How To Downsize Your Toiletries

When we travel, we might want to bring everything we normally use everyday with us, but if you have a beauty routine that requires a lot of stuff, that can absolutely become a whole bag all on its own. Now, I'm not saying to completely abandon your skincare routine or just deal with limp or frizzy hair, but you don't need a hundred full-size containers to recreate your favorite look(s) on vacation.

There are certain rules I follow when I travel, every time I travel. I'll share with you:

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• Decant into smaller containers. I use HumanGear gotubbs in small and medium and contact lens cases for things like moisturizer, cc cream, hyaluronic acid, night cream, etc. Label them and toss those in your bag. I only use 2 cases, so I just use a Sharpie to put M or CC. Whatever works for you that you'll remember.
• I bring toothpaste tabs, because they're less wasteful than those tiny tubes and won't ooze out in your bag. I prefer Bite brand. They come in reusable glass bottles, which you can take with you or put fewer in a different container.
• Use those minis you're always getting with your makeup order or ask the folx at Sephora or Ulta if they have any freebies when you check out.
• Get travel size haircare tools. I have this one from Conair that I've been using for probably 15 years. It curls and straightens, works just as good, if not better, than my full size one at home.
• Look into solid shampoo and conditioner like these from Viori Beauty that are teeny and made with rice water to really make your hair look amazing. They all smell delicious, too, and won't make a mess in your bag. If you buy the bigger size, you can always cut them in half to save space.
• Don't, don't, DON'T forget sunscreen! I use whatever sport version on my body (Trader Joe's has a great one) but I spend more on a facial one that won't break me out and does multiple jobs, like this one from It Cosmetics that blends flawlessly into my makeup routine. I also use it on my hair part, so my head doesn't get burned. Cancer is no joke!

I talked to someone not that long ago that said "I hate putting stuff in smaller containers. I ain't doing all that," but that's how you save space, weight, and money, so I guess if you want to lug a bunch of extra stuff and probably also waste $25-50 each way to chec your bag, go for it, but I'm not doing all that. I'd much rather take that money and go out to eat or do something fun that I might not have had the money for otherwise. 

Again, if you're not a video person, don't worry. I'll be working on a static photo post soon along with a regular packing post that isn't this video one I made for you. If you want to see more videos like this, I add extra things on my Instagram than I share here.

I have a variety of toiletry bags of all sizes and price points, but I've been taking this one from Gravel, and I promise a review is coming, because I can corral everything in one place. It comes with its own "wet" bag for liquids that fits in a larger compartment inside, that I also use for my flat iron, face sheets (I cut one into 4), brush/comb, and meds. It fits perfectly into the bottom of my backpack. I'm also a big fan of the Travelon Wet/Dry bag, especially for trips where I want to take a lot less. I have packed it flat to fit into the front pocket of my little roller.

What items are the most challenging for you to pack in your toiletry bag?

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Two People In a 16" Carry-On Bag

I've got a goal for my fall vacation, and that's to go to France for a week, with just a small roller bag and two backpacks (one for each of us). I did that for our trip to Vegas and I probably took too many pieces, though that's not terrible when it's 1 million degrees out and you sweat through your clothes by midday. For our trip to France, I'll have some layering pieces that should work for everything, so we'll be set if it's cold or if it's hot. It's been both of those things when we've visited in September/October.

Would you like to see how and what I packed for Las Vegas? Still struggling to figure out how to get everything into a carry-on? Well, I've got you covered, first with packing.

I always make a packing list with items I want to take, and then I pull all those pieces to make sure they go together. All, or almost all, of your tops should go with all of your bottoms to make the most of your wardrobe. You will probably do laundry. I don't mind and I especially use it as an excuse to slow down and chill out in my room or at a laundromat. 

Once I've pulled everything together, I make sure it isn't too much (if it is, I make some decisions and pare down) then I roll all the big items and put them in a packing cube. Big items on the bottom layer and smaller items on the next layer. I am a big fan of compression packing cubes like these from Eagle Creek, but you don't have to spend a lot to get good ones. I also have a set just like these and they are great.

Do you wonder how a mix-and-match wardrobe works? Here's a video compilation of everything I brought with me to Las Vegas for the week. Notice I only have two shoe options and both are great for walking. The sneakers are Skechers Go Walk and the sandals are Reef Water Vista in Oasis, but I also have them in Hot Pink. I have wide feet and usually wear a 6 1/2. I bought the pink ones first in a size 7 and they are a bit too big, so when I got another pair, I sized down to a 6 and they are perfect. I will probably buy more in other colors. They can go from pool to museum to dinner and my feet never hurt walking in them all day.

I'll do a more static post on packing soon, if videos aren't your thing. I'll also be posting on how to pack your toiletry bag and get all your liquids into that 3-1-1 bag for security purposes. If you have TSA Precheck or Global Entry, it's less of a hassle, but it's still easier to deal with all your stuff when there's less of it.

What's your biggest struggle when it comes to packing?

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. I earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you. I appreciate your support!

