How do you walk the fine line of packing light and bringing enough creature comforts that you don’t end up hating life? This is what I had been stressing about as my Southeast Asian trip draws near. Slowly getting overwhelmed with anxiety, I’ve decided to try and break down my packing into different parts, starting with my summer travel toiletry kit essentials.
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Summer Travel Toiletry Kit
The Essentials
Shampoo and Body wash: With travelling, space is almost always an issue so I like choosing multi-function cleansers. My current favourite is the honest shampoo + body wash from The Honest Co. It’s a gentle cleanser made with organic ingredients free from sulphates and parabens. (And no, they did NOT sponsor me to say this.) Another traveller favourite is Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap.
If you’re not a fan of using multi-purpose cleansers on your hair, try Lush’s solid shampoo. Bonus points for not adding to your liquids. I haven’t tried it myself though I’ve heard nothing but great things.
Moisturiser and Sunscreen: If you have perpetually dry skin like I do, moisturizers are a must even in the hottest, most humid countries. They will also do wonders for your skin if you’re travelling by plane. Packing ultralight? Feel free to ditch the moisturizer but remember to pack some sunscreen!
Toothpaste and Toothbrush: Bring them. Just do it. If space is an issue, bring a travel sized toothbrush that folds in half. As for toothpaste, either bring a travel sized tube or try toothpaste tablets.
Deodorant: Your friends, family, travel buddies and strangers will thank you. The solid stick shouldn’t count against your liquid allowance but I’ve read some countries may have different rules.
More Travel Toiletry Kit Essentials
Hand Sanitizer: When travelling, we end up touching all sorts of surfaces used my all sorts of people. A travel-sized hand sanitizer is a mainstay in my travel toiletry kit as I am a bit cautious when it comes to germs. After all, the last thing I want is to catch something and get sick during a trip.
Wipes: Travelling can get dirty, so I like having some face wipes and/or moist towelettes to freshen up. No shower? No problem.
Feminine Hygiene: As a regular vagina wielding human, I have this added pleasure of experiencing this wonderful thing called menstruation. I used to always bring a couple of menstrual pads “just in case”. But for this trip, I’ll be mixing it up because what better time to experiment with bleeding tools than when you’re in a foreign country, right? Right. (I’ll be testing no-applicator tampons, period underwear and menstrual cups on this trip. Don’t worry you’ll read ALL about it in future posts!)
Travel Makeup Kit
The Essentials
BB Cream or Tinted Moisturizer: I am in love with Coola’s Face Mineral Sunscreen. It’s tinted, has SPF 30, unscented and made of organic ingredients. This serves as my primer, sunscreen and moisturizer all in one.
Brow Pencil + Eyeliner: Retractable pencils are convenient for travelling. It eliminates the need for both a brush a sharpener.
Mascara: Granted I am not a makeup guru but I only ever use waterproof mascara anymore. It’s convenient because you won’t have to worry about looking like a panda after a few activities. (Unless that’s the look you’re going for, then that’s cool too. Do whatever makes you happy.)
Lip Balm: Bonus points if you get one with SPF.
What I’m Packing
- Tarte Waterproof Mascara (Lights, Camera, Splashes)
- Tarte (Sex Kitten) Eyeliner
- Tarte Brow Mousse + Brush
- Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Color Bronze + Glow
- COOLA Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint
- Josie Maran Matchmaker Foundation
- Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
- Tarteist Lip Paint
- Makeup Setting Spray (I use Urban Decay allnighter)
- Tarte Finishing Powder
- Blotting Sheets
And More
Dry Shampoo: This is my best friend when camping and I can’t shower every day. Dry shampoo absorbs the extra oil to freshen your hair up in between washes. Shampure from Aveda and No Drought from lush are my favourites.
Facial Wash: Not an absolute necessity, but if you have sensitive skin consider bringing your favourite. I usually bring either Boscia’s Purifying Cleansing Gel or my trusty Cetaphil skin cleanser with a Konjac sponge.
What are your travel toiletry kit essentials when packing for a summer destination? Also, I’m still looking for some effective, DEET-free mosquito repellent to add to my kit. If you have any suggestions, please let me know in the comments below!
