As an avid traveler who also splits time between NYC and LA, I’ve more or less mastered my packing routine—especially when it comes to toiletries. Over the years I’ve finessed how and what I’ve packed, so that now I know exactly what I need to keep my skin in check, look fresh, and be prepared. Whether I’m heading out for a weekend getaway or a long-haul trip, there are certain products in my toiletry bags that are non-negotiable. In this post, I’m sharing my must-have travel toiletries, plus tips on how to pack them efficiently so you’re never caught without the essentials.
My Travel Toiletries List
Skin Care
Skin care is an area I don’t skimp on when traveling. In fact, I tend to take extra care of my skin while on vacation since dry airplane air, an often lack of hydration, and new or different environments can highly affect it. Skincare products are the most important things I pack in my travel toiletry bag, simply because I know which specific items work for my skin and am religious about using these products at home.
I stick to my typical skin care routine that includes double cleansing, any serums I’m using depending on the season, and moisturizer.
I’ve been using this gentle cleansing oil for years. It melts aways impurities, pollution, and dirt, and it’s a particularly great cleansing product after a long day of sightseeing. I love that it’s available in a travel size, along with this foaming face wash from the same brand.
I always throw several of these exfoliating pads into my bags; since they’re individually wrapped they’re travel-friendly—and take up less space than a bottle or tube.
These single-use face towels ensure that you’re using something clean on your face every night, without any accidental crossover from the bathroom towel on the counter. I use the larger box at home and love them!
For certain products that aren’t available in travel sizes, I use multi-purpose capsules to help save space in my toiletry bag. But sometimes, products just don’t work in other packaging (such as face oils and certain serums), and in that case I do travel with my full-size toiletries.
Travel Toiletry Favorites
SPF
SPF is always a skin care routine must-have, but it’s especially important to use it when you’re going to be out all day.
If I’m traveling to Europe, I like purchasing sunscreen from a local pharmacy. The sunscreen filters they use in the EU are better than the ones in the US (I picked up this tip from a beauty editor at Harper’s Bazaar, so trust me).
Lip Balm
I have naturally dry lips, made even drier from the high altitude of flying. I love this lip treatment for nighttime if I’m going on longer trips but always make sure I pack a couple of these thick, nourishing lip balms—one for the plane and one in my toiletry bag.
Eye Masks
I love applying a sheet mask on the plane during a long flight, especially an international or evening one. Upon arrival, I use hydrating eye masks for the first few days of my trip to help perk up tired eyes and combat the look of fatigue from any jet lag I may have. I have also loved and used this hydrating mask for my under-eye area, and it comes in travel size for added convenience!
Makeup
I’m a no-fuss, natural makeup kind of gal who thrives on a 5-minute makeup routine. I never wear a ton of makeup or have tons of products at home, and therefore I travel very light when it comes to these toiletries.
If you struggle with packing makeup essentials, here are a couple of tips:
- Pack versatile products that can be used on more than one area of your face, such as this Lip and Cheek Stick.
- Utilize eyeshadow palettes: these always feature coordinated colors, so you’ll have combinations for days (PRO TIP: You can also use a neutral color shimmer eyeshadow for highlight).
- Try a palette with multi-use products to save major space. This cream palette is a personal favorite, with various shades for concealing, correcting, blush, contour, and highlight.
- Don’t pack all your makeup brushes. Prioritize which ones are most important for certain products, and plan to use your fingers for others.
I love a bold lip for a fancy dinner or outing, and I always go for classic red lipstick because it works with everything.
A silicone makeup brush case keeps brushes clean, but you can also squeeze it into another part of your suitcase if there’s a small spot available.
I hate being elsewhere without my tweezers, so always pack them.
Hair and Body Products
Although shampoo and conditioner at hotels usually aren’t great, I use them because I have two other hair products I swear by that I pack for every single trip.
This salt scrub is one of my all-time favorite hair care products. It’s a detoxifying scrub that leaves your head feeling SO squeaky clean. I’ll use it every few days during trips to revive my scalp and hair in between hotel shampoo washes. It’s available in a travel size, but you can also purchase the regular size, then scoop the amount you need into a reusable travel-friendly container. A little goes a long way; I use a dime to nickel size amount.
Dry shampoo is another travel toiletry must-have to help refresh second day hair and absorb excess oil in between hair washes. My two favorites, Drybar Detox dry shampoo and Klorane dry shampoo, both come in TSA-friendly sizes.
Don’t forget a travel hair brush, hair ties, and any styling products or tools you like to use. I love my ghd flatiron because I can use it to make my hair straight or wavy, and it’s dual voltage so I can use it for international travel.
If you’re renting a vacation home, be sure to check and see if your host provides shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion. I typically skip packing the latter if staying at a hotel, but it’s completely a personal preference.
Shaving Cream & Razor
I always keep a razor in my toiletry bag because over time I realized it was the one item I’d always forget to pack. For short trips I rely on bar soap in lieu of shaving cream, but for anything longer than a weekend I like to pack a small can of it so that I don’t dry out my skin.
