I am overall ever the light traveller, but rarely compromise on skincare. This can potentially mean forgoing traveling with a carry-on only, but on the other hand can save huge amounts of hassle (and often money) when there’s no panicky rush at the destination to run after missing items.

Trying out new and interesting skincare products during a work-trip, or even a vacation, is rarely a good idea. It is a particularly bad idea if the conditions in location are particularly harsh on skin (cold, wind, central heating, big changes in temperature outdoors/indoors, hot air blasting like a maniac on your face at the entrance of every public building, you get the idea). I came prepared, and am herewith sharing my stash of extreme heavy-hitters:

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm
Dry and reactive skin still needs to be properly cleansed, but I find most gel cleansers to be too drying. Hardie’s melting balm washes off with water or can be removed with a flannel. It smells lovely, is cruelty-free, made in the UK, 100% vegan, no animals were harmed, contains no mineral oils/parabens and such, and the brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary so they have good offers going on their website right about now.

Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator and Chanel Hydra Beauty Essence Mist
You can argue that facial toner is basically scented water and thus waste of money and time. I don’t care, and also I don’t think so. When the air is so dry it makes your face bloody sing post-cleanse, you’ll do good with a spritz of calming toner before slapping on the serum. Fancy people carry a moisturising mist with them at all times, and remember to use it. I am also a fancy people, but never remember to stop and mist my face during the day.

It’s an absolute must during the skincare routine, though, regardless of how many steps yours includes. Rosebrook is a fantastic brand and their mist is all-organic, all-fabulous. Chanel was an impulse buy at the airport, and probably works better during the summer.

Evening serums: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 and Zelens Power D Provitamin
Given that I’m taking vitamin D internally, I thought it must be doing some good taken externally as well. Caroline Hirons raved about this serum in one of her vlogs and, well, sold. It does seem to add a solid moisturising barrier under a night cream, and I haven’t experienced any elements-related breakouts since using it.

Because there aren’t enough things to worry about in life, I thought to add my wrinkles in the pile that stresses me out, and decided to try out a new retinol-routine (I have good experiences from bakuchiol and other retinol-alternatives). Medik8 is a serious retinol brand that do various strengths of the stuff, and mine is one of the mildest deals they have. I’ve only just started, so I don’t have results to report back yet.

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
I don’t think there’s a particular need to sing further praise to this liquid gold – I love, love, love it. Yes, it is extortionately priced, but unless you are 15 years old and spend your life cocooned by soft, temperature-controlled kittens, enjoy a perfectly balanced diet and never, ever stress, I consider the product fully justified. During summer, it does the job of a serum and moisturiser.

Sunday Riley Auto-Correct
Must not forget the delicate skin around eyes. Must not.

I am the world’s sloppiest user of eye cream. I have tried many, and barely stick to this one, which already says a lot. About the product (not about me).

Morning serum: Alpha H Vitamin B
I am not a green juice person at any time of the day, but especially not in the mornings. Therefore I try to take in my vitamins via other means – such as by applying them on my face. Not only does this serum fight premature ageing, it also takes on daily environmental elements. It contains copper tripeptide, which sounds serious business. I really like this one.

Zelens Daily Defence Sunscreen SPF 30
Yes I know. There’s about 15 minutes of daylight where I am at the moment, so it’s not like I would need to shield my face from the sun. This tube just happened in the stash, and I use it in Brussels where it is occasionally sunny and SPF seems reasonably justified.

Come to think of it, aggressively shielding my skin from the sun and retreating to the darkest pit on Earth during the darkest time possible might actually be the best way to prevent wrinkles. Be it as it may, Morticia Addams has the glow of a Californian surfer babe compared to my complexion mid-December.