Holiday Glow Up: The Perfect Vacation Grooming Kit for Men
You’ve booked the flights, planned your outfits and nailed the itinerary. But forget to pack a solid grooming kit and suddenly that romantic beach dinner becomes an oily, sunburnt disaster.
Grooming on vacation isn’t about fuss – it’s about smart packing, looking like you’ve got it together, and feeling good while you sip that third poolside Aperol.
Here’s everything the modern man needs in his suitcase to stay fresh, smooth and confidently low-maintenance while away.
Face
Holiday skin is its own beast—you’re dealing with sun, sweat, saltwater and air conditioning. You don’t need your full 12-step routine, but you do need the basics done right.
Cleanser
Aesop Amazing Face Cleanser 100ml
A non-negotiable. Choose a gentle, hydrating face wash that removes SPF, dirt and sweat without over-drying your skin. Ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera or chamomile are your best bet.
Pick something travel-sized and leak-proof – preferably in a tube or soft bottle that won’t explode in your dopp kit.
SPF Moisturiser
Horace Mattifying Face Moisturiser SPF30
Multitasking is the name of the game. A lightweight daily moisturiser with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ will simplify your mornings and keep your face protected.
Go for a mattifying formula if you’re prone to shine, and make sure it’s non-comedogenic so you don’t break out halfway through your break.
Lip Balm with SPF
Malin + Goetz SPF 30 Lip Balm
Yes, your lips can sunburn – and yes, it’s as awful as it sounds. A balm with SPF 15+ will save you a world of pain.
Look for one that hydrates without leaving a sticky film.
Night Moisturiser or Recovery Cream
L’Oréal Men Expert Power Age Night Gel 50ml
Your skin needs to bounce back after the sun, sea and sand. A lightweight night cream with calming ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol or green tea will reduce redness and dehydration.
Gel textures are best in hot climates—they absorb fast and won’t feel heavy in bed.
Toothbrush + Travel Toothpaste
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- Philips One Rechargeable Toothbrush
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- Colgate Max White One Optic Whitening Travel Size Toothpaste
Don’t rely on hotel kits. Bring a quality compact toothbrush and a decent toothpaste – bonus points if it’s whitening or enamel-strengthening.
Electric options with travel caps are ideal.
Body
Holiday sweat hits different. Keep your body game on point with some small but mighty essentials.
Body Wash or Soap Bar
The Grey Face and Body Bar
Opt for a body wash with a fresh, invigorating scent—think citrus, mint or light woods.
Better still, pack a high-quality soap bar (like one with activated charcoal or shea butter) that can double as face or shaving soap in a pinch. Bonus: There is no risk of spills.
Buy now at The Grooming Clinic
Deodorant
Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant
Crucial. Choose a solid stick or roll-on—something compact and with strong staying power.
If you’re particular, go aluminium-free, but most importantly, don’t use aerosols. They’re travel-restricted and have a nasty habit of turning your bag into a fumigation chamber.
Exfoliating Mitt or Cloth
Hydrea London Bamboo Gentle Exfoliating Mitt
Lightweight, compact and easy to dry, an exfoliating mitt keeps skin smooth, clears away sweat and grime, and preps your body for a longer-lasting tan.
Use it every couple of days to avoid looking flaky by day three.
Aftersun Gel or Lotion
Clarins Refreshing After Sun Gel
Whether you burn easily or not, a post-sun soother is worth packing. Go for aloe-based gels or lotions with panthenol and glycerin to rehydrate, calm and reduce inflammation.
Avoid anything heavily scented or alcohol-based.
Nail Clipper + Tweezers
MANSCAPED® Shears 3.0 Nail Grooming Travel Kit
Small tools, big impact. Neat nails are non-negotiable, and tweezers are perfect for splinters, stray brow hairs or collarbone-level ingrowns.
Choose a compact grooming kit that includes both and stash it in your side pocket.
Hair
Humidity, chlorine and hotel hairdryers: not your friends. Plan ahead with a few compact, hard-working hair essentials.
