Packing for a 10-day trip to England in a carry-on was definitely a challenge, especially when it came to my toiletries and makeup, but totally doable with the right strategies.
In today’s post, I’m sharing what I brought and how I made it all fit. Whether you’re planning a trip or just looking to streamline your own travel routine, I hope this gives you some helpful ideas!
The Toiletry Bag I Used
I tried something new for this trip: I set a goal to fit all of my must-haves into my TUMI Voyageur Madeline Cosmetic Bag with it folded—makeup included. This bag is definitely a splurge, but I bought a discontinued color on sale to save a little. There are similar, less expensive options on Amazon, and I’ve tried a few, but I keep coming back to this one because it’s slightly smaller and more compact—which is exactly what I like about it.
That said, it is so compact that I usually end up bringing a separate bag for makeup when I use it for toiletries. For this trip, though, I challenged myself to fit everything—toiletries and makeup—into this one bag, with it folded. I figured if I could make that work, I’d have no trouble fitting the rest of my essentials into my carry-on suitcase.
One of my favorite things about this bag is how easy it is to see everything. It has three main zippered compartments, plus a fourth zip-off pouch, which is where I stored my makeup. I love that I can remove it and bring it to another room to do my makeup near a window or let someone else use the bathroom. And if the bag gets too full to close, I’ll tuck the zip-off pouch somewhere else in my suitcase.
Packing Strategy: How I Made It All Fit
The key to making everything fit came down to two things. First, I had to be ruthless about narrowing it down to only what I truly consider essential. My list of essentials may look different than yours, and vica versa, but after quite a few trips lately, I’ve learned what I actually miss when I don’t bring it, and what I tend to skip even when I do.
All that to say, knowing your own habits makes it a lot easier to pack wisely. I think that’s really important when it comes to giving—or taking—packing advice. We all have different priorities, and what’s essential for one person might be totally unnecessary for someone else. Knowing yourself, and giving others that same grace, goes a long way toward packing (and sharing) more strategically.
Second, I decanted larger products into the smallest clear containers I could find. For this trip, I used two different sets:
- First, this budget-friendly 15-piece set with three sizes of clear jars (10g/15g/20g). It even comes with mini spatulas, which are surprisingly helpful when loading thicker creams or balms.
- Then there’s the humangear STAX Interlocking Storage Container Set. These stack neatly to keep everything organized and compact. They sort of function like one larger bottle when stacked, which makes them easier to pack and helps keep the bag tidy.
I also brought a few pre-filled travel sized products, but I’ve realized I prefer decanting when possible because it’s easier to see how much is left, and it makes refilling simpler. Most pre-packaged minis aren’t refillable, so you end up with a bunch of half-used bottles taking up space. With refillable containers, you can just top them off before your next trip, and with the super inexpensive ones, I don’t mind tossing a few at the end of a trip if they leak or get too messy.
What About Liquids and TSA Rules?
similar trench // Michael Stars Nara (M) // MOTHER Dazzler (30) // VEJA Esplar (39) // LAGOS earrings // Longchamp tote // AWAY The Bigger Carry-On Flex // AWAY Large Featherlight Backpack
One question I often get when I share my toiletry setup is about liquids and TSA requirements. Here in the States, I have TSA PreCheck, so I don’t have to remove anything from my bag, and they don’t seem to care about how much I have or exact sizes. (Not that I’ve tried to bring a 16-oz bottle of shampoo or anything, but I’ve never had issues with smaller travel sizes.)
For the return trip through Heathrow, I packed a sandwich-sized Ziploc bag and used it to separate out my liquids ahead of time. I figured if they were really picky, I’d just toss it, but I didn’t have any issues.
Okay, moving on to the skincare and makeup I brought…
Skincare & Makeup I Packed (and Actually Used)
After one of my Florida trips, I shared a post with my go-to Travel Beauty Essentials, so I won’t reinvent the wheel here—but I did make a few tweaks for this trip to England. Here’s what I brought and used during the 10 days:
Skincare
- cleanser (travel size)
- vitamin C serum (travel size)
- toner (decanted)
- ELEMIS day cream (decanted)
- Replenix night cream (travel size)
- eye makeup remover pads (travel size)
- ISDIN sunscreen (decanted)*
Makeup
- foundation (decanted)
- concealer
- mini face powder compact
- loose setting powder
- eye shadow/blush/bronzer palette
- brow pencil
- mascara (travel size)
- lip gloss
- lip liner
- lipsticks (2 colors)
- travel-size makeup brushes
Side note: I just updated My Current Everyday Makeup Routine, in case you want to check that out, too. It gives a lot more details on the makeup products listed above.
