This week, we’re kicking off a new series and bringing you behind-the-scenes here at Newsette HQ. Everyone on the team is really different, so we thought it would be fun to show you all our favorite items, like our summer book reads, and beauty products, as well as the tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way. In this first HQ Hearts, we’ve shared our favorite travel items.
Daniella, Founder & CEO

  1. Vaseline: The dry airplane air doesn’t do great things for my lips, so I always make sure to carry Vaseline to hydrate them in-flight. That way once we land, they’re ready for a touch of lipstick.
  2. A hoodie: I ALWAYS wear a hoodie when flying so that I can cover half of my face with it (the other half is laying on the window) while I’m snoozing. Incognito while snoring.
  3. Face Wipes: I always seem to get a breakout after traveling, so to limit my risk, I always wipe my face with these bad boys. They not only take off all of my makeup, but they also smell heavenly.
  4. Water: Traveling at such a high altitude dehydrates the body, so to avoid a migraine I always buy an XL Smart Water at a news stand.
  5. Comfy socks: I’m a big fan of sitting on my legs (it’s my most comfortable position!) so fuzzy socks are a must. They also keep you warm when the person next to you decides to turn their air vent towards you.

Madeleine, Director of Partnerships

  1. Noise canceling headphones: When I first moved to the city, I used to get pre-travel anxiety relying on public transit to get to the airport on time. But once I invested in noise canceling headphones, I could almost forget I’m taking three trains or sitting in gridlock traffic (and am instead acoustically transported to a Cardi B concert).
  2. Big sunglasses: I CANNOT travel without big sunglasses, especially these from Krewe. I may look like I’ve gone incognito, but really they just help dim the lighting and double as a sleeping mask.
  3. Under eye cream: I start every flight by tapping a bit of moisturizer under my eyes for pre-flight hydration. You really can’t go wrong with this Kiehl’s tried but true favorite.
  4. A book: In my opinion, nothing helps pass the time of a long flight like a good thriller. On my last flight from JFK to SFO I couldn’t put down Megan Miranda’s The Perfect Stranger.
  5. Detox face mask: My first stop after disembarking the plane is to the airport or hotel bathroom for a quick mask sesh. I have irritable oily skin, and always walk off a plane feeling greasy and this Farm House Fresh de-gunking enzyme mask is always reliable to leave my skin feeling good as new.

Olivia, Director of Content Strategy

  1. Chocolate & water: Ok, ok this is two things but both are necessities. I have a killer sweet tooth so I keep some dark chocolate in my bag, as not to be tempted by the junk they serve at most airports (These bars are the best). And, not to sound like your mom, but it’s so important for you to stay hydrated while you’re traveling, so drink water!
  2. Sleeping mask: I cannot sleep without something covering my eyes. Plus, it makes for fitting in a quick nap on Amtrak or getting a full red eye flight’s worth of shuteye so much easier. This Catbird sleep mask is the best.
  3. Scarf: I hate the word blarf but I will say, the scarf/blanket is key to staying warm in over-air conditioned trains, planes, and automobiles.
  4. A book: I am addicted to my phone and actually enjoy when I don’t have wifi for 3 hours so I can’t check anything. I make sure to keep a book in my bag during my commute or when I’m going longer distances to take advantage of being disconnected. I’m currently reading (and loving) Pachinko, a captivating re-telling of a Korean family history.
  5. Pouches: True life: I am an over packer. In order for me to keep everything (passport, supplements, head phones, beauty products, you get the idea) organized I heavily rely on pouches like this set. Bonus if they’re transparent so I can spot things faster.

Molly, Digital Editor

  1. Perfume roller: I always carry a roll-on perfume. This Diptyque scent is amazing and I take it with me everywhere, so even if I don’t feel fresh, I smell fresh.
  2. Lip moisturizer: I love Malin + Goetz’s lip balm which I have with me at all times and is perfect when my skin is dry on planes.
  3. Facial mist: Always travel with a good face spray. Not only does this Mario Badescu one smell incredible but it refreshes and revives my skin post-travel, leaving me with a dewy look.
  4. A good carry-on: Finding a good carry-on can be a pain. This Bric’s bag is my ride or die and I take it on all my trips, whether it’s a week in Europe or a quick weekend home. Bonus: it has a front pocket for my laptop and charger.
  5. Alexa Fire Tablet: I love my Fire because I can get unlimited books and download movies and tv shows off of Netflix to watch during the flight or during a long car ride.

Marlena, Head of Growth

  1. Adult coloring book: The best way to distract yourself from turbulence, or if you need to give your eyes a break from your phone screen/TV screen. I love the chic illustrations in this one from Vogue.
  2. Portable charger: Because there’s a 50/50 shot that your plane has an outlet that actually works. I like Anker’s Power Core Charger. It’s very small but has a long battery life and charges things quickly.
  3. Lavender essential oil: I love putting a few drops of lavender oil on my travel pillow, it helps me relax and sleep. It also doubles as a perfume on-the-go .
  4. Moisturizing face mask: I slathered on this Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask on my flight back from Coachella and my face felt like I didn’t just spend 3 days in a desert…or 4 hours delayed in an airport.
  5. Duster: A chic duster upgrades your jet-setting outfit, but really also doubles as a blanket.

Alex, Editor

  1. Cashmere sleeping mask: Especially on a long or late-night flight, a sleep mask is a must. Who knows if the person next to you decides to keep their light on the entire time? I like a good cashmere one, because it feels a bit luxurious, especially when you’re stuck in the middle seat.
  2. A throw: Planes are usually freezing, so I always pack a cashmere throw, using it as a scarf until I board, then as a throw during the flight. But really, any type of blanket makes cramped plane seats so much more comfortable.
  3. Hydrating sheet mask: Raise your hand if you’re one of the crazy people who puts a sheet mask on mid-flight! I’d much rather look insane than land only to find that my skin is as dry as the Sahara and I have two new pimples. These masks are the best for hydration.
  4. Face mist: I don’t board a plane without this rose face mist. Not only does it hydrate in-flight, but its rosy, coconut-like scent is truly a breath of fresh air when you’re sitting next to the person who packed their own tuna sandwich.
  5. Antibacterial wipes: I’m also the germaphobe who wipes down her entire seat and tray table before sitting down. I’ve gotten sick on way too many flights to care about the strange looks I get.