Wash Bag Essentials, Our A-Z Of Packing

Make sure you don't leave any of your beauty favourites or wash bag essentials behind for your next holiday. Follow our A-Z of toiletries to take on holiday and download our FREE holiday checklist to make packing quick and easy.

The A-Z Wash Bag Essentials Guide

Antiperspirant

An antiperspirant or deodorant is a must have. If you're flying, don't forget you can travel with aerosols in your hand luggage, as long as they contain 100ml or less. Great to freshen up after a long journey!

Brushes

We all seem to travel with hundreds of makeup brushes now, and they can be very expensive, so keep your brushes in pristine condition when you travel and store in a makeup bag designed to accommodate full size brushes so they don't get damaged.

 Charlotte Hanging Traveller Wash Bag with multiple spacious compartments

Checklist

We swear by a holiday checklist so you don't forget your essentials. The best way to pack a suitcase is to consider the length of your holiday, the weather, and what kind of special occasions you will be attending. Lay out each of your outfits and beauty products accordingly. You can save each holiday checklist in a file, either digital and physical and make a note of what the packing list is for. Next time you go on a similar break you will know exactly what you've taken before and the process will be much easier. Download our free toiletries checklist here.

Decanting

Decanting is such a good space saver, especially if you're travelling with hand luggage only or if weight is an issue. Pour your beauty products into smaller bottles and if you're flying, pre-pack your airport liquids bag before you travel. Not sure about the airport liquids regulations? Find out which liquids you can take on a plane and then take our quiz to see how much you know.

Eye Makeup

Our bags have plenty of space so you can experiment with different eye makeup looks for your holiday. Remember your skin tone may change if you're going somewhere hot and sunny, so plan colours accordingly, and if you're taking liquid eyeliner or mascara in your hand luggage then always remember to pop them in your airport bag because they count as liquids.

Find the right airport friendly beauty bag for you.

TSA compliant airport security bag

Face Wash

A must on the holiday essentials list. Travelling can make your skin feel stressed out, and hot weather may cause breakouts. Cleanse your face with a gentle wash to leave your skin feeling fresh and soft. Buy a smaller version of your favourite, or decant as above. 

Gel

A good holiday packing checklist is full of multi-purpose products, so it is a good idea when packing for holiday to take a shower gel or body wash that is an effective cleanser for the shower, as well as a luxurious bath product.

Hair Styling Products

Humidity can play havoc with any hair, type so whether you've got long, short, straight or curly hair, don't forget to take an anti-frizz serum so you can have a good hair day every day of your holiday. 

When packing for holiday, a wash bag essential is a deep conditioning hair treatment. It can be left on by the pool or on the beach to nourish your hair with the heat of the sun.

Kate Hanging Wash Bag with detachable TAS compliant compartment

Insect Repellent

Are you prone to bites? Even if you're on staycation you'll need to keep those midges or mosquitos away with a bottle of insect repellent spray. A top tip is to keep a small bottle in your carry on bag so you can avoid being bitten on arrival.

Jar of Moisturiser 

A jar of moisturiser is obviously a travel beauty essential. Choose a multi-tasking all-rounder to save space in your suitcase and simply switch up the serums to increase the potency of your products. Serums are usually packaged in smaller bottles - and ampoules are absolutely ideal.

Keratin Conditioner

If you're lucky enough to be going abroad, warm weather and chlorine can be very drying for the hair. Using a keratin conditioner will give it some much needed hydration.

Lavender

Victoria never goes anywhere without a trusty bottle of lavender oil. Put a few drops on your pillow at night to help you sleep, and use it for a super-relaxing bath oil. It's also great for sunburn and makes a good antiseptic. 

Iris Carry All Wash Bag in Gold

Makeup Remover

Are you obsessed with the cult beauty trend: Double cleansing? It's important to not only remove waterproof eye makeup, but also cleanse your skin thoroughly before going to bed to prevent blocked pores and blemishes.  

Top Tip: Follow in the footsteps of beauty guru Sali Hughes and use a fresh cotton face cloth each night as part of your hot cloth cleansing regime. Remember to take a pouch to keep your damp cloth separate, or use the individual waterproof pockets in our Emma Hanging Wash Bags.

Nail Scissors

Never leave home without them! Use them to cut tags off new clothes, kids crafting projects, and of course to cut your nails!! And you can even pack them in your hand luggage. (As long as the blades measure 4cm or less.)

Organisation

Planning and preparation help keep holiday packing stress to a minimum. Always consult your holiday checklist, and most importantly, choose a beauty bag with compartments, so you can easily find everything in the clear pockets. (although we would say that wouldn't we?)

Plasters

A mini first kit with the essentials is a must have for any trip. Plasters, paracetamol, a few bandages and some tweezers (in case of any splinters.) Pop them in a small makeup bag and keep it in your handbag.

Quick Refresh

Are you a convert to a mist-on serum? On a plane when your skin feels dehydrated and dull, a quick spritz will restore your glow.

Razor

Buy a new razor a week before you go away so it’s not brand new but not blunt for your holiday. Buy a travel version in a plastic case, or at least make sure you keep the blade guard on at all times, place it in one of our clear pockets so you don't cut yourself feeling around inside your beauty bag, and if you're travelling with children, ensure your hanging wash bag is hung well out of the way of little fingers. Our Emma hanging wash bag is ideal to hang high up out of the way

Did you know, you can take a razor in your hand luggage? As long as it's disposable with a fixed cartridge fitting, it's allowed on the plane. Pop it in your makeup bag and take it with you. 

Emma' 3 in 1 Hanging Wash Bag in Mandala Charcoal

Sun Cream

Of course, we all know sun cream is an essential, whether at home or abroad, but which one and what SPF to use?  Find out our top tips to shopping for sun cream. 

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

An obvious one but something often forgotten. Add to your holiday packing list, and if you're travelling with an electric toothbrush make sure to take your charger. Keep all your dental care products in a separate compartment to your toiletries and cosmetics so they are easy to find.

Under Eye Cream

Before a peaceful night's sleep, soothe your eyes with a moisturising eye cream. These are ideal for travelling as they often come in smaller bottles and they feel super-luxurious. Look out for one with added Vitamin E to hydrate and protect the delicate skin around your eyes.

Vaseline

Number one on my holiday checklist - Vaseline is a great multipurpose beauty product. Take a tin with you on your travels and use it for lots of things. Other than a lip balm, you can use it as a moisturiser, makeup remover and even to soothe sun burn, chafing or blisters.

Kate Hanging Beauty Bag in Jade

Wet Wipes

A crucial holiday essential, especially on family trips to clean sticky little fingers. There are biodegradable options available now, but NEVER flush down the toilet whatever it says on the packet!

X Marks the Spot

Pop an anti-blemish stick in your wash bag to tackle any holiday pimples. 

Your Favourite Beauty Product

It's always nice to have a touch of luxury when you're away. Treat yourself to your favourite beauty product, like a decadent foot scrub or deliciously fresh scented perfume.

Emma 3 in 1 Hanging Wash Bag

Zip Everything Up

Keep all of your beauty products neatly stored and protected in your waterproof beauty bag with compartments.

Organise your beauty products for a stress-free packing experience. We've made a packing list that you can download for free so you don't forget anything.

If you found this post useful, read Know Your Hand Luggage Liquid Allowance - Make Airport Security a Breeze, 5 reasons Emma is the best hanging wash bag for life on the go & How to Pack your Beauty Products for your Holiday