30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 17: The Essential Toiletries Kit

Welcome to Day 17 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag.

Today’s post is pretty much the culmination of the last few days of topics, so if you haven’t done so yet, we suggest reading about travel size hair products and how to pack liquid toiletries. Now’s the part where we give you the list of items you absolutely need to take with you, the essential toiletries kit, along with a little advice on how to pack them all up nice and neat in your luggage of choice.

The Basics

Hair Cleanser and Conditioner: In other words, you need a shampoo and conditioner of sorts for your hair. If too many liquids make you worry, look into a solid shampoo bar. Dry shampoo might also be a good addition that can help you cut back on the amount of liquid shampoo you bring. Remember to take only what you need in order to conserve space and weight.

>>Consider cutting out shampoo with the no poo method.

Body Wash: We recommend going with a bar soap, like Dove, in order to clean that travel grime off from time to time — and to cut back on liquids. If space is a worry, try hacking a normal sized bar in half instead of paying more for those special travel size bars in the shops.

Facial Moisturizer: Every lady needs a facial moisturizer of some kind. For extra bonus points, get one with SPF built-in since you will more than likely be spending more time in the sun on your travels. Try to go with a moisturizer that you can use both day and night.

Face Wash / Cleanser: Bring along your favorite facial wash or acne cleanser. With new diets, changes in sleep patterns and more public transportation use, breakouts are sure to happen when you travel. Keep them at a minimum by keeping your face clean. Depending on your skin type, a facial wipe might be a good option. (Brooke calls these her “bath in a bag” since they can be used in a pinch to wipe down your body if you don’t have time to shower before your next activity.)

>>To further reduce your liquids, check out the best toiletry items for carry-on travel.

Toothbrush: This is a no-brainer! If you want to go minimal, go for a brush that is travel sized, or one that folds in half.

Toothpaste: Just like the brush, paste keeps you fresh and clean. Go with travel size tubes, or try something different like toothpaste sachets or toothpaste tablets.

Floss: Floss is a must-pack. Not only is it vital to your oral health, it can also function as string in a pinch to sew up holes and tie bits and bobs together.

Razor: If you can handle going a few days without shaving, perhaps waiting to buy a disposable razor until you arrive is an option. Or, get a good wax before leaving home and ditch the razor if you can.

Deodorant: Go for the solid kind in order to cut back on your liquids. If you want something that lasts several months, the crystal deodorants will do the trick. (Brooke is trialing one right now by Grants of Australia that is said to last up to 4 months!)

Q-tips and Cotton Pads: For cleaning your ears and removing makeup or dirt. Just put a handful in a ziplock bag before putting in your toiletries kit.

The Extras

Hair Items: Leave-in conditioners, hair oils, hair sprays and dry shampoos.

Skin Items: Body lotions, cuticle creams and body sprays.

Tips for Packing Toiletries

1. Go for the smallest toiletries bag possible. Just like choosing your luggage, having a toiletries bag that is a size larger just means you are more likely to fill it with things you don’t really need.

You’d be surprised what you can fit into a smaller bag. This holds: Dr. Bronner’s Soap (shampoo and body wash), conditioner, facial cleanser, facial moisturizer + SPF, eye cream, leave-in hair oil, toothpaste sachets, floss, toothbrush, razor and crystal deodorant stick. And there is still a little room to fit something else if needed!

2. Plan your toiletries packing according to your packing goals: checked or carry-on. If going carry-on only, your liquid toiletries will need to be located in a separate bag that can be scanned at security.

Remember: Compartmentalizing your toiletries will help you to stay organized on the road, as well as keep potential mess and leaks confined to a single space in your bag or suitcase.

We’ll be talking about an essential beauty kit and medical kit in the coming posts!

Take Action: Trial Run Your Toiletries Kit
Get out your packing list and make sure you are only taking the essentials with you on your trip. Make a trial pack to ensure your toiletries bag is the correct size for your intended packing goal. Refrain from taking a toiletries bag that packs on extra bulk or is larger than absolutely necessary.

Let us know if there is anything you’d add to this list in the comments below. Or, let us know your favorite toiletries bag.