Scandinavian Skincare
One look at most Scandinavian complexions is a good enough testimonial to try some of their skincare regimens. These three brands all have an ethos of simplicity, draw on Eastern traditions, and use top-quality ingredients. We picked their travel kits because we love to be able to really just pick up and go—plus, it's a way to try out new products without a huge investment. These options are the next best thing to Scandinavian genetics.
Håkansson
Fresh from the Swedish laboratory of Katrina Håkansson comes in a weekend-size travel pack with an assortment Håkansson favorites. The opaque pouch includes their signatures, "The Moisturizer," a light all-over lotion for varied skin types; "The Soap," which can be used on the face as well as the rest of the body; "The Remover," ideal for wiping away dirt, oil and makeup while minimizing pore size and providing instant refreshment; "The Oil," used as an additional skin hydrater also doubles as a massage lubricant; "The Scent," with hints of fresh herb citrus notes in a creamy lotion, can be applied to pulse points for a natural essence; and "Vitamin Spray," ideal for a mid day pick me up, delivers nutrients and moisture to face and neck. The pack six vial-sized bottles are $26 and can be found at select retailers as well as on the Håkansson website.
Ole Henriksen
Danish-born Ole Henriksen's range of cosmetics has been on the market for over 30 years and is favored by the celebrity set in L.A. for their top-notch botanicals and clean, modern packaging. His line offers a number of quick getaway kits, including three specifically for the face; Oily/Blemish Prone, Normal/Combination and the newly-released Dry/Sensitive Skin. Each bag comes with a cleanser, toning face tonic, facial scrub, day moisturizer, night creme and a mask, all customized to your skin type. With enough to last at least a week—jars are sized between one and two ounces—it's perfect for longer trips or to give the products a thorough at-home trial. At $70 a pop, the kit also makes a great gift. Available on the Ole Henriksen site.
Själ
Mother and daughter duo Karen and Kristin Petrovich are the driving force behind this eco-luxury skincare company. Själ, a term that refers to spirit, mind, heart and soul in Swedish, emphasizing simplicity over high-maintainance skin care regime touted by magazines. Their creams work triple-time to deliver a number of benefits in a single formula. With heavily concentrated hydrators such as Lotus oil, collagen enhancing MDI complexes and wrinkle reducing peptides, the Kura Intuitif cream is a must have on any long haul trip. It received InStyle magazine's award for "Best Flight Cream 2006." The beautiful mod-designed jars come at a pretty penny, with a travel sized one-ounce jar of the Kura Intuitif cream priced at $150. The Orbe eye cream comes in a .5-ounce pot and sells for $170. Staple items for socialites and stars alike, the Själ range is a well worth luxury for your vacation. Available at Barneys , Bergdorf's and other fine retailers throughout the U.S. For international locations see the Själ website.
