Wearing an adult-sized bib while munching does not a sexy look
make. Admittedly an instant stain-releaser pen doesn’t exactly ooze
with seduction either. Still, this handy detergent-releasing gadget
attacks different stains in different ways, working in combination
to erase everything from coffee to ketchup. Don’t opt for the dinky
travel-sized option; it’s not cost-effective and the standard size
is perfectly portable. Sure to prove useful during that Napa Valley
wine tasting or Bologna food tour; marinara sauce be gone.

For a coastal excursion or city break, a tote is a
transitory item worth investing in. Whether seeking out a
ubiquitous straw basket or a raffia carryall, we can think of
nothing chicer for storing all your travel essentials. For the
beach, load with suncream, a towel and some Lolita-inspired shades.
For a day around town, fill with battery power pack, snacks and a
bolder-than-usual lipstick. This one from STRAW is named Iris and
meets all our needs. A vintage macrame bag with wooden handles,
Iris was found in Dorset. We’re imagining seaside escapades and
lengthy cliffside walks with our new tote in tow.

We’re over ironing – but still very much appreciate bed sheets
folded with military precision in our hotel rooms – and don’t want
to face up to this particularly laborious task pre- or post-flight.
Instead, we’re moving full steam ahead (sorry) towards a new way of
unwrinkling our suitcase of wrinkled clothing. Stockholm-based Steamery‘s sleek travel steamer means we can
forget about working out which of our clothes have survived the
journey with the lowest wrinkles-to-surface-material ratio and
actually choose our outfit based on preference. Best used at a
distance, our advice is to steam from the inside to get a clear
view of wrinkles as they smooth out. The CIRRUS model is ready to
use in 25 seconds – great for last-minute outfit changes.

Meet your new travel uniform (word of warning, this item does
not come with trousers, and you’ll need those to function in
society). Made from 35 recycled plastic bottles, Everlane’s
bluesign-approved fabric (a trademark of sustainable textile
production) is giving us all kinds of comfort. Not only is it made
entirely from 100% recycled polyester (trim excluded) it’s also
irresistibly soft and ethically minded. Wear on the plane, to 7am
yoga at your hotel or to a laid-back brunch in Greenpoint. A fleece
pullover might make you feel like you’re seven years old and
heading off on a school trip but hey – the 90s are back in.

Not just for babies’ bottoms, Sudocrem is great for treating
acne, preventing chafing, healing minor cuts, soothing burns – the
list goes on. It’s a great multi-purpose product to have to hand,
particularly for treating any travel-related skin ailments like
sunburn or insect bites. Dodgy pre-holiday fake tan? Apply Sudocrem
to the palms of your hands and bottom of your feet before slapping
on instant tanner to avoid (another) tango-ing – Sudocrem works as
a great barrier cream. Going skiing? Calm those chilblains applying
a thin, protective layer to ease the pain and help them heal
faster. Move over Egyptian Magic, this is cheap-as-chips cosmetic
sorcery in a jar.

The BB cream craze started out in South Korea and this little
multitasker by 3Lab (founded by Korean-American David Chung) lives
up to the hype. It does the job of a moisturiser, primer,
foundation and SPF. Measuring in at 45ml, it will fit neatly in
your carry on. If you like a sheer and luminous finish, 3LAB
Perfect BB SPF 40 Tinted Moisturizer has you covered rather than
caked. Available in light, medium and dark, the product works to
camouflage small skin imperfections while also fighting age spots
thanks to skin brightening peptides.