You Asked, I Answer: How I Pack It All, Including Beauty Products
Hello from London! I’ll have some travel pics and observations posted soon, but in the meantime, wanted to follow up on my travel wardrobe post. Whenever I share one of my travel wardrobes, I’m often asked a) whether it will fit in a carry-on, and b) how I pack beauty products and other liquids. So today I’m going to show you!
How I pack beauty products for travel (TSA-compliant)
I’m old enough to remember when we didn’t have to pack so strategically! But now it’s become just a part of the process. When it comes to beauty products, I’ve learned that a little really does go a long way. And it just take a little bit of prep and planning to bring what I need while still being TSA-compliant.
I prep my TSA bag a day or two before travel. That way I’m less likely to forget something. That said, I do pare down my skincare and makeup when I travel, and keep the routine simple. So here’s what’s in the bag…
Skincare
Travel can be hard on our skin, so I’ve learned not to bring any samples of products I haven’t already tried. (A couple of years ago, I had a very uncomfortable few days and nights after trying a new Vitamin C serum, which burned my skin.) Here are the products I packed this time:
- While my prescription Retin-A technically doesn’t have to count as one of my liquids (it’s a “medication”), I’d rather not have to have it flagged going through security, so add it to my liquids bag.
- I’ve brought 3 of my “Holy Grail” products from By Brian and one new one I really like: Re-Creation Lip Treatment, Illuminating Eye Contour Treatment, Complete Skin Renewal Serum, and Firming Neck & Chest Cream (decanted into the small jar with the black top). ✨And for a limited time, you can save 25% on Brian’s skincare & makeup with code susansuggests .✨
- My dermatologist loaded me up with sample sizes of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Moisturizer, so I grabbed a couple of those.
- At night, I like to use a deep moisturizing cream, so decanted some of my Augustinius Bader “The Rich Cream” into a travel size jar.
- “Suntan lotion” is actually my high SPF sunscreen. I really like this one from ISDIN.
- And a travel-size toothpaste.
You can find those travel-size liquids containers in a lot of places. I’ve purchased a couple different sets of them over the years. I wash and re-use them. Some sets include labels, or you can get the labels separately here.
If you like everything more uniform, these travel containers are also quite good, but they are a bit heavier. They’re magnetized so stick together.
Makeup
I don’t wear a lot of makeup most days, especially when traveling so bring just a few items.
- Jane Iredale PurePressed Mineral Foundation
- Jane Iredale PurePressed Powder Blush
- Kosas Brow Gel
- By Brian Lash Defining Mascara (don’t forget to use code susansuggests)
- Jane Iredale ColorLuxe lipsticks (I use Sorbet & Poppy)
I’ve never had TSA flag lipstick, mascara, or brow gel as a liquid, but those could all easily fit in a liquids bag if you’re unsure.
How I pack my clothes, shoes, accessories
As I mentioned in my post, What I’m Packing for 2 Weeks in Europe & the UK: My Spring Travel Capsule, I always take a last look at the weather forecasts right before I leave, and may make some adjustments to my capsule.
For this trip, forecasts for Amsterdam and Paris were looking a bit chillier (and in the case of Amsterdam, wetter) than when I planned the capsule. So I made a couple of swaps and additions. I decided to leave behind the wool sleeveless vest, and added a 4th pair of pants (dark wash jeans) as one of my Wild Cards. The other is an older Vince striped tee (similar) which I’ll wear as a base layer.
Because of the colder forecast, I decided to leave the loafers behind. I also added a lightweight rain jacket that’s packable, and has room to layer up underneath.
A few of you have asked me why I bother to check a carry-on size bag. There are a couple of reasons. First, I’ve had some tendonitis in my right shoulder for several months, and am not supposed to lift anything heavy overhead. Second, I just find it less stressful not having to shlep multiple bags through the airport and onto the plane. I keep an Apple AirTag in my checked bag, so have the reassurance that it’s made it onto the plane with me.
Travel gear
You’ve also asked what I’ll wear in flight…here it is 👇
(Luggage looks larger than actual size as closer to the camera…)
I’m trying out two new bags this trip. The wheeled bag is a Paravel Aviator Plus. It’s pretty light, easy to handle, and roomy. It rolls smoothly and easily, even on carpets and when fully loaded.
