When jet-setting model Madison Headrick traveled for work, one of her gripes was packing her toiletry bag. Her products never seemed to be the right size or packaging, and the airports and airlines didn’t offer the right items to ensure she felt and looked good upon landing.
It prompted her to launch Care.e.on (pronounced “carry on”) in 2022. The women-run company creates TSA-approved clean, sustainable skincare products for travelers and others on the go.
Of course, we asked the NYC-based entrepreneur about her in-flight skincare routine along with favorite travel destinations and her top museums — she’s a self-professed art aficionado whose husband, Joseph Nahmad, comes from a prominent art-dealing family.
How often do you travel?
Since welcoming my little one eight weeks ago, my travel escapades have definitely taken a backseat, but they’re slowly revving back up. Pre-baby, I was jetting off on two to four flights a week, feeling like a true nomad living out of my suitcase. Now, with my co-pilot by my side, this new chapter in my travel tale is just beginning, and I’m excited to see where our adventures lead us next!
What’s one skincare item that you never leave home without?
In The Clouds Facial Mist from Care.e.on.
What’s your in-flight skincare routine?
I like to kick things off with the Cleared For Take-Off hand sanitizer because airplane germs are a no-go for me. I then opt for a silk scrunchie to keep my hair grease-free and out of the way.
To ensure my skin is clean, I swipe on some micellar water with a cotton pad to remove any impurities. Next up, I reach for the Hydroboost Highdrating pads for an instant burst of moisture that leaves me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Fun fact: these pads are so hydrating, I even use them on my neck and décolleté. Following that, I indulge in the Flying Highdration Mask and a touch of Biologique Recherche eye cream.
Once those products have worked their magic, I top it off with the Layover Lip Mask, Colorescience sunscreen and a spritz of the In The Clouds Facial Mist to lock in all that hydration.
What are your carry-on essentials?
In my carry-on, you’ll always find my must-haves: compression socks for circulation and comfort, snacks — opting for non-salty ones to avoid that post-flight puffiness — a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, phone charger for staying connected, gum or mints for fresh breath, Care.e.on’s En Route Essentials kit for a touch of self-care, a cozy Manta sleeping mask for some shut-eye, the versatile Care.e.on Carry-All for organization, headphones for entertainment, magnesium for relaxation and a book — even though I rarely have the attention span to read on the plane, it’s there to weigh down my bag and the promise of a good read later. These essentials keep me prepared and comfortable for any journey ahead.
What is your go-to airport outfit?
Care.e.on hoodie and Madhappy sweatpants.
What about travel shoes?
Mercer x Care.e.on Re-Run sneaker.
Give us your top packing tips.
When it comes to packing, my top tip is to start preparing days in advance — procrastination is not cute! Lay out each outfit, including accessories, and snap photos to create a visual inventory on your phone. This makes it a breeze to grab the right look once you reach your destination.
Utilize packing cubes to keep your outfits organized and wrinkle-free. I recommend dedicating one cube to essentials like chargers, vitamins and sleep aids, along with a Care.e.on En Route Essentials kit that is always in your suitcase. By having these essentials pre-packed, you’ll streamline your packing process and minimize leaving the important items behind.
And don’t forget to leave some space in your suitcase for souvenirs and shopping scores — it’s the perfect way to bring a piece of your trip back home with you.
When you travel, how do you practice wellness or self-care?
There are three non-negotiable practices that I swear by. Firstly, movement is key for me. While I may not always have an hour to spare for a full workout, especially with the demands of work and being a new mom prioritizing sleep, I always find time to move my body, whether it’s through stretching or opting for walking to my destination.
Secondly, self-care is a personal journey that takes different forms for everyone. For me, it’s not always about indulging in a luxurious bubble bath and candles. When I’m on the road and feeling homesick, self-care looks like connecting with my loved ones, particularly with a phone call to my mom. My support system of friends and family truly grounds me and fills my heart, providing the comfort and strength I need while traveling.
Lastly, meditation has become a vital part of my self-care routine. While I may not be a meditation expert, I recently completed a meditation course and have been dedicating 20 minutes twice a day to this practice. The calming effects of meditation have helped me navigate through challenging situations with greater ease and a sense of tranquility.
Where do you see the future of skincare heading, and how does Care.e.on aim to contribute to that evolution?
I envision the future of skincare moving toward simplicity. The era of elaborate 30-step routines — guilty as charged! — is fading, and we can all breathe a sigh of relief. As people become more knowledgeable about skincare, they’re transforming into skinfluencer aficionados, discerning between what works and what’s just a fad.
At Care.e.on, our goal is to play a part in this evolution by streamlining our customers’ travel skincare routines, making them straightforward, highly efficient and readily available.
What are your favorite travel destinations?
Tokyo holds a special place in my heart as my top travel destination. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I meticulously planned my culinary journey around the city, indulging in omakase experiences that were truly unforgettable. From sushi for every meal to exploring art galleries, vintage shops and temples, Tokyo’s vibrant culture and energy captivated me.
Charleston, on the other hand, is where my childhood memories reside, with its pluff mud scents, delicious Southern cuisine, charming accents and the soothing ocean breeze that instantly transports me to a state of bliss.
And then there’s St. Barts, my ultimate island paradise, where the wild beaches, breathtaking hikes and delectable cuisine create a tapestry of cherished memories that I hold dear. Each trip to St. Barts is a new chapter in my love affair with the island.
Art plays a big part in your family and even your Instagram feed. What are some of your favorite museums?
When it comes to museums, Musée de l’Orangerie [in Paris] holds a special place in my heart. The enchanting room of Monet’s Water Lilies never fails to leave me in awe every time I step inside.
Another favorite is Musée Rodin, where a cherished memory with my grandmother in the garden, gazing at The Thinker, remains close to my heart. During a high school graduation trip to Paris, we spent a magical day immersed in art at this museum.
And then there’s Musée Picasso [in Antibes, France], perched elegantly overlooking the Mediterranean. The charming castle-like museum is a treasure trove of masterpieces that never fails to captivate me. Each museum holds a unique place in my heart.
Where are you traveling next?
London for a Care.e.on event and then Aspen for the holidays.
