I’m A Beauty Editor Who Loves Products—Here’s How I Travel With Just A Carry-On

Makeup Bag Beauty Products unsplash

Mastering the art of traveling light while maintaining a fabulous look is a skill that every beauty enthusiast should acquire. As a dedicated beauty editor with a passion for products, I've honed my expertise in efficient packing, all while ensuring my beauty routine remains uninterrupted during my travels. In this article, I'll reveal my exclusive tips for hassle-free travel with just a carry-on, taking into account your packing personality. We'll explore the importance of a liquids bag, considerations for your checked bag, and tailoring your packing approach to match your unique style. Join me on this journey as we strike the perfect balance between style and practicality.

Use a Clear Bag

 Jetset Clear Toiletry Bag

For a seamless experience during security checks, it's crucial to incorporate a liquid bag into your packing strategy, this Jetset Clear Toiletry Bag is what we would recommend.

This travel bottle set offers a comprehensive solution for travelers. Its three-layer leak-proof design prevents liquid spills and messes, while its TSA carry-on approval, featuring four 3 oz silicone bottles, caters to the needs of air travelers. Additionally, the set includes a transparent wash bag with a reliable zipper for space-saving and organized packing. Crafted from food-grade BPA-free silicone, these bottles prioritize safety and eco-friendliness, providing flexibility and durability. The wide opening simplifies filling and cleaning, and the no-drip valve ensures precise distribution. In essence, this set combines convenience, functionality, and eco-consciousness for a seamless travel experience.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandates that all liquids in your carry-on must be stored in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, securely placed within a quart-sized, clear, resealable plastic bag. By diligently following this guideline, you'll navigate security without any disruptions. Additionally, don't forget to consider including makeup remover in your liquids bag for convenient access during your journey.

Pre-Pack Your Hand Luggage Liquids in a Reusable Airport Bag

Pre-Pack Your Hand Luggage Liquids in a Reusable Airport Bag

To streamline your travel experience further, contemplate pre-packing your liquid essentials in a clear bag designated for airport use before reaching the terminal. This practice not only optimizes your time but also minimizes the chances of leaks in your carry-on suitcase. It's a proactive measure that ensures your liquids are well-organized, whether they end up in your checked bag or your carry-on suitcase.

Carry On Bags

Carry On Bags

The carry-on bag acts as a versatile beauty arsenal, housing thoughtfully chosen travel-sized makeup products, neatly packed toiletries, and a comprehensive toiletries packing list. Within its confines, you'll find clear pouches for liquids, essential skincare products, makeup brushes, and a curated collection of cosmetics. This meticulous organization ensures that travelers are well-equipped for any beauty touch-ups during their flight. It also underscores the importance of complying with TSA regulations for liquids, assuring a smooth journey. In summary, the carry-on bag stands as a cornerstone of the beauty editor's travel routine, enabling her to uphold her appearance effortlessly while on the move.

Pack Multipurpose Products

Choose versatile makeup products that can fulfill multiple roles in your beauty routine. Take, for instance, a tinted moisturizer equipped with SPF, which can effectively replace both your foundation and sunscreen. This strategic approach not only conserves valuable space in your hand luggage but also guarantees you carry all the necessary essentials without the risk of overpacking.

How to Pick Your Carry-On and Check-In Luggage

Selecting the appropriate luggage is of utmost importance, especially when you're preparing for air travel, particularly a business trip where efficiency matters. Your choice of luggage should align with your need to pack toiletries efficiently and cater to the demands of a busy travel schedule.

Firstly, when it comes to your carry-on, opt for a bag equipped with well-structured compartments to facilitate effortless organization. This feature ensures that your essential toiletries are readily accessible when needed.

On the other hand, your check-in luggage should be robust and capacious enough to accommodate not only your beauty essentials but also your non-beauty necessities. For a business trip, this durability and space are crucial, as you need to strike a balance between a professional appearance and practicality in your luggage choices.

Decant Your Beauty Travel Essentials With a carry-on bag

Consider investing in a travel-sized carry-on bag, especially if you're looking to pack toiletries efficiently. This compact bag serves as the perfect vessel to decant your must-have beauty products, ensuring that you have everything you need while keeping your packing organized.

One of its advantages is space-saving. By transferring your favorite toiletries into travel-sized containers within this specialized bag, you can maximize the use of your available space. Moreover, it aids in adhering to TSA regulations concerning liquids, as these containers typically fall within the approved size limits.

Additionally, if you're concerned about separating dirty laundry from your clean clothes during your trip, some travel-sized carry-on bags even come equipped with packing cubes or compartments, offering a convenient solution for maintaining cleanliness and organization throughout your journey.

