by Jenna Summers

The next time you need to pack a cosmetic bag or toiletry kit for traveling, try the pack-it-after-you-use-it trick. Place the empty bag on your bathroom counter. Then as you go through your morning routine, place each item it into the bag after you’ve finished using it. This can be just the bare essentials if you’re not a high maintenance person, but just so nothing’s forgotten, here’s a handy checklist.

Regarding Airline Travel: If you’re traveling by plane, it’s a good idea not pack aerosol cans like hair spray or deodorant that can burst under pressure. Use sprays in pump bottles and stick or roll-on deodorants, instead. If you’re going to be packing items in a carry-on, consult the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for a list of restricted items. (The link is listed below.) Even some allowable items have size restrictions.

Health/Hygiene

[ ] Prescriptions
[ ] Vitamins, Supplements
[ ] Antacid
[ ] Anti-diarrheal
[ ] Mild laxative
[ ] Motion sickness medication
[ ] Pain reliever (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin)
[ ] Contact lenses and solutions
[ ] Deodorant
[ ] Feminine hygiene items
[ ] Condoms
[ ] Soap
[ ] First aid

Dental

[ ] Tooth paste
[ ] Tooth brush
[ ] Mouth wash
[ ] Dental floss/picks
[ ] Braces, retainers, aligners

Face/Legs

[ ] Electric shaver
[ ] Disposable razors
[ ] Shaving cream
[ ] After shave
[ ] Face wash, scrub
[ ] Toner
[ ] Moisturizer
[ ] Blemish control

Hair

[ ] Shampoo
[ ] Conditioner
[ ] Hair spray
[ ] Styling gel
[ ] Mousse
[ ] Comb
[ ] Hair brush
[ ] Hair pick
[ ] Hair clips
[ ] Ponytail holders
[ ] Hair dryer
[ ] Curling or flat iron

Makeup

[ ] Makeup (liquid, cream, mineral)
[ ] Powder (pressed, mineral)
[ ] Blush
[ ] Makeup brushes
[ ] Makeup remover (tearless baby shampoo works great)
[ ] Concealer
[ ] Mascara
[ ] Eye liner
[ ] Eye shadow
[ ] Eyelash curler
[ ] Fake eyelashes
[ ] Tweezers
[ ] Brow pencil
[ ] Lip color

Miscellaneous

[ ] Hand lotion
[ ] Cotton pads
[ ] Cotton swabs
[ ] Perfume, cologne
[ ] Sunscreen
[ ] Scissors
[ ] Plastic zip-close bags
[ ] Nail clippers
[ ] Nail file