The $15 Calming Scent Jessica Williams Packs for Japan — Plus 6 Other Finds

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Published on May 31, 2025 at 11:20 AM

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Jessica Williams doesn't just travel, she wanders. Whether she's zigzagging through Tokyo's neon-drenched neighborhoods or chasing cherry blossoms in Kyoto, the actor-comedian is all about soaking up a place with all five senses. "I always try to go a couple times a year to Japan," she says. "I miss it when I'm not there."

Japan is one of those destinations where Williams feels most herself, and her packing list reflects it. She always brings her go-to comfortable sneakers — mesh Nike Reacts — that pair perfectly with a long, baggy dress for a full day on foot. That easy outfit is often accompanied by her Olympus camera for snapping flowers and cityscapes, plus an Apple Watch to track her 15,000-step goal (which she always crushes). "When I go with my boyfriend, we walk everywhere. It's about being present, not looking at a screen," she says.

Being present isn't just a vibe for Williams — it's how she moves through the world. And scent plays a major role in that. She currently stars in Bath & Body Works' Come Back to Your Senses campaign, which highlights what she already practices daily: using fragrance as a sensory anchor to reconnect with herself. Research shows that 75 percent of emotions are triggered by scent, making fragrance not just a beauty ritual, but an emotional experience.

From long days of exploring to quiet nights settling in, Jessica's travel routine is guided by intention. "Fragrance really brings me back to the present," she says. Keep reading for all the items Williams packs to travel to Japan.

Transparent Sunscreen

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 ($10)

"Without a doubt, I have Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 with me," she says. "It's my jam. Even when I have makeup on, I still use it. It's really easy to use, and it doesn't make you break out. Some sunscreens have zinc, and it makes your skin white. But Black Girl Sunscreen is so transparent."

A Foam Bath

Bath & Body Works Lavender Vanilla Body Wash and Foam Bath ($15)

"I just really love the Bath & Body Works lavender vanilla line," says Williams. "I was using it before they approached me for the campaign and so I'm really excited to be able to speak on it now. But it's a scent that I got from my mom, and it reminds me of her; that feels really good." The scent contains notes of lavender and vanilla to inspire tranquility and rest.

Blue Eyeliner

Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Waterproof Micropencil Eyeliner ($22)

"Danessa Myricks has a great blue liner," she shares. "I like to have that little pop in my eyes, and then I just keep it moving. That little pop — like a cobalt blue layered over black liner — gives me a lift, and it's so easy to pack." Danessa Myricks's popular liner comes in several colors, from Williams's go-to blue to royal purple and magenta.

A Good Foundation

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation ($49)

"Lately, I've been packing Haus Labs foundation," she reveals, adding: "I'm usually switching it up depending on my skin tone, especially as a Black woman. I've learned that our faces often have different undertones and shades, so I bring a few small foundations to mix if I need to. But even then, I keep it super minimal: just a bit of foundation, some concealer, and a colored liner."

Haus Labs's weightless foundation provides medium coverage and contains fermented arnica to help reduce redness.

Comfortable Sneakers

Nike Womens React ($70)

"I have these see-through Nike Reacts. They're mesh. I can walk in them for miles," she says, revealing that she styles them with long, maxi dresses. The lightweight running sneakers boast foam cushioning for optimal comfort.

An E-Reader

Kindle Colorsoft ($224)

A Kindle is a must on Williams's packing list. This 32 GB version features a long battery life, wireless charging, and the ability to auto adjust the front light for easy reading. "Right now I'm reading Sarah J. Maas's "Throne of Glass" series," the actress shares. "There was this really cool romantic fiction company doing really sexy and really fun and really progressive stories. They're really short."

A Professional Camera

OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera ($1,999)

"I have a little Olympus camera that I take with me," Williams reveals. "I like to try and shoot flowers and the hardscaping that they have there. For me, the point of being there is to be on foot and be present." This camera is known for its fast autofocus and ability to deliver high-quality pictures especially in low light.

Deena Campbell is the former beauty director of Marie Claire and a passionate advocate for driving meaningful conversations about beauty, particularly around ensuring BIPOC individuals feel seen and their stories are told.

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