Essential toiletries for travel that all women must pack in their luggage—and that most women forget. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve packed the same things before. There’s always something you might’ve forgotten.
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through the affiliate links. I only recommend products I’ve personally used and liked. All opinions are my own.
I’ve compiled a list of essential travel toiletries I always pack in my makeup bag that make my trips run a lot smoother. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and forget your contact lenses. Horror of horrors to have to wear glasses!
Keep my essential list of toiletries for travel so don’t forget something important when you go on that dream trip.
But first! What is the maximum amount of liquid you can bring on a plane?
Reminder that the United States TSA restricts how much liquids you can pack in your carry-on. This means all liquids you pack must be in bottles of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less. All liquids must fit inside a 1L clear, plastic bag.
Easily search for what you’re allowed to bring in your carry-on luggage at the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).
My complete packing list of travel toiletries.
Never forget what to pack again with my list of toiletries for travel.
These are some of my favourite products to travel, not only because they’re perfect for my skin, but also because they come in travel-size bottles of 100ml or less. Even if they don’t, you can always get bigger sizes and squeeze the products into travel-size containers.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser Face Wash
I’m a huge fan of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. It’s lightweight, foamy, and cleans oil and grime from my face leaving it supple and smooth. I have oily skin and this face wash removes dirt and debris without drying out my face.
I use it day and night, especially from a long day of travel, to refresh my complexion. Make sure to pick the travel-size bottle of 100ml or less when you buy it through Amazon.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Moisturizer
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Moisturizer moisturizes my skin for the day and keeps shine down to a minimum. Again, I’ve been using this product for years. I’ve battled acne and oily skin my whole life and Kiehl’s moisturizer has gone above and beyond for my skin.
Amazon sells this moisturizer in a variety of travel sizes up to large refill sizes, so double-check to make sure you’re buying the travel-sized one.
Kiehl’s Calendula Petal Infused Calming Mask
I never (and I mean never) go on a trip without Kiehl’s Calendula Petal Infused Calming Mask. After a full day of sightseeing, this mask calms, rehydrates, and soothes my skin like it was personally made for my oily, shiny skin.
My skin is softer, fully replumped, and fully replenished with moisture after every use. If you’re looking for that glow, this is it. This product comes in 100 ml containers by default, so it’s perfect for packing into your carry-on.
(P.S A former co-worker remarked how beautifully my skin glows. And she doesn’t know I use this calming mask every night!)
Biotherm Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Sunscreen is a must! You will not enjoy your trip if you end up with sunburns from over exposure. So far, Biotherm Face Sunscreen SPF 50 has protected my skin from blazing heat in Naples and the Amalfi coast to reflections on the snow during bright winters in Canada. Yes, you can get sunburns in winter too!
Biotherm’s sunscreen isn’t as greasy as some other brands and it doesn’t clog my pores either. Rub a dollop of it onto your skin about an hour before you head out for the day. This’ll give it time to soak into your skin naturally.
Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Fragrance
I discovered Elizabeth Arden’s green tea scent when I was shopping in Hong Kong and the rest is history! I bring this every time I travel. If you’re like me who detests overwhelming, strong perfume, then this could be a good choice for you. The scent is light, unobtrusive, and refreshing even. I love to spritz a little of this fragrance before I go exploring for the day.
Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner
I swear by Pantene’s shampoo and conditioner set. This particular shampoo and conditioner has tamed my thick, unruly hair for decades now.
I don’t travel without it because hotel shampoos are usually ineffective for my hair. Pantene’s shampoo cleans my hair thoroughly and the conditioner makes it super smooth and easy to detangle. They are a lifesaver for me, especially when I’m abroad.
Colgate Toothbrush and Toothpaste
I’m a fan of Colgate’s toothpaste that comes in 18 ml packages. They’re tiny, but 1 package can last you up to a week. I also like Colgate’s bamboo toothbrushes. They have soft bristles and are BPA free and good for the planet. It’s super handy to have your toiletry bag on the plane with you because you’ll want to brush your teeth after a 14 hour plane ride before you disembark!
Oral-B Glide Pro Health Comfort Plus Floss
I hate flossing, but after using the Oral-B Glide Pro Health Comfort Plus Floss I don’t dread it as much as I used to. The Oral-B floss glides between my teeth like well-sharpened skates on fresh ice.