Portland Coffee Tour 2025 - Part 7

Can you believe it's already July? We're deep into ice coffee season, which I guess ends when PSL season starts...? Who knows? I'm not a big pumpkin spice fan, so I'll leave that to the other coffee girlies (and laddies, because I don't judge). What I know right now is that the summer flavors are upon us and I'm excited by fresh fruit and that kinda informing pastry and coffee flavors.

This month is hectic, so I did most of my July visits for Portland last month, which is also why this post is so much earlier in the month than others. Let's start with a revisit and end with a brand new coffee shop that is actually a hidden gem.

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Good Coffee

We have several locations of Good Coffee scattered around town, including one at the airport. It always feels so clean and happy and the baristas are always lovely to chat with. It's been a while since I have been to Good outside of PDX, so I was long overdue for a visit to the "new" one in Cedar Hills, just about a 5 minute drive from me. I had been looking at their Instagram and their new seasonal drinks and already had my order set.

With summer just starting, they really pulled some interesting flavors together, including the drink I got, which was the Pear Cardamom Latte. A little sweet. A little spicy. This is the perfect combo, in my opinion. The flavors blended well and were subtle. They might be more prevalent with a regular milk, but I always get oat, if I can, just due to personal taste. 

They also have a case of locally-made pastries, including the most Barbie croissant I've ever had. The rose croissant was the last in the case (lucky me!) and I'm almost positive it is made at Nuvrei Bakery, like the rose pistachio one I got at Baristopia last month. It's soft and flaky, but also a bit crispy on the outside. Basically, everything a good croissant should be, but also bright pink! So pretty. So delicious.

This Good Coffee location has a very minimalist vibe, but has a fun slatted wall that separates the counter from the rest seating area. On one side are the baristas and merch and on the other, a bunch of people sipping away. I love that open vibe, but also distinct areas.  

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Slow Haste Coffee

This little coffee shop just opened a month ago and we were in the area running errands so we stopped in. It's at an intersection with so many things: a pie shop, a bar, a Latin American restaurant, a wine bar, and so much more. I don't know how to explain it, but this little shop looks like an old school hamburger bar on the outside, but a 70s-era trailer on the inside, but in the best possible way. Imagine if you went to your grandparents' house as a kid, but they had good taste. It's bright and airy, but also has some of the best artwork I've seen in a coffee shop.

The menu is small, like the shop, but what they do have sounds delicious and everything is served with garnish that feels like you're getting a cocktail. They have a small selection of pastries and they even serve wine. As we were leaving, a ton of people were coming in (around lunchtime).

We ordered a dirty chai, the banana caramel latte, a blueberry muffin, and a spinach ricotta pastry (the barista told me it was his favorite, and I can see why). The banana caramel latte came with a dehydrated banana slice for garnish, which made it feel really special and fancy. This is on my short list of best new coffee shops in Portland. It's cozy, feels very homey, and the staff are very personable and happy to give recommendations and talk to me about how their first month went. 

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Conspirator's Coffee Lounge

A friend who also loves coffee, and lives in British Columbia, sent me an Instagram Reel about a new custard shop that just opened at the beginning of June, asking me to go try it out "for science". She was specifically asking about the hidden coffee shop inside. It's one of the only coffee shops we have that is open late at night, so I learned the secret password and dragged Eric downtown to check it out.

Conspirator's Coffee Lounge is accessible only by receiving the "key" from an employee and then you step into a wardrobe, which is actually a secret door, and then you push open the back to arrive into a very witchy (the custard shop, Black Cat Frozen Custard, is very witchy/goth) slash hunting cabin slash secret society backroom lounge. Where the custard shop is packed full of people, only a select few are enjoying the lounge with their cups of coffee that look like cauldrons. You can also get the entire custard shop menu in here.

This mug is enormous!

I'll be honest, the vibes were better than the coffee, but it was still pretty good. I'd definitely go back, because it's beautiful and a place that I definitely don't want to close. Eric just got a plain latte, but he ordered a 20 oz and it came in the most massive mug. I ordered a 12 oz lava salt caramel latte where most of the flavor was at the bottom, so after you take your pictures, you might want to stir it up to distribute it. Aside from coffee, they also have pastries, including that same Everything Galette that I had at Battle Grounds last month. I love how Portland businesses really support each other. 

This alcove is giving genuine Shanghai Tunnels vibe

Once you order, they give you a playing card that signifies which items are yours when they are ready. You can choose to sit downstairs or take the winding staircase upstairs and feel like you're having a secret meeting. This is also where the "backdoor" is that you leave by, giving it the perfect speakeasy experience. They've truly thought of everything.

I hope you come to Portland and, when you do, indulge in a few of our many great coffee shops. There are hundreds and it's almost hard to find a bad one, but when you find an outstanding one, it's magical. 

Leave a comment and tell me some of your favorite independent coffee shops from your trips or where you live.

