The suitcase is packed, the flight has survived, the destination has been reached. But unpacking the cosmetic bag after the trip can quickly spoil the good mood: the lids of shampoo bottles and cream jars often open and the greasy contents spill out. STYLEBOOK has 7 tips on how to pack your toiletry bag to avoid unpleasant surprises upon arrival.
Containers of liquids in hand luggage must not exceed 100 ml, multiplied by ten which equals the liters allowed on an airplane. But often you don’t need so many shampoos, lotions, toothpastes and creams for a (short) trip, many bottles and jars are transported around the world unnecessarily. But there is a remedy: with a little creative preparation in the home bathroom, even a straw can turn into the ideal travel companion in the toiletry bag.
Trust the test sizes
In order to save space in the toiletry bag and not to carry too much product unnecessarily, the trial sizes that can be found in every pharmacy are suitable. From micellar water to shampoo and body lotion, almost everything is available in mini format.
Use recyclable plastic containers
The simplest solution is available at any pharmacy for pennies – resealable plastic bottles of various sizes. Even the cream jars from the pharmacy are suitable for multiple use. Fill the desired amount and save yourself having to drag around large bottles. You can also buy small perfume atomizers, the problem: they are usually not easy to fill, as large bottles can rarely be opened. In general, recyclable plastic containers are more environmentally friendly and take up less space in your toiletry bag.
The cling film trick prevents leaks in your toiletry bag
A look in the kitchen cabinet helps ensure that body lotion and hair oil don’t spill and make a mess in your suitcase or toiletry bag (in original packaging or refilled). Not only can opened food be packed hermetically with the cling film, it also offers ideal leakage protection for bottles with screw caps: simply unscrew the lid, place the cling film loosely over the bottle opening and then close it tightly again . The foil ensures that the screw mechanism is held tightly and thus prevents the lid from unscrewing by itself.
Straw for the single portion of shampoo
An elegantly packed trolley is essential on a business trip: not only office-appropriate clothing, but also a change for the evening must fit in your hand luggage. Since you also need various cosmetics for an overnight stay, a space-saving alternative for accommodating the toiletry bag is needed. The practical single portion in a straw could be the solution. Cut the tubes to the desired length, seal on one side with tape or heat the end briefly with a lighter, press firmly together and then re-weld. Now fill an open-sided straw with toothpaste, lotion, conditioner, shampoo, etc. (thicker straws are ideal for this, by the way), so close this side as well, label the straw, and your cosmetic mini potpourri is ready. Carry in a plastic bag for complete protection — and obviously not at the bottom of the suitcase — (risk of crushing!). Dispose of after use and pull a light trolley on the journey home.
Also interesting: 9 hacks that make packing your suitcase easier
Collect mini samples
Do they always rip hair product and skin cream samples out of magazines, keep them in the bathroom cabinet and never use them? If you can do without the usual beauty products, you can simply embark on a care experiment on your next trip. The plus: the quantity is sufficient for one or two overnight stays, weighs almost nothing, takes up very little space in the toiletry bag, is already well sealed and does not go home. And if the free amount of conditioner isn’t enough for you, you can simply grab the bottles in the hotel bathroom. You can also wash and recycle them. But beware of the vicious circle: Huge quantities of small, half-empty plastic bottles that are never used pile up quickly.
Toothpaste drops for on the go
Practical for travel and especially for long journeys: toothpaste drops. The small tablets are available in pharmacies or drugstores. As a rule, one of the tablets is simply chewed with molars for brushing your teeth. You can then brush your teeth as usual with a damp toothbrush. The plus: The drops fit in every toiletry bag and are particularly suitable for freshening up on a long flight, because the 100 ml limit does not have to be adhered to here.
Solid shampoo cannot leak into the toiletry bag
If you want to be sure that nothing gets spilled in your cosmetic bag on a long journey, you should use solid care products. The obvious advantage: what is not liquid cannot leak and get dirty in the travel bag. Many products, such as shampoo or conditioner, are now also available in solid form. The product is moistened with a little water during washing, like a bar of soap. This creates a lather that is easy to massage into the scalp. Solid shampoos are often cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Other on-the-go benefits: Hair soap takes up very little space in your purse, and you don’t have to worry about liquid restrictions.
