😰 Beauty products taking over your suitcase? Read this!

Here's a question I get all the time:

"Aimara, I want to pack carry-on only… but I need specific beauty products. Like, NEED them. My hair suffers if I switch things up. What am I supposed to do?"

I get it. I really do.

Your skincare routine works. Your hair products are non-negotiable. And the idea of showing up somewhere with mystery breakouts or dull hair? No thank you.

But here's the thing: you can absolutely travel carry-on only and still bring your specific products. You just need a smarter strategy than shoving full-size bottles into your bag and hoping TSA doesn't notice.

So today, I'm sharing my best tips for downsizing your beauty routine without sacrificing your skin, hair, or sanity.

Let's dive in!

Quick reminder: TSA's 3-1-1 rule

If you're traveling carry-on only, you already know the rule. But just in case:

✅ 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less per container
✅ All containers must fit in 1 quart-sized clear bag
✅ 1 bag per person

That's it. That's all you get.

And yes, it feels limiting. But trust me, once you figure out how to work within these rules, packing becomes so much easier.

1️⃣ Test your travel containers at home first

This is the step most people skip… and then regret.

Before your trip, fill up your 3.4 oz (or smaller, it depends on the product) travel containers with your actual products and use them at home for a few days. You might be shocked to realize that 3.4 oz is actually enough for a 10–14 day trip.

Most of us overestimate how much product we actually use. A little goes a long way, especially with quality skincare.

⭐ Pro tip: I love these refillable bottles from Kitsch. They're leakproof, TSA-approved, and hold the perfect amount for most trips.

2️⃣ The world sells things (yes, even your favorite products)

I know this sounds obvious, but it's worth repeating: you don't have to bring everything with you.

If you're traveling for more than two weeks, or if you realize halfway through your trip that you're running low, just buy more. Pharmacies exist everywhere. There are also department stores, small shops, malls, etc. You'll be fine.

And if you're worried about not finding your exact product? That brings me to my next tip…

3️⃣ Use AI to find similar products at your destination

This one's a game-changer.

Take a photo of your product (front and back label), upload it to ChatGPT, and ask:

"I'm traveling to [destination]. Can you recommend similar products with these ingredients that I can buy locally? Make sure the ingredients are almost the same and give me a list of which stores have them."

Note: you can also go to the brand's website and copy/paste the ingredient list of any beauty product.

AI will give you a list of alternatives you can pick up at a local drugstore or pharmacy. It's not perfect, but it's close enough! And who knows, you might even discover a new favorite product!

4️⃣ Share toiletries with your travel partner

If you're traveling with someone, this is the easiest way to save space.

If your travel partner has a one-step beauty routine (lucky them), they should be willing to help out. Especially if it means you can both travel carry-on only.

If they don't have room, then split the load. They carry the shampoo and conditioner, you carry the sunscreen and body soap.

Fair is fair, right?

5️⃣ Simplify your routine (just for the trip)

Here's the truth: you don't need your full 10-step routine on vacation.

I'm not saying you should abandon your skin completely. But maybe, just mayyyyybe, you can temporarily simplify things.

For example:

Instead of cleanser + toner + serum + moisturizer + eye cream… try cleanser + serum + one multi-tasking product
Instead of shampoo + conditioner + leave-in + styling cream… try shampoo + styling cream. You can bring a smaller conditioner and use it just on problem areas.

⚠️ Important: Test this simplified routine at home before your trip. Give it a week. If your skin or hair rebels, adjust. But you might be surprised how well your skin does with less.

And remember, it's just temporary. You'll be back to your full routine once you're back home.

6️⃣ Check what your accommodation provides

Before you pack anything, look into what your hotel or Airbnb offers.

Hotels will almost always have the basics... shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. Airbnbs? It's hit or miss depending on how much you're paying and which country you're in.

Granted, most times these aren't the best products. I only use them for emergencies because when you do this full time, your hair pays the price eventually 😅 But they absolutely work in a pinch while you figure out your next plan.

7️⃣ Treat yourself to a spa day (seriously!)

Here's a fun one: plan to get a facial or a nice hydrating hair treatment while traveling.

I do this all the time! Not only does it give your skin and hair a much-needed boost after all that travel stress, but it's also such a fun cultural experience. You get to try local products, support small businesses, and come back feeling refreshed.

Plus, it means you can pack even less because you know you'll get that professional reset mid-trip.

Win-win 🙂

A quick note on solid products...

I know solid shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and lotion bars are popular in the travel community. And they definitely save space.

But personally? I'm not a fan (except for maybe soap).

I haven't tried solid products that work as well as their liquid counterparts, and I think they can be messy to store. Plus, if you have specific hair or skin needs, solid products rarely cut it.

That said, if they work for you, great! Just know you don't have to use them to be a "real" minimalist packer.

The big takeaway:

Packing carry-on only doesn't mean sacrificing your beauty routine. It just means being a little more intentional about what you bring and how you bring it.

✅ Test your travel containers at home
✅ Know you can buy more if needed
✅ Use AI to find similar products abroad
✅ Share toiletries with your travel partner
✅ Simplify your routine (just for the trip)
✅ Check what your accommodation provides
✅ Treat yourself to a spa treatment while traveling
✅ Skip the solid products if they don't work for you

You've got this. And once you figure out your own system, packing your toiletries will be the easiest part of your trip.

Thanks for being here!

XO,

Aimara

>> PS: If you're looking for leakproof, TSA-approved travel containers that actually work, I swear by these ones from Kitsch. They've survived countless trips and never let me down.

Aimara & Gordon - Ways of the World