to wear perfume, a small roll-on container of your favorite fragrance is a must have.  I carry one on trips, but I also keep one in my desk at work for freshening up before happy hour.  This scent by Fresh is a perfect summer citrus with notes of grapefruit, bergamot and jasmine.

Six. As I mentioned above, my skin dries out something fierce when I go home to Montana.  But no matter where your headed, environmental changes, salt water, sun exposure, etc. can have a profound effect on your skin.  Argan Oil helps me ride out my skin’s adjustment phase, and keeps the delicate skin around my eyes, nose and mouth from becoming too dry.  

Seven. Obviously, since I barely wear lipstick, I’m not bringing one on vacation.  Instead, I pack a tube or a tin of Rosebud Salve to keep my lips soft and lightly tinted. 

Any under-3 oz. wonders that you like to pack in your suitcase?