2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
Horace Gentle Anti-Dandruff Solid Shampoo
Space-saving and mess-proof. A quality 2-in-1 will clean without drying and add just enough softness without weighing hair down.
A shampoo bar is even better – eco-friendly, long-lasting, and no leaks.
Styling Product
Hanz de Fuko Claymation Hair Styling Clay
Choose something that gives a light hold and matte finish. Creams, clays and pastes are ideal—pomades and gels will go greasy fast in humid weather.
If you want something even lighter, a sea salt spray can help add texture and control without feeling product-heavy.
Comb or Travel Brush
Kent 82T Handmade Folding Pocket Comb
If you’re keeping your hair styled, a small, foldable comb or palm-sized brush is a non-negotiable. Hotel combs (if they exist) are never worth the risk.
Bonus points for dual-purpose ones with built-in styling tips or grooming attachments.
Beard & Shaving
Whether you’re going full clean-shaven or embracing beach scruff, bring the right tools.
Razor or Trimmer
Philips OneBlade 360
If you want versatility and easy upkeep, go for a compact trimmer with a USB charger. Otherwise, a manual razor with a travel cover and sharp blades will keep things tidy.
Avoid disposables—they’re scratchy, environmentally irresponsible and rarely give a smooth result.
Shave Cream or Gel
Horace Shave Cream
Look for a slick, soothing gel that works without a full shave brush setup. Aloe vera and chamomile are great for irritated or sun-exposed skin.
Tubes over cans. Always.
Beard Oil or Balm
Murdock London Beard Oil
Your facial hair will take a beating from salt, chlorine and sun. A few drops of beard oil will tame frizz, moisturise the skin beneath and add a subtle scent.
If you prefer a bit more control, opt for a lightweight balm that won’t melt in your bag.
Fragrance
Fragrance is an easy win when it comes to feeling polished on holiday, but you don’t need to pack your entire fragrance wardrobe. Heat intensifies scent, so skip anything too heavy, sweet or spicy unless you’re saving it for evenings.
Summer Scent
Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Fico di Amalfi Eau de Toilette Spray
Look for something light, bright and heat-friendly during the day. Citrus, marine and herbal notes (think bergamot, neroli, mint or vetiver) perform well in warmer climates without becoming overpowering.
An eau de cologne or light EDT is ideal for daytime wear, while a richer EDT or EDP can work nicely for balmy nights out.
Travel Atomiser or Mini Bottle
Travalo Classic Atomiser
No one wants to explain to airport security why their expensive bottle of fragrance is leaking into their socks. Instead, invest in a refillable travel atomiser – 5–10ml sizes are perfect for slipping into your dopp kit or hand luggage. They’re leak-proof, discreet and take seconds to refill.
Many brands also offer their most popular fragrances in 15–30ml travel sizes, which are perfect if you want to keep it simple. Pro tip: pick one scent that works day-to-night or split your choice between a breezy daytime spritz and a more seductive evening option.
Optional Extras
These are the finishing touches that stop you looking flustered after a red-eye or beach run.
Blotting Paper
Muji Face Blotting Paper x 100
It gives an instant matte finish without disturbing your sunscreen and is perfect for midday top-ups or when heading straight from the beach to lunch.
You’ll thank yourself in photos.
Face Mist
Mario Badescu Facial Spray
It doubles as a hydrator and refresher, especially on planes or during dry heat. If you have sensitive skin, go for something gentle and non-scented—ingredients like rosewater, cucumber or green tea are all safe bets.
Cotton Pads or Q-tips
Medik8 Reusable Bamboo Cotton
Their utility is endless—from tidying up around your hairline to wiping stray product off your shades.
Store a small handful in a zip pouch.
Face Wipes
Anthony Glycolic Exfoliating and Resurfacing Wipes
For emergencies only—like an overnight flight or if you’ve somehow sweated through your SPF twice.
Use sparingly and follow up with a proper cleanse when you can.