The Minimalist - You Love to Travel Light

For travelers embracing a minimalist approach, the key is to prioritize only the essentials. This strategy applies to both your makeup and skincare routine, allowing you to streamline your packing efficiently while still achieving a polished look.

Incorporating packing cubes into your luggage can significantly aid in this endeavor. These handy cubes can help keep your essentials neatly organized and separated, making it easier to locate what you need during your journey.

Moreover, when considering baggage claim and travel tips, a minimalist approach ensures you have fewer items to worry about upon arrival. Simplifying your beauty regimen to the basics not only lightens your load but also enhances your overall travel experience, making it smoother and more enjoyable.

Our Luggage Picks

When planning your travel, it's worth contemplating the investment in luggage that offers built-in compartments or includes packing cubes. This thoughtful choice can significantly enhance your organization, especially when it comes to your beauty products.

These specialized compartments and packing cubes can help you keep your cosmetics neatly separated and systematically arranged. As you settle into your hotel room, having designated spaces for your beauty essentials ensures easy access and minimizes clutter.

Furthermore, if you're inclined to bring smaller bags, these compartments come in handy. They allow you to neatly stow away your beauty products, including convenient items like solid perfume, within your smaller bags. This way, your travel experience remains well-organized and hassle-free, ensuring that you're always ready to look and feel your best on the go.

Bring Samples

While packing your travel toiletries, it's a smart move to remember to include samples of your beloved products. These compact samples are not only space-efficient but also ideal for short trips or quick touch-ups while you're on the move.

When aiming to expertly pack your travel toiletries, these samples become invaluable. They occupy minimal space within your luggage, leaving room for other essentials. Moreover, when you reach your destination and find yourself in your hotel room, these handy samples are a convenient addition to your bathroom counter. They provide a fuss-free solution for maintaining your beauty routine, ensuring you're always prepared to look your best, no matter where your travels take you.

How to Pick a Duffel

If you have a preference for duffel bags over conventional suitcases, consider opting for one that boasts interior pockets and compartments. This choice can make a significant difference in how easily accessible and well-organized your beauty items remain during your travels.

Duffel bags with these designated pockets and compartments allow you to maximize space efficiently. This means you can keep your beauty essentials in a designated area, making it straightforward to locate what you need without rummaging through your bag. This organization not only ensures your items are secure but also ensures that you can head straight to your favorite makeup products when needed, saving you time and effort while on the go.

How to Pack Makeup in Carry-On Luggage

When it comes to packing makeup in your carry-on bag, it's essential to adopt a strategic approach. To ensure your makeup remains intact during your journey, follow these travel-smart tips.

Firstly, make sure that all your makeup containers are securely closed. This precaution helps prevent any unexpected spills or smudges that could potentially damage your other belongings.

Additionally, consider using a dedicated makeup bag. This separate bag serves as an extra layer of protection, keeping your makeup items contained and shielded from contact with other items in your carry-on. Plus, it's a convenient way to have your makeup essentials readily accessible during your travels. Don't forget to include travel-sized essentials like lip balm and contact solution, ensuring you're fully prepared for your journey while looking your best.

Can You Take Makeup Palettes on Planes?

Certainly, you can carry makeup palettes with you on planes. However, it's crucial to double-check that they are adequately padded to prevent breakage during the flight.

For added protection, consider allocating some extra space within your bag or carry-on specifically for your makeup palettes. This extra cushioning can go a long way in ensuring your palettes remain intact and trip-ready. By taking these precautions, you not only safeguard your makeup but also make your journey easier, eliminating the worry of damaged cosmetics upon arrival.

Opt for Powders for Exfoliants, Dry Shampoos, and Cleansers

When it comes to making your trip easier while navigating travel restrictions, powdered beauty products emerge as your best allies. These versatile products offer numerous advantages.

First and foremost, they are lightweight, making them a practical addition to your travel essentials. Additionally, powdered beauty products are exempt from the stringent liquid restrictions imposed by airlines and security checks.

To enhance your travel experience further, consider packing these powdered items neatly within a dopp kit or a designated travel pouch. This approach not only keeps your products organized but also ensures that they remain easily accessible throughout your journey, allowing you to look your best while adhering to travel regulations hassle-free.

Separate Makeup, Skincare, and Haircare

To simplify your packing and make life easier when traveling, it's a smart move to segregate your makeup, skincare, and haircare products into separate pouches or compartments within your luggage.