Other Daily Essentials
- retainer
- contacts
- dental floss
- hair clip
- Carmex
- toothpaste (travel size) & toothbrush
- body lotion (decanted)
- shampoo & conditioner (travel size)
- blowout spray (travel size)
- hair serum (decanted)
- deodorant wipes
- RevitaLash
- travel razor
- eye drops (mini size)
- mini tweezers
- Tide To Go
Also Packed, but NOT in the Toiletry Bag
I also packed my prescription thyroid medication and HRT cream in their original pharmacy containers, just in case I was questioned at security. In addition to those, I brought a handful of my usual “just in case” over-the-counter medications (stored in this pill organizer) and my daily supplements, which I packed in one of those AM/PM vitamin cases I picked up at CVS. Those didn’t fit in my toiletry bag, so I tucked them into my backpack, just to be safe. I figured if my carry-on had to be checked or got separated from me for any reason, I’d want all my medications close by.
I also packed my T3 travel-size foldable blow dryer (dual voltage) and T3 flat iron, as well as a travel-size Wet Brush for detangling, and a round brush for styling in my suitcase. The blow dryer is dual voltage, which is a must for international travel. I still needed a UK adapter for the plug, but I didn’t have to worry about frying the device. I used both hot tools regularly, so I was glad I brought them.
And in case you missed it, I also shared everything I wore (and packed) for my 10 days in England along with a full AWAY Luggage Review, if you want a closer look at how it all came together.
Final Thoughts
I ended up using just about everything I packed, which made me very happy! The only small overlap I noticed was in my hair products—I brought both the amika blowout spray and my Kerastase hair serum, thinking one was for volume and the other for heat protection. Turns out, they both served pretty much the same purpose.
What I really could’ve used was a thickening product. The water in England was much softer than what I’m used to, and my hair felt noticeably thinner and flatter the whole time. It wasn’t a big deal in the end, but next time I’d swap one of the heat protectants for a true thickening product.
* A note about the ISDIN sunscreen: I love the formula, but it’s very thin and has a tendency to leak, no matter which container I use. I’ll need to find a better solution for packing that next time, or just buy a different one for travel.
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36 Responses
Well done! To say I’m proud of you would be an understatement! 😉😉
I love my Tumi bag too and usually zip off the one bag, which I also use for make up, but stash it between other items when packing. I tend to take too many hair products, but I’m SO finicky about my hair, and I DO care what it looks like when I travel that I have made peace with it.
Great post!
Hi, I noticed you are using HRT cream. Wondering if you think it is working and how long you have been using. I just started and don’t know if I will continue.
We have had to tweak the formula, but I am having fewer hot flashes. I’m definitely staying on it for now. I’ve only been using it since January, so I don’t think we have totally figured out the exact right formula.
Great post! Thank you. I wear contact lenses, and, of course, every time you buy contacts solution, you get that free contacts case, and you end up with about 25 of them. When I travel using public transit (which is most of the time these days), I use those extra contact lens cases for makeup remover and creams/lotions. I use a little spatula to transfer the product. They work great for me. Also, with apologies for sharing TMI, I’ve started getting my legs and underarms waxed at a salon. Game changer for travel. I hated carrying a razor with me.
I have never thought of trying the waxing! How long does it take to do the legs??? (I also HATE shaving while traveling – for some reason, it doesn’t bother me at home.)
And I’ve used contact cases for decanting before – they do work well, and so tiny. I wear daily contacts and rarely buy contact solution, but i’ve purchased the cases just for travel in the past.
Leg waxing was super quick, which really surprised me. Probably 15 minutes. I had my face waxed at the same time, and the appointment was around half an hour long for both.
I just had knees and lower legs done, though – and feet and toes. I don’t wear shorts and I am blond, so I never do above the knees.
Thanks for the tips on packing a toiletries and makeup bag
I also use contact lens cases and decant my night time moisturizer and face scrub. Amazing that it holds enough for two weeks (just used them for my trip to the UK)! One thing I always use, that I have not heard you mention is the Laneige lip mask. I use it nighty and my lips thank me on a daily basis. Thanks for another great article!
Fabulous post. Thank you for the pictures of your bag with the items too!
I’m ready for a trip but I’m not sure I can get all of my toiletries in that tiny quart size bag!
Well, it just has to be the liquids, of course. Mine fit no problem.
To stop leaking items consider getting a balloon, snipping off the end of the balloon, then stretching it over the end of the item. . It makes a close fitting seal.
Interesting! Thanks.
Thanks for the great tips. I really need to try decanting. Any tips for packing your hair brush so the bristles don’t bend or break?
I don’t have issues with my hair brush bending, maybe b/c it’s a high quality? Sometimes I just stick it in my suitcase, but often I wrap it in pajamas or something – mainly to protect other things in my suitcase from getting damaged by the brush. The brush seems okay.
