11 Beauty Essentials to Take On Your European Summer Vacay
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
Well, my friends. It’s almost that time again… hot girl summer: Europe edition.
If you’re one of the lucky ones jetting off to sunnier shores this winter, congrats! Please consider this my letter of resignation from your social feeds, effective immediately.
No, but in all seriousness I am happy for you. After three-plus years of interrupted plans, thanks to you-know-who, time abroad is exactly what the doctor ordered.
But what does one take on a trip of a lifetime, you ask?
Well, while I won’t be venturing much further than the Yarra River this season, I do know a thing or two about packing. And then re-packing. (Virgo tingz.)
And you know who else does? Our Senior Content Manager and Beauty IQ Podcast Host, Joanna.
She’s got her beauty bag packing down to a fine art.
Joanna also happens to be heading off on her own 5-week Euro vacay—so I asked her what she's packing.
From a glow-getting serum to skincare supercharged SPF, keep scrolling for 12 beauty essentials Joanna can't travel without.
1. Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm.
Fast facts:
- The Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm is a deeply hydrating oil cleanser that gently cleans skin without drying it out and protects against free radical damage.
- It’s formulated with nourishing ingredients including native wild orange leaf extract and grapeseed oil as well as bisabolol which calms skin and inflammation.
- It has a soothing texture with a subtle citrus scent that’s suitable for all skin types.
Why Jo packed it in her Euro summer beauty bag:
If you’re a regular Beauty IQ-er, it will come as no surprise that this bad boy secured a spot in Joanna’s Euro beauty bag.
Considered the GOAT, Alpha-H Melting Moment is a balm-to-oil cleanser that gently removes makeup, SPF, dirt and impurities while still supporting the skin’s natural pH balance. It's been on Jo's skincare shelfie since its launch, and makes the perfect travel buddy because of its solid form (ever had an oil cleanser leak in your bag? It's not fun).
2. asap radiance serum.
Fast facts:
- The asap radiance serum works to exfoliate the skin, clear pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation in one.
- It combines a powerful AHA/BHA complex with skin-brightening botanical extracts to speed up cell renewal for smooth, more even-looking skin.
- It encourages the production of elastin and collagen, and protects the skin against free radicals.
- It's rich in antioxidants and suitable for all skin types.
Why Jo packed it in her Euro summer beauty bag:
Long-haul flights and a jam-packed itinerary call for a serious glow-getter.
Enter, asap radiance: An exfoliating serum that brightens dull, tired and ageing skin.
Unlike other exfoliants, asap radiance is formulated with both AHAs (glycolic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid), as well as peptides, to deliver short-term glow and longer-term anti-ageing benefits.
In other words, it’s a one-two punch—the good kind.
Jo personally uses this just as a spot treatment for pesky blemishes that may or may not join her on her 5-week trip, but one of her pro tips is to mix it with the asap super B complex 30ml if you're going to use it all over.
3. Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum.
Fast facts:
- The Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum pairs 14% glycolic acid and 1% granactive retinoid to clear dry, dull skin and accelerate cell turnover.
- It’s supercharged with a powerful cocktail of ingredients that help to minimise the appearance of redness, pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles.
- It’s ideal for normal, dry, mature and combination skin, and may assist with pre and post-menopausal skin.
Why Jo packed it in her Euro summer beauty bag:
There’s a reason why 120 people have reviewed this holy grail serum (and why it secured a place in a skincare expert's beauty bag).
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot is literally beauty sleep in a bottle. The serum is packed with a clinically-proven blend of peptides, antioxidants and acids that actively work while you sleep so you wake up to your glowiest skin yet.
It made the cut in Jo's beauty bag as it cuts out the need for a separate AHA and a separate retinol serum.
4. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Serum.
Fast facts:
- The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo is a daily soothing serum that hydrates while reducing the signs of skin sensitivity and redness.
- It’s enriched with 0.1% neurosensine, a dipeptide proven to reduce skin discomfort, irritation and other signs of sensitivity.
- Its texture is lightweight yet hydrating and soothing, and can protect the skin for up to 48 hours.
Why Jo packed it in her Euro summer beauty bag:
Another cult beauty buy, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Serum is a godsend for sensitive skin havers like Joanna, especially when she has a rosacea flare-up.
It’s also a winner for a compromised skin barrier or simply when your skin isn’t behaving. If you're also a sensitive-skinned person, you can use this as your hydrating serum to keep redness and irritation at bay.
5. Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Lightweight Soothing Moisturiser.
Fast facts:
- The Bioderma Sensibio Defensive is a lightweight moisturiser that hydrates and strengthens the skin’s barrier, and aids in reducing sensitive skin concerns.
- It’s formulated with peptides and vitamin E which provides antioxidant benefits to protect the skin against environmental aggressors.
- It's suitable for sensitive or sensitisied skin and is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.
Why Jo packed it in her Euro summer beauty bag:
When it comes to summer-friendly skincare, a lightweight moisturiser is a non-negotiable.
Which is why Joanna’s reaching for Bioderma Sensibio Defensive, a soothing moisturiser that’s hydrating and comforting without feeling heavy or sticky.