Other brands would get stuck between my teeth or the floss themselves would be coarse. But the Oral-B floss leaves my mouth smelling minty fresh and actually cleans my teeth. I don’t leave home without it now that I’ve developed a good oral hygiene habit. And my orthodontist is a lot happier with me too!
Medical Kit
It’s always best to be prepared with a basic medical kit while you’re travelling. Always make sure to have the local emergency numbers on hand in case something serious happens.
And do not skimp on travel insurance! You could be risking thousands of dollars and financial insecurity if you get sick, or hurt abroad, and require medical aid.
Here are some quick tips of what I always pack in my medical kit. I’m not a doctor so please consult a medical professional before taking any meds with you. I generally pack meds for nausea, fever, headaches, diarrhea, sore throat, and bandaids.
Contact lenses from Contacts for Less
If you’re like me who prefers to wear contact lenses instead of glasses, then Contacts for Less should be your go-to bulk order shop. I usually order 6-months worth of contact lenses in one go. I bring the amount of contact lenses I need for my trip plus a few extra just in case.
I like to buy from Contacts for Less because I can get 6 months to 1 year worth of supply at extremely decent prices. Plus, they also donate a part of their proceeds to a charity of your choice. It’s a win-win in my books!
Revlon Mascara And Eyelash Curler
I generally can’t wear makeup. I seem to get breakouts no matter what brand I use, so using mascara is my go-to for a bit of elegance. I like the Revlon Volumizing and Lifting Mascara. It doesn’t clump and gives my eyelashes a noticeable lift.
I find curling your lashes can work wonders to add a bit of elegance to your look without much effort, especially when you’re travelling.
Revlon’s Detangler Comb
My hair is super thick and notoriously hard to manage. I always travel with a good comb and Revlon Detangle & Smooth Black Cushion Hair Brush has been pretty good at straightening my hair out. If this comb is too big, then I recommend packing a flat detangler comb instead. A flat comb also detangles thick hair pretty well too.
Hair Ties And Hair Clips
I get pretty upset if I can’t manage my hair while travelling. So I never leave for a trip without some durable hair ties and a heavy-duty hair clip. The last thing I want to deal with on my trip is any hair mishaps!
Dual-voltage Hair Dryer
Okay I know a hair dryer isn’t technically going to fit inside your toiletry bag. But I had to include it here because hotel hair dryers are usually wimpy and useless. I travel with the Revlon dual-voltage hair dryer and it is one of the best travel hair dryers I’ve owned. It’s dual-voltage, small and light-weight, but it packs a lot of power. The best part is it comes with a diffuser to make sure my hair actually dries straight.
Jewellery (bring nice, but discrete ones)
There’s nothing wrong with bringing a bit of elegance to your look when you travel.
Just make sure you bring earrings or rings that don’t attract the wrong kind of attention (i.e. pickpockets).
A nice watch (practical but stylish)
I’m a watch wearer. I have to wear a watch wherever I go, especially during trips, because I prefer to glance at my watch then dig out my phone. I really like Olivia Burton’s women’s watches. They are elegant and fun, but come in all sorts of nice designs that are understated. You could go from sightseeing during the day to fine-dining at night wearing one of her watches.
Where do you buy travel-size toiletries?
There are several places you can buy essential toiletries for travel. Of course Amazon’s travel essentials page is one of them. But you can also head to Shoppers and scour their travel aisle. They have tons of major products (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc.,) for sale in small sizes.
I also recommend saving all the swag you get after visiting the dentist. Most dentists will hand out treat bags with floss, toothpaste, and a toothbrush in tester sizes that you could bring on a plane.
And don’t forget you can always save the bottles from hotel bathrooms (if they happen to provide them in small bottles). Those tiny bottles are usually reusable plastic bottles you could refill with your own products.
Recycle on your return trip home
What’s great about travel-size toiletries products is that you’ll most likely use it all up on the trip. Then you can recycle all the bottles at your destination and lighten your load on your return trip.
The above list of toiletries for travel are all the essentials that I’d bring. But, of course, you can feel free to mix and match as you choose. But now, you have a list of essential toiletries for travel you can refer to for any trip.
Planning for some dream trips or bucket-list journeys? Sign up for my email list and get my FREE travel planner, so you can plan (and go) on your trip instead of planning how to plan your trip!