The duffel bag is the large Landon style from Dagne Dover. I’ve read rave reviews for these bags over the years, and thought I’d give this one try. It’s quite light and again, holds a lot. There are pockets on the inside for laptop and other small goodies, and a couple of pouches.
It also has a crossbody strap, but I actually found it easier to just carry in hand or over one shoulder. Unless packed very full, it can fit under a seat, or of course in the overhead bin. And there’s an outside luggage sleeve, to slide over the handle of the rolling bag (something that I missed with a backpack). And the flat bottom keeps it very stable on top of my wheeled suitcase.
Here’s how I packed everything (before last-minute changes and Wild Cards mentioned above)…
In the duffel bag: laptop and tech accessories, medications, 1 change of clothing, cashmere wrap, down jacket, TSA liquids bag, and the rest of my in-flight amenities.
Do you have any tips or strategies for packing your liquid beauty products for travel?
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I appreciate all of your travel tips. We haven’t traveled much by air in the past twenty years, but have reached a stage where we’re wanting to do more. Just trying to get the hang of dealing with all of the travel restrictions can be confusing and stressful, so thank you.
So helpful, Susan– thank you. Have a wonderful adventure!
I discovered by Brian products through your blog a year or so ago, and I’m absolutely in love with By Brian Lash Defining Mascara! Ladies, if you want thicker, longer and more to defined lashes that don’t smear or run in all kinds of weather, this mascara is for you! Thank you Susan for all of your wonderful recommendations!
I have a TSA approved clear zippered pouch that I pack my liquids in. They can be purchased at Amazon. I find that I can get many more items in that than using a ziploc bag.
Also, I pack all my clothes in packing cubes. They are wonderful for keeping all my clothes well organized.
Please keep in mind that some airports overseas will make you take everything OUT of your TSA approved clear bag and put it into a quart or liter sized ziplock bag, and if it doesn’t fit, you may have to toss something out. TSA is an American agency, so just because your clear bag is approved for travel here does not mean it will be accepted worldwide. I’ve heard of this happening mostly in the UK (Heathrow, Edinburgh), but it’s good to be prepared and not overstuff your clear bag. (It’s always a struggle for me to make my liquids fit, but I’d hate to have an expensive cream or lotion get tossed!)
Note: to clarify, I use by Brian waterproof mascara as it holds up to Florida’s humidity and red eye flights.
I have good luck decanting my face creams into contact lens containers. The pods are tiny, but I can get 7 days worth of night cream into one pod, and because the lid screws on, I don’t have to worry about them popping open. They take up so little space in the toiletries bag. I just have to remember which color case I used for which cream, although since most of my creams look different from each other, it’s easy to tell them apart.
I’m interested that you seem to try a new personal item almost every trip. I guess there really is no one perfect travel bag! I’ll look forward to the report on this duffle. Maybe you could do a post on the various bags you’ve used throughout the years with the pros and cons of each.
Sorry about your shoulder tendonitis. I have also been suffering from this for the past few months. It came out of nowhere. It’s so annoying not to be able to do simple things like brush my hair. I know there are worse things to deal with, so I try to keep it in perspective. I’m halfway through PT for it and it’s helping, but there’s still a way to go for full mobility.
Enjoy your trip!
I also decant lotions, serums, etc into tiny containers. Several years ago, I bought a label maker at an office supply store. Other than that it runs through batteries pretty quickly, it’s been absolutely worth it. So easy to print and stick a small label on my travel containers, as well as on various chargers and remotes at home.
Enjoy Amsterdam! I’ll be there in three weeks, am hoping the weather is a little better by then. We have tickets for Keukenhof Gardens & I’d rather not see it in the rain! Although I’m sure it would still be beautiful…
To save space, when carry on only, I often I pack some facial products in contact lens containers. Each side holds about 2.5 ml and you can easily take more than one. It is surprising how much it holds. Easily good for a week. You could try out before you go see how much you use to know how many to take.
