Beauty Packing Travel Tips

63% of Americans are expected to travel in December 2021. If it’s been a while since you flew, here are some tips that will make packing and travel easier while not giving up on your beauty regime.

Moisturizing is key!

Flights can be very drying to the skin so when flying, if possible skip the foundation and opt for extra moisturizing. If you don’t want to be “all natural” when you land you can carry a small bag with foundation and other makeup on the plane and go to the bathroom to apply before you land. This will assure that your makeup is fresh and that your skin looks fresh and moisturized. Be sure to minimize alcohol on the plane as that dries your skin and drink as much water as possible. It’s best to begin hydrating the day before travel and to continue on the flight. Being fully hydrated helps your mood, brain function, minimizes head aches, improves skin health and keeps your organs to function optimally. If you’re not convinced that drinking water is important read more from healthline.com.

Be sure you know the flight rules

You must have all liquids in smaller bottles and there are no exceptions. Specifically, each passenger is allowed 3.4 oz. or less of liquid, aerosol or gel in as many bottles as will fit in a 1-quart clear zip bag. (Three-ounce bottles, one bag, 1 quart = 3-1-1.) You must pack non-essential fluid items of more than 3.4 oz. in your checked luggage. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion. This means all your liquid makeup must meet these rules as well. If you want to learn more or have questions check out the TSA regulations here.

You can purchase containers that meet the liquid ounce requirements but I personally like to refill and reuse small containers that I have on hand. If you’re traveling with another person it’s a good idea to pack together. If you’re traveling with a man, they tend to have fewer liquid items so you may be able to combine the beauty items you use and/or pack some of yours in his 1 quart bag. I literally NEVER check a bag and I encourage you to do the same. You don’t want the extra costs or the delays caused by checking and collecting a checked bag. If you have too much to take with you consider mailing a box to your destination in advance. Hotels and friends will hold the package for you until you arrive. This will save you money and time. If you’re traveling from one city to another before you go home you can fill the box you shipped clothes in with your dirty clothes and ship that home while you move onto your next destination. Tip: be sure to keep the 1 quart clear zip bag handy so that you can easily run it through x-ray when you go through security.

Actual beauty bag packing tips:

  • Use a specific travel makeup bag. You can buy a special padded bag with compartments or use what you have but I recommend something with a zipper so that you can protect what’s inside and keep any makeup from getting on you’re clothing. If you don’t have anything, you can always use a zip lock bag. Remember that things like brushes, non liquid eye shadows, face powders and eyeliners are not liquids so they will not have to be taken out of your bag when you go through the x-ray machine. Tip: I like to pack all of the non-liquid makeup/beauty skin care items together.
  • Save space by selecting palettes, sample packets and multipurpose products. Examples: Skin cream with SPF, Lip shimmer that can be used on cheeks and your body, and a shampoo/conditioner combination.
  • Pre-plan your makeup looks while you’re preplanning your outfits. This process will help you minimize what you pack overall. Tip: try to focus on mixing and matching layer options. Shoes tent to take up the most space so consider sticking with one color. You can do something similar when it comes to makeup. I always like black shoes and the hardest to pack is what I wear on the plane. Usually boots or work out shoes. Be honest about what you really need and whats worth packing. Women tend to overpack but that’s a huge mistake. In fact, I’d encourage you to under pack so you can buy something on your trip if you’d like. Remember, depending upon where you’re going you likely can buy small things you may have forgotten or decide you need. 

Once you’ve got your beauty regime packed, I’d recommend keeping it set up. This way you will be ready for your next trip. 

In summary, you can get through the airport quickly and inexpensively with some additional planning. You’r beauty regime does not need to be disrupted. 

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Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez is a board-certified general practitioner with more than 15 years of patient care experience. She takes an integrative approach to patient care that considers the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and is deeply committed to assisting her patients in achieving and sustaining optimal health. Dr. Vanessa is also a skilled writer and medical reviewer, specializing in preventive care and health promotion. Her articles are written in an approachable manner that is simple to comprehend and implement in one’s own life. Dr. Vanessa’s mission is to equip her patients and readers with the knowledge and resources necessary to live their greatest lives.

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