Must-pack items in your travel toiletry bag…this might require more than one bag! This is not an abridged version for carry-on; this is full-blown maximalism.
If given the chance, I would use an entire suitcase just for my toiletries.
My makeup, skincare, and hair tools take up so much space, but honestly, they’re essentials for me. If you’re like me and love having all your favorite products on hand, then this blog post is for you.
Let’s make sure you have everything you need to feel pampered and ready for anything while you’re away!
This is the ultimate travel toiletries packing list.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. Please note these do not impact my review, and no extra costs have been added to the items mentioned.
Must-Have Items for Your Toiletry Bag
Hair Care
When it comes to hair care on the go, packing the right essentials can keep your hair healthy and hydrated, no matter where you are. Start with travel-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner that suit your hair type to ensure it stays clean and nourished.
A mini hairbrush or comb is essential, and if you use styling products, opt for travel-sized versions of your favorites like hairspray or mousse. If you use hot tools, a compact travel hairdryer or dual-voltage straightener can be a lifesaver.
Maintaining your usual hair care routine while traveling, or even indulging in a more in-depth routine, can help you feel your best on vacation.
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hairbrush
- Hair spray
- Hair tools
- Hair ties
- Hair wrap (I like the silk ones from SLIP)
Skincare
Maintaining your skincare routine while traveling is key to keeping your skin happy and healthy. Depending on where you’re headed and the type of trip, you might want to simplify your routine, but having more time and a nice air-conditioned bathroom can be the perfect opportunity to indulge.
Always start with your favorite cleanser and be sure to pack a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Sunscreen is a must, no matter the destination, to protect your skin while you’re out exploring.
It’s also fun to add in extras like sheet masks or red-light therapy for some relaxation time. Do what suits your trip best and enjoy the pampering!
- Cleanser
- Cleansing Balm
- Hero Patches (Pimple Patches)
- Moisturizer
- SPF
- Sheet masks
- Eye masks
- Skincare routine (your usual products)
- Post-Sun Care: Aloe Vera Gel, Vitamine E Oil
Eye Care
Your eyes deserve special attention, especially when traveling. Pack your go-to eye cream to keep the delicate skin around your eyes hydrated and reduce puffiness. For a quick pick-me-up, eye masks or patches are fantastic for soothing tired eyes after a long flight.
If you wear contacts, bring a travel-sized solution and an extra case. Don’t forget your sunglasses and prescription glasses and a protective case to prevent any damage during your travels.
I love the travel cases from Amazon for keeping my glasses safe. A sleep mask is also a great addition, perfect for flights or sharing a room when you need complete darkness while others are still awake with the lights on.
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- Eye drops
- Contact case/solution
- Glasses
- Eye mask for sleeping (I like the silk ones from SLIP)
- Weighted Eye Mask
Oral Care
Keeping your smile fresh and bright while traveling is easier than you think! Start with a compact toothbrush and a tube of travel-sized toothpaste. Pack some floss or dental picks to keep in your everyday bag, perfect for quick touch-ups after meals while you’re out and about on your trip.
A small bottle of mouthwash is perfect for on the go. If you use an electric toothbrush, remember to bring the charger or a spare battery. And don’t forget a travel-friendly toothbrush cover to keep your brush clean in your toiletry bag. Oral care might seem basic, but having these items handy can make your trip that much more enjoyable!
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- Floss
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Mouthwash
- White Strips
Body Care
Body care is all about feeling fresh and comfortable, especially when you’re on the go. I love using travel perfume spray bottles, and not just for my favorite scents. I also pack hypochlorous acid spray in them—it’s perfect for a quick refresh when you’re out and about, especially in the heat.
Hand sanitizer is a must for traveling, especially with all of the high-touch areas like metros, escalators, food stalls and more. Speaking of clean, I always pack my own liquid hand soap because hotel bar soap just doesn’t cut it. Dove or Softsoap, whatever’s on hand, is way better than the waxy stuff hotels provide.
Deodorant is a given, but if you’re headed somewhere hot and humid, body deodorant can be a game-changer—it’s great for keeping you feeling fresh in all the right places. Lip balm is another essential to keep your lips hydrated.
Flushable wipes are fantastic for that extra-clean feeling, especially after a long day. And of course, I never forget to bring along my favorite body wash for a little slice of home comfort while I’m traveling. These essentials help keep you feeling fresh and ready to enjoy every moment of your trip!
- Travel perfume spray bottles (not just for perfume, I pack my hypochlorous acid in a travel perfume bottle to keep in my bag and spray when I’m outside and all hot and sweaty)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion
- Hand soap (I despise hotel bar hand soap. It’s horrendous. I always pack my own liquid hand soap, just the regular Dove ones or Soft Soap. Whatever is cheapest.)
- Deodorant
- Body deodorant (especially if you’re traveling to a hot and humid location, body deodorant is good for lots of places, I highly recommend it)
- Lip balm
- Flushable wipes
- Body wash
- Exfoliating Body Scrub (My favorite)
Makeup
When it comes to packing makeup, it’s all about balancing what you love with what you really need for your trip. If you want to keep your routine simple, consider bringing a small palette with a few versatile eyeshadow shades that can create different looks while keeping your base makeup straightforward.
Don’t feel pressured to downsize too much—bring the products that make you feel your best. Your favorite foundation, mascara, and a good lip color are essentials, and if you like to switch things up, a multi-use lip and cheek tint is a space-saver that doesn’t compromise your routine.