My travel issue is my bottles of contact lens solution (cleaner/soaking solution and saline). They are no longer available in small bottles, just the 12 oz. size, and my eye doctor says it is dangerous to decant them because of possible contamination. You are supposed to be able to travel with the 12 oz. size but I fear TSA confiscating it anyway. I get one sample from my doctor but that’s not enough for all my trips in a year. For my liquids, I have a clear vinyl zip bag I got on Amazon that is more sturdy than zip lock bags. It cost under $10 and has lasted through 20+ trips and still going. I like to take a few moisturizing sheet masks with me to use the night I arrive (and sometimes the next night too, plus the night before I depart) as my skin gets very dry on the plane. I like cashmere wraps for on the plane as so much easier to adjust on and off than a cardigan and can be folded to make a pillow.
If you wanted to try a different backpack, Dagne Dover’s does have a sleeve that fits over a rolling bag handle. I use mine whenever I travel. Happy trails!
I love seeing how other people pack. I am an ardent fan of packing cubes and I’m always amazed how many items I can get in each smallish cube. I noticed you did not include shampoo or conditioner in your liquids. Do you just use whatever’s on offer at the hotels? My very first trip to Europe, I took a 26 liter backpack and was gone a month. I had everything I needed and more and it was during December and January. I was really proud of myself, and I spent the month prior packing, refining and repacking that backpack 🙂
This is very helpful. I always have a hard time with cosmetics and skincare. I always take too much.
I received a set of those Cadence travel containers as a birthday gift. They are very nice and sustainably made with recycled materials. They come in a mesh bag and stack into a magnetized column which makes them easy to tuck into a shoe or odd spot. The fluid size of the container is embossed on the container, not that anyone has ever challenged them at the security checkpoint. They are a little spendy. I would nominate them to reappear on holiday gift lists as something nice for a frequent traveler.
I like to put OTC items – Pepto-BIsmol, Tums, Immodium, Advil, band-aids, allergy meds, …- into a separate clear bag in my carry-on. I buy the tablet form and only tuck 3-4 doses in. I don’t always use those items, but when I need them they are available.
Susan, this is great, thank you. Really like By Brian. For the compression socks, I recommend Bombas – great socks, fabulous company — where you can get the socks in several lengths. Will be really interested to hear about your new bag as I am travelling in June. I hope your shoulder heals and that you have a wonderful trip.
Great tip about not trying new products while traveling. A few years ago, I bought a travel-sized tube of toothpaste I’d been wanting to try, and I had the worst burning mouth for the entire trip. Lesson learned! Stick with the tried and true. PS, I second another reader’s suggestion to use a contact lens case for small amounts of creams. I pack one case that carries a dab of Benadryl cream on the left and another dab of hydrocortisone cream on the right — often never needed, but a great just-in-case addition.
I wish more skincare and cosmetic companies made travel sizes (can sometimes find during Christmas season). I use a clear TSA-approved container that I found on Amazon and it works perfectly. If something doesn’t fit in my container, it goes in my husband’s (mascara, cc cream). We both use a second one for our meds. Thank you for sharing how you pack everything. We have Briggs and Riley carry-ons which compress along with compression bags. We were surprised how much we could pack. Neatest thing since sliced bread!
Have a wonderful time in London, Paris and Amsterdam. Can’t wait to see your photos.
Bonjour Susan from a very warm and packed Paris!
A great post, I’m sure many will find it useful.
I’m glad you mention getting a bag with an outside pocket so the bag slides down the handle of the roller bag and sits firmly in place on top. What a big difference that makes!
Also, I use two contact lens solution containers (the kind with two wells and tight fitting lids) to decant skincare creams. One container for day moisturizer, one for night cream or foundation, I find it’s enough for two weeks.
And the containers take up little space in the official liquids bag that us Canadians are required to use.
Have a great visit!
Susan I always love the breakdown of your travel packing! I like what you say about packing tried and true skin products ( I have such trouble with my skin) and happy to see that you pack your Retin-A! I got Jane Iredale mineral face powder and blush as well (reduces the number of liquids!). I’ve recently discovered a skin line (developed by a dermatologist) called Prequel (out of LA) which I like quite a bit. I have arthritis in my hands (as well as a bit of carpal tunnel in my wrists) and tendonitis in one shoulder so I was particularly interested to see that you’re smart to carry your wrist guards AND that you found a good carry on bag that’s lightweight! I’d been eyeing the MZ Wallace equivalent but it’s really expensive.
