Which Travel Beauty Products to Check vs. Carry On • The Blonde Abroad

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

Most Valuable Items
Important Medication
Computer and Photography Gear

Pack in Your Checked Bag

Liquids over 3.4oz
Other Medication

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. There is a strict single quart, clear bag policy for liquids. And all liquids need to be in travel-sized containers. Make sure everything is in 100ml (3.4-oz.) or less bottles and that it all fits in a clear one-quart bag.

I love these reusable bags that are perfect for travel!

What to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag

Essential Makeup

Carry your basic concealer, mascara, tinted moisturizer, and whatever else you just can’t live without.

Lip Balm

This is a daily essential for me, especially after dealing with dry airplane air for too many hours.

Eye Cream

A cool eye cream feels so good after (or during) a long flight. It’s the perfect treat that comes in a tiny tin.

Face Moisturizer and/or Serum

Of course! Never get on a plane without ample moisturizer. The air is drier and you need to up your moisture level.

Hand Sanitizer

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!

Feminine Wipes

These are a good way to feel fresh, especially during long haul flights.

Deodorant

Never leave home without it!

Eye Drops

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

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.

Prescription Medication

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.

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.

Toiletries

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.

Flat Iron and Curling Iron

Your carry-on space is just too valuable for this. You can go with au naturel hair until you are unpacked.

Sunscreen

Stash the big bottle of your sunscreen in your check-in. Otherwise, it’ll take over your whole one-quart liquids bag.

Exfoliating Loofah

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.

Liquid Makeup Remover

I typically travel with makeup remover wipes but, if you’re a fan of liquid, a security-friendly bottle probably won’t last you your trip so check a big bottle.

Dry Shampoo

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.

Makeup Extras

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 onto the plane.

Extra Medication

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.