A Dozen Pieces = 3 Weeks Of Outfits

I rarely take trips that are longer than 10 days to 2 weeks, but I also like to have options when I travel. That can be difficult when you also want to travel light. As you know, if I go solo, I pretty much always pack in a backpack, because I don't like to hold people up trying to wrestle a bag into the overhead. It's entirely doable though, especially when traveling in the summer, spring, or early fall.

Now, the way to really get a lot out of your travel wardrobe is to not pack by day and instead pack a small mix-and-match capsule wardrobe. I did bring along one thing that didn't go with everything, and that was this red Trailblazers shirt I would wear on the plane, but it goes with almost everything else and it's made of a moisture-wicking athletic fabric, so it's perfect for hot weather and repping my city. I always bring along an outer layer and wear it on the plane (you can always take it off if it's too warm, but the plane is often cold), and this athletic jacket is perfect. Let's see how all the tops match (almost) all the bottoms I brought along with:

You can definitely swap out any of thes bottom pieces with something you like more. I enjoy a good pair of jeans with stretch and sneakers for walking all day, but if you prefer a pair of leggings, a longer skirt, or a comfortable pair of sandals, go for it. I almost always choose neutral bottoms and one fun piece that still goes with everything. 

So, I brought a total of 3 bottoms, plus the pair of jeans I was wearing. You don't have to bring that many, but if you're a chronic overpacker, this is definitely not going to feel like enough. In all honesty, it gives you so many options, without being overwhelming. Here we have jeans, my favorite pair of shorts (Columbia), my favorite black joggers (PrAna), and a snap skort (PrAna). I chose this color skort, because I also have a favorite pair of green joggers that I often take on trips and I don't need everything to be black. They have 2 regular pockets, a zip pocket, and a slip pocket on the undershorts. 

One of my packed tops is this fun shadow puppet bunny that I bought at a market in London that has a longer back than the front. My other packed things here is this pair of scalloped ballet flats (Skechers). They don't take up much room, they go with most things, and they're super comfy to walk in all day.

My next top in my  bag is a white linen tank, because it breathes well and can be dressed up or down. I also packed a longer cardigan that can keep me warm, but looks great with dressier items. It's a perfect item to wear to a nice restaurant that might be a little enthusiastic with their air conditioning, as a lot of places in the summer tend to be.

Next up is a basic cropped black tee. It is roomy, without being too long. You can get them in a bunch of colors, and I do have it in others, but black tends to hide dirt, if you happen to spill food or whatever on yourself.

Last, is this high-low split tail tank top. I've had this for forever and I love it. It can be sporty or casual or even dressy, depending on what you pair it with and accessories to add.

Okay, last last is this travel dress I love from PrAna. I have it in both rust and black and wish I had purchased it in a third color before they discontinued it. It has big pockets, it's the perfect length and it's amazingly comfortable. It looks layered, has a split hem on the back of the tank, and gives your body extra air flow when it's really hot out. You can add another layer, like I have, by throwing on a tee over it, making it look like two separate pieces, add the athletic jacket for a sporty look, or the cardigan for date night. 

While we're at it, that cardigan is a great cozy loung piece when you're just hanging around your hotel room. Throw it on over your pjs (these are from H&M and purchased from Poshmark) instead of a robe.

Last year, I bought this new backpack from a local company, Portland Gear, because it is waterproof (benefit if you live in Portland or another rainy place), it has a wide opening, so you can see everything inside and make it easier to pack, and because it came in this new pink color. Love!

All of my clothing fits in a medium packing cube and my underwear, socks, and extra bra will fit in a small one that I also put my travel lighted makeup mirror in for some cushioning. This bag fits everything else I need, too: my toiletry bag, my second pair of shoes, travel hair straightener, backup battery + cord, snacks, laptop, charging cords, a reusable grocery bag, a rain jacket, my reusable water bottle, and my tiny purse with all my everyday essentials in it. You can carry it if you want, but if you're traveling on a very budget airline and are limited to one personal item, then you can consolidate and this full bag still fits under the seat in front of you.

This backpack looks bigger than it actually is, mostly because it's wider than other backpacks I take, but it's easy to carry, has just enough pockets for everything and also has top handles and one of the front to help you pull it out of a car trunk, the overhead, and from under the seat. It also has little feet, so it sets upright when you're trying to pack and unpack it. When I posted about it on IG during my last trip, a friend said he and his wife saw it and purchased one for each of them for their next big trip. 

This is the standard size, but it also comes in a compact size for those who don't need to bring as much, use it as a commuter bag, or don't travel with a giant laptop like I do. This is the only bag I'll be taking on my next trip, which will be short, but it'll have enough room to bring back things that I may buy, too.

Anyway, I wanted to show you this great bag, but also how you can create 21 different outfits with not that many pieces, so you can wear an entirely unique outfit every day of your trip for 3 weeks or less, in case you care about looking different every day in pictures. I have traveled with much less and haven't felt limited by what I've brought. In fact, I'll have a much smaller selection on this next trip to Las Vegas, and we'll be looking at that soon.

What's your biggest packing struggle?

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. I earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you. I appreciate your support!