The $16 Fenty Hair Styler I Packed for Japan — Plus 9 Other Items to Bring

Topicals Slick Salve Lip Balm ($16)

Aside from water, this lip balm was an absolute essential on the trip! I knew the dry heat could be intense, but Slick Salve kept my lips moisturized and smooth. The hint of mint was refreshing — and let's be honest, it even tasted pretty good during those moments when I absentmindedly licked my lips.

Fenty Hair The Homecurl ($16)

One of the most crucial parts of my trip was maintaining a solid haircare routine. My curls are so temperamental when traveling—you never know what the weather will throw at you, which can be frustrating without a versatile product. Shout out to The Homecurl, my homegirl, my Good Judi, if you will. There was no buildup, my curls stayed defined without looking dry and remained soft. I paired it with The Richer One Moisture Repair Deep Conditioner ($30) for intense moisture after long adventure-filled days and The Protective Type Heat Protectant Styler ($16) to shield my hair while exploring in the scorching heat. Consider this your warning: September in Japan is very hot!

Black Girl Sunscreen ($19)

As I have mentioned many times, it was scorching in Japan! So I used the Black Girl Sunscreen because yes, we get sunburnt too! I used it daily as a sunscreen and moisturizer. It's packed with key ingredients like avocado for hydration and sunflower oil which prevents skin irritation. Honestly it's a game changer affordable and can be found almost anywhere from Target or CVS.

The Black Joy Project by Kleaver Cruz ($19)

For the 14-hour flight, this book is a breath of fresh air. Featuring artists like Walter Cruz and Justice Dwight, alongside beautifully written poems and essays by creatives like Sista Zai Zanda, it was exactly what I needed to set the tone for the trip. My favorite chapter, titled "We Can Be Like Moss," talks about how our joy is directly connected to nature and serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of Black people — how we can withstand any adversity with Black joy as a tool for healing. It perfectly aligned with one of my personal missions for this trip: to embrace healing through joy.

Gold Lyre Tarot Cards ($30)

One of the most unforgettable experiences was visiting the temples in Japan. My favorite memory was waking up early to stroll through Kyoto's crisp morning air and wandering the serene grounds of the surrounding shrines and temples. Being there made me feel grounded and deeply connected to a higher power — and to the best version of myself. My palo santo and The Gold Lyre tarot deck played a significant role in helping me understand the emotions and signs I encountered. I found immense peace in the affirmations and guidance I received from God and my angels.

Inside Out Dig Deeper Journal ($35)

When I arrived at the Tokyo house, we were given the Inside Out Dig Deeper Journal to encourage healing and a deeper understanding of ourselves. I was impressed by the prompts—they weren't surface-level; instead, they got to the heart of things, allowing me to truly explore and connect with my inner self. The vegan leather and gold lettering added a touch of elegance, making the journal not only meaningful but beautiful to use.

Beats Flex Wireless Headphones ($70)

These headphones made every activity effortless. While I usually prefer over-the-head styles, these fit perfectly around my neck, and no matter how intense the activity, the earbuds stayed securely in place—a surprising and satisfying bonus. The noise cancellation was equally impressive, making my rooftop meditation sessions in Osaka even more peaceful and immersive.

Livstreetwear229 Cargo Pants ($90, originally $180)

The heat was more intense than I expected, so I couldn't wear all the looks I'd prepped for the trip. Thankfully, I packed these versatile Livstreetwear 229 cargo pants. They were perfect for almost every occasion—whether I was hiking or heading out for a night with the crew. The breathable fabric made them ideal for the hot weather, while the zipper pouch pockets on the knees let me stash small items securely without adding bulk. Stylish and functiona — a total win! An honorable mention would be my Unstable Ransom Tee ($35, originally $50), that was perfectly cropped by owner and designer Griffin Wilson so that I can catch a breeze. An essential piece for our Universal Studios Japan outing and long walks.

Away Everyday Duffle ($445)

I can't imagine life without this bag. Traveling from city to city, I needed something that could hold everything—from my laptop to my toiletries. At one point, I pulled out so many items that someone joked, "Wow, you've got a real-life Barney bag!" On my last day in Tokyo, I emptied it out to make room for gifts for my family back home. I managed to fit an authentic kimono, a daruma doll, two shirts, a pair of pants, and a bunch of jewelry—all without overstuffing it. Yeah, it's really that great!

Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II ($750)

While in Japan, the SafeSpace family challenged us to create art during our trip. Inspired by my journey, I decided to film a documentary about my experience as a Queer Black man traveling through a conservative country and the unexpected beauty I encountered along the way. The Powershot was the perfect tool for capturing every moment with stunning clarity. Its lightweight, slim design made it easy to carry and store, keeping me focused on authentic storytelling.

Ricky Davii is an artist of multiple mediums. He has more than 10 years of experience in the beauty space, and his other areas of expertise include art, music, and travel. Ricky has worked with iconic celebrities and brands such as Serena Williams, Netflix, Dove, and Flo Health, and he's been featured in publications like Essence, Elle, and Vogue.