Even before I pack my clothes for a trip, I have to make sure my dopp kit is in order. You see, my travel grooming essentials—skin care staples, fragrance, oral hygiene routine—are the only things that can help me retain my sanity when I’ve crossed multiple time zones. As someone who’s clocked a few thousand miles in their day, I’ve been able to whittle down my usual medicine cabinet’s worth of grooming gear to the bare necessities so that I can, one, avoid an overweight checked bag and two, reduce the chances of leaks or spills from occurring in my bag. Take a page from my book and rethink your travel grooming routine—but maybe first ditch the Ziploc for a proper toiletry bag. (Looking at you, fellas.)
Best Travel Grooming Essentials, According to GQ
The Trimmer: Philips Norelco Series 9000
Philips Norelco
Series 9000 Ultimate Precision Beard and Hair Trimmer
I can’t grow a beard, but if I don’t shave, my crusty facial hair just makes me look unkempt. I’ve ditched the baby face look for just a tad bit of stubble so that I can finally stop getting carded at bars, and the barebones Series 9000 trimmer makes light work out of the approximately 50 hairs that stick out of my face. I take the trimmer down to 1/64 inch (the shortest option), but for the follicularly inclined, you can choose from any of the other 29 settings to keep those beards in check.
The Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
After spending years using the most aggressive, stripping face cleanser, I realized my oily skin was just a product of having robbed my face of all of its natural oils and it was overproducing to compensate. This sensitive skin-safe cleanser from La Roche-Posay makes me feel clean after using it but somehow my skin still feels like it has moisture in it even before I’ve gone in with my face cream. And after a long haul flight, it’s one of the many things I look forward to using once I’ve found non-recycled running water.
The Hand Cream: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Dry Hand and Body Cream
Neutrogena
Norwegian Formula Dry Hand and Body Cream
Dry airplane environments wreck havoc on my hands, worse than usual. One of the best hand creams I’ve found so far is this one from Neutrogena, which has a thick, goopy consistency that quickly melts down and is absorbed into the skin. My dry, cracked hands might never be cured, but these are definitely keeping any unwanted dermatologist appointments at bay.
The Toothpaste: Crest 3D White Advanced Radiant Mint Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Crest
3D White Advanced Radiant Mint Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
As my colleague Ian Burke likes to remind me: I am past due for a dental cleaning. Well, sir, sometimes I feel like I can skip another year of that dreaded dentist’s appointment because Crest’s 3D White toothpaste has me covered in the oral hygiene department, all without having to be strapped into a chair for 45 minutes.
The Moisturizer: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Vanicream
Daily Facial Moisturizer
One of the best drugstore skin care brands has to be, hands down, Vanicream. Despite its un-sexy packaging, the stuff really works for those with sensitive skin (raises hand). It’s free of dyes, fragrances, and other yucky ingredients, giving my face new life every time I slather it on.
The Face Spray: Mario Badescu Skin Care Facial Spray
Mario Badescu
Skin Care Facial Spray Aloe Cucumber and Green Tea
If you see a plume of vapor in the plane, I swear I’m not vaping. I’m just applying Mario Badescu’s facial spray, which contains cucumber and green tea to revitalize my face after being subjected to all of that recycled plane air. It smells great and holds me over until I can get to a proper bathroom to finally wash my face.
The Toothbrush: Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean Smart 9500
Philips Sonicare
DiamondClean Smart 9500 Electric Toothbrush
If you have the proper toothbrush, then maybe you can reschedule that trip to the dentist’s office again. (Don’t, though.) The DiamondClean toothbrush truly makes me feel like my teeth are clean and sparkling like a gem, and all I have to do is brush for two minutes, twice a day. The sleek black design also makes quite the bathroom countertop decor.
The Fragrance: Polo Blue EDP
Ralph Lauren
Polo Blue Eau De Parfum
I can’t bring all of my colognes when I travel, but Polo Blue has somehow become my go-to (mainly because I never unpack it from my carry-on). It’s the scent that gives my nose the cue that I’m on vacation, and it’s a fresh woody aroma that’s hard to get sick of.
