Packing for a trip is exciting…until you realize you’ve forgotten your toothbrush, face wash, or your favorite moisturizer.
After traveling to more than 40 countries…and spending two years living in Italy and two years in New Zealand…I’ve learned that a well-packed toiletry bag can make every trip smoother. The goal isn’t to bring your entire bathroom with you. It’s to pack the essentials that help you feel clean, comfortable, and confident wherever you’re headed.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a beach vacation, or a three-week Europe adventure with only a carry-on, this travel toiletries checklist will help you pack smarter, stay organized, and avoid those expensive last-minute airport purchases. Let’s make sure you never forget the essentials again!
Why Every Woman Needs a Dedicated Travel Toiletry Bag
When I travel, I take a lot of pictures and videos to document all the memories. And I want to look good in that footage when I look back on it! So it’s crucial that I bring my favorite skincare and makeup products so I can look and feel my best, no matter where I am!
When you’re visiting somewhere new, it can be overwhelming. Having your favorite daily essentials keeps you calm and confident and feeling like yourself.
Daily Toiletry Essentials
There are just some essentials that you should not go without! Thankfully, if you happen to forget something, these simple essentials can be found most places around the world…maybe not the exact same as what you’re used to but you’ll definitely have your needs met. And learn to adapt! But here’s a checklist you can use to help you pack what you need!
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- floss
- deodorant
- razor
- shampoo + conditioner
- body wash
Skincare Essentials I Never Travel Without
As a licensed esthetician, I can’t NOT bring my favorite skincare products. I’ve done enough traveling and have sacrificed bringing my favorites in the past and my skin always suffers. But not anymore! As a woman over 40, my skincare is the most important thing I pack.
But instead of packing all my full size bottles, taking up too much space and weight, I put my favorites in smaller travel size containers. Here are my skincare travel essentials:
- Silicon containers
- Spray bottle
- TSA approved clear bag
- Travel mirror
- Headband + wristbands
- Facial sponges
- Gua Sha stone (this is so great for getting rid of puffiness when you travel!)
For a simple skin routine, you’ll definitely want to pack:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Serum (vitamin c and hyaluronic serums are my faves!)
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
See all the details to my simple morning skincare routine and my nightly skincare routine.
My Travel Makeup Essentials
There’s nothing worse than having some of your favorite makeup products break or spill in your luggage! It makes a mess and then you also can’t use it. I prefer traveling with cream makeup because it’s TSA approved, won’t spill, and you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
These are my preferred makeup products to travel as a makeup artist with because they’re easy to pack and help me look my best:
- IT Cosmetics Sheer Tint Face Balm
- Olive Rose Contour Stick
- Olive Rose Blush Stick
- Seint Color Correcting
- SuperGoop (Re)Setting Mineral Powder SPF
- Eyeshadow Primer
- Eyeshadow Stick
- Eyeshadows
- Eyeliner
- Mascara
- Brow Gel
- Brow Pen
Or…you can make it super easy and use the one compact makeup system that is amazing!!
See a full list of everything I’m bringing in my travel makeup capsule!
Haircare Essentials
Health & First Aid Essentials
Along with packing clothing, skincare, and makeup, there are some other essentials that you don’t want to forget when you’re traveling abroad! There’s nothing worse being in a foreign country and not having what you need when you need it! Here’s a list of things that are important to pack:
First Aid:
- Bandaids
- Neosporin
- Moleskin
- Bugspray
- Bug bite ointment
- Ace bandage
- Mask
- Rubber gloves
Medicine:
- Anti-diarrea medicine
- Pepto Bismol
- Charcoal pills (this is so so good for upset tummies when you’re eating new foods)
- Probiotics (this is also a life saver! I take this daily when I travel to help me digest things better and have a happy gut)
- Zofran (I always have this on hand! I get a prescription from my doctor before we travel anywhere)
- Antibiotics (I always have this on hand! I get a prescription from my doctor before we travel anywhere. I’ve been traveling when I needed it and had to go to the ER to get treatment. Always be prepared!)
