Beauty on the Go: Essential Products for life on the Road

Skincare enthusiast Mariah Morrison shares her top picks

When Mariah Morrison worked in the U.S. Congress, she noticed signs of burnout, anxiety and depression. “While I was doing creative work, I was working long hours and felt like I needed an outlet for the things that I was feeling,” she said. “I realized that my self care was non-existent while I was experiencing depressive periods —that’s when I discovered skincare.” She decided to make a lifestyle change as she became more enthralled by the sheer number of beauty products she discovered and the joy she felt in the rituals that she built into her daily routine. She began to share her skincare journey on socials.

“I realized that I felt more motivated to care for myself and do basic daily necessities — showering, brushing my teeth, getting out of bed — when I did my skincare routine,” she says. “I also realized how much sharing my story and feeling comfortable with being vulnerable with my followers helped others who were also experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns.” Morrison made a career pivot. She joined Harper’s Bazaar, where she serves as Senior Social Media Editor and she launched MySKINfrastructure, a platform to explore her favorite products and share with others. We asked Morrison for her top picks for beauty products to take and use on the road with Le Car.

Moisturize for Multiple Climates

Some of the best products to treat dry skin are super packed with ceramides and soothing barrier restoring ingredients. The Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream is a lightweight hydrating gel that works well for most skin types. It also easily adapts to different climates and even helps reduce signs of redness — which can be caused by dryness or heat. After cleansing, apply this as a moisturizer. Follow up with SPF.

If you’re mobile, I suggest the Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Mist to quickly hydrate your skin while you’re on the road. Spray this on your face periodically to re-hydrate while also calming some of the environmental stresses of traveling.

Best Cleanser

“Best cleanser” is a subjective term because every cleanser isn’t for every skin type. So what may be my best cleanser may not work well for another person’s skin concerns. However, I recommend the innisfree Hydrating Cleansing Foam, First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Cleanser and the Paula’s Choice Softening Cream Cleanser. These are some of the best cleansers I've tried that work for most skin types—without causing irritation, dryness or damage to the skin's moisture barrier.

These are all great cleanser options that anyone can use, whether they have sensitive skin, acne prone skin, combination skin, and beyond. Use these cleansers in your AM and/or PM routine with warm water. Wash your face for at least one minute to properly cleanse the skin.

Best Body Lotion

I am a huge body care addict who has tried many different lotions. I have dry, sensitive skin so I tend to lean more towards heavier, creamy textures when choosing a lotion.

One of the best ones I’ve tried recently is from Saltair. The Santal Bloom lotion is deeply hydrating without feeling too heavy and it has a lovely scent that isn’t overpowering. I also love how it comes in a recyclable aluminum bottle and has a pump.

I also constantly reach for the Fenty Butta Drop. This product is perfect for all seasons and has a whipped oil-cream hybrid texture that delivers ultimate hydration and the ultimate glow.

No Shade On Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the most important skincare product. Your routine is rendered obsolete without sunscreen. Not only does it help prevent premature aging, but it is also very important in preventing life-threatening skin cancers like melanoma.

Experts recommend applying 1/4 teaspoon of sunscreen for the face and about a shot glass amount for the body. Don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours and don’t skip the neck, ears, hands, chest and scalp. Wear sunscreen even during the winter, when it’s cloudy and even indoors if you’re exposed to sunlight.

Beauty on the Road

One of my favorite tips for streamlining my skincare routine (and saving space in my luggage) while traveling is to pack sample-size products. It’s so easy to throw the little packets into your cosmetics pouch without having to worry about fussing with plastic bottles or buying travel sizes of your favorite products.

I also choose to simplify my routine and focus on the basics: cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. Sometimes I bring serums or toners, but at the minimum, I pack the basics.

Beauty Tips to Take with You

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your hands and arms while driving—especially on long road trips. Your hands are exposed to more of the sun’s UV rays while driving so wearing sunscreen is super important. Reapply as often as you can and when it’s safe to do so.