When dealing with travel-sized products, this organization becomes even more crucial. By having dedicated pouches for each category, you can easily locate what you need without the hassle of rummaging through your bag.

This approach not only keeps your essentials well-organized but also ensures that you have everything you need for a week's worth of travel. So, whether you're reaching for skincare, makeup, or haircare, you'll have it at your fingertips, making your journey smoother and more convenient.

The Maximalist - You Love to Take All Your Cosmetics with You

For those who are maximalists and can't fathom leaving any beauty products behind, here are some tips to guarantee that everything fits snugly in your carry-on.

Firstly, consider downsizing your toiletries and cosmetics by opting for travel-sized versions. This choice not only accommodates your daily routine but also ensures that everything remains compact and easily portable.

Moreover, select containers that are leak-proof to avoid any messy mishaps during your journey. These specialized containers provide an extra layer of protection for your products.

As you pack your beauty arsenal, it's also beneficial to strategize your luggage space efficiently. By rolling items like t-shirts and utilizing available nooks and crannies, you can maximize the use of your carry-on while accommodating your extensive collection of beauty essentials. These measures allow you to maintain your daily routine while traveling comfortably and with style.

6 Packing Tips

Downsize the Products You Bring

Choosing travel-friendly sizes of your favorite beauty products offers several advantages for a smoother travel experience. Firstly, it optimizes space in your luggage, whether you're using a carry-on, backpack, or suitcase, allowing room for other essentials. Additionally, it's a weight-conscious choice, helping you stay within airline baggage limits and avoid excess fees.

Moreover, travel-sized products are tailored to meet TSA regulations, particularly for liquids, ensuring hassle-free security checks. They are designed for convenience, often featuring leak-proof and resealable packaging, preventing any potential messes in your bag. This choice also minimizes waste, as you use up products during your trip, reducing the need to discard half-used items. Furthermore, it's an opportunity to sample new products cost-effectively. Lastly, the portability of these smaller items makes on-the-go touch-ups effortless, fitting comfortably in your purse or daypack.

In summary, opting for travel-sized beauty products is a practical and versatile decision, enhancing your packing efficiency, complying with travel regulations, and ensuring convenience during your journey.

How to Pack Makeup Brushes for Travel

Investing in a brush roll or pouch is a wise choice for travelers looking to protect their makeup brushes. These accessories provide individual slots or compartments that shield brush bristles from damage and maintain their hygiene by preventing dirt accumulation. Not only do they keep brushes organized and accessible, but they also prevent cross-contamination between different makeup products. Additionally, using a brush roll or pouch extends the lifespan of your brushes, making it a cost-effective and travel-friendly investment that enhances your makeup application experience on the go.

Choose a Large Makeup Bag with Compartments

A generously sized makeup bag featuring dividers is an invaluable asset for maintaining impeccable organization within your cosmetics collection. Its spacious interior provides ample room to house your entire array of beauty products, allowing you to meticulously arrange each item with ease.

The dividers within this makeup bag offer a structured layout that not only prevents your cosmetics from becoming a chaotic jumble but also ensures that each product has its designated place. This thoughtful organization simplifies the process of locating specific items, saving you time and frustration. Whether you're at home or embarking on a journey, a well-designed makeup bag with dividers ensures that your cosmetics remain neatly sorted, readily accessible, and in optimal condition, enhancing your beauty routine's efficiency and convenience.

Plan Your Makeup Looks and Make a Checklist

Planning your makeup looks in advance is a strategic approach to prevent the common pitfall of overpacking. By making thoughtful decisions about the makeup looks you intend to achieve during your trip, you can streamline your cosmetic selections and pack only the essentials.

This proactive approach allows you to pack precisely what you need for your planned makeup looks, eliminating the temptation to bring unnecessary items. It ensures that you have the right products and shades to create the desired looks, all while keeping your luggage lighter and more efficient. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, deciding on your makeup looks in advance is a practical way to pack smarter and with purpose, simplifying your beauty routine on the go.

Buy Refillable Travel Sizes

Numerous brands now provide the option of refillable containers for your favorite products, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for beauty enthusiasts. These refillable options contribute to reducing environmental waste by allowing you to replenish your products without discarding the original packaging.

By opting for refillable containers, you not only demonstrate a commitment to eco-conscious choices but also enjoy the advantage of cost savings over time. This approach aligns with the growing trend of sustainability in the beauty industry, where brands and consumers are increasingly mindful of reducing their ecological footprint. Refillable containers empower you to continue using your beloved products while actively participating in a more environmentally responsible approach to beauty consumption.

