My Top 7 Tips for Packing a Cosmetic Bag

Modella cosmetic bag

I’ve come a long way since my days of over packing for trips. I use to have to check a large suitcase for a 3 day trip! Now, after a lot of practice, I don’t panic when I have to pack for a few nights, and I can even get everything in my carry on, in under an hour.

One tactic that I have used that has streamlined the packing process is always keeping my makeup and toiletries bag packed. I like to keep a separate travel cosmetic bag packed with all of my travel friendly sized necessities. The Modella Weekender Cosmetic bag is one I have been using lately. 

The Weekender has 3 main zipper pockets (2 on the inside, one on the outside) that can fit all of my cosmetic items and toiletries. I like that one side is a meshed zipper pocket for toothbrushes and makeup brushes, which will help them dry/breathe if you have to put them in damp. The front pocket also contains travel size bottles which you can fill with your face wash, shampoos, etc. With this always packed and ready to go, I only have to worry about my clothes and accessories when packing for a trip.

Here are my top tips for packing (and stocking!) makeup products and toiletries fast and efficiently!

1 - Keep a container of all your travel size items. I put mine in a separate basket in my linen closet, so when it's time to pack, I know right where they are at and can easily sort through the ones I need to take.

2 - Call ahead and ask the hotel or your host if they have a hair dryer you can use. Hair dryers are bulky and if you don't have to pack one, you'll have more room for shoes :)

3 - Redeem Sephora and Ulta points for travel size items. Free gifts with purchase are also commonly travel size items. Save these for travel. Don't use them every day unless you run out of your full size product. Birchbox and Glossy Box monthly beauty subscriptions are always great for stocking my travel size collection.

4 - Prescription creams, ointments and liquids do not have to be under 3.4oz and do not have to fit in a quart size bag, saving you more room for beauty products.

5 - Opt for towel or powder versions of products when traveling. Towel cleansing facial pads, towel self tanners, powder foundations (instead of liquid), dry powder shampoo, etc.
This will allow you more room for your liquid necessities if you want to carry your luggage on the plane.

6 - Little vials of perfume aren't just sample size, they are travel size! Whenever I get a sample I like I immediately add it to my travel makeup case. I would just recommend putting it in a little Ziploc bag before putting it in your makeup bag for traveling.

7 – I usually use the shampoo and conditioner provided by the hotel, but if you require your own, the mini bottles in hotel rooms are perfect for this. Recycle the mini bottles provided to refill with your own shampoo and conditioner for your next trip!

Remember, liquids have to be below 3.4 ounces. You'll be seeing more of the '3-1-1' rule through security lines now. Here is what the TSA.gov site says:

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure.

What are your travel tips and tricks? Please share! And stay tuned for a cosmetic bag giveaway this week! 

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.