Traveling is exciting, but when it comes to packing your beauty essentials, things can get a little complicated—especially if you’re trying to fit everything into a carry-on. That’s where our Travel Beauty Essentials Series comes in! Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a long international trip, this series will help you organize and pack all your must-have beauty products with ease.

This series will be broken down into four key categories: Makeup, Haircare, Skincare, and Body & Other Essentials. We’ll cover everything from TSA regulations to carry-on-friendly alternatives like solid shampoos and conditioners. You’ll get a full breakdown of what to pack in your carry-on versus your checked luggage, along with recommendations for the best travel bags and pouches to keep things organized and mess-free.

Ready to streamline your travel beauty routine? Let’s dive into the essentials.

TSA Guidelines: The 3-1-1 Rule

Before we dive into the essentials, let’s talk TSA. When packing beauty products for air travel, you’ll need to follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry-on bag:

• 3.4 ounces or less per container
• 1 quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag
• 1 bag per traveler

Any liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on must fit into a single quart-sized bag. This includes things like liquid foundation, shampoo, lotion, and toothpaste. If you need more products than will fit in this bag, consider packing them in your checked luggage.

For those looking to travel carry-on only, consider switching to solid products. Items like shampoo bars, conditioner bars, solid perfumes, and bar soap are fantastic alternatives that don’t count toward your liquid allowance.

Packing Travel Beauty Essentials: A Quick Overview

Packing your beauty essentials can be a balancing act between what you need and how much you can actually fit into your luggage. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind when packing:

• Stick to the Essentials: Think about your daily routine and what you truly need. A compact makeup kit, mini hair tools, and multitasking skincare products can save space.
• Go Mini: Most beauty brands offer travel-size versions of their best products, or you can transfer your favorites into small, refillable containers.
• Organize Smartly: Invest in a good toiletry bag or travel pouch with multiple compartments to keep your products organized. We’ll talk more about the best options below!

Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage: Where Should You Pack?

• Carry-On: For short trips or if you’re traveling carry-on only, focus on miniatures and solid versions of your essentials to keep your liquids under the 3-1-1 rule. Stick to the basics and make the most of multitasking products.
• Checked Luggage: For longer trips or if you have larger products, your checked luggage can accommodate full-size bottles, extra hair tools, and more extensive skincare routines. Make sure to pack these items in leak-proof pouches or separate compartments to avoid any mid-flight spills.

Toiletry Bag and Pouch Options

Traveling with beauty products means you need to stay organized! Here are a few different options to consider:

• Clear, TSA-Approved Quart Bags: These are perfect for keeping your liquids visible and organized in your carry-on.
• Hanging Toiletry Bags: Ideal for larger trips, these bags often have multiple compartments for organizing your skincare, haircare, and makeup separately.
• Travel Pouches: Compact and convenient, travel pouches are great for smaller items and makeup essentials.
• Silicone Travel Bottles: These refillable bottles are a great option if you want to bring your favorite full-size products in a smaller, carry-on-friendly size.

The Travel Beauty Essentials Series Menu

To make your packing as smooth and organized as possible, we’ve divided this series into four parts. Each part will dive deep into what you should pack for each category:

Makeup Essentials for Travel Discover how to create a compact, multitasking makeup kit that’s carry-on approved and perfect for every trip.

Haircare Essentials for Travel From dry shampoo to travel-sized hair tools, this guide will help you pack everything you need for good hair days on the go.

Skincare Essentials for Travel Your skincare routine doesn’t have to suffer while you’re on vacation. We’ll break down travel-friendly cleansers, serums, and moisturizers.

Body and Other Travel Essentials Learn what body care products you shouldn’t leave home without, from deodorant to body lotion, plus all the extra bits like toothbrushes and perfumes.

Traveling with all your beauty essentials doesn’t have to be stressful. With smart packing, the right products, and a little organization, you can bring everything you need for your makeup, haircare, skincare, and bodycare routines—whether you’re jet-setting for a weekend or an extended stay.

Stay tuned for the next post in our Travel Beauty Essentials series, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for more tips on beauty, travel, and style!

xoxo,