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.
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.
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.
Love your BLOG! Just curious as for razors are you allowed to pack them in your carry on???
Hi Ashley! I don’t believe you can bring razors in your carry-on, but those are usually pretty easy to find locally at a pharmacy/drug store wherever you arrive 🙂
Thank you so much for getting back to me! I was assuming you couldn’t bring one but didnt know if you had tried and had success! Thanks
Hi Kirsten, loving all your tips here. Very informative as always. One thing that you forgot to include inside the cabin bag is to bring along hand moisturizers. A good hand creme should always follow after you sanitize your hands, especially inside a flight. It is no surprise that spreading alcohol in your hands will dry them up so, again, it is crucial to keep that moisture on-going and bring along a hand creme.
I noticed this after I used hand gels so much my hand was as dry as ever before and I panicked. I eventually researched that you should be careful not to overdry the skin in your hands.
Warm regards from Barcelona and happy new year, beautiful!