At some point could you share the shoes you swapped out for your loafers (I might have missed it) and the raincoat you packed?
Thank you SO SO much for this information–very helpful!
I just love your travel articles! So, I don’t limit my skincare routine. I simply take smaller versions when appropriate. Most of my products are 4oz or less anyway. I pack skincare in one TSA quart bag size or smaller cosmetic bag and I pack my make up in another and both go into my smaller carry on. My medications go into another small bag and my contact lens stuff goes into a little drawstring bag. I use multiple bags because they each tuck away nicely. I stopped checking bags as often as possible and use the largest approved carry on size and one bag like your carry on. I will do this for up to a month’s trip and I use compression cubes to pack. Have fun!
A nice wrap up of your packing–very similar to my own method using just a carry-on and a backpack (along with my trusty fold-up duffle bag in case it is needed for any purchases). I’m only taking two pair of shoes as I head over the Pond next week–Hokas and Ecco Chelsea ankle boots. And an umbrella…considering the weather forecast for EDI, CPH and LHR. 🙂
The only place I was forced (by agents) to put lip gloss and mascara in the liquid bag was leaving LHR, but it only happened a couple of times and I’ve flown through that airport 35+ times since 9/11 . Guess it depends on whether the agent(s) are in a bad mood; they were yelling quite aggressively about it as I approached security. Have flown out of other European airports without it being an issue.
I tried purchasing some of your By Brian selections with your code, but I received a note saying the code usage had been reached.
Hi Tracie, thanks for letting us know. Brian has updated the code and it should be working now.
Love the AirTag idea, Susan! Thanks for all the great tips!
Sheer genius. I am going to buy these travel bags too. Shame I cannot shop in the USA or I would just ask you to send me the link to the best ones. I am pretty lazy LOL.
Keeping an Apple AirTag in your checked-in suitcase…. Brilliant. Why didn’t I ever think of that. Can you also trace it when the suitcase is not coming with you?
Greetje
The AirTag tells you the exact location of your bag at all times! SO if it’s lost, you can show the airline representative exactly where it is!
That sounds terrific. I will make sure I’ll have one next time I travel. Thanks.
Hi Greetje,
The Airtag needs to be within 30 feet of your phone or another iPhone (it uses the network to send the signal) to show up. Since there are a lot of iPhones around, you usually can track it; and know when your suitcase is in the airplane. You do need an iphone to easily use it; it’s possible with an Android, but requires an app and a Bluetooth scanner.
I have an iPhone so that is not the problem. Thank for your advice.
Greetje
I keep a toiletry bag packed at all times, and all I need to do is do a quick check/refill when I get home from a trip. That way, I never forget something essential (for some reason, I often forget to pack toothpaste) and it makes packing so much easier (just toss the pre-packed bag into my suitcase!)
My suitcase fits carry-on measurements, but I check mine as well. I’m too short to reach the overhead without standing on the seat, and would rather not risk clonking my or someone else’s head trying to heave it up there. So far we’ve been lucky enough to be able to fly direct to places, so I haven’t had the suitcases go missing.
Hi Susan—what brand is your toiletries bag? My Emme is on its last leg!!
Hi Kay, I’m going to be doing a write up of all my travel gear, but the toiletries bag I tried is this one: https://amzn.to/49XQ9BP. And I like it!
Hi Susan, I also use Tretinoin which cost me about $127 in the US. When I was living in France, I brought my tube into the pharmacy and was able to get a generic called Effederm 0,50% creme for 3.57 euros! And they didn’t ask for a prescription! Hope this helps. Laurie-Annya
Thanks, Laura! The last time I asked here they wouldn’t sell without a prescription, but I’ll give it another try!
Susan, the neck cream from by Brian is one of my must-haves. I think the discount has expired? Was it only for one week?
Hi Lisa, let me check with him.