Use a Contacts Case

Compact and petite, a contacts case serves as an ideal vessel for transporting modest quantities of liquid makeup. Its diminutive size makes it a convenient and space-efficient choice for ensuring that your liquid cosmetics remain easily accessible and securely contained during your travels.

Beach Vacation Essentials

If you're heading to the beach for a sun-soaked getaway, your packing list should include several essentials for a fantastic seaside experience. Don't forget to pack high SPF sunscreen to shield your skin from the sun's rays, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for added sun protection, a beach towel or mat for lounging on the sand, a swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the ocean, a beach bag to carry your belongings, and plenty of hydrating drinks to stay refreshed under the sun. Additionally, remember to bring your favorite beach reads, some snacks, and a beach umbrella or tent for shade. With these essentials in tow, you'll be well-prepared for a relaxing and enjoyable day at the beach.

Coordinate with Your Travelers

When traveling with companions, it's a smart strategy to coordinate your packing efforts. By doing so, you can prevent duplicates and maximize the efficient use of luggage space. Communicate with your fellow travelers to ensure that each item is covered without unnecessary replication. This coordination not only streamlines the packing process but also reduces the overall volume of luggage, making your journey more organized and hassle-free.

Road Trip Essentials

When embarking on a road trip, prioritize convenience and accessibility when packing. Arrange your essentials so that they're easily within reach throughout the journey. This approach ensures a comfortable and efficient travel experience, allowing you to access necessities without unnecessary stops or disruptions. Whether it's snacks, maps, entertainment, or travel documents, having everything readily accessible enhances the overall convenience and enjoyment of your road trip adventure.

Should I Unpack or Live Out of My Suitcase?

The decision between unpacking and living directly out of your suitcase ultimately hinges on personal preference. Opting to unpack can promote organization and tidiness during your stay, allowing you to settle in more comfortably. However, for shorter trips, living out of your suitcase offers a higher level of convenience, eliminating the need to fully unpack and repack for a brief stay. Your choice should align with the nature and duration of your trip, ensuring that your accommodation arrangement suits your needs and enhances your overall travel experience.

Packing Lists by Trip

Crafting personalized packing lists tailored to the specific type and duration of your trip is a pivotal step in ensuring that you don't overlook any crucial items. This thoughtful approach allows you to account for the unique requirements of your journey, whether it's a business trip, a beach vacation, or a weekend getaway. By customizing your packing list, you can systematically address your needs, guaranteeing that you're well-prepared and organized, thus enhancing the success and comfort of your travel experience.

What Items Should I Never Pack in My Bags?

It's essential to be aware that specific items are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage, encompassing substances like flammable materials, explosives, and sharp objects. To ensure compliance with travel regulations, it's advisable always to consult the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for a comprehensive and up-to-date list of restricted items. Staying informed and adhering to these guidelines is crucial for a safe and smooth travel experience, helping you avoid potential issues at security checkpoints and throughout your journey.

How Many Bags Can I Bring Through Airport Security?

While most airlines typically permit passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, it's of utmost importance to review your specific airline's baggage policies. These policies can vary among carriers, and staying informed is key to avoiding any unexpected situations. By checking your airline's guidelines in advance, you can ensure that you adhere to their requirements regarding the number, size, and weight of carry-on and personal items, thereby minimizing any potential surprises or issues at the airport.

Do I Have to Remove All the Liquids from My Bags When I'm Going Through Security?

During the security screening process, it is imperative to remember that all liquids in your carry-on bag must be removed and placed into a separate, clear, quart-sized plastic bag for inspection. This strict adherence to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines helps facilitate a seamless and efficient security check. By following this protocol, you contribute to the overall safety and expediency of the screening process, ensuring that your journey through security is as smooth as possible.

Should I Check Luggage or Not?

The decision of whether to opt for checked luggage or stick with a carry-on largely hinges on the duration and purpose of your trip. Typically, for short getaways, a carry-on suffices to accommodate your essentials. However, for more extended vacations or trips with specific requirements, such as bulkier items or specialized equipment, checked luggage may become necessary. It's vital to assess the nature and length of your journey to make a well-informed choice, ensuring that your luggage choice aligns with your travel needs, enhances convenience, and contributes to a successful travel experience.

Packing Toiletries

Lastly, remember to pack your toiletries, including toothpaste, shampoo, and other personal care items, in compliance with TSA regulations.

In conclusion, traveling with just a carry-on is entirely feasible, even for beauty enthusiasts. By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy your journeys without sacrificing your beauty routine. So, pack smart, travel light, and make the most of your adventures!

 

Back to blog