When going on a trip, I’m normally very good at packing clothes but fail terribly when it comes to choosing which beauty products to lug along. That’s because I don’t use the same product everyday; I use whatever I feel my skin needs at that certain moment, even just with soap.

Also, most products I own are not in travel size. Last month, I made it a point to travel as light as I could. I had to remind myself that we would be staying in a hotel, which provided its own soap, shampoo and conditioner. So I just brought my own conditioner.

Luckily, there are some stores that do offer travel-size products, such as Kiehl’s. My newest discovery along this line is ZO Medical’s hydrafirm eye brightening repair cream, available at Belo Medicals. It is definitely a must-have.

A month before the trip, I woke up and was saddened to see the lines under my eyes. I hunted for the best eye cream out there, but nothing met my needs until I tried this one. In three days I saw the difference.

The eye cream is quite pricey, but I just put a pea-size quantity under each eye, so I think I can make it last for four months. I’ve been recommending it to friends, and so far they’ve been happy.

‘Kikay’ kit tips

Packing your kikay kit? Here are things to remember:

1. Remind yourself that the hotel provides for essentials such as soap, shampoo and conditioner. If you are staying in a house, thoughtful hosts would normally provide these toiletries, too.

2. Try to bring multipurpose products—petroleum jelly, for instance, which can be used on the lips and for skin relief whether in hot or cold climates.

3. Always use just the right amount. If your skin feels slippery after you’ve applied moisturizer, that means you’ve used a lot. Remember, your skin (and your hair, too) can only accommodate a certain amount of product, so the rest you apply is just waste.

4. If traveling with a partner, opt for unisex cologne instead of bringing a bottle each. If with your kids, use baby lotion or their shampoo, too, instead of bringing your own.

5. Make sure you bring just the right amount for your trip so you don’t have to lug it around on your way back. Better yet, if the product is available in your destination, then just buy it there.

Travel-friendly products

When I got back from the trip, I found some goody bags waiting for me and here are my top faves. They’re also in travel sizes!

Lancome’s Blanc Expert Melanolyser Integral Whiteness Spot Eraser. Getting dark spots that cause uneven skin tone is part of the aging process. This product is clinically proven to have a long-lasting effect. Results can be seen in three weeks. I’m on my second week and I can see hints of fading already. Remember, clear skin evokes youth! Available at Rustan’s.

Bobbi Brown’s Pretty Power To Go. This is an amazing set that has all the basic colors a girl needs to go from day to night. Also comes with an extreme mascara, and the kit is so compact it can fit into the smallest clutch that I have (the eye shadow palette is only slightly thicker then a credit card). This set will definitely be in my bag all the time. Available at Rustan’s.

ARTDECO Sensitive Fine Liner. I feel that every girl should know how to line her eyes. This product is dummy-proof, since it comes in a foam tip that’s much easier to manage than a pencil or brush. It is also easy to carry around since it’s just like a pen. Available at Beauty Bar.

Clinique Moisture Surge. This little tub gives relief to my skin from the heat. It doesn’t stay on sticky, and my skin feels supple and moisturized. Available at Rustan’s.

I will be leaving again soon to take the kids to Disneyland California. Haven’t packed yet, but these four products plus ZO Medical’s hydrafirm eye brightening repair cream will definitely make the cut. Happy summer!