It also helps with tingly, tight or sensitisied skin triggered by too much sun (or cocktails, for that matter).
6. Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum.
Fast facts:
- The Viviology Niacinamide + HA is a hydrating serum formulated with a triple-hyaluronic acid complex with 7% niacinamide and panthenol for plumper, firmer-looking skin.
- It’s formulated with antioxidant-rich ingredients to protect the skin against free radical damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- It tackles dehydration by drawing water to the skin and binding it at the surface, and helps to maintain the skin’s natural oils.
Why Jo packed it in her Euro summer beauty bag:
With limited real estate in Joanna’s beauty bag, every product she packs needs to pack a punch. Like this Viviology serum.
The holy grail of hyaluronic hydration, Vivology Niacinamide + HA is an all-rounder plump-and-protect serum that keeps dryness at bay for bright and balanced skin in one.
This one is often rotated with asap's super B complex in Jo's skincare shelfie.
7. Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Hydrating Micellar Water Cleanser.
Fast facts:
- The Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micellar Water is an ultra-gentle cleanser that captures fatty molecules such as dirt, oil and makeup to instantly refresh skin.
- Its lamellar technology helps to keep the protective barrier of the skin strong and the apple seed extract aids in keeping the skin properly hydrated.
- It includes aquagenium patent, which has cucumber extract and glycerin, to decongest, soothe and hydrate the skin.
- It’s non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and artificial fragrance-free.
Why Jo packed it in her Euro summer beauty bag:
The perfect travel companion for effortless makeup removal on the go.
Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micellar Water gently cleanses, removes makeup and moisturises the skin in one application, while still keeping dryness at bay.
Plus, its non-rinse formula makes it a no-brainer for those late nights when you’re too jetlagged to bother with your multi-step skincare regime.
As it's more hydrating than the classic Sensibio micellar, Jo prefers to take this along especially for the in-flight cleanse.
8. Viviology Gentle Foaming Cleanser.
Fast facts:
- The Viviology Gentle Foaming Cleanser is exactly that: a gentle gel-based cleanser that cleans the skin while ensuring its natural oils are undisturbed and skin is hydrated.
- It’s formulated with calendula extract and aloe vera which are both naturally antibacterial, plus glycerin to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- It’s sulphate, paraben, artificial fragrance and cruelty-free, plus vegan.
Why Jo packed it in her Euro summer beauty bag:
This multi-tasking beauty has a lot to offer. It’s gentle, removes makeup and impurities, and leaves skin feeling comfortable and clean, not stripped.
Jo likes to take this traveling because it's one of those trusty cleansers that does it all without too much fuss. Had a bit too much sun? It won't leave your skin feeling tight. Dehydrated from the flight? It won't steal all the remaining moisture you have left. Catch my drift?
9. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+.
Fast facts:
- The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Sunscreen combines high UVA and UVB protection while keeping skin hydrated and moisturised.
- Its non-greasy formula is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types.
Why Jo packed it in her Euro summer beauty bag:
Joanna’s beauty bag wouldn’t be complete without SPF. And you can bet your bottom dollar this qualified dermal therapist is packing almost a commercial quantity of this stuff.
La Roche-Posay’s Invisible Fluid Sunscreen has a lightweight, milky consistency that sinks into the skin without any grease or white cast. It resembles the feel of a serum, and sits well under makeup.
If you're heading to Europe too, take this as your reminder to reapply your SPF every 2 hours, seek shade and wear protective clothing.
10. PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster.
Fast facts:
- The PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster is a cosmeceutical lip treatment product that nourishes and comforts while smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and plumping lips.
- It contains a blend of active ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate (a derivative of hyaluronic acid) and konjac root to increase lip volume, minus the irritants.
- It's a lip balm and anti-ageing skincare product in one.
Why Jo packed it in her Euro summer beauty bag:
To look after her lips, Joanna packed her *very* bougie but multi-beneficial treatment, the PCA SKIN Lip Booster.
Before you say anything, yes. It is on the exxier side - in fact, it's probably one of the most expensive lip products you'll ever be tempted to buy. But there’s a reason both Jo and Yads gave it glowing reviews.
It’s hydrating, plumping and anti-aging in one neat little tube. In other words, it's everything you’d want in a lip product, and then some.
11. Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist.
Fast facts:
- The Ultra Violette Preen Screen is an SPF reapplication mist that works with a few quick spritzes to refresh your makeup, add a touch of glow and provide UVA and UVB protection.
- Its ultra-lightweight mist formula is supercharged with skin-sweetening ingredients including niacinamide, vitamin C and vitamin E.
- It's suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin.
Why Jo packed it in her Euro summer beauty bag:
Rounding out Joanna's beauty bag picks is the brand-new Ultra Violette Preen Screen.
Arriving at Adore Beauty just in time for the European summertime, Ultra Violette Preen Screen is a nifty SPF mist designed for on-the-go protection. Making it the perfect handbag companion for busy itineraries.
You can watch Joanna take us through her travel skincare essentials in the below video.
Looking for more honest beauty reviews + tips? Check out these Beauty IQ articles:
