'I took 4 beauty bags on holiday but only used these 7 products.'

In case you haven't heard me yelling about it on Instagram, I've been travelling overseas in the US for the past month, and YES I went ham in Glossier — and YES, I wildly over-packed and regretted it immensely. Silly question.

As a beauty editor who tries and tests a lot of different products, I always find that travelling is the best time to put newbies to the test. However, more often than not, I'll over-pack my case with eleventy million beauty bags, end up purchasing more stuff (for... research), before winding up using the tight-knit group of essentials I always fall back on.

Watch: Speaking of travel, here's my in-flight skin routine. Post continues below.

For example, I brought five different beauty bags with me on this trip, overstuffed with makeup, skincare, haircare, body care, elbow care — you name it. I ended up using about seven of these products on repeat. Yes! Really. Ha ha ha I'M FINE.

So, to save you from making the same mistake as me next time you travel, I've rounded up the real MVPs I actually used when I went overseas.

Ready? Grab your suitcase.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+, $22.95.

Image: Supplied.

This is a cult product for good reason — I literally used it every day. While I brought a whole selection of different moisturisers, I found myself coming back to this thick balm on the daily, mostly because my skin literally had the hydration of raisin.

Hopping on and off so many flights did a real number on my skin, leaving my face feeling irritated and thirsty. Worn over a hydrating serum (or alone), this gem locked everything in and just WORKED.

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Brow-Volumizing Gel, $48.

I got my brows shaped and tinted before I left, so they really didn't need too much upkeep. However, for reasons that cannot be confirmed, I brought about eight eyebrow products? And I just... This was the only one I actually used. It gave my brows a nice little hint of colour and kept them in place. No fuss.

Holme Beauty Primer, $65.

Image: Supplied.

This is hands down the best non-coverage coverage, and is the perfect product for when you don't want to wear a full face of makeup but still want to give your skin a little boost. I wore it nearly every day, and it gave my skin a sheer hint of colour and that healthy 'I drink loads of water' glow.

Chanel Baume Essentiel, $71.

I also brought about five different highlighters with me but ended up using this one I've had for yonks. Cool! It just gives your skin the healthiest, most natural-looking radiance and is so easy to use. I swipe it on my cheekbones, cupid's bow, the bridge of my nose and it makes my skin look dewy and juicy. Am I Sofia Richie yet?

Nudestix Nudies Matte + Glow Core All Over Face Blush, $43.

Image: Supplied.

This slid across my desk right before I left and I brought the shade 'Peach Pearl' along with me for the ride – and it was the best little multi-tasker. I used it on my cheeks, eyes and lips, just using my fingers to build and blend it in. Such a cinch.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum, $242.

Image: Supplied

I brought about 75 serums with me, and this ended up being one of two serums I actually used. It's a fantastic all-rounder and does some very good things to your skin. Packed with antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid, it makes my skin brighter, more even and just... better. It's expensive as hell, but it actually works.

Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, $77.

I brought a mini version of this lactic acid serum with me, and it kept my skin in tiptop shape. It's an exfoliating serum that works to shed dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells for smooth, fresh skin. Used at night, I woke up with plump, soft skin come morning.

What are your travel staples? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied.