The Art of Packing Light: Pack Beauty Products That Pull Double Duty

Team Fathom picks the compact, multi-use products they never leave home without.

Packing light is an art form that doesn't come easy to many. An extra pair of shoes or just-in-case blouse doesn't feel like much until you're frantically trying to zip your souvenirs into your suitcase. A good place to start paring down? Your toiletry bag. Stay on top of it with these double- and triple-duty wonders.

Photo courtesy of Lucas Papaw Remedies.

Lucas Papaw Ointment

I use this Australian ointment made from papaya extract on almost everything — lips when chapped, hands when dry, nose when sunburnt, beard when prickly, skin after the mosquitos strike. In fact, it's the only topical cream I carry when I travel. And it lasts: I'm still on the same vial I bought in Sydney four years ago. ($9) – Daniel, editorial assistant

Photo courtesy of Weleda.

Weleda Salt Toothpaste

The nearly 100-year-old biodynamic beauty brand makes high-quality toiletries without any questionable ingredients. One of their most special offerings is a grainy salt toothpaste (there's also a nice calendula) that satisfyingly scrubs pearly whites and also functions as a very handy blemish cream. A little dollop goes a long way — the toothpaste is mildly antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. ($5) – Jeralyn, editorial director

Photo courtesy of RMS Beauty.

RMS Beauty Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is my ultimate all-in-one. It's a moisturizer for lips, face, and body. A makeup remover for persistent mascara. Mixed with a little baking soda, which I store in a tiny (and suggestive! it looks like another druggy white powder!) Ziploc, it's an exfoliant for the face. Mixed with salt, it's a body scrub. I use a tiny amount to tame frizz, and, finally, on the return flight, I comb it through my hair before tying it into a chignon for a deep-conditioning treatment. I haven't started using it as a toothpaste, but that's probably next. – Pavia, CEO

Photo courtesy of Zelens Ltd.

Zelens Body Defense Sunscreen

Enriched with powerful antioxidants, the pleasantly-scented sunscreen oil is going to be one of my beach bag essentials this summer. It provides powerful broad-spectrum protection for sunny days but also works well as a nourishing and moisturizing body oil. It's water-resistant and works on hair, too. ($78) – Berit, editor

Photo courtesy of Glossier.

Glossier Mint Balm Dotcom

I'm in a perpetual fight with my chapped lips, but I have finally found an answer with this universal skin salve. I use it mostly for my lips — best applied after long flights — and sometimes for pesky cuticles and dry elbows. The minty flavor is also an aromatic pick-me-up after a red-eye. ($12) – Becky, assistant editor

Photo courtesy of Allies of Skin.

Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Mist

Great for long-haul flights, the mist boosts hydration and leaves a dewy glow. At home, I leave it in the refrigerator for a cool, refreshing spritz on warm days. The bottle is pretty good-looking too. – Kate, contributing editor

Photo courtesy of Tata Harper.

Tata Harper's Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint

After a long day of traveling, the 100 percent all-natural, blendable tint is a favorite for adding a pop of color to lips and cheeks without the hassle of carrying multiple pieces of makeup. ($36) – Berit

Photo courtesy of Wild Carrot Herbals.

Wild Carrot Herbals Botanical Baby Powder

Arrowroot is the multitasking ingredient in this lovely, talc-free powder. Its high absorption rate means it works wonders as a dry shampoo as well as a sweat-reducer (think: baby rolls, bare feet in new shoes). It's also nice to have at the beach when you're about to endure a long car ride while still covered in sand. Sprinkle some in hard-to-reach places to shake of extraneous grains — and go. ($12) – Jeralyn

Photo courtesy of Kypris.

Kypris Pot of Shade

On the road, this too-good-to-be-true translucent sheer moisturizer primes the skin. On days that I leave my straw hat at home, it doubles as my SPF 30. – Kate

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