You guys! I am going away for a holiday soon (fingers crossed for some sunshine) and thought of giving you a little peek into my travel toiletry bag.

I like to travel light and only carry the basics and essentials. Take one look at the contents of my travel toiletry bag(s) and you will know that it’s minimal, practical and convenient.

I am a big fan of travel size containers that I can decant into from my main regular products. This keeps the size of my toiletry bag small and yet has the benefit of having the comfort of using my own tried and tested products, be it for skin, hair or body.

Tip: Sometimes, I use my clean, spare contact lens cases to decant products into as well.

A lot of my toiletries are pre-packed and ready to chuck in my toiletry bag whenever I am packing for my next travel. On returning when I unpack, I refill what needs a refill and throw away that needs to be thrown and off it all goes back into the main stash. Too much work, you think? Well, I like being over-organised and in the long run, this habit actually saves time and I tend to not forget packing something essential.

Speaking of forgetting, a list comes handy too. I have a list stored on my phone which I always use when packing and it’s something I’d recommend you try too.

How I pack and the stuff I carry may change a little depending on the way I am travelling and where I’m going. If I am planning to check in my bag, then I do carry a separate clear bag filled with my in-flight skincare essentials. If I am only travelling with a carry on bag, I may have to reduce some items or pack more multi-purpose products. It’s all about that 100ml limit, right?

So, let’s talk about what’s going in my travel toiletry bag for this holiday. I am going away for 6 days with just a carry-on bag. Yes, I can do it!

Travel Toiletry Bag Essentials

Dental

I keep a spare toothbrush in my main stash, this way I never forget to pack one. Add to that a travel-sized toothpaste and these Listerine mouthwash strips and the dental hygiene is sorted.

Face

Cleanser

For me, cleansing is one the most important steps in my skincare routine and also my favourite. I don’t like to compromise on that even when I’m travelling. I like to decant a solid balm cleanser like The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Balm into a little travel-friendly container which helps me avoid the restrictions related to liquids. I love the luxurious feeling of cleansing with a balm that melts into an oil – so relaxing!

Serum

I use a hydration serum like Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum on a daily basis in the morning after toner and before moisturiser. Although I skip the toner while travelling, a serum is something that will always be in my toiletry bag.

Moisturiser & Eye Cream

Currently, I am trying out a few products from Clinique which I bought from duty-free while returning from Austria in January. The Moisture Surge 72-hour Hydrator is a moisturiser of a light gel-like formula that absorbs very easily while the All About Eyes de-puffing rollerball is a cooling serum that’s actually super convenient for quick hands-free touch up during travels.

Face Mist

I don’t think of face mist as an essential item. However, it’s great for a quick spritz of hydration if travelling to warmer places or even aeroplanes. The one I am using is again from Clinique’s Moisture Surge range.

Face Oil

I prefer using a face oil at night after cleansing and my current favourite is Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate. I first got a sample of this for trial from a Kiehl’s counter and absolutely loved how only a few drops could make such a difference. I bought myself a 50ml but held on to the original sample mini bottle. Now I refill it and carry with me on my travels 😉

SPF

I use the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sun Cream with SPF 50 for my face. It’s a very light textured fluid that provides protection against both UVA and UVB.

Lip Balm

A product like Glossier’s Balm dotcom is great to travel with because it doubles up as a lip balm and a skin salve for dry, chafed skin.

Body

Shampoo and Shower Gel

These are the ideal candidates for decanting my regularly used products into travel-sized containers. I love the L’Occitaine Almond Shower Oil (can’t live without it) and their Repairing Shampoo.

Lotion with SPF

Due to the restrictions on liquids, the best option would be to carry a body lotion with SPF 30 or above that moisturises as well as offers sun protection. This is something that I don’t have and will need to buy from the airport after crossing the security.

Hand cream and Wet wipes

My luxurious L’Occitaine Almond hand cream and these cute H&M wet wipes (similar) are coming with me too. They are perfectly sized and will hardly take up any space at all.

Miscellaneous

Ear buds, cotton wipes, hand sanitiser, hair brush, Venus Snap mini razor, deodorant and perfume.

Makeup

I don’t have a very elaborate makeup routine and like to pack a few basic products like concealer, kohl pencil, mascara (similar), face powder and a lipstick.

Shop the products by clicking on the image directly:

What are your travel toiletry bag essentials that are your absolute favourites and you cannot travel without? Leave me a comment, I’d love to know!

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Cheers,
Ameeta xx