Traveling Toiletries

I never neglect my hygiene regardless if I’m at home or away in another country or staying over at a friend’s place.  I always like being prepared just in case the things I need aren’t available where I will be staying.  So just in time for your Thanksgiving travel, I will show you how to pack your toiletries for that long weekend home! 

Being a girl, I know how difficult the beauty upkeep is.  With all the lotions and potions, it’s a challenge figuring out what and what not to bring with you.  Minimizing items is a pain in the ASS especially when you are already used to a routine.  Remember to take only what you NEED.  Even though girls have more products than guys, these are still handy tips for your man-kit.

Pack basics.  Only take what you “can’t live without.” Are you really going to be exfoliating and marinating in masks on a weekend trip?? Probably not.  Also, not a good idea to be trying out new products while you are away from home in case you get a reaction.

Compress.  Convert your full-size products into travel-size.  This will help you save space. As much as possible, DO NOT BUY TRAVEL SIZED PRODUCTS.  It is a waste of money.  You are literally paying $1 for 33mL of shampoo that would cost $4 for the 750mL full size.  Instead DE-POT your full-sized products into travel bottles.  I also like saving the free samples I get in store and in the mail or instances just like this!  If the samples’ container is reusable, I will save this for my future travels.

Left: Full-sized products.  Right: Compressed-sized products.  Use the contact case as a size reference.

Liquids, creams, gels. These need to be in a separate bag if you are flying by air.  Remember no more than 100 mL per container and all in a 1 quart bag.

Bag it.  Pick the right bag.  Ideally you want to go with something that is easy to clean in case of leaks (cuz they DO happen) with easy access to your products.  I like to go with something transparent so I don’t have to dig around for what I need.  As you can see here I am using a Sephora bag from one of their past collections.  I like it because it's compact and has the double, transparent pockets, as well as one on the front where I keep lip balm and hair ties/pins.

Test it out.  If I am unsure of the amount of product I actually need, I test it out.  A couple weeks before you leave just use your travel products to get an accurate idea how long everything will last you.  When it comes to hygiene products, it seems we all have a misconception of how much we actually use.

Double Duty. I always try to find things that do more than one job. This helps cut down on products I need to bring.


These are the contents of my kit:

It took me a few tries to get my kit as lean as it is.  This kit is good for me for a 7-10 day vacation (partially because I have short hair.)  Everyone's beauty regiment is different, so your basics will be different than mine.  Just try to be realistic with what you will actually NEED when you are away.

Good Luck & happy travels!