11 Ways to Consolidate Your Toiletries Bag for Travel

Your face cream should never force you to check your luggage.

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As frequent travelers know, getting past TSA isn’t getting any easier. And if you’re heading to the airport this summer (or ever) and you’re not Pre-Check approved, serious hassle may await. So be prepared by keeping your carry-on as mess-free as possible (that includes keeping your products and toiletries in check). When the urge to overpack and bring 12 different lip colors, multiple makeup compacts, and skin care for every possible situation hits—check yourself. Instead, bookmark this handy list, and use it as your guide.

A Miniature Hair Wardrobe

Never trust the hotel blow dryer. And unless you do your research beforehand to see which toiletry brand the hotel is offering, you should absolutely bring your own shampoo and conditioner, too. This DryBar set includes all three—plus a dry shampoo and dry conditioner for touch ups.

DryBar Hair We Go Travel Blowout Set, $139

A Do-It-All Body Product

Why pack body lotion, shaving cream, face cleanser, cuticle cream, and lip balm when you have coconut oil? Seriously. This palm-sized tub is the perfect must-have for any trip.

Kopari Beauty Coconut Mini Melt, $18

Little Lip Options

These tiny lip and cheek balms are small enough that you can bring all four and still have room for everything else.

Wander Beauty Mini Carryon Kit, $36

A Credit Card-Sized Shadow Palette

Leave big bulky palettes at home, and opt for these card-sized shadows. The soft browns and rosy neutrals are gorgeous for any occasion.

Smashbox Full Exposure Travel Palette, $22.10

A No-Fuss Makeup Remover

Going away for a short trip and having to allocate space for an entire pack of makeup wipes is the worst. No longer. Milk’s individually wrapped towelettes let you bring the exact amount you need.

Milk Makeup Micellar Water Remover Wipes, $14

Day-to-Night Skin Care

Not only does this A+ set have skin care fanatics freaking out, it’s also the perfect travel companion. You get four of Sunday Riley’s cult favorite products: C.E.O. C + E Micro-Dissolve Cleansing Oil, C.E.O. C + E antiOXIDANT Protect + Repair Moisturizer, Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment and a Luna Sleeping Night Oil for $60.

Sunday Riley Sunday School Skincare Set, $60

Brush Necessities

This set is small but contains a brush for every need. And the bright handles mean they’ll be super easy to find in the bottom of your makeup bag.

Sonia Kashuk 5-Piece Brush Set, $19.99

A Multitasking SPF

The tropical vacation struggle is real: Your makeup melts off, you burn faster than normal, it’s hot—but what if all those problems were solved? Insert Kate Somerville’s new hero product: A refreshing mist that doubles as a makeup setting spray and triples as a sun protector with SPF 50.

Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray, $38

Un-Spillable Scents

So you want to smell good when traveling, but you don’t want to lug your fragile glass bottles in case of breakage or spillage. We get it, and we have a solution. Three of Byredo’s most loved scents (Bal d’Afrique, Blanche, and Gypsy Water) now come in travel-friendly spray vials. You could even bring all three.

Byredo La Sélection Nomade Set Eau de Parfum, $110

An All-In-One Glow Kit

The urge to pack multiple blush, bronzer, and highlighter shades may be tempting, but instead, look for 3-in-1 options like Tom Ford’s latest stunner. The compact has it all, so your contour, highlight, and glow game will surely be on point.

Tom Ford Soleil Contouring Compact, $108

…And a Pouch to Put It In

Toss that flimsy Ziplock, and pick up a real toiletry bag. This cute one from Sephora fits the bill: A top zip and clear casing make it easy to spot and access your products while travelling (TSA will love), and the sturdy material will last longer than a regular plastic bag. Plus, it’s easy to clean if product spills inside. Going through airport security will be such a breeze!

Sephora Beauty On The Fly Bag, $4.95