I try to make a habit of popping a new razor in my bag upon returning home so that I’m not using a dirty, old, or rusty one on my next trip.
Travel Size Perfume
Another easy to forget item is perfume. I’m a big fan of perfume and outfits feel incomplete when I’m not wearing any. Sephora sells several fragrance discovery sets and roll-on perfumes that work well as travel-friendly options.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
I love my Quip electric toothbrush and it has a cap you can slide onto it for protection it while traveling.
If you’re traveling with a regular toothbrush, these sterilizing tootbrush pods are so cool; they cover your toothbrush head and last for 3 months. My husband and I have both used them frequently.
Nail Clippers
Nail clippers are a seemingly specific toiletry item, but in addition to performing their original duty, I’ve used nail clippers in lieu of scissors to snip off loose threads, clothing tags, and more.
Toiletries I Take on The Plane
For the most part, I pack my toiletries in my checked luggage. However, there are a few holy grail items I like to have on hand in my carry-on bag.
- Cleaning wipes – I’ve wiped down my airplane seat with sanitizing wipes for years, even before the pandemic. I swear doing this helps me avoid getting sick after travel.
- Deodorant – particularly useful to have on-hand for very long or hot travel days.
- Hand sanitizer – a travel must; this brand has been the least dehydrating for my hands.
- Hand cream – My hands always feel extra dry when I travel, so a small tube of hand cream is always close by.
- Advil – I’m prone to headaches when I’m dehydrated, and I learned the hard way that I always need to travel with Advil, just in case.
- Tums – In case the food at the lounge or on the plane doesn’t sit well with you (or the food at your destination).
- Lip Gloss – This hydrating lip balm has become a recent favorite over the last year.
- Sheet masks – I throw one on during an evening or international flight to help with extra hydration.
- Facial spray – The perfect travel companion for a mid-flight pick-me-up, or to wake myself up right before landing.
- Nail file – One small item that you always seem to need whenever you don’t have it.
- Olly Sleep gummies – Olly Sleep gummies are my holy grail for overnight flights. They help me fall and stay asleep easier on the plane, and I also use them at night to adjust to new time zones.
Planes are cramped, and I hate having to carefully dig through my travel backpack in a small space to find what I need. For easy access, I keep everything except my deodorant in one large leather pouch inside of it. This way, I only need to grab one thing when I take my seat.
How to Pack Toiletries for Travel
I’m an intentional packer and like to keep everything organized while traveling, especially my toiletries. A few key products and simple habits help me stay streamlined and stress-free on the go.
Invest in Well-Designed Toiletry Bags
Having the right toiletry bag(s) for your needs is essential.
For makeup, hair products, and contacts, I use these leather travel cases. The smaller bag is the perfect size for my daily contacts, and the large cosmetic bag fits my favorite travel sizes and my simple makeup routine. There’s also a small pocket in the interior where I’ll keep hair ties, tweezers, and other very small items.
I also use a clear travel case for my skincare items, toothbrush, and any extras. It’s nice that you can see through it on both sides, but I particularly love that the dual zippers allow you to fully open the bag for easy access. The standard size is TSA-compliant for 3-1-1 Liquids Rule, so you can use this in your carry-on bag instead of that old plastic bag.
I love traveling with nice a nice toiletry bag because it adds a touch of luxury to any hotel bathroom while keeping my essentials neatly organized. It’s the perfect blend of style and function—elevating my travel experience while ensuring everything is easily accessible.
Make a List
Making a list not only ensures you don’t forget any toiletry essentials, but it also helps prevent overpacking. I have a running list on my phone that I reference every time I take a trip.
Purchase Minis
Travel-sized toiletries are a convenient way to bring your favorite products without the bulk of full-size bottles. I always try to purchase as many of my favorite products in travel sizes so that I can keep my routines and products consistent.
I also recommend you keep track of when you open the items so that you’re not using old or expired products that can aggravate your skin.
Use Refillable Cases
If an item I use regularly doesn’t come in a travel size and I’m not particular about it, I’ll try something else for the sake of saving space.
However, for products that I love, I use reusable travel-sized containers. I love Cadence capsules; they come in different sizes, and you can swap out magnetic labels and fully customize your routine based on your needs. I store my Advil and Tums in these capsules.
Toiletry Organizing Helpers
Cuyana Travel Set
Cadence Capsules
Truffle JetSet Case
Research Flight Regulations
Researching flight regulations before you travel ensures you pack your toiletries correctly and you’ll avoid any surprises at security. You don’t want to have to toss your beloved products at security.
TSA requires liquid toiletries be under 3.4 ounces each for carry-on bags in the United States, but international rules can vary—some countries, especially in Europe, require all liquids to fit in a single clear bag.
Keep a Travel Bag Packed at All Times
If you travel frequently, keeping a toiletry bag stocked with your essentials can save time and help make packing a breeze.
I keep duplicates of my favorite skincare and hair products in my bags to avoid a last-minute scramble or shopping trip. I’d rather use this time to focus on my outfits!
Travel Toiletries Packing List
Here’s a list of essential toiletries you can copy to your phone’s Notes app, save to your photos, print, or pin to Pinterest:
