As someone who travels frequently both domestically and internationally, as the founder of En Route to Rêverie travel atelier, I’ve refined exactly what earns a spot in my toiletry bag. Over the years, I’ve learned that packing toiletries well is less about bringing everything and more about bringing the right essentials.

Whether I’m packing for a weekend getaway, a long-haul flight or an extended overseas trip, these are the must-have toiletries for travel I rely on again and again—plus the travel beauty products and organizational tools that make packing far more efficient.

Must Have Toiletries for Travel

Don’t miss my full guide on things I always do to make my travels smoother. 

Skincare Essentials I Always Pack

Eye Cream

While at home I use a different eye cream for A.M. and P.M., while traveling I just bring one and let it work the morning and night shift.

A.M. Moisturizer

I like a dewy, glowy moisturizer in the morning so I rely on a mini size of my favorite whenever I travel.

P.M. Moisturizer

Every holiday season, I stock up on gift sets of my favorite Caudalie products so I have minis to last my travels throughout the year – particularly their evening moisturizers I love!

Cleanser

To wipe off the day. This one melts off makeup like no other in particular so I don’t have to worry about bringing makeup removing wipes or anything similar.

SPF

SPF is one of the non-negotiables in my travel toiletry bag, particularly for on-the-go reapplication. This is my favorite one for on the go face touch ups in particular.

For when I need body SPF, I will either check a larger SPF in my suitcase or wait to buy one when I arrive in the destination if I only packed a carry on.

Retinol

I don’t want my skincare routine to fall by the wayside when I am traveling so I always bring my retinol with me.

The A313 Vitamin A cream is beloved by French women for its ability to serve as a retinol for plumping fine lines and makes skin look fresh. I’ll admit, I didn’t like it much at first but I’m quite sure they have reformulated it to make it less sticky/tacky. Now I can’t live without it or travel with out it. I use it almost every night and like to layer it underneath my favorite night cream.

Lip Balm

My lips get so dry when I travel so I am always slathering on a thick, restorative lip balm. I travel with several tubes so I always have it on hand. 

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

Acne Patches

For me, it is a matter of not if but when a pimple will pop up when traveling so I am always sure to have a sheet of my favorite pimple patches in my toiletry bag.

Serum

At home I’ll use all sorts of serums depending on my skin’s needs but usually when I travel I opt for just my go-to Vitamin C serum to use first thing in the morning after cleansing.

Makeup Toiletries for Travel

Makeup

A few makeup minis I always, always travel with? This Saie primer I can’t be without + the Charlotte Tillbury Flawless Filter I love to layer over it before I apply my beloved Erborian BB Cream and/or my favorite Armani Luminous Foundation , the best One/Size setting spray that makes makeup last all day on long travel days spent out exploring, this bronzer/highlighter duo that does double duty, my favorite little contour stick, my favorite cream blush (+ this powder blush that layers well over it!), one of my go-to lip combos of this liner + lipstick, my favorite setting powder and this little eyeshadow palette that’s versatile. 

Check out my full guide on How to Pack Makeup for Travel and see my full guide of The Makeup I Never Travel Without.

Setting Spray

I need my makeup to last all day when I am traveling so I swear by setting with this spray or this one.

Haircare Toiletries for Travel

Shampoo

Conditioner

This is my most used conditioner so I just stock up on travel sizes of it to bring with me.

Hair Mask

Razor

I use this razor at home and then keep a second in my travel case so I never forget it!

Toothpaste and Toothbrush

Body Wash

Body Lotion

Another item I personally skip but you may want to consider packing!

Downy Wrinkle Releaser

Given how I loathe ironing and use this stuff around the clock at home I never leave without a travel size bottle in my suitcase. I have gone through bottles and bottles of this stuff and converted every friend I have ever traveled with, too!

How To Organize Toiletries For Travel

Because I’m often traveling long-haul between the U.S. and Europe, I’ve learned that staying organized with toiletries saves both suitcase space and time once I arrive.

Truffle Clarity Cases

This pouch may not look like much but it is a god-send for packing liquids and my go-to toiletry bag. It fits so much (way more than what meets the eye!) and easily is wiped out if any liquids happen to leak. I also love that I can easily see what all is in there and find what I need right away.

It’s been a toiletry game changer for my travels and I now have one in nearly every size they make. I use them to store cords, small electronics and other travel accessories.

Truffle Jet Set Cases

These Jetset Cases are also so good. They fit so much more than you’d imagine! And are TSA approved. I use them for my hair products primarily but obviously they are very multi-purpose.

You may want to consider the Beis Cosmetic Case, too. I don’t own this one but it is well reviewed. I’ve seen a lot of frequent travels talk about loving this cosmetics case on social media.

It’s spill-proof and even comes with a mirror for en route touch-ups. Pretty brilliant. There’s a removable brush holder that pops out, too and truly just loads of helpful storage compartments.

There is also the Away Hanging Cosmetics Case that people love. It is made with water-resistant nylon and a coated spill-proof interior. It’s thoughtfully designed with a small hook so you can hang it on a door or wall and contains three mesh pouches that provide easy storage and convenient access to your favorite travel essentials. There’s also a clear, removable pouch for smaller items or liquid products.

Cuyana Cosmetic Cases

For makeup, this makeup case duo is what I almost always travel with. I store minis of my base makeup products in the small pouch and everything else in the larger case. I like the inner pouch in the larger case for things like Q-tips, hair ties, small travel size perfume bottles, etc. 