Be sure to include makeup remover wipes along with your daily cleansers. I’m a fan of double cleansing—starting with an oil cleanser to break down makeup and finishing with a light, water-based cleanser to leave your skin fresh and clean.
Whether you’re going for a minimal look or a full-face glam, pack what makes you feel confident and comfortable on your travels! And remember, a good makeup bag is key to staying organized and keeping everything in its place.
- Makeup products
- Makeup remover wipes
- Makeup bag
Personal Hygiene
Staying on top of personal hygiene while traveling is key to feeling fresh and comfortable, no matter where your adventures take you. I always pack a small hand sanitizer to keep things clean, especially when I’m on flights or using public transport.
If you need them, be sure to bring along your feminine hygiene products like tampons or pads—they’re essentials. Flushable wipes are a lifesaver for quick refreshes throughout the day. And for an extra level of cleanliness, consider packing a travel bidet; it’s one of those little things that can make a big difference.
- Tampons/pads
- Mini razor
- Travel bidet
Miscellaneous
When it comes to those little extras that can make your trip more comfortable, I always say don’t underestimate the power of packing everything! Things like Q-tips, nail clippers, and a trusty nail file are essentials for me—they’re small but mighty. I also pack tweezers and mini scissors because you never know when they’ll come in handy, and safety pins are lifesavers for those inevitable wardrobe malfunctions.
A mini lint roller is great for keeping my clothes looking sharp, and a first aid kit is a must for any minor mishaps. If you’re like me and need a little help winding down in a new place, sleep aids like magnesium glycinate or melatonin can work wonders. Of course, don’t forget your vitamins and any prescription meds—those are absolutely non-negotiable.
Wet wipes and disinfectant wipes are always in my bag, especially when I want to freshen up quickly or wipe down surfaces. And honestly—Poo-Pourri is essential in shared spaces! I also throw in a few extra ziplock bags to handle any shampoo spills and they’re great for wet or dirty clothes.
A Tide Stick is perfect for food stains. And earplugs are absolute lifesavers for noisy environments. If you’re headed to a place with a lot of bugs, a little insect repellent goes a long way in keeping things comfortable.
- Q-tips
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Tweezers
- Safety Pins
- Mini scissors
- Mini lint roller
- First aid kit
- Sleep Aids: Magnesium Glycinate or Melatonin
- Vitamins
- Prescription Medication
- Wet Wipes/Disinfectant Wipes
- Poo-Pourri
- Extra ziplock bags for spills, just in case
- Tide Stick
- Ear Plugs
- Insect Repellent
Special Luxuries
When it comes to those extra luxuries that make travel feel a bit more like home—or maybe even better—it’s all about the little techy touches. A mini steamer is a lifesaver for keeping your clothes wrinkle-free, especially if you have a packed itinerary and need to look polished.
I love bringing along a red light mask and my NuFace for a little self-care on the go. It’s like bringing the best part of my skincare routine with me, no matter where I am.
A portable humidifier can be a game-changer, especially in dry hotel rooms or on long flights, and if you’re into aromatherapy, a compact essential oil diffuser can really help set the mood and make your space feel more relaxing.
High-quality facial mists are a must for a quick refresh, especially after a long day of sightseeing. And don’t forget your gua sha—it’s perfect for some self-care moments that help keep your skin feeling and looking great.
Lastly, face tape is helpful to use at nights to tape your mouth avoid mouthbreathing and also for your frown lines on your forehead. None of these are exactly essentials, but they definitely add a little something special to your travel routine.
- Mini steamer for wrinkles
- Red light mask
- NuFace
- Portable humidifier
- Essential Oil Diffuser
- High-quality facial mists
- Guasha
- Face Tape
- Bluetooth speaker – for music, audiobooks, listening to affirmations, etc.
How to Pack Your Toiletries
When it comes to packing your toiletries, a little preparation goes a long way in avoiding potential messes. First, make sure all your bottles are sealed tightly to prevent any leaks during travel. You don’t want to open your suitcase to find your favorite shampoo has spilled everywhere!
For added peace of mind, place your liquids and creams in ziplock bags. This extra layer of protection can save your clothes and other items from accidental spills. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference in keeping your luggage organized and mess-free.
- Sealed bottles: Ensure all your bottles are sealed tightly to prevent leaks.
- Place in ziplock bags: Use ziplock bags in case of spills.
Best Toiletry Bags for Travel
These are the top bags that I’ve used. Each one is great for different reasons.
- Individual Toiletry Bags: Great for adding to your purse or carry-on
- Hanging Divider Bag: Perfect for separating makeup or skincare items
- Large Tote Toiletries Bag: Good for bigger and bulkier items
- My Husband’s Favorite Toiletry Bag: Hanging bag, that fits everything he need
- Top-Rated on Amazon: The go-to toiletry bag. It fits big bottles and hangs
Packing Your Toiletry Bag
Packing is hands down one of my favorite parts of any trip. As a true “prepper,” I love diving into the details and making sure I have everything I might need. Whether you’re like me and enjoy spending hours reading reviews and watching videos, or you just want to make sure you’re fully prepared, this ultimate toiletries packing list has you covered. From the essentials to the luxuries, I’ve poured over every possible item to make sure you’re set for your travels.
I hope this list makes your packing process a breeze and ensures you’re ready for anything. And if you have any favorite items that I missed, let me know! I’m always looking to improve my packing game. Happy travels!
XOXO,
Julia
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About the Author:
Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of traveling locally and beyond!
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