Packing The Best Toiletry Kit

When it comes to packing my toiletry kit, I aim to be as streamlined as possible but ensure I have all the things I will need. This is particularly important for international destinations where the prevalent hair type is different from my own or where shopping may be difficult. Therefore, packing the best toiletry kit is a cornerstone of any great trip.

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The Best Toiletry Kit Bag

I used to carry a large, heavy duty toiletry bag that would hold anything and everything whether I needed it or not.  I have developed a definite preference for small, crushable, and lightweight options like this Luxtude Toiletry Bag with hanging hook.  It is waterproof and comes in three color options.  I used to favor black bags, but have found it is easier to see items inside lighter colored bags.  For those who insist that bigger is better (perhaps you travel with a spouse or children), consider this Bagsmart Toiltery Bag.

The Other Bag – Carry-on Liquids

When carrying-on toiletries and/or other liquids, I like to use this TSA Approved Toiletry Bag.  It meets all the requirements of a quart-sized, clear, zip-closed bag, but somehow seems larger and has a handy carrying handle. For short trips, I pour two days of hair products and facial moisturizer into two contact lens cases, instead of using the 1 oz bottles shown below, and carry all my toiletries (liquid or not) in this TSA approved bag. The TSA never said you couldn’t place non-liquids in the bag as well!

Dealing with Liquids

I carry the smallest sized toiletries I can manage for any given trip and rarely invest in expensive travel size (3.4 oz) products.  I prefer to put my favorite shampoo, conditioner, styling gel, and facial moisturizer in these reusable 1oz Plastic Bottles with a spout dispenser.  Flip top lids are known to leak and/or break, leaving a mess in your bag.  These inexpensive bottles with spout dispensers hold shampoo sufficient for about 12 days and have never failed me.  If you need a larger option for some liquids, try these 2 oz bottles.

Another option is to forego liquid hair, face and skin products altogether. Ethique makes wonderful solid options you should consider. Try this Hair Sample Pack and this Skincare Sample Pack to determine which products you prefer.

Last Minute Brush and Floss

One travel sized item I do purchase occasionally is this REACH Ultraclean Travel Kit. I actually buy this for the handy clear pouch that enables me to isolate my dental products for use on long flights. It is also great because I can pack everything as I leave the hotel, eat breakfast, and return for a quick brush without pulling out the whole toiletry kit. I refill it with the free toothpaste and floss I get from the dentist!

Here is a list of what’s in my toiletry kit:

• Shampoo, Conditioner, Styling Gel, and Facial Moisturizer in 1 oz Plastic Bottles
• Lady Speedstick makes a small 1.4 oz sized antiperspirant/deodorant
• Cetaphil Hydrating Moisturizing Cream in handy 3 oz tubes
• REACH Ultraclean Travel Kit, plus floss
• Hair Brush – I buy these, use the small one, and give the large one to my sister
• Make-up in one of these Nylon Pouches
• Burt’s Bees Lip Balm
• Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towlettes
• Medicine in these Ezy Dose Pill Packs which I then place in a nylon pouch like my make-up
• Nail Brush, Mini Emery Board, Nail Clippers, and an orange stick
• Tweezers
• Disposable Razor
• Cotton Swabs – I really like these individually wrapped ones and wrap with a hair band/elastic
• Headband – to keep my hair off my face while applying make-up
• Foam Earplugs – to block out hotel noises
• Pre-moistened Cleansing Cloths – to clean glasses and electronics
• Tide-to-Go Stain Remover Stick
• Leonis Compact Sewing Kit – My sewing kit is really old. If I bought a new one, I would choose this and add a few extra safety pins!
• Duct Tape – to fix all sorts of things!

What are the must-have items you to pack your best toiletry kit?

Remember, having a complete yet streamlines toiletry kit is essential. Whether you plan to use The Perfect Carry-On Combo, or The Checked Bag Trifecta, your toiletries are the foundation.

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