Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

✈️ Guide to Moving or Traveling Abroad to Europe: What to Pack (Clothes, Skincare, & Haircare)

Purple Star emoji 35 items
Last year, I decided to leave my life behind in New York and start anew in Spain. I'm currently teaching English to pre-K and primary students in a little town in Spain. If you had told me 3 years ago I'd be packing all of my belongings into a 23 kg ...

Alas, here I am. 

I've been living abroad in Spain since September. My journey has been filled with ups and downs. However, I've created such beautiful memories here that will last a lifetime.

Before I arrived in Spain, I was going insane attempting to figure out what to pack. The first thought that came into my head was, “Are the skincare and haircare products I use available in Spain?” Although they do have K-beauty stores in Spain due t...

Hopefully, this list will also help you figure out what to pack, especially if you are a Korean beauty lover like me. From skincare to clothing, I've figured out the perfect mix of what to bring if you're moving to Europe or just traveling there.
Sections
6
 
 
 
 
 
 

☀️ Spring/Summer Wardrobe

During the summer, European heat can become scorching. I highly recommend that you bring clothes made out of lightweight fabrics. I'm always searching for brands that carry a lot of 90-100% cotton clothing.

 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
This dress is classic, minimalistic, and comfortable. It'll also keep you cool as you venture through the streets of Europe during the summer.
Birdie Linen Dress
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
A button-up t-shirt in multiple colors should always be a staple in your wardrobe. It's minimal, classic, and easy to dress up or down. I love UNIQLO's clothing quality. Their shirts are comfortable and breathable. This shirt works for the spring and...
Oxford Boxy Cropped Shirt | UNIQLO US
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
You could never go wrong with a simple crewneck T-shirt. UNIQLO always has amazing quality clothes. I find they're one of the best and most affordable clothing brands when it comes to minimalist wear.
Crew Neck T-Shirt | UNIQLO US
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
I am obsessed with Old Navy's Boyfriend button-down shirts! They're made of 100% oxford cotton. They're breathable and extremely comfortable. I love the oversized look!
Oversized Button-Down Boyfriend Shirt | Old Navy
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
You can never go wrong with jeans! These jeans are high-waisted (which is super important to me as someone who's short!). I feel like high-waisted, wide-leg pants make me look taller. These jeans are comfortable and well-made.
Barrel Jeans | Tall | UNIQLO US
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
This blazer is great for the springtime. It's comfortable and flattering. Most of the blazers I own from Zara are lightweight and comfortable.
LINEN BLEND DOUBLE BREASTED BLAZER WITH ROLLED-UP SLEEVES
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
This sleeveless crewneck dress is super comfortable and breathable. It's minimal but classic. I'm obsessed with the light blue color.
Fit And Flare Dress | UNIQLO US
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
I'm obsessed with this lightweight, breezy dress! It's comfortable, breathable, and versatile!
Open Collar Oxford Shirt Dress | UNIQLO US
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
I highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes, like Adidas sneakers, if you're planning on living in/ traveling to any European country. Especially, if you're going to be in a walkable city! These shoes are comfy and I see a lot of the Spain girlies w...
SAMBA OG SHOES

🍁 Fall/ Winter Wardrobe

Europe has unpredictable weather. The winters can be brutal. However, if you prepare properly, you'll be fine. I highly recommend packing the basics with you. Most of the time, European clothing quality is better than the US. Just buy clothes when yo...

If you find that you don't like the clothes there, at least you packed the basics you can mix and match.

 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
This ruffle mock neck top is so cute and perfect for the fall. Usually, I pair this with a blazer, or it looks adorable underneath a V-neck dress.
Strawolf - Ruffle Mock Neck Plain Ribbed Knitted Top - YesStyle
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
I love Uniqlo's HEATTECH line! It's affordable and functional. What I love about this turtleneck t-shirt is that it's thin, so it's super easy to wear under your winter clothes. You could also wear it underneath a basic V-neck sweater. When you're in...
Womens HEATTECH Ultra Warm High Neck T-Shirt (Long Sleeve) | UNIQLO ES
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
If you're looking for something with fleece inside, I highly recommend this crewneck, long-sleeve t-shirt. The great thing about this shirt is that you can wear it by itself. It's minimal and classic. I will also keep you warm during the winter time.
HEATTECH Ultra Warm T-Shirt | UNIQLO US
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
If you hate turtlenecks, I'd opt for this crewneck. Again, I do not play when it comes to UNIQLO's HEATTECH line. They keep me warm and cozy during the brutal winters.
HEATTECH Cashmere Blend T-Shirt | Extra Warm | UNIQLO US
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
These HEATTECH leggings are thin and provide an amazing amount of warmth during the colder months. I wear them underneath my jeans and trousers. I highly recommend these leggings!
HEATTECH Leggings | UNIQLO US
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
Although Doc Martens boots are frustrating to break into, I always wear them during the fall and winter. They are slip-resistant. The Chelsea boots also double as rain boots. It rains a lot in the area of Spain I'm in, and I've never had an issue wit...
2976 Slip Resistant Leather Chelsea Boots in Black | Dr. Martens

💇🏻‍♀️ Korean Haircare Routine

I'm simple. I use three products to take care of my hair. It's easy and less time-consuming.

As an East Asian girly, I found that Western haircare products never worked on me. It wasn't until a year ago that I realized our hair texture and scalp are different from those of white people. Here are the products that give my hair volume and shin...

 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
After many years of searching for the right shampoo that gives my flat Asian hair volume, I finally found it! 

It's the Ryo Hair Strengthen and Volume shampoo. This is the holy grail! The only shampoo I vow to use for the rest of my life.

I always saw my favorite Korean influencers recommending it. It was difficult for me to find this shampoo in the States. However, with the growing popularity of Korean beauty, shampoos like this are now more widely available.

This shampoo gives my hair the volume and body it needs. Not only that, it's also soothing to the scalp. When you first apply the shampoo, you might feel a cooling effect on your scalp. Don't worry, it's normal and feels amazing. My hair feels clean ...

If you're Asian and have a lot of sebum in your hair, I recommend shampooing your hair twice. My hair used to become oily within 12 hours of washing hair. However, since I began to shampoo my hair twice, it takes a bit longer before my hair becomes a...
Ryo - Hair Strengthen & Volume Shampoo | YesStyle
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
My hair feels so soft and silky after using this conditioner. It also smells super good. 

The conditioner is thick, so you don't need to use a lot of product. Just a dime-size is perfect!

The Ryo hair conditioner nourishes your hair, leaving it soft to the touch.
Ryo Damage Care Nourishing Conditioner 550ml – YesStyle Product Page
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
I absolutely love this hair serum! I put it on after the shower while my hair is still damp (not drenched, but damp!). The product smells so good, and it leaves my hair soft to the touch.

A dime-size amount of the product will suffice. A little goes a long way.
Mise-en-scene Original Serum Limited Set (80ml*2+30ml+Hair Mask 30g) | OLIVE YOUNG Global

🧴 Skincare Routine

Although cities in Spain have stores like Miin Cosmetics, which sells primarily Korean skincare, there are some products that are easier to find in the United States. Because I know these products work well for me, I had to bring them with me (just i...

 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
I absolutely regret not bringing a big bottle of Vaseline lotion with me to Spain. I apply this lotion to my body after I take a shower. During the winter, I experienced the worst case of eczema outbreak on my left hand. This lotion helped repair and...
Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion Cocoa for Dry Skin Cocoa Radiant Lotion Made with Ultra-Hydrating Lipids and Pure Cocoa Butter for a Long-Lasting, Radiant Glow, 20.3 Fl oz
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
Vaseline is a little more expensive here (well, at least in Spain), so I highly recommend bringing a big tub with you. I use Vaseline on my face and my lips. It's especially helpful during the winter. I apply a little bit of Vaseline on my face after...
Vaseline Original Healing Petroleum Jelly Slugging Skincare for All Skin, 13 oz
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
Does it feel like this product is being constantly shoved in your face? Absolutely!

But does it actually work? YES!

