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.
.jpg "How to Downsize Your Toiletries")
There are certain rules I follow when I travel, every time I travel. I'll share with you:
- 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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