Packing for a holiday? It’s tempting to overdo it out of fear you’ll leave behind an ‘essential’ – especially when it comes to skincare. To find out what should stay on your ‘to pack’ list, and what should stay on your bathroom shelf at home, we spoke to Samara Searle, registered nurse and founder of Queensland’s own Beauty Boost.
Since opening Beauty Boost in Brisbane in 2018, Samara has redefined what it means to invest in your skin. Combining medical precision with a ‘less is more’ approach has made Beauty Boost a go-to destination for clients seeking advanced skin rejuvenation, injectable artistry, and evidence-based treatments.
In anticipation of the summer holidays – when tourists will flock to the Gold Coast, and locals will set off on their own adventures – we caught up with Samara to find out her tips for packing a toiletry bag like a pro.
If you were going on holiday, which skincare steps would you prioritise, and what would you leave at home?
If you were going on holiday, which skincare steps would you prioritise, and what would you leave at home?Honestly, when I travel, I keep things really simple. Your skin doesn’t need a full 12-step routine on holiday – it just needs the basics, done well.
I always pack: a cleanser that’s gentle, but still good enough to take off the day’s sweat, makeup and SPF; a good hydrating serum; a barrier-loving moisturiser; and (of course!) SPF. That’s it.
Anything too active – exfoliants, retinols, heavy masks – I leave them at home. Travel already stresses your skin, and retinols make your skin sun sensitive. You don’t want to get sunburnt easily!
What are the best all-rounder products or ingredients to save space?
I love a good multitasker when I’m travelling. Look for ingredients that basically do everything: hydrate, calm, brighten, and protect. My favourites are niacinamide, vitamin c and ceramides. And here’s a little secret: you don’t need a separate eye cream. A great moisturiser can double as both. Always pack smarter, not heavier.
What products would you bring on the plane?
Plane air is brutal. It sucks the moisture out of your skin so quickly. When I fly, I keep it simple with hand sanitiser (obviously) and a hypochlorous acid spray – that’s my favourite thing to take on a plane. I love the Tower 28 one because it cleanses and purifies the skin, and it’s great for skin-barrier health. It also addresses skin-texture issues, dryness and redness, but the best thing about it is it’s antibacterial.
Spoiler alert: you can skip the sheet masks. They look cute on TikTok but they’re not plane-friendly in real life.
Should your skincare change depending on where you’re travelling?
Definitely. Your skin reacts to its environment, just like you do. If I’m heading somewhere warm or tropical, I stick with lighter products, gel moisturisers, antioxidants and, of course, a high-protection SPF. Think fresh, breathable, and protective.
If I’m going somewhere cold or dry, I do the opposite. I increase hydration, switch to a richer moisturiser or balm, use a gentle balm cleanser, and really focus on keeping my barrier strong. Cold weather = dry skin, so you want more nourishment.
What’s your holy grail skincare tip or product for travelling?
Hydration wins every single time. My holy grail is a Skinceuticals Triple Lipid 2.4.2. It calms the skin, supports the barrier and keeps everything soft and glowy, no matter how many hours you’ve been in transit. If I could only take one thing, besides SPF, it would be that.
Just remember: your holiday routine doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be consistent. Keep it simple, protect your skin, drink your water, eat good food and don’t try anything new the night before you fly.
Your skin will be glowing long before you hit the hotel pool!