I've been using this cleansing balm since college, and I will never stop using it! It removes excess makeup, sweat, and sunscreen after a long day. My skin feels refreshed after using it. The consistency of the cleansing balm is not super thick and a...
BANILA CO - Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm Jumbo | YesStyle
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
Although people say that foaming cleansers are too rough for your skin, that is not true for Korean foaming cleansers. They're gentle on your skin. I've been using this Dokdo foaming cleanser for almost 3 years now, and it has not failed me. It remov...
1025 Dokdo Cleanser (Foaming Cleanser)
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
This toner feels light on my skin. My cheeks are normally super dry, which is why I use a toner in the morning. It keeps my skin hydrated throughout the day without having to reapply moisturizer. It's also formulated with fermented black rice extract...
Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
The name of the moisturizer says it all! It feels super soothing on my skin. The texture is smooth, and it has a light, thin consistency. This moisturizer is also a great option for the summer if you need something that doesn't feel super heavy on yo...
Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream 70ml | OLIVE YOUNG Global

🧳 Things to Help You Pack Everything

The most important thing when planning which necessities to pick is finding items that will help keep your suitcase organized. Packing to move halfway across the world is stressful. Knowing you packed a neat and organized bag will be one less thing y...

 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
This bag is wonderful for carrying your toiletries and keeping them organized before you move across the world. I can hold my cleanser, cleansing balm, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen in here.
* * Toiletry Bag Travel Organizer Skincare Wash Bag
placeholder
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
These packing cubes are a lifesaver! I love the mesh on the top because it helps you see which items you packed, so you find everything quickly and easily. They keep your suitcase super organized!
#CS-047, * cute cartoon printed storage bag 6pcs set, back to school rental travel lightweight storage bag, travel organizer bag, luggage and hou
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
This makeup bag is so cute and holds all of my makeup! I like that it's clear, so you don't have to dig through your entire bag to find the product you need. It makes your makeup products easier to find.
Temu | Explore the Latest Clothing, Beauty, Home, Jewelry & More
placeholder
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
These vacuum seal storage bags are amazing for saving space! They will also help you if you plan on moving back to your country. At the end of your stay in whichever European country you choose to live in, you'll probably need extra room to bring bac...
30pcs/ 20pcs/10PcsVacuum Storage Bags With Electric Pump(2 Jumbo/4 Large/4 Medium)- Vacuum Sealing Bags For Clothes, Duvets, Blankets, Bedding- Space-
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
These garment covers are great for putting away your coats and jackets to prevent them from attracting dust.
10pcs Set of Transparent Dustproof Suit Bags, Wardrobe Storage Garment Covers, Hanging Plastic Clothing Bags for Dry Cleaning, * Essentials f

✈️ Airplane Necessities

Flying halfway across the world means you'll be on a long flight, so you need to bring items that elevate your comfort.

 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
It's super important you wear compression socks while on the plane to prevent blood clots, especially if you're on a long flight.
Doctor's Choice Over The Calf Women's Compression Socks, Large, Women's Shoe Size 10-13, 1 Pack - Walmart.com
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
During long flights, I always pass out on the plane, so bringing a neck pillow with me is super important. The neck pillow is comfy and cute!
Temu | Explore the Latest Clothing, Beauty, Home, Jewelry & More
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
This is the classic Herschel backpack that I stand by! I've had mine since college, and it's still holding up pretty well. This backpack is amazing quality and great for traveling!
Classic Backpack 26L | Herschel Supply Co.
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
Never ever forget your portable charger while traveling! I always carry mine in my bag.
Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE USB C Portable Charger 10K Power ...
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
Typically, I carry my backpack and my Uniqlo bag with me. This bag fits so many items. I recommend putting your passport, phone, and boarding pass in your Uniqlo bag, so you don't have to worry about digging through your backpack. It will make these ...
Round Mini Shoulder Bag | UNIQLO US
 
🎀 bb li 🧚🏻‍♀️ profile picture
This charger case helps you organize all of your chargers! I always bring it with me when I travel. It was also super useful for me while moving across the world!
* * & * Dog EVA Storage Box - Cute Portable Zippered Case Suitable for Storing *, Earphones, * | Durable EVA with Iconic