Packing Toiletries to Travel Lite
I used to pack 4 suitcases everytime I went somewhere, even just for the weekend. I had two bags for clothes (I dress for my mood and not knowing what mood I’d be in, I packed almost all my clothes), one bag just for shoes (I love shoes!), and one large bag for toiletries. Oh yeah, and I always took my own pillow. And my purse. It was a nightmare going anywhere, and forget looking suave going through airport security!
So here are some tips I’ve learned over the years to make travelling a little easier:
- Rethink whether you need an item altogether
- Downsize
- Use all-in-one products
- Never unpack
- Know the rules for airport security
RETHINK:
First, create a list of everything you’d like to take. Lay it all out on the bed. Then take away what the hotel will supply. Of what’s left, reduce it by HALF! Here’s how:
DOWNSIZE:
Can’t live without your own brand of shampoo? Get a small plastic travel bottle found in most megamarts travel aisles and fill it. The rule for airport compliance is less than 3 ounces.
| USE ALL IN ONE PRODUCTS: Makeups like the Bare Minerals Starter Kit line take up very little space and replaced $250 worth of my own separate cosmetics. They have SPF and act as a sunscreen, foundation, concealer, powder, eyeshadow base, and blush. |
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Their Buxom lipgloss has SPF and a lip plumper already built in too! I love the color "Dolly" for a natural look that's kicked up a notch (the picture here looks brownish, but it's actually a shade darker than a blushing natural summer lip). |
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NEVER UNPACK:
| Whether it's a pre-packed weekend bag, or your toiletries, keep them packed! My makeup organizer holds all my essentials and hangs on a hook behind my bathroom door at all times. It keeps my countertops clear and easy to clean, and I just roll it up and snap it closed when I'm ready to travel.
Find one with a hook, a built in mirror, and both clear and zipper compartments. I like ones like the one to the right from the Container Store. Also keep a small, clear baggie pre-packed with a sewing kit, feminie hygiene products, and travel meds like tylenol, airborne, and mylanta or pepto chewables. You can put it together once and have it on standby for when you travel. |
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Get a purse organizer. I love the Purse Brite. Not only will it make switching handbags easier, but it holds a lot everyday so there's less packing to do when you travel. I keep mine stocked with a comb, lip gloss/balm, tylenol, a nail file, loose change, pens, etc. |
Another tip: keep your daytime makeup & lipstick in your daytime bag, and your evening makeup in your evening bag and never take them out so they’re there for the next time.
AIRPORT SECURITY:
For getting through airport security, use the 3-1-1 rule if travelling with liquids in a carry-on bag:
Consolidate small bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed up the screening process.
As for clothing, try to eliminate belts and wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Try to always wear socks on travel days (or pack a pair in your purse or carry on so you don’t have to walk on the dirty floor). One interesting tidbit: Airport security will confiscate gel shoe inserts like Dr. Sholl’s so don’t wear them through a checkpoint and pack them in your checked baggage instead. Otherwise you’ll end up embarrassed AND uncomfortable!
And if you don’t want to be rushed while going through security, most airports now have a Family Lane. It’s available for use even if you’re not travelling with children.
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