the best best: things in my toiletry bag(s)
Everything I packed for a week of travel.
Summer is officially underway—and so is summer travel! I’m coming to you today from the UK, specifically Norfolk (aka the English countryside), where I’m spending the week with my husband and in-laws. I’m so grateful to be back in this special place, which has quickly become one of my favorites after many visits over the past few years.
Every year, we pop across the pond in late June/early July, seemingly always over the 4th of July—because there is no better place to celebrate America’s birthday than in England, of course! lol It’s become a tradition to gather here with his family, including his sister and her family who come in from Australia. It’s our annual reunion, and something we look forward to all year. We’re both lucky to be able to work remotely, so our days start with slow mornings and family time, and then we dive into work around 2pm. The reverse schedule actually feels like a treat, because you really make the most out of your mornings.
I feel like most people “check” England off their list with a trip to London, but the countryside is something that truly should not be skipped. It’s completely idyllic, and a Nancy Meyers dream come true. Everything seems photo-worthy (I have the camera roll to prove it), and there’s just something so calming about being here. The sun rises before 5am and doesn’t set until after 9pm, which makes everything feel slower, softer, and somehow more magical. Needless to say, I really love it here, and if you ever get the chance to explore this part of England, I can’t recommend it enough.
Packing for this trip comes easily as I lean into my classic coastal essentials and many go-to outfits that I have worn on repeat over the past few summers. Think lots of white, navy, cotton, linen, and stripes! I packed in 30 minutes before leaving for the airport, which is a skill I’ve really honed—not to brag or anything! lol However, this 30 minutes does not include the toiletry packing, as I typically tackle that as I get ready in the morning. Adding each item to the bag after I use it, which may be something everyone does, but it is a tactic I recommend for a speedier packing process. Which leads us to this week’s topic!
My skin and haircare have become my obsession in recent years, and as a result, so has my morning and evening routine. So when I travel, no beauty item gets left behind. Well, almost none. Between size limits and the weight of my suitcase, a few tough calls have to be made. But rest assured, the essentials always make the cut and are ready for use!
This week, I’m sharing everything I packed—including the exact cases and bags I used to organize it all. Consider this your inside look at the best best things in my toiletry bags. I’ve even included some of the less ‘sexy’ essentials in the notes, so you can see how I manage to fit it all in and stay under the dreaded 50lb weight limit at check-in. It’s a fine balance, but one I’ve come close to mastering! Maybe a clothing pack list to come next week? Stay tuned!
Xx, my best best!
ILIA Multi Stick | Easy to apply, and adds a rich color to cheeks, lips and eyes—but personally I just apply to my cheeks and a little on my nose!
Jones Road Miracle Balm | This is a new product in my routine, and I am OBSESSED! I had been getting ads for Jones Road and their Miracel Balm for so long, and I now understand why there are a million reviews. It’s the perfect product to add some shine, I layer on top of blush and then I also use on my décolletage. Available in a wide range of colors, I have the Pinky Bronze shade for summer, and I’m inclined to try the Au Naturel shade next!
Gen See Arch Support Brow Powder Gel | You’ll see in this list that I carry three different brow products, which may seem a little excessive, but they all have a purpose! This one provides the most color, and gives a more dramatic eye brow which I love.
Violette_FR Lip Nectar | New addition! I have been obsessed with the Violette_FR Bisou Balm for a long time, in large part due to Mimi Nguyen who introduced me to this perfect lip. Naturally I had to try the Lip Nectar in my fav shade Bêtise, and it did not disappoint. I still love the Bisou Balm, but this glossy, shining finish is so lovely.
Kosas Air Brow | The second brow gel in the bag, I use this on its own, but also in tandem with the Gen See Brow Gel. It helps to even out the bold color, and smooths everything a bit more. When I am wearing no make-up, this is also the product I grab for (paired with my two fav Saie products below) for a clean, fresh face.
Merit Brush No.1 | Perfectly blends the foundation below!
Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick Foundation | I am obsessed with this stick because it’s an easy application (the tube itself is so chic, I love good packaging) and it offers just the right amount of coverage without ever feeling cakey. It’s lightweight in the best possible way and leaves your skin looking fresh and natural.
Merit Brow 1980 Volumizin Pomade | The third and final brow gel in the bag! I use this for a more minimal brow. It offers just a hint of tint and definition, without the drama of the Gen See brow gel mentioned above.
Cuyana Travel Case Set (Smaller Size) | If you’ve been reading the best best for a while, you already know how much I love these travel cases. I’ve gifted them to just about everyone in my life, and I’ve had my own set for over seven years! They’re the perfect duo for travel—great quality, especially for the price, and come in a range of colors. You can even monogram them, which makes them feel extra special. I truly can’t recommend them enough!
Jones Road The Mascara | New to the routine, and already an instant favorite! I like to keep a few mascaras in rotation (because why not?), with longtime loves from ILIA, Sweed Beauty, and Saie. Since I’m always up for trying something new, I had to give the Jones Road mascara a go, and it did not disappoint. The rounded brush makes application a breeze, and it separates and lifts lashes beautifully with just a few swipes.
Saie Glowy Super Gel | This makes my skin the most glowy, and it’s definitely one of my hero products. I wear it daily, and have it on subscription so I never run out (same with the below!) If you lean more towards “natural” makeup, I highly recommend adding this to your routine.
Saie Sunvisor | Daily sunscreen! Been using this for years and love it so much. It provides protection, and also makes the skin look dewy. Paired with the above, it’s my fav duo!
Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil | I use this oil for gua sha and absolutely love it. I have naturally oily skin and large pores, so I’m usually cautious with oils, but this one is super lightweight and somehow doesn’t make my skin feel greasy (go figure! lol). It gives just the right amount of slip without clogging things up.
Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum | This has made my eyelashes grow SO long, so much so that people comment on them—and that’s when you know something is working!! I use this religiously at night, currently on my second tube.
Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer | A lovely moisturizer that doesn’t feel too rich for my oily skin.
Divi Scrunchies | I got these in the same package as my scalp serum (more on that below!), and I’ve been loving them. They hold their elasticity really well and have quickly become my go-to for bedtime and workouts. Super reliable, super comfy.
Tower 28 SOS Spray (Travel Size) | Can’t say enough good things about this product! Truly my summer hero for breakouts, and most recently mosquito bites post a trip upstate. Everyone should have this handy!
Mount Lai Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool | I gua sha every day, and I genuinely feel like it’s helped slim and sculpt my face over time. This tool is a great, affordable option, and an absolute must-pack for post-flight de-puffing.
Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser | My fav cleanser because it removes everything—including my makeup! I like to double cleanse, but with this product I don’t even think it’s necessary. I also really enjoy the scent and consistency. This is another product I’ve been using for years and have on subscription.
Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream | I recently got this as a gift, and was obsessed after one use. I feel like there are SO many brands out there, and sometimes the OG brand still wins! I literally exclaimed, “Wow! This feels so luxurious!” upon application, and made my husband instantly try.
Cuyana Travel Case Set (Larger Size) | The partner to the small case above!
Note: Also in this bag! My electric tooth brush, tooth paste and tongue scraper (iykyk!)
Soft Services Speed Soak | Fun fact about me, I really despise body lotion. Something about the texture, the way it makes my skin feel, and having to put on clothes afterward —it’s just not for me! That being said, this is the best best body lotion EVER because it’s none of those things. It goes on with a subtle cooling effect, dries in seconds, and leaves zero stickiness behind. For hot summer days, this is truly the only thing I will be reaching for!
Crown Affair The Brush No. 002 | I feel like a mermaid when I brush my hair with this!
RŌZ The Foundation Duo | My favorite shampoo and conditioner, and what I use regularly. I purchased the small travel size, and fill it up with my regular size when running low!
LEMME Sleep: Sleep Tight Gummies | Okay, I must admit that I was a little reluctant to jump on the LEMME bandwagon at first, but I am obsessed with these! They truly help me doze off so quickly, and are perfect when trying to combat jet lag. I also really look forward to consuming their LEMME Debloat daily.
Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo | This is truly the best best dry shampoo I’ve ever used. I love the smell, the application process (you use a little makeup-like brush to apply), and it really works. It also doesn’t turn my hair white, which all brunettes can appreciate!
Crown Affair The Texturizing Air Dry Mousse | I have been on a bit of a hair journey, and try to avoid drying my hair, so this has become a quick favorite! Especially for summer, and especially when traveling. Apply to wet hair, and watch the magic happen. High humidity actually makes this product work even better in my opinion, lush wavy hair!
Crown Affair The Clips | Clearly I’m a Crown Affair obsessed gal! I always have 1-2 of these clipped on my bag, so naturally, they are a must for travel.
Soft Services Buffing Bar (Mini) | We love all things Soft Services, and I love that I have a mini of their Buffing Bar—a staple that I use weekly. Great for exfoliating, and just elevates the shower experience.
Kitsch Detangler Hair Brush | Yes, I travel with two brushes! I've been on a bit of a hair journey this past year—after experiencing significant hair loss last winter, I’ve started taking my hair care much more seriously. This brush is gentle, effective, and perfect for detangling post-shower without causing breakage.
Divi Scalp Serum | As mentioned above, I started using this daily after a significant hair loss, and I really love it. I use it at night, and between this and MaryRuth Organics, I am seeing loads of regrowth!
Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner (Travel Size) | For the frizz! My hair really loves to suck up all the humidity in the air, and this really helps! I’m also a big fan of RŌZ Milk Serum in my day to day, but I currently have this in travel size so that’s what we’re using on this trip :-)
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch | By no means do I pack an entire box of these, but I like to have one sleeve on hand, because we don’t want a blemish to rain on our vacay parade!
Stoney Clover Lane Large Pouch | I have this in chocolate brown (sadly no longer available!) and it’s the perfect companion to my Cuyana cases. It literally holds everything else, and I love that it can be easily cleaned with water. I have had a few too many Ross (from Friends!) shampoo moments, and clean up has been a breeze!
Note: Also in this bag! My daily vitamins & prescription.
I adore you 💚💚💚
Wow, I couldn’t be more envious of your packing skills — just wrote about how it took me 4 hours to pack for London 🥲
The SOS spray is a godsend and amazing airplane companion. Adding the English countryside to the list for my next visit and will be taking notes from you! Xx