- Tylenol
- Advil
- NyQuil and DayQuil pills
- Cough drops
- Motion sickness medicine (Bonine, Dramamine, or Meclizine)
Laundry:
- Tide Pen
- Tide Wipes
- Laundry detergent sheets (if you’re staying at an Airbnb with a washer, these are so useful!)
Some of these may seem overkill, but trust me. I packed all of these things and ended up using quite a few of them! And there have been times when I wish I had something and I didn’t.
Travel Bags:
The bags you pack matter!! You don’t want to be lugging suitcases through airports and streets that have weak wheels and cheap plastic. You want something reliable, comfortable, that holds a ton! Here are the bags I always travel with:
Toiletries That Save Space
The key to being able to pack all your favorite toiletries is to buy travel size containers or travel size products. Purchasing small containers (silicon, plastic, or glass) can help you pack more but not pack the bulk. Squeeze, pour, or dropper your favorite liquids, creams, serums, gels, lotions, oils, and shampoos into smaller jars so you don’t have to choose between your favorites! You don’t have to sacrifice for space.
- Silicon containers
- Spray bottle
- Small and medium size glass droppers
- TSA approved clear bag
- Facial sponges
My Favorite Travel Organization Tips
If you want to pack lightly, it’s key to have some great organizing items! Here are some things that just make life easier, keep your things safe and secure, and help keep your liquids from spilling:
Final Packing Checklist
You can use this packing checklist to cross things off as you pack so you don’t forget any of the essentials!
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- floss
- deodorant
- face wash
- moisturizer
- sunscreen
- razor
- hair brush
- hair ties
- shampoo + conditioner
- body wash
- medication
- travel wipes
- makeup
FAQ
- What toiletries should every woman pack for a trip? Every woman should pack daily hygiene items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, skincare products, makeup essentials, medications, and a small first-aid kit. I also recommend bringing SPF, lip balm, and a few travel-size beauty products you use every day.
- Can I bring toiletries in my carry-on? Yes! Most airlines follow the 3-1-1 rule, meaning liquids, gels, and creams should be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or smaller and fit inside one quart-sized clear bag. Check your airline’s guidelines before traveling.
- How do I save space when packing toiletries? Use travel-size containers, refillable bottles, and products that serve multiple purposes. I also love keeping a dedicated travel toiletry bag packed year-round so I’m always ready for my next trip.
- Should I pack full-size or travel-size skincare? For most trips, travel-size products are all you’ll need. They’re lighter, save valuable suitcase space, and are perfect for carry-on travel. If you’re traveling for several weeks, refillable containers let you bring your favorite products without packing bulky bottles.
- What’s the best toiletry bag for travel? Look for one that’s lightweight, water-resistant, and has multiple compartments. I especially love hanging toiletry bags because they keep everything organized and make it easy to access products in small hotel bathrooms. Travel experts consistently recommend compartmentalized or hanging bags for convenience and organization.
Packing your toiletries doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Once you create a travel kit with your favorite essentials, getting ready for your next adventure becomes so much easier.
I’ve found that traveling light isn’t about packing less…it’s about packing intentionally. Bring the products you truly love, simplify your routine, and leave a little room in your suitcase for the memories (and maybe a few souvenirs!).
Whether you’re heading to Europe, the beach, or a weekend getaway, I hope this travel toiletries checklist helps you pack with confidence so you can spend less time worrying about what you forgot and more time enjoying the adventure ahead.
Here are other blogposts you might enjoy:
- The Complete Olive Rose Makeup Guide: Shades, Finishes & What to Buy First
- What to Pack for Italy in Summer (Effortless Capsule Wardrobe)
- What to Pack for Switzerland in Summer (Effortless Capsule Wardrobe)
- What to Pack for Greece in Summer (Women Over 40 Travel Style Guide)
- Perfect Sapahn Purses for Summer Travel
- Travel Makeup for Mature Skin: My Favorite Seint + Olive Rose Essentials
- How to Pack Smart with a Travel Capsule Wardrobe (That Still Feels Stylish)
About the Author
JoEllen is a licensed aesthetician, certified makeup artist, and certified John Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer. She works with women helping them look and feel confident. She loves teaching women simple beauty techniques so they can feel empowered to try it at home. Her motto is that when you look and feel good, you do good!
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