Dopp bag, shave bag, toiletry bag? Whatever you call it, let’s edit it.
Sometimes I shock myself as to how many lotions, potions, masks, serums and hair products I have. If I were to pack everything I wanted I would need another suitcase to carry it all!
We’ve compiled a basic list of what we really need in our toiletry bags for an average two week trip. I have two bags and my partner uses one. My first bag, my dopp will contain all the non liquid items and the other bag, which is clear, is for all the liquids. Tom uses just the one dopp bag for all his items and pulls out the clear plastic bag that contains his liquids.
Clear bag 1 for me. No checked bag. (happy TSA bag)
- Travel size toothpaste. One for you and one for them!
- Foundation with sunscreen*. (If you never wear it, skip it!)
- Sunscreen. Travel size if you’re carrying on.
- Face cleanser, moisturizer and serum*.
- Hand sanitizer. Travel size.
- Aloe Vera. If we are doing a beach vaca, or going somewhere super sunny, I bring legit aloe vera (just pure aloe vera! Found at most Whole Foods, Market of Choice or health stores). Transfer into a travel tube (3oz).
- After bite cream. (Invaluable addition if you’re prone to bug bites, like me! Can’t find it anywhere when you need it while traveling.)
- Hand lotion/body lotion. Travel size or transfer to reusable travel tube.
- Shampoo and Conditioner *
- * = Travel size.
Bag 2 (no liquids= happy TSA bag)
- Dental Floss.
- Toothbrush. We use Sonicare rechargeable toothbrushes and these are packed separately. Otherwise, yes, pack a toothbrush!
- Travel size mascara.
- Make up: Eye shadow stick/liner and blush. (hey, if you don’t use makeup, more room for you!)
- Make up brushes: only bring what you absolutely need.
- Lip gloss or stick.
- Tweezers. (Handy for a lot of things)
- Small brush.
- Mini travel first aid kit.
- Travel sewing kit.
- Razor. One for your legs and one for the face.
- Comb.
- Travel size deodorant.
- Nail file.
- Extra medications. Definitely carry your medications with you at all times, but you may consider bringing back ups if your condition requires you not to miss a dose.
- Wine key/opener (this won’t get past TSA, so check it or leave it)
The hardest part of packing is answering the “what ifs”. If a “what if” comes up, there will be an easy solution. We only strongly recommend bringing what you know you will need and won’t be able to purchase where you’re going. We would say that if you’re traveling internationally and you get a lot of colds, bringing something similar to NyQuil or Robitussin would be a good addition. You will spend half of your time looking for it and what you do find will not be as effective. Trust me, we have been on that hunt!
What you don’t need to bring.
You definitely do not need to bring every eye shadow, liner, lipstick, lotions, serums, masks….you get it. You will be surprised how little you actually need to bring. You don’t need to bring a giant bottle of body moisturizer. If you love what you use at home, great!, put some in travel bottle. Do you have a 3-4 step skin program at home? That’s great! Take a break for a long weekend or for longer trips bring your basic products such as cleanser and moisturizer (travel size). I’m a skin care program freak and I am speaking that truth with confidence! And think about the extra time you’ll gain to go exploring!
Travel size finds.
I always can find most items in travel sizes for my dopp bag and so can Tom.
The line of skin care that I use has sizes that meet travel requirements. However, I only bring the minimum, not the full routine. I really like Drunk Elephant, Colleen Rothchild and Kind Science skin care products. What I have to bring that doesn’t come in travel size, I put it in a travel tube or jar. Tom uses Harry’s products and brings along Harry’s shave cream and Harry’s moisturizer. Both of which come in travel size bottles. Other travel size products are also easy to find at most drugstores and department stores. I also always check with our accommodations and find out what they offer for bath amenities such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions and such. I am a bit of a snob when it comes to shampoo’s and conditioners, but if it is a short stay, I will deal with what they have. Otherwise I bring what I use in travel size container. Airbnb’s and VRBO’s can be hit and miss, ask the host before you go.