GoNOMAD writer Cathie Arquilla reviews products she has personally used (more than once) with travel in mind–since she is a travel writer after all, and a fashion stylist.

So to make the list, the product has to answer the following questions with a resounding YES!

Does it do what it’s supposed to?
Does it look cool (enough)?
Is it lightweight?
Would I use it again and again?

Here are five good-to-great products that passed her flight test

The Foldie Bag

This is a fantastic carry-on bag. Its best feature is the ability to unzip the bottom level to make the bag deeper. Second best is the side sleeve flap that slips perfectly over the handle of your suitcase, keeping the Foldie secure on the top of your luggage, and there is also a zipper pouch on that flap. There is a larger outside front pouch complete with a two-way zipper (every zipper on the Foldie is two-way), where I put stuff I need to get to easily.

Inside the Foldie are three additional pouches. Two about the size of a cell phone, and one on the opposing side, plastic-lined, which I use for snacks. There are two pen holders, which, frankly, I forget to use and always wish I didn’t. 

Does it look cool? Cool enough, and there are tons of colors to choose from. I don’t love the logo; it’s too prominent for my taste, but the Foldie’s functionality makes up for this peeve. 

Lightweight? Absolutely!  My Foldie has been on all my trips for the last year. It’s gone to France (twice!), Spain, Italy, and a ton of weekend overnights as my only bag. 

The Foldie Bag

Wellow Compression Socks

My doctor sister told me compression socks are a must on flights over five hours. I’ve followed her advice for years with the New Balance compression socks, which are pure hell to put on from your airplane seat (even in Comfort Class). But I do feel a difference in my — let’s call it “leg energy” — when I wear the socks. 

Enter Wellow socks: comfortable enough to wear from home to destination, easy to put on, moisture-wicking, and still bona fide compression socks. I might even wear them when I’m not traveling. 

They aren’t cool, but they are super cute, with fun, cheerful colors and solid toes and heels that feel charmingly old-school, like a cool grandpa.

Wellow socks

Arden Cove

 I’m just back from Madrid, where I test-drove Arden Cove’s Savona Zippered RFID Blocking Passport Wallet. It’s the shape of your passport — more square than rectangular — and the one I chose in “brown-gold” is a lovely saddle color, worthy of Hermès. The hardware is elegant. You can lock the gold clasp and zipper closed or use the clasp to attach it to your purse. I like it as a proper passport, credit card wallet, but if you’re a cautious traveler worried about identity theft, the RFID-blocking technology provides a protective shield against digital theft, bringing peace of mind. 

The packaging Arden Cove comes in surprises and delights as you open each flap to reveal messages from co-founder sisters Carmen and Karen, thanking you and wishing you safe travels. There’s even a packing list on the left-hand flap! 

Arden Cove’s passport wallet is stylish, well-designed, and just the right size — a keeper.

Arden Cove.

M2U NYC

Quoting from this makeup brand’s website, “Looking and feeling gorgeous isn’t up for debate. But why is makeup so freaking expensive?” And that’s basically the MO of this makeup line. That, and it being vegan and “clean”—healthy for your skin. 

It tried three products: the Spring Dust Cream Blush, Eye Primer, and the BKB Eyeshadow Palette. The Eye Primer delivers! It’s a base for your eyeshadow and can double as a concealer. 

The blush wasn’t a fit for me, too bright and sparkly for my skin. The eyeshadow came in a cute, illustrative, eco-friendly (heavy cardboard-light weight) case with color names like East River, Williamsburg, Pizza Crust, and Dumbo — an ode to this NYC-based company. The shadow blends nicely, is subtle, and with a good brush, easy to use.

M2U NYC

Trish McEvoy Eye Serum

I like this product for long-distance plane flights. It’s a pick-me-up after a crap night’s sleep in a plane seat. From the main cabin to business class, this product wakes you up, hydrates, and refreshes. Yes, it’s meant for daily (and nightly) use under your eye, and while the reviewers rave about it reducing fine lines, I like it as a wakeup call.

Trish McEvoy Eye Serum