Great info! Makes me want to travel more!!
I would be interested in your choice for a thickening hair product please. My hair is very fine and I need options other than hairspray due to its drying effect. Also, is the Amika product worth it?
Susan I use Innersense mousse and it helps my fine hair. Then I spray it with their hairspray. This is the names:
I create lift volumizing foam
I create Finish
Both the mouse and hairspray you can order from Innersense.com or Amazon
They are considered a Clean product too.
I have this in my Amazon cart now! Thank you for recommending.
Hi Susan, I’ve been using Amika for a little over a year now. I’ve recently have been trying the Brooklyn Bombshell for styling between shampoos when I read about in the blog. I like it. It gives lift and body without making my hairy heavy or look dirty. The Big Hit shampoo and conditioner set is a favorite of mine. I used to only be loyal to Aveda but I was looking to switch to a volumizing product that is cleaner and Amika is a great choice for my fine hair. Amika has a money back guarantee if you purchase from their website. It’s worth a try! Hope that helps.
Thank you! I have used the Amika mask and love it. The products smell wonderful.
I like the Davines thickening spray best. Problem is, it’s not as easy to travel with. It’s not huge, so I can bring it if I’m checking a bag, but when I’m trying to be more minimal for COO I would prefer a travel size or something I can decant.
Thank you! I will give it a try!
Great post. So organized. I haven’t flown for along time, so all this makes me nervous and I’d have to review all the rules for it all. You really did great going 10 days over seas with a carry on. I used my Away medium suitcase for the first time going to my kids for a week and it’s great. I also used my Away bag. I ordered our new luggage through your link when you reviewed everything. I think the next sale I’ll get my husband the carry on size because unless we fly, he really doesn’t need the medium I bought him just to go to our kids for 4-7 days at a time. His big duffle bag works for him. I however like to bring options so like the medium size. I over pack for sure.
Glad you like your AWAY luggage!
Loved seeing what you brought and what you brought it in!
Now I’m wondering if you have any great solutions for jewelry. I have tried a few different ways but haven’t found the perfect jewelry case (if you want to call it a “case”). Especially for earrings & necklaces. I don’t like to bring too much and try to pack neutral, mix & match pieces but I’ve still had plenty of tangled necklaces and jumbled earrings.
I just put it all in a little jewelry bag. If I bring a lot I use a few of them. Chains are a pain for sure. I don’t usually bring a lot of necklaces for that reason.
I have always struggled with this too. So many jewelry travel cases have too many earring spots or places for other items that don’t work well for me. I bought this travel jewelry case from amazon back in the fall and love it so much that I bought every woman in our family one for Christmas! lol I know that at least my daughter loves hers like I do. I love that the little pouches are separate so you can just take a couple if that’s all you need. They make it easy to separate items and also the clear “windows” make it easy to find what you’re searching for. Hope this helps! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D77W5L4T?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
I love that! Just ordered.
I really appreciate this post as I’m leaving for Europe in a few weeks and it’s always good to get some extra tips…great job going carryon only! I’m wondering about the dual voltage hair dryer…you said you used your UK adapter, so I’m assuming I can use an EU adapter and it will be fine? I typically don’t bring a hair dryer to Europe because everywhere I go has one, but I thought I’d try it this time so that my hair is a little better than using random hair dryers ha! Also, if you’d like to try another non-runny tinted sunscreen moisturizer, I really like Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40 tinted moisturizer (Amazon). It’s pretty thick, but very smooth and creamy and goes on so nicely. I decant it into a contact lens case and using both sides is usually enough for two weeks. And no leaks!
Hey Marie. The UK has different electrical – you will need a different adapter. The EU one won’t work. Have a great trip!
The question I’ve always had about the carry on only travel related to toiletries/liquids all in one ziploc bag. Shampoo, conditioner, facial cleanser, body wash, hair gel, toothpaste, facial moisturizer, foundation, sunscreen, shave gel… I just couldn’t figure out how to get all of that in one ziploc bag. Thanks for addressing that.
Sure! Hope it helps!
Jo-Lynne, I see you have a few travel containers, do you or any of your readers have a recommendation for 4 oz bottles for things such as my self tanner, and other liquids that don’t work in the containers you use? I prefer to off load products rather than purchase the travel size. I always sick my deodorant, fill size, between things as TSA isn’t too lucky about toothpaste, deodorant, etc. seems to work well in my carry on.
Just wondering if you packed an actual stick or tube of deodorant? I see you packed wipes but I was under the impression that the wipes were just for a quick freshen up. If they work in place of deodorant, I’ll try that in the future. (I already use Lume deodorant but have not tried the wipes) Thanks!
I just packed wipes but I did wish I had a stick.😬