travelling light

Both Vogue and W have one-page stories in their May issues about airline-approved beauty, even featuring some of the same mini-products. I'm a sucker for anything in miniature form, but I've found that the best way to travel with liquids is to pick up a set of refillable containers that take the guesswork out of the TSA guidelines.

This travel set from Sephora includes seven clear containers, as well as a funnel and two spatulas for easy filling. The two flip-top bottles are ideal for shampoo and conditioner, while the smaller jar is great for creams and moisturizers (the larger jar is the only item that doesn't meet the 3 oz. guideline). Both a spray bottle and a twist-top bottle come with the set, and the 1 oz. dropper bottle is perfect for cleansing oils and serums. Also included are pre-printed labels to keep you from confusing your moisturizer with your conditioner. When carrying luggage on, be sure to trade the clear travel case for the standard quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

If you still want to invest in some cute little minis, here are a few of my favorite travel-friendly goodies:

Sonia Kashuk offers quality make-up brushes at reasonable prices, and this Travel Brush 6-Piece Set is no exception. The set contains everything you could need on vacation, whether you're spending it at the beach or in the big city. Housed in a sleek, silver case with adorable Pucci-inspired lining, the set includes a blush/powder brush, three soft-bristled eye shadow brushes, a crease brush and an angled brush.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Skin Care Starter Kit is a great option for dry or sensitive skin. With cleanser, toner, moisturizer and night cream, all in TSA-friendly sizes, this gentle line won't irritate travel-weary skin. Enriched with Vitamin E for exfoliation and lanolin for moisture, this kit contains everything you need to protect, soften and repair your skin. Plus, the set comes in an adorable red mesh case with a matching pink cleansing cloth.

Stella McCartney's Stella is an intense, sensual, long-lasting fragrance. With its sophisticated blend of rose and amber, Stella is one of my favorite scents for evening. So naturally, the Eau de Parfum Roll-On is a regular in my travel bag. With its additional notes of mandarin and peony, just a little of this feminine fragrance goes a long way. A set of four is only $35, so you can afford to keep them scattered throughout your purses and carry-ons.

Lippmann Collection 'The Stripper To Go' Nail Lacquer Remover Finger Mitts are a must-have for on-the-go manicures. The lavender and aloe vera formula quickly and gently removes all traces of polish, and the individual pouches keep your belongings safe from spills. To speed up your touch-ups, try Lippmann's fast-drying top coat, Addicted To Speed. In addition to cutting down drying time, this formula has the strength of a regular top coat, leaving your nails protected and chip-free for the rest of your vacation.

I'm no stranger to sunburns, so Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel is one of my summer staples. The hydrating formula soothes and moisturizes sunburned skin, while gently relieving the hot, stinging sensation that lingers long after you're out of the sun. Best of all, the dermatologically-tested formula won't clog pores or trigger breakouts. Now available in a travel-size tube, this product is even easier to toss into a beach bag or carry-on.

I've written about my love of Benefit Benetint Pocket Pal before, but it's worth mentioning again here. The double-sided wand is a great multi-tasker. With Benetint stain on one end and shiny clear gloss on the other, this product is all you need for a natural flush on lips and cheeks. It even comes with its own handy pocket protector! To avoid spills, be sure to hold the bottle upright when using the stain.

Evian Mineral Water Spray is one of those products that I feel a little embarassed picking up. Luxury water in a spray can isn't exactly a necessity. But after sitting for hours in a cramped airplane cabin, nothing feels more refreshing than this cool mist. That stale, recycled air can make foundation flaky and cakey, so I use this to freshen up and re-blend my make-up when I arrive at my final destination. And now, the mini Travel Trio offers that same cool blast in 1.7 oz. cans. I even keep one in my desk at work for a quick pick-me-up.