When traveling, I have two rules. The first is that if the flight is six hours or more, I’m staying for two weeks, minimum. The second is that I must travel light. Given that I’m usually picking destinations that satisfy criterion number one, it necessitates me getting creative with criterion number two. In fact, I was roasted when I wrote about how I packed just a carry-on for a three-week trip to France. But, knowing that I’ll be able to move quickly and seamlessly without the burden of being literally weighed down made words like “gross,” “boring” and “rank” roll off my back (and my hardshell Away suitcase). Now, I’m pulling back the curtain to share the nitty-gritties of my toiletry bag, and what I pack for two or more weeks on the road. 

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How I Select My Toiletries

I’ve previously made the unfortunate mistake of hauling a toiletry/makeup bag that weighed probably five pounds. Never doing that again. Here’s my winnowed-down checklist, which first prioritizes the three things I’ve learned, as a beauty writer, are the only real essentials. (All in addition, of course, to the requisite toothbrush and toothpaste.)

• Facial cleanser
• Facial moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Concealer
• Foundation (if the sunscreen is not tinted)
• Blush
• Lip balm
• Lipstick
• Contact lenses
• Nail file
• Hairbrush

As this article may suggest, I like keeping things simple, and so don’t mind borrowing friends’ shampoo/conditioner/hot hair tool/etc. at my destination (and vice versa, it’s something I always happily share and consider an essential provision in my role as a host). However, if I know I’m not going to be able to snag some product off of friends and family, I pack the additional:

• Bar shampoo
• Bar conditioner
• Bar soap
• Styling cream/pomade
• Heatless curlers

Curious to know what I, specifically, swear by? Below are the products I’ve been loving and packing for the last year.

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