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Packing light for travel is basically my sport of choice. But I never skimp when it comes to toiletries.
To me, packing light means skipping the items that you definitely don’t need while on a trip. These things may make you superficially happier or perhaps slightly more entertained, but they don’t affect how you feel just existing. Whether or not you have that hardcover book or a 3-wick candle with you won’t affect your physical well being.
Toiletries are different. They help us feel like our healthy, clean, and comfortable selves. My strategy is to pack little bits of a lot of items. When you look at my list on paper, it looks ridiculous. However, once it is all packed, you would never guess that I’m practically a walking drugstore.
This is the travel toiletry kit that comes with me wherever I go.
what you’ll need
1 medium sized travel toiletry bag
2 quart sized zip-top baggies
1 small, purse sized zipper bag (It’s helpful if the bag is translucent.)
1 small plastic basket (Such as these simple clear trays.)
“liquids” bags
We all know the 3-1-1 rule when it pertains to liquids in your carry on. Personally, I don’t use any of those “TSA Approved” zipper bags that are plentiful everywhere. I’ve run into my fair share of stickler TSA screeners, and I just don’t feel like pushing my luck to get a few more items in the bag is worth the risk. Plus, I worry even less about liquid explosions because it’s not like I’ll have to clean out the bag and reuse it anyway.
What I pack:
Shampoo & Conditioner, 2 oz each
Summer’s Eve Wash, 2 oz
Toothpaste, travel size
Face Cleanser, travel size
Body Cream, travel size
Toner, refilled in a sample bottle
Dry Shampoo, travel size
Maracuja Oil, refilled in Tarte dropper bottle
Argan Oil, filled in 10 mL vial
Antibiotic Ointment
Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream
Liquid Makeup: BB Cream, Liquid Eyeliner, Mascara, Concealer, Eye Primer
Wait, no sunscreen? Personally, I am not picky about my sunscreen. I will typically pick up a small tube of whatever sunscreen at my destination. Since you only have so much space in your liquids bag, pack specific items that you can’t live without, and venture to buy common items when you arrive.
travel first aid kit
I like a fully stocked first aid kit with me at all times. (I’m accident prone.) This is the kit I’ll pack for a trip to a fellow civilization. If you are going off into the jungle, perhaps you’ll want more than this.
What I Pack:
Tylenol, in repurposed bottle (green cap)
Ibuprofen, in repurposed travel size tube
Dramamine, travel size tube
Claritin, in little jar
Benadryl, fast acting blister packs
Lactaid, individually wrapped
Lip balm with SPF 15
Emory board, (not a metal nail file)
Tweezer
Nail clipper
Eyebrow scissors
Pantiliners
Alcohol wipes, individually wrapped
Bandaids, (lots of them)
the “shower caddy” method
I hate taking showers. And I especially hate fumbling around with my toiletry kit when I’m wet, and then everything is getting wet, and it’s just an annoying mess. To make things easier and stay organized while I’m living out of a bag, I pack a little “shower caddy” to house all of my wet items. It’s especially helpful when you’re sharing a shower and can’t spread all your stuff all over the place!
This “shower caddy” doesn’t need to be anything fancy. Mine is a Tupperware that happens to fit snugly around the outside of my toiletry bag. It’s not beautiful, but it works.
When I arrive at my destination, I transfer things into this container that I would need in or around the shower. Shampoo and conditioner, body wash, soap, face wash, razor, and washcloth all hang out in this tray for the duration of my stay. When it’s time to repack, the plastic tray makes clean up super easy. Just wipe it off and there’s no grossness going into your suitcase.
makeup
I like to keep my makeup separate from the rest of my toiletries because it’s a whole kit in itself that deserves its own bag. Obviously, I have no choice but to add my liquid makeup items into my quart size bag, but the items are promptly removed and placed with their rightful family upon arrival.
If you’re curious about what makeup I take on regular trips, plus what makeup I’m taking with me for a wedding, I’ve got that post coming up in July!
That’s all for today!
Like this post? Check out this one too >> 10 Worst Packing Mistakes *Not* To Make + Helpful Packing Tips
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Till next time ♥︎
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FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
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