WHICH TRAVEL BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO CHECK VS CARRY ON
Traveling with beauty products can be tricky. Between overflowing carry-on bag and strict security rules, it is essential to do a bit of planning before you go to know what to bring with you, and what’s best to check in your suitcase.
While I recommend sticking with just a carry-on size bag for any trip that’s shorter than a week, if you’re an over-packer like me than there are no doubt going to be times when you’ll need to check luggage.
Here’s my list of which travel beauty products to Check vs. Carry On!
quick packing checklist
Pack In your carry on
Most Valuable Items
Important Medication
Computer and Photography Gear
In-flight essentials
Pack in Your Checked Bag
Anything you don’t need on the plane
Liquids over 3.4oz
Other Medication
Before you start planning your carry-on, double check the size limits. The average airline accepts 22x 14 x 9-inch bags, but that can vary. Some airlines, especially the budget ones, can be crazy strict. I’ve seen “oversize” bags penalties of $50 or more, so don’t try to sneak in anything too big.
As you’re packing, always be very careful with the sizes. There is a strict single quart, clear bag policy for liquids. And all liquids need to be in travel-sized containers.
Make sure everything is in 100ml (3.4-oz.) or less bottles and that it all fits in a clear one-quart bag.
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR CARRY ON
Carry your basic concealer, mascara, tinted moisturizer, and whatever else you just can’t live without.
This is a daily essential for me, especially after dealing with dry airplane air for too many hours.
A cool eye cream feels so good after (or during) a long flight. It’s the perfect treat that comes in a tiny tin.
Of course! Never get on a plane without ample moisturizer. The air is drier and you need to up your moisture level.
Tray tables have an average of 2,155 bacteria colony-forming units (CFUs) per square inch. Public toilets have 6.6 CFUs per square inch. Enough said!
Deodorant
Never leave home without it!
These can also be incredibly helpful for preventing dryness during long flights. If you have contacts, be sure to bring an extra case.
Toothpaste and toothbrush: On long flights, brushing your teeth is so refreshing. Hog the bathroom for a bit and freshen up. In those events your suitcase gets lost, you’ll be happy you packed this bad boy.
Prescription Medication
Be sure to triple check your essential meds. I usually bring a small pill case for general ailments like headaches, nausea, and allergies.
People sometimes worry about going through security with pills, but you’ll never have an issue bringing normal quantities, or take a picture of your prescription bottles just in case.
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR CHECKED BAG
The number one rule for checked luggage is to only pack things that you can live without. While I have never actually had my luggage totally lost, I know its an all to common experience and you just really don’t want to take the chance loosing a favorite item.
Be thoughtful with everything you pack and remember that there can be delays, and occasionally things do get lost.
Toiletries
Anything that you have over 3.4 oz. (or 100 mL) needs to go right into your checked luggage. Check all of your shower products, like body wash, shaving cream, shampoo, and conditioner. Even if your luggage gets lost, you can buy cheap replacements to hold you over. I prefer to use a packing cube or makeup bag with dividers so that everything stays organized.
Your carry-on space is just too valuable for this. You can go with au naturale hair until you are unpacked.
Stash the big bottle of your sunscreen in your check-in. Otherwise, it’ll take over your whole one-quart liquids bag.
Exfoliating Loofah
Even though these loofahs are flat and easy to stash away, it is never worth the carry-on real estate for me– it’s best in checked luggage.
I typically travel with makeup remover wipes but, if you’re a fan of liquid, a security-friendly bottle probably won’t last you your trip so check a big bottle.
This is another beauty must-have that I go through like a mad woman. Those little airline-size bottles wouldn’t last me a long weekend (but they are good for keeping in carry ons to spruce up on flights).
Makeup Extras
Anything that you won’t need or miss during your flight can go in your checked luggage. You don’t need to carry five shades of lipstick and your collection of naked palettes onto the plane.
Extra Medication
If you have any “just in case” medicine, pack it up. If you probably won’t need it on the flight and it’s not an essential daily med, you don’t need to carry it.
SHOP MY CARRY ON ESSENTIALS