For makeup brushes, I recommend using these brush cases. They ensure my makeup brushes no longer get lost in my cosmetic cases and it is a bit more sanitary, too. And they help me save space in my cosmetics cases. 

What Toiletries I Pack in My Carry-On vs Checked Bag

When I travel, I usually check luggage, but there are a handful of toiletries I always keep in my carry-on just in case of delays, spills or lost luggage.

Toiletries I always keep in my carry-on:

• SPF
• lip balm
• medications
• hand sanitizer
• moisturizer
• face mist
• travel-size deodorant

I also always pack a small “in case I need it” makeup stash in this pouch into my personal item that includes:

• Pressed Powder
• Pencil Eyeliner
• A travel-size mascara
• A neutral eyeshadow stick
• Concealer
• A mini setting spray

Toiletries I typically check:

• shampoo
• conditioner
• hair mask
• hairspray
• larger body SPF
• body wash
• full-size liquids

This helps me avoid overpacking while also making sure I have what I need if my checked suitcase doesn’t arrive right away.

How To Minimize Toiletries for Travel

Make a Check List

After forgetting key things like mascara or eyeliner or deodorant one too many times, I created a little toiletries packing list for myself on my iPhone in Notes that includes all the products I need to pack and don’t ever want to be without. You’ll never be without your essential toiletries again if you reference it before every trip!

I made a handy one you can save to your phone or pin for later!

Be Aware of Flight Regulations

If you’re planning to travel light and not check luggage you’ll need to be more judicious with how you pack your makeup. Remember that the TSA rules at airports in the U.S. still require all liquids be under 3oz. 

And if you’re traveling internationally, consider where you are flying out of, too. For example, flying out of the UK everything must be under 100ml. 

Don’t risk having to lose your expensive makeup and skincare by not being prepared. I’ve seen many a passenger have their beauty products tossed in the trash at airport security!

Buy Minis

There’s really no need to be bringing full size products on a trip in my opinion. I buy minis of all my favorite go-to beauty products for both makeup and skincare so I am never without my favorite products but am not having to bring full size items with me which leaves more room in my travel makeup bags! 

Travel size products should be your go-tos when packing makeup for travel. Sephora has an amazing selection of Minis to shop.

Pack Multi-Purpose Products

Similarly, prioritize multi-purpose products. To ensure you’re not overpacking and adding too much weight to your suitcase, prioritize bringing multi-purpose products such as items that work for both cheeks and lips. I particularly like this bronzer/highlighter duo that does double duty.

Use refillable containers

You may want to consider buying refillable containers for some of your favorite liquid makeup products like your primer or liquid highlighter or foundation. I personally don’t like re-filling them so I usually opt for the travel sizes I buy on Sephora instead.

But it is of course more sustainable to use refillable containers so definitely worth doing if you’re up for it and are especially keen to save space.

Keep Things Organized

I don’t want to waste vacation time rooting around trying to find various things so I am hyper organized with my makeup and skincare.

Everything goes in a designated organizer or pouch and from there it goes into my carry on luggage or carry on luggage.

Carry-On Toiletries Checklist

There are a few toiletries I always keep easily accessible in my carry on, particularly for long-haul or international travel. These are the items I’m most likely to need in transit or would want with me if my checked luggage was delayed.

• Waterbottle
• Hand Sanitizer
• Sleep Aid
• Eye patches
• A really good face mist to replenish thirsty skin
• A rich lip balm

You could also consider including: 

• Medications or sleep aids
• Mini moisturizer
• SPF
• A toothbrush
• Travel-size deodorant

This small setup has saved me countless times while traveling.

If you’d like even more packing help, don’t miss my Packing and Travel Hacks to Swear By and my Must-Haves for International Travel.

Toiletries for Travel FAQs

What toiletries should I pack for a trip?

At minimum, I recommend packing the essentials: skincare, SPF, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, makeup, medications and hand sanitizer. From there, tailor your toiletries based on the destination, trip length and whether you’re checking luggage.

What toiletries should stay in a carry-on?

I typically keep my most important toiletries in my carry-on including medications, SPF, lip balm, hand sanitizer, moisturizer and a small makeup pouch. That way I still have my essentials if my checked bag is delayed.

How do I avoid overpacking toiletries?

Travel-size products, refillable containers, multi-purpose beauty products and a simple packing checklist make a huge difference. I try to bring only what I know I’ll realistically use.

Can I bring full-size toiletries while traveling?

Yes, but only if they’re packed in checked luggage. If you’re flying carry-on only, liquids need to meet current TSA requirements.

What is the best toiletry bag for travel?

I prefer clear toiletry pouches and structured cosmetic cases that make it easy to see everything quickly. If you travel frequently, a spill-resistant and easy-to-clean bag is worth the investment. Here’s a handy guide to great toiletry bags for travel: 12 Best Travel Makeup Bags.

. . .

Packing smart starts with editing down to what truly earns a place in your suitcase. These are the toiletries I rely on trip after trip whether I’m packing for a quick weekend away or a long-haul international flight.

And you can of course feel free to ask any questions in the Comments below. I hope you found these tips for packing toiletries helpful!

You May Also Like:

• Packing and Travel Hacks to Swear By.
• What To Pack For A Trip To Europe.
• What to Wear on a Long Flight.

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