When I first embarked on the carry-on only journey, I was overwhelmed on how to pack all my toiletries. Not just basic hygiene necessities like soap and toothpaste but more specialized items like make-up and hair care products. Additionally, I am one of those "what if" people so I had to pack everything for first aid and medications. Finding the right toiletry bag and liquids bag were key. The tested products listed in the sections below have helped me achieve the COO goal. They may not work for you but may at least get you thinking.

Some additional things to consider:

• Use Solid Alternatives: Solid versions of many toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, and powder foundation) can save space and eliminate the need for liquid containers.

• Repackage in Small Containers: If you have larger toiletries that you want to bring, transfer them into small, TSA-approved refillable containers (no larger than 3.4 oz).

• Make Use of Multi-purpose Products: Look for products that serve multiple purposes (e.g., a moisturizer with SPF, a makeup primer that doubles as a sunscreen, lip and cheek tip, lotion or sap as shaving cream, curling/flat iron combos, etc).

  NOTE: Mascara, chapstick, lipstick, deodorant stick are considered a liquid.

How am I supposed to pack all my toiletries in my backpack with everything else?

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Liquids

QUART SIZE LIQUIDS TRAVEL BAG

I am so glad I found this! It actually fits the dimensions for the liquids rule and is so much better than a ziploc bag. The only airport that it did not pass was in Paris. They hand out Ziploc bags for you to transfer your liquids into so be prepared.

SILICONE TRAVEL BOTTLES

The silicone bottles are fantastic because they do not leak or open up when flying from the cabin pressure. However, the spray bottles in this kit do. See the one below that does not leak for me.

PERFUME DISPENSER

Who wants to pack a full size perfume bottle and have it break all over your luggage? Never mind the size and weight that it takes up. This is so easy to use!

SPRAY BOTTLES

These work great for liquids like toners. Even though these do not leak on me from cabin pressure, I still put them into their own mini Ziploc bag and then into my liquids bag.

INSECT REPELLENT

If you are going to be hiking or doing any outdoor adventures, this bug spray works great for most all insects and comes travel size. Warning: Do not get it in your eyes.....I learned the hard way when I was ziplining in Belize.

DISINFECTANT SPRAY

I am somewhat of a germaphobe and found this travel sized spray for my hotel rooms.

SUNSCREEN STICK

Travel friendly because it is compact and spill-proof. Even though it is a face stick, I have used is all over. So far, when traveling domestically, it has not been considered a liquid.

LOTION STICK

Travel friendly because it is compact and spill-proof. Can be double duty as a lip balm. Lotion sticks do not spread as easily as a liquid lotion but is a good option for those dry spots. So far, when traveling domestically, it has not been considered a liquid.

Non-Liquids

MINERAL DEODORANT STICK

When I first saw my friend using this, I thought that no way was it going to keep the stink away. But, it works! Just run it under water and apply to clean armpits. It takes a week or so for it to start working. I have been using the same travel size one at home for over 18 months and still have half left.

EXFOLIATING SOAP POUCH

Serves double duty.....a place to store your bar soap and exfoliate your skin at the same time. And it can be washed in between bars.

DRY SHAMPOO

I find this great for travel. Saves time so I do not have to style my hair as often. This particular brand works great, not greasy and travel size. Another travel hack is that if you use baby powder, it can serve double duty as a dry shampoo and comes in travel size containers.

SOAP HOLDER

Many times I find that I am showering and then packing up to move on to my next destination. Until I found this, I would put my soap pouch into a Ziploc bag but then my soap would get mushy and be a big mess. I do not know how it works, but the soap actually dries closed up in this bag.

BLISTER CARE PADS

This stuff is amazing! I got a really bad blister in Lisbon and went to a drug store. The pharmacist at the drug store recommended this. Pain relief, quick healing and water proof. Removed it after 5 days and a bloody blister was almost healed.

ANTIPERSPIRANT WIPE

These are fantastic for those who have excessive armpit sweat like me. They are advertised to block sweat for 7 days. I have found that it can last for almost 10 days in colder climates. The wipes take up no space and are not considered a liquid. I get two uses out of it. I store it in a Ziploc bag for the second application. Make sure to wash your hands after applying it. Trust me, you do not want to get this in your eyes.

Hair

DETANGLING BRUSH WITH COVER

I had a WetBrush but the challenge when you travel COO is that everything gets compressed. The bristles on the WetBrush got all bent and unusable. This travel sized brush is great for wet or dry hair and can style with a blow-dryer. The best part is the zippered hard case!

CORDLESS FLAT IRON/CURLER

If you are looking for a cordless curling iron/straightener, this one fit the bill, out of three that I tried. It has 3 temperature settings and gave the best curl.

DUAL VOLTAGE BLOW DRYER

Compact, lightweight, dual voltage and powerful. Many smaller inns/hotels do not have blow-dryers. It is best to call ahead. I use a powerful BabyBliss at home and this one does a really good job in comparison.

DUAL VOLTAGE STRAIGHTENER & CURLER

Double duty! Compact, curler, straightener, dual voltage, carrying case.

Miscellaneous

DOOR STOPS

Because I travel solo, I use a door stop for peace of mind. Thank goodness I have never actually needed it.

FACE CLOTH

I tried 4 different styles. This one exfoliates well, removes make-up, folds up to nothing, very lightweight and dries in a couple of hours.

CORDLESS TOOTHBRUSH

I used an electric toothbrush at home but did not want to have to pack the charger. The battery is not rechargeable but I have not had to replace it yet, using for over 20 vacations. It is not as powerful as my tooghbrush at home but still does a great job.

BATH TOWEL

I got the 20"x40" for drying off after showering. If you get the larger size, it can double as a beach towel. Microfiber is lightweight, compact, and dries quickly. This brand was super absorbent and soft. It also has a snap loop that you can use for drying. I leave the carrying pouch at home to reduce bulk and weight.

BEACH TOWEL

Microfiber is lightweight, compact, and dries quickly. I use this for warm destinations because it can double as a beach towel.

MAGNIFYING MIRROR

Let's face it.....mirrors in many hotel rooms are horrible for make-up and if you are like me, my close vision is not the best. This mirror has suction cups, takes up little space for packing and is lightweight.

BACK SCRUBBER

I like to use a back brush at home but they take up too much space. Traveling solo, you do not have any to help wash your back. This back scrubber is fantastic, exfoliates, lightweight, quick drying and compact for packing. Can also be used as a washcloth for the rest of your body.

SUCTION CUP HOOKS

I love these to hang my face cloth, back scrubber, soaps et. to dry, which is great when you shower at night because everything is dry in the morning.

WALLET NINJA

20-in 1 Multitool with mirror and nail file for the "just in case" situations.

FOLDING NAIL FILE

I learned the hard way in Paris about the length that is approved for nail files....mine was 1/8" too long and they confiscated it. These work!

FOLDING READING GLASSES

I am getting old! These fold up to nothing and are great when reading menus or other fine print items.

PILL CASE

Nice and little. Having 3 compartments, I can store acetametaphine, ibuprofen and antacids on the ready in my fanny pack rather than having to dig them out of my toiletry bag packed away in my travel backpack.

FOLDING MIRROR

I like having a mirror in my fanny pack for things like checking food in teeth or getting debris out of my eyes. This is extremely slim and lightweight.

FOLDING SCISSORS

You never know when you will need a pair of scissors.......I have flown with these both domestically and internationally with no problems.