Over the past few years whilst travelling I’ve learnt a lot of things. How to navigate using a map (kind of). How to say hello in multiple different languages. And I’ve come up with a handy arsenal of fail safe travel beauty hacks, which I am now about to bequeath to you dear reader. Don’t take this responsibility lightly!

Gone are the days of lugging around two full cosmetic bags (one for hair, one for beauty). These days I’m prepared for all eventualities in my hand luggage and it is so freeing!

Are you constantly over packing products? Or always find yourself breaking out in different climates?

These are the travel beauty hacks you’ve been waiting for.

Stay hydrated

My number one travel beauty hack has to be take a reusable water bottle with you. Over the years I’ve spent a bit of time in South East Asia and unlike many Western countries the tap water there is not safe to drink. Some people even go as far as to use bottled water to brush their teeth with.

Although yes it is easy, and usually cheap, just to buy bottled water all that plastic has to go somewhere. It’s much more convenient just to have your own bottle to hand and most – if not all – of the accommodation you’re staying at will have free refill stations.

Having an empty water bottle to hand is also great to have in the airport and even in countries where the tap water is safe to drink. When you’re exploring a new city it’s easy to get dehydrated and not only does dehydration effect your skin it effects your appetite and your energy levels.

Top tip – If you don’t like the taste of water bring soluble vitamins to add, they make your water taste like juice!

Coconut Oil

If you’re going to be visiting a hot country there are obvious downsides to lubing yourself up in coconut oil and going out in to the sun for the day that I won’t go in to.

At night-time however… now there’s a different story.

Virgin coconut oil can be used as a hair mask, shaving cream, face, skin and lip moisturiser – all in one bottle – genius! If you do decide to leave coconut oil on your face overnight don’t to forget to wash it off in the morning.

Top tip – Often coconut oil comes in a solid form, but melts when exposed to heat. Protect your luggage by keeping in a resalable bag.

Stock up on sun protection

Sun is the most damaging for your skin when it comes to aging and once it’s damaged there’s not a lot you can do to fix it. I wear a moisturiser with an SPF every day whether the sun is shining or not because those sneaky UVA and UVB rays can still sneak through even on a cloudy day.

SPF is even more important when you’re travelling and exposed to different climates so remember to top up a couple of times throughout the day to maintain protection. You can still tan with SPF on so don’t use this as an excuse not to wear it, you only get one face!

Top tip – A lot of body sun creams aren’t compatible with the sensitive skin on the face. Make sure to use separate sun cream for your face as opposed to using a body cream all over to avoid nasty break outs.

Get your beauty sleep

I’ve saved my favourite item ‘til last and it’s a good one I promise. This doubles up as a home comfort and keeps your hair from that dreaded travel frizz. I don’t go anywhere (even a friend’s house for the night!) without taking my satin pillowcase along for the ride.

Unlike traditional cotton pillowcases satin does not suck all the moisture out of your face and hair and protects against breakage of your lashes and hair as the smooth texture means less friction as you sleep.

Top tip – For the most benefits while you sleep buy a silk pillowcase. These are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and and are so comfortable to sleep on. When people talk about beauty sleep I’m sure this is what they mean!

What are your top travel beauty hacks? Do you have one product you can’t travel without? Let me know!

Efia is a British lifestyle and travel blogger living in Australia. You can read more of her tips and follow her adventures at Effy Talks Life.