Traveling with beauty products can be tricky. Between overflowing carry-on bags and strict security rules, it is essential to do a bit of planning before you go.
While I recommend sticking with just a carry-on for any journey that’ll last less than a week, there are times when you’ll need to check luggage.
Here’s my list of which travel beauty products to Check vs. Carry On!
Quick Packing Checklist
Pack in Your Carry On
Pack in Your Checked Bag
What to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag
Before you start planning your carry-on, double check the size limits. The average airline accepts 22x 14 x 9-inch bags, but that can vary. Some airlines, especially the budget ones, can be crazy strict. I’ve seen “oversize” bags penalties of $50 or more, so don’t try to sneak in anything too big.
As you’re packing, always be very careful with the sizes. Make sure everything is in 3.4-oz. (or less) bottles, and then stick it all in a clear one-quart bag.
I love these reusable bags that are perfect for travel.
Carry your basic concealer, mascara, tinted moisturizer, and whatever else you just can’t live without.
This is a daily essential for me, especially after dealing with dry airplane air for too many hours.
A cool eye cream feels so good after (or during) a long flight. It’s the perfect treat that comes in a tiny tin.
Of course! Never get on a plane without ample moisturizer. The air is drier and you need to up your moisture level.
Tray tables have an average of 2,155 bacteria colony-forming units (CFUs) per square inch. Public toilets have 6.6 CFUs per square inch. Enough said!
These are a good way to feel fresh, especially during long haul flights.
Never leave home without it!
These can also be incredibly helpful for preventing dryness during long flights. If you have contacts, be sure to bring an extra case.
Toothpaste and toothbrush: On long flights, brushing your teeth is so refreshing. Hog the bathroom for a bit and freshen up. It makes all the difference.
Be sure to triple check your essential meds. I usually bring a small pill case for general ailments like headaches, nausea, and allergies.
People sometimes worry about going through security with pills, but you’ll never have an issue bringing normal quantities.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Carry-On Packing Guide
What to Pack in Your Checked Bag
The number one rule for checked luggage is to only pack things that you can live without. While I have never actually had my luggage totally lost, I have had it arrive a week or more after I did.
Be thoughtful with everything you pack and remember that there can be delays, and occasionally things do get lost.
Anything that you have over 3.4 oz. (or 100 mL) needs to go right into your checked luggage. Check all of your shower products, like body wash, shaving cream, shampoo, and conditioner.
Even if your luggage gets lost, you can buy cheap replacements to hold you over.
Your carry-on space is just too valuable for this. You can go with au naturel hair until you are unpacked.
Stash the big bottle of your sunscreen in your check-in. Otherwise, it’ll take over your whole one-quart liquids bag.
Even though these loofahs are flat and easy to stash away, it is never worth the carry-on real estate for me– it’s best in checked luggage.
I typically travel with makeup remover wipes, but if you’re a fan of liquid and a security-friendly bottle wouldn’t get you very far, check a big bottle.
This is another beauty must-have that I go through like a mad woman. Those little airline-size bottles wouldn’t last me a long weekend, especially in the summer. I use this dry shampoo constantly to give my hair extra oomph.
Anything that you won’t need or miss during your flight can go in your checked luggage. You don’t need to carry five shades of lipstick through the airport.
If you have any “just in case” medicine, pack it up. If you probably won’t need it on the flight and it’s not an essential daily med, you don’t need to carry it.
Don’t forget: Packing Cubes!
I use packing cubes and bags for every trip — they’re the only thing that keeps me organized! I love MUMI Design‘s toiletry packing cubes that come in three size and fit all my essentials perfectly.
They also offer sturdy, organizational bags for toiletries, larger packing cubes for clothing, smaller packing bags, and even bags for your shoes.
READ NEXT: 5 Travel Essentials You Shouldn’t Skimp On
Thanks for guiding us with these wonderful tips.Sometimes it becomes difficult for us to decide what to pack in carry on-bag and what to pack in our checked bag.This post would surely prove very beneficial to us.
sassythrill recently posted..Travel hacks you need to know
Feminine wipes are such a great idea. Never thought of it before, thank you!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog recently posted..How to Wear Pinstripe Culottes Without Looking Like a Clown
I didn’t even think to pack some of these things, let alone which things should go where. I really need to brush up on this stuff. Thanks!
Leanne recently posted..Circle Island; The Ultimate O’ahu Road Trip
Thank you for your helpful tips! I often pack cooling eye masks (the wet ones that you can get in stores like Mitsuwa) for longhair flights. It helps calm any eye swelling and moisturize the eye area where dryness is prevalent. Thanks again! I can’t wait to use some of these tips on my next trip!
Definitely one of the most practical posts. Thank you very much! I still have to think twice what to pack in my carry on 🙂
Zhanna recently posted..Landmarks of San Pedro, CA: Point Fermin Lighthouse
Great tips! I don’t think I ever remember to pack my most essential make up in my carry on and definitely should. Airlines loose bags way to easily these days
Packing cubs are a traveling game-changer for me. They make it so much easier to find and organize my stuff.
Love these tips girl! I always need a reminder for my next trip. Seattle next week, can’t wait!!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams recently posted..Friday Favorites 9.22.17
Hello,
This is really nice ! Who know there are so many ways to put on your skincare products ! Sounds like there is a technique that works for every type of skin!
nice explanation, travel products very important thing which we put carry on-bag but sometime we confused about pick up, Now this article really so nice.
thank you for sharing this, keep it up.
Wow! All the tips are really important for all of us. I hope that their all facility is also important for me. When I read this content I am very excited and read everything. I also follow this tips you can also follow this content.
Thanks for your wonderful tips. It becomes difficult to decide what to pack in carry-on-bag and what to pack in our checked bag Especially me. The post will be profitable for me.
Amazing post I ever read Kiersten, Thank you so much for guiding us in such a cool way. I even save the key points in notepad 🙂