Around the World in 18 Beauty Products

Aren’t souvenirs half the fun of traveling? Whether it’s a weekend at the beach or a month abroad, we’re always on the lookout for local brands that we can’t find at home. We’ve discovered some of our essentials on the road, from a Hawaiian cure-all to Tokyo’s cult face oil. Here’s a list of beauty products that are worth a trip.

Bermuda

“My mom discovered Lili Bermuda’s Jasmine perfume and turned me on to it. The scent reminds me of a sunny day in Bermuda – seriously!” — Meredith 

England

“I’m obsessed with London’s Miller Harris — their Citron Citron shower gel and body lotion, as well as the Citron fragrance. Unbelievably fresh.” — Claire

France

“I love that you can walk into any Parisian pharmacy and buy the most amazing products. I adore anything from Nuxe, especially their tinted moisturizer, and Patyka’s Crème Visage. Avene’s hydrating mist is also great for the beach.” —Katia

“My favorite makeup artist told me about two culty products: Bioderma Crealine makeup remover, which doesn’t sting or leave a residue, and Embryolisse moisturizer, which feels like satin and doesn’t make me break out. They’re available at any French drugstore.” — Lorelei

Germany

“Whenever I go to Europe, I stock up on Labello, which is their version of Chapstick, only a million times better. I’ve been known to buy ten at a time.” — Rachel

Greece

“I went a little crazy at the Korres shop last time I was in the Athens airport and grabbed all my necessities: Pomegranate Cleansing Wipes (my favorite fruit!), SPF 30 Face Cream (so light), and of course their entire line of Body Butters.” — Hayley

Hawaii

“Whenever I’m in Hawaii, I always buy Kukui Nut Oil. It’s great for sunburns, eczema, and any sort of skin irritations — very soothing!” — Mollie

Italy

“I adore Acca Kappa Lip Sheers from Italy — they’re lightly tinted and loaded with botanicals.” — Rachel 

Israel

“When I was in Israel, I swam in the Dead Sea and soaked in a tub of mud. My skin felt so amazing afterward. I got hooked on AHAVA there because the products use Dead Sea minerals, and happily I can buy it in the states!” — Eric

Japan

“Hacci 1912 is this fabulous honey product from Tokyo. It comes in a smallish bottle with cloth bag because the honey shouldn't be exposed to light. You put a drop of it in your lotion when you moisturize and it adds a velvety feel.” —Claire

Russia

“There is a commonly used Birch soap in Russia called Degtyarnone. It’s great for oily, acne-prone skin. Birch branches and bark are used in many traditional Russian beauty remedies—they’re supposed to draw toxins out of the body.” — Ally

St. Barths

“I came across Ligne St. Barths in — where else? — St. Barth’s and it’s the best sunscreen I’ve ever used.” — Molly

Switzerland

“I’m a big fan of Helenere, a high-end Swiss skincare brand. My mom looks younger than I do after just six months of using it.” — Jennie

One thing you should always make room for in your bags? Sunscreen. See some of our favorites here.

 - By Mollie Chen