It’s been a while since I have done a Travel Tuesday post, so here it goes! I am talking about some of my must-have toiletries that I always need in my bag. Plus, I am sharing this makeup/toiletries bag I found that has become a lifesaver. Let’s be honest, trying to pick and choose what products you bring with you on the road can be such a hassle. If you are anything like me, you think of each and every scenario and rationalize packing your entire bathroom with you! A while ago, I set on a mission to pare down my travel essentials to what I really need.
Essential Travel Toiletries
- Philosophy Purity cleanser – This is my everyday cleanser and I have a huge 32 ounce bottle in my shower. It’s handy, because I can fill up my travel bottle! This cleanser is great for sensitive skin because it doesn’t have a harsh smell or large amounts of chemicals that usually irritate my skin. I don’t need any special treatments in my cleanser, so this is perfect.
- Amika Dry Shampoo – Dry shampoo is a must for me everyday of the week and especially when I travel. I wash my hair every 2 to 3 days, depending on how I’m feeling (ha), so dry shampoo is a savior. Plus, traveling always makes my hair extra greasy, especially when I am on planes! This Amika one is the perfect size, doesn’t have a strong scent, and works great.
- Bumble and Bumble Bb. Texture Hair (Un)dressing Creme – I used this Bumble and Bumble hair creme almost everyday, on both wet and dry hair. It’s not sticky and adds the perfect amount of texture to hair, when you need a little extra oomf! I rub a small amount between my hands and then use it to scrunch my hair. When traveling, it’s a lifestyle as it adds volume AND smooths and tames my unruly hair.
- Downy Wrinkle Releaser – I am constantly struggling between my hate for wrinkly clothes and how much I loathe ironing/steaming. This is the lazy girl’s best friend. After I get to my destination, I will unpack all my clothes and hang up my shirts and dresses. I’ll spray the clothes (you have to REALLY spray and like the clothes soak up the liquid), rub straight down the shirt, dress, etc. to smooth out the wrinkles, and then let them hang in the bathroom during and after I take a shower. The first time I used it, I didn’t think it would work, but it’s become such a lifesaver!
- Sheet Masks – There are tons of different kinds and I like to experiment with them all! Sephora has a lot of their own branded masks, including specific ones for your eyes. But in my opinion, other cult favorite brands, such as Tony Moly, Leaders, and When (which has become one of my favorites), are way better. Plus, their packaging is so adorable. No matter what you are looking for, you will find a sheet mask that suits your needs. I love the When Travelmate mask, which is great for, you guessed it, travel.
I got this Kestrel weekender cosmetic bag (who knew that was even a thing??) from Nordstrom Rack, so it was only $15. I found some great ones here, here, and here. While I don’t think the brand is important, the main factors you should look for is durability and organization. Each section has a zipper, so I used one side for my makeup and the other for my toiletries. There is a middle section, where I put all my makeup brushes. The bag is surprisingly big and I love that it simply zips up! I used to keep my makeup in one bag, but a case for my brushes, and then a second bag for my toiletries. Now everything is in one place!
Another major tip I have for frequent travelers is to keep your essential travel items in your to-go bag. That way, if you do a last minute weekend getaway or have a big trip coming up and are packing at the last minute, you hopefully won’t have to rummage around or even worse, go out and buy another tiny bottle of face wash or teeny tube of toothpaste! Below are some more of my favorite travel essentials.
-Jacqueline