Taking skincare to Japan is very similar to bringing coal to Newcastle – there’s more and better where you’re going. This means that ahead of my 11-day Japan trip*, I’ve been desperately trying to downsize my beauty routine. First, because I want to travel light and second, because when I get there, I fully plan to buy skincare like there’s no tomorrow. Or rather like there’s many tomorrows with no opportunity for skincare shopping.

I thought I’d write about what I’m taking with me: to show what I pack when forced to streamline. It’s not quite the “best of” of my products, though: size, current stash situation and the peculiarities of travel all play a part. But no matter, this is what I have in my luggage** (in the order of application):

1. Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil. I said it wasn’t a “best of” list, but this is in fact my favourite cleansing oil and I’m eternally grateful to Tatcha for the travel sizes. Caudalie makes a wonderful, comparable, more budget-friendly option, but unfortunately my local pharmacy was out of it.

2. Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle cleanser. This one would usually not make my top 3 cleansers (or ten…), but the size and packaging are great for travel, it can be washed off without a flannel if needed and it’s very soothing.

3. The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%. With a heavy heart, I have skipped my acids for practical reasons. This made me very reluctant to leave retinol home, too – these two things keep my skin in check. I can use this one every night without any ill effects. I might have a slight preference for Dennis Gross and Kate Somerville retinol products, but I’m out of the first and the second has the most ridiculous design for travel. Plus The Ordinary costs almost ten times less.

4. SkinCeuticals Phlorentin CE. This is a powerhouse morning serum with vitamin C, ferulic acid and phloretin. I’ve used it almost every morning since August and as my skin looks decent, I don’t want to change. Retinol is not suitable for AM use, so a secend serum is needed.

5. Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum. It’s possible that my skin will decide that the serums above are too much and act up. Unlikely, but possible. This straight-up hydrator is my back-up option, plus an excellent addition to Phlorentin in the morning, in case extra moisture is needed.

6. Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream. One of my favourite eye creams that happens to come in very convenient packaging. The metal applicator is great for puffy or otherwise irritated eyes.

7. Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Firming Peptide Milk. My designated day moisturiser, this is nice and lightweight and compact. When I use a separate sunscreen, I prefer a relatively thin moisturiser underneath.

8. May Lindstrom Skin The Blue Cocoon. One moisturiser for day and another one for night probably seems too much for most people. But Blue Cocoon doubles as an all-over balm for little scars, any skin irritation or dryness and works for the entire family. It’s too rich for the day, however, hence the Dennis Gross above.

9. SkinCeuticals Brightening UV Defense SPF 30. This is a high quality sunscreen that works well with my skin and the small tube is perfect for travel.

I’m painfully aware that for many people, this is still a huge amount of skincare, but it all fits into a Diptyque travel pouch and makes me feel quite efficient. 11 days is too long for me to live off samples and travelling is not the best time for experiments. It’s also true that the more I invest – both time and money – in my products, I don’t want to give them up when abroad.

*I’m posting this at the Istanbul airport, en route to Tokyo.
**Full disclosure: I also have a few things in my hand luggage: face mist, wipes, a mask, but not much more.