HOW TO: Travel Without Checked In Baggage (Carry On Friendly)

Recently, I went on a business trip when I did not check in any baggage for the first time.  If you don't have to run the risks of an airline losing/delaying your baggage, or you just don't want to pay the $20something fee to check in a bag, then keep reading as I share how I pack.

Most airlines allow you to carry on one bag and one personal item.

"Personal Item" (Longchamp Large Le Pliage) contents:

ID, wallet, etc.

water bottle (fill it after security)

sunglasses

headphones

wet napkins

hair claw, bobbypins, hair ties, etc.

phone charger

laptop (easy access - needs to be removed for security)

The security approved plastic bag:

Philosophy purity

Jo Malone nectarine blossom & honey 

Bioderma sébium pore refiner

Chanel perfection correcteur in 20

Dove damage therapy cool moisture shampoo de-canned in a GoToob (my review)

Bioderma sensibio h2o micellar solution (my review)

Josie Maran argan oil

L'Occitane shea hand cream

Maybelline baby lips in melon mania

La Roche Posay effaclar a.i.

Bath & Body Works fresh basil lime hand sanitizer

Carry On Bag contents:

clothes, shoes, pajamas, undergarments, etc.

laptop charger

The makeup bag:

Real Techniques buffing brush - it's part of the Core Collection (my review)

Real Techniques blush brush (my review)

Sigma E30 brush

NARS smudgeproof eyeshadow base

Covergirl Lash Blast clump crusher mascara in black (water-resistant version)

TARTE 12-hour amazonian cay matte blush in blissful (my review)

MAC mineralized skin finish natural in medium (my review)

Burberry eyeshadow in rosewood (my review)

QUO wedge sponge

Maybelline 24-hour color tattoo in bad to the bronze (my review) 

Urban Decay 24/7 glide-on eye pencil in yeyo

YSL dessin des sourcils eyebrow pencil in 2 dark brown (my review) 

The toiletries bag: 

Gillette Venus Embrace shaver

Soap travel container of cosmetic cotton pads

Clean & Clear oil blotting paper

Crest toothpaste (sample size)

Toothbrush travel container with complimentary Crest toothbrush from dentist visit - I use an electric at home

Colgate floss (sample size) 

Simple sensitive skin cleansing makeup wipes

comb

The ultimate tips I would suggest are:

• Bring only what you will need and will actually use (the essentials!)
• Do not go out and buy travel sized products (they're cheap but can definitely add up if you buy a lot or if you travel frequently)
  Use up travel sized products or samples that you have around the home OR de-pot the necessary amount into a little pot or bottle
• Individually wrap any watery or thinner consistency products in additional bags (within the security approved plastic zipped bag)
  Don't take any chances -- the pressurized cabin can do funky things!
• Pack everything you think you'll need/use a week before your departure, and only use those products for the remaining week before departure -- this will help you evaluate whether you should add, replace, or remove anything

Hope this helps!  